Summer Enrichment Programs for Middle School Students: Veritas Discovery Program Recap
We hosted another successful Veritas Discovery Program this summer. When seeking summer enrichment programs for middle school students, find out why you should enroll in our program!
Summer enrichment programs for middle school students provide a unique opportunity for young learners to grow, explore, and prepare for the exciting years ahead.
At St. Agnes Academy, the Veritas Discovery Program offers a dynamic and faith-centered approach to learning that blends academic enrichment with creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.
Each summer, students in grades 6–8 are welcomed to campus for a program designed to spark intellectual engagement while also encouraging community and leadership. With a focus on discovery and exploration, the Veritas Discovery Program has quickly become one of the most engaging summer enrichment programs in the Houston area.
Read about this year’s summer program – and start planning for your involvement in next year’s edition!
Summer Enrichment Programs for Middle School Students: Why St. Agnes Academy?
Find out what makes our summer program stand out among other options available for middle school students in Houston.
A Bridge Between Middle School and High School
One of the most valuable aspects of the Veritas Discovery Program is how it supports the transition from middle school to high school. Students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 benefit from courses that strengthen their academic foundation while also introducing them to new subject areas and ways of thinking.
The program is carefully designed to meet students where they are while also preparing them for future challenges. By engaging in activities that develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, students leave better equipped to thrive in high school and beyond.
A Balance of Academics and Enrichment
While the program emphasizes strong academics, it is not just about sitting in a classroom. Instead, students enjoy a balance of core subject reinforcement and exciting electives that broaden their horizons.
Academic sessions often include math, science, and language arts enrichment, giving middle school students the chance to strengthen skills that will serve them throughout their education. At the same time, enrichment courses – ranging from arts to STEM-focused projects – give students the freedom to explore passions they may not have time for during the regular school year.
For example, several courses this summer encouraged students to dive into the world of building, technology, and critical thinking. Builders Bootcamp allowed participants to experiment with structures of all kinds—from bridges and skyscrapers to fantasy-inspired designs—while learning about engineering and teamwork.
For students interested in tech, Swiftly Savvy with Microsoft put a Taylor Swift-inspired twist on building real-world computer skills. Projects included designing presentations, crafting documents, and analyzing “tour stats” in spreadsheets – all while engaging with themes from Swift’s music and storytelling.
This combination ensures that the Veritas Discovery Program is not only challenging but also inspiring. Students develop a genuine love of learning that extends far beyond the summer months.
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Application
Summer enrichment programs are most effective when they offer hands-on experiences. At St. Agnes, our Veritas Discovery provides students with opportunities to apply their learning in creative and practical ways.
This summer, Leadership 101 offered hands-on experiences in integrity, communication, and teamwork, giving students a safe space to practice the skills needed to guide and support others.
Practical life skills came into play in Low Prep Meal Prep, where students learned simple, healthy, and fun recipes they could recreate at home. And in “I Learned It on TikTok,” they put popular Internet hacks and trends to the test, applying creativity and critical thinking to modern problem-solving.
Students also had the chance to explore entrepreneurship in VentureCraft, a course where participants brainstormed, built, marketed, and sold their own products. The program culminated in a lively “farmers market” event, giving students firsthand experience in pitching ideas and connecting with customers.
From collaborative projects to interactive labs, the program emphasizes active engagement. This approach allows students to see how their academic studies connect to the real world.
For example, science enrichment courses may include experiments that highlight real-world applications, while leadership and service-oriented activities encourage students to connect their learning to the broader community.
Guidance from Experienced Faculty
Another highlight of the program is the opportunity for middle school students to learn from experienced high school faculty. Teachers bring both expertise in their subject areas and a deep commitment to nurturing each student’s growth.
For rising middle schoolers, this exposure helps demystify the high school experience. Students begin to understand the expectations and opportunities ahead, making them more confident and better prepared as they approach those pivotal years.
Faith at the Center of Our Program
At St. Agnes, education is rooted in the Dominican tradition of faith and service. The Veritas Discovery Program reflects this mission by weaving faith and values into every part of the student experience.
Students are encouraged to look beyond academics to consider how they can use their gifts to serve others. This grounding in faith and compassion ensures that graduates of the program not only succeed academically but also grow as leaders who will positively impact their communities.
For those inspired by faith, “Heroines of Faith: Exploring Female Saints” introduced students to remarkable Catholic women whose lives continue to inspire. Through journaling, crafts, prayer, and storytelling, participants deepened both their faith and historical understanding.
A Look at the Broader Landscape of Summer Programs
When families consider summer programs for their children, they often compare a variety of options. Nationally recognized programs like those at NYU, Stanford, or Summer Discovery provide strong academic enrichment, while others focus on specialized areas, such as STEM or the arts.
What makes St. Agnes’s Veritas Discovery Program unique is our balance of academic rigor, personal growth, faith, and community. While many programs offer either purely academic content or camp-style fun, Veritas Discovery blends both, giving students the best of both worlds in a setting that emphasizes holistic development.
Why Choose Veritas Discovery?
Choosing the right summer program is an important decision for families. For those seeking a balance of academics, enrichment, faith, and community, the Veritas Discovery Program at St. Agnes Academy stands out as an exceptional choice for these reasons:
- Academic preparation that strengthens core skills.
- Engaging electives that inspire creativity and exploration.
- Hands-on learning that connects theory to practice.
- A supportive community that fosters friendships and collaboration.
- Faith and values that guide students toward purposeful leadership.
By combining these elements, the Veritas Discovery Program ensures that middle school students not only continue learning during the summer but also grow in ways that will shape their future success.
Parents consistently share positive feedback, noting how their children return home excited about what they learned and eager to share new friendships and experiences. Faculty also report that participating students demonstrate improved readiness when the school year begins.
Ready to Enroll in Our Next Summer Enrichment Program?
Summer enrichment programs for middle school students create opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and prepare for high school in a supportive and fun environment.
This year, our Veritas Discovery Program welcomed students in grades 6–8 (and even some rising 4th and 5th grade students) for an exciting lineup of courses that combined academics, creativity, faith, and leadership development.
From painting and journaling to entrepreneurship and Harry Potter-themed adventures, students discovered that learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends—it simply takes on new and imaginative forms.
Interested in enrolling next summer? Contact our VDP Director Kathleen "Katie" M Fritsch to find out everything you need to know. We look forward to supporting your child’s growth next summer!
