Enrichment Program
Discover a world of opportunities in the Appleby College Enrichment Program! In Summer 2025, we invite all students to embark on an exciting learning adventure right here on our beautiful campus. Our Enrichment programs are designed to not only challenge and empower, but to also captivate learners in dynamic and inclusive group learning environments. Through hands-on activities and imaginative lessons, students delve into their passion subjects, honing critical thinking, creative problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, all while fostering confidence in and beyond the classroom. With intimate class sizes and passionate instructors, we cultivate a supportive community that ensures every student feels a genuine sense of belonging. Join us on campus for an unforgettable Summer 2025 experience!
Enrichment Programs
Designed for students aged 12 to 17, our small and dynamic class sizes ensure a personalized learning experience that meets the needs of each learner. In addition, we now offer classes in TWO age ranges with our Junior and Senior Programs. Our Junior Enrichment programs accommodate ages 12 to 14, focusing predominately on Grade 8 curriculum, as well as incorporating scheduled active time to address the learning needs of our youngest students. Our Senior Enrichment programs accommodate ages 15 to 17, focusing predominately on Grade 11 curriculum content and are more academically focused than the Junior programs. Both age ranges include fun and dynamic activities to engage and connect with students on each specific subject matter.
- Programs run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with the exception of the Civic holiday Monday in August
- Lunch is provided daily from the dining hall
- Small class sizes of no more than fifteen students per session
- Students are asked to bring a personal laptop or tablet for each course
- Two-, three- and four-week boarding options including accommodation on campus and a complete excursion package are available under our Summer Enrichment Camp. Please email SummerBoarding@appleby.on.ca for more information.
NEW for 2025: To better focus the content and style of our Enrichment Programs to distinct age groups, we are now offering two categories of programming: Junior (ages 12-14) and Senior (ages 15-17).
Also NEW for 2025: Our Enrichment Programs are categorized into subject areas of AI & Beyond, Business, Communications, Leadership and Math & Science. Each area offers between 2 and 6 different weekly programs, allowing participants to follow their interests, and explore diverse areas of programming.
Subject Areas and Program Options
| AI & BEYOND PROGRAMS |
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AI & BEYOND: ETHICS AND IMPLEMENTATION SR. *NEW* This program is designed to build a strong foundation in AI literacy by exploring how AI works, its usage, and its potential impact on our world. Participants will dive into discussing critical issues like bias, privacy and the impact of AI on society and learn how to think critically about the promises and challenges of AI technology. |
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AI & BEYOND: LEAD AND INNOVATE SR. *NEW* This program is designed to further immerse participants into their AI learning. Participants can turn their ideas into reality by exploring the intersection of AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, collaborate on real-world challenges, develop AI-powered solutions, and learn how to pitch their ideas like a startup leader. Prior participation in the AI & Beyond: Ethics and Implementation program is highly recommended, but not a prerequisite for this program. |
| BUSINESS PROGRAMS |
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ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDS JR. This design thinking course empowers students to think outside of the box and develop their inner entrepreneur. The greatest ideas in human history started as a thought that turned into a plan, and finally into a product or service that we know today. This course will examine those processes, teaching and applying the leadership skills needed to accomplish these goals, including an understanding of group dynamics, goal setting, motivating a team, and developing mock business plans. Students will apply curriculum to age-specific and real-life scenarios in groups. At-home applications and reflections will also be assigned to work through independently. ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDS SR. This design-driven course allows students to further explore their inner entrepreneur and build their thinking skills. In this course, students will look at the process of taking an idea and formulating a plan to create a product. Students will practice leadership skills, such as working well in groups, setting goals, motivating others, and creating sample business plans. Students will work in teams on projects that connect what they learn to real-life situations. There will also be at-home activities and reflections to work on independently. |
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GAME THEORY SR. This course is designed to introduce students to Game Theory, the mathematical model of collaboration, conflict, and competition, while improving their decision-making and strategy skills. Students will explore Game Theory working through such classic problems as the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Tragedy of the Commons. Students will explore the application of these concepts to decision-making and strategy by working through different real-life situations and facing each other in collaborative and competitive games, such as Settlers of Catan, Cards, and various collaboration games. PERSONAL FINANCE JR. *NEW* This course is designed to help students develop skills and knowledge to manage their personal financial well-being with confidence, competence and awareness of the world around them. Financial literacy is more than knowing about money; financial literacy matters and having the skills to work with this knowledge. Students learn to create a plan to reach financial goals and identify ways to maintain balanced budgets. Students will explore consumer skills, and investigate concepts of simple and compound interest using technology and the effects on long-term planning. |
| COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS |
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COMEDY JR. This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of stand-up and improv comedy: listening, reacting honestly, confidence in choices, creativity, imagination, and improving our ability to find agreement and build with others. Students will play together through different games, exercises, and scene work, helping them learn and apply the skills of this comedy form. This one-week intensive program culminates with a group performance on the last day. There will be group discussions on what is funny and why, where long-form improv comedy comes from, and studying example bits from some of the great comics of our time: Gilda Radner, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, and Christopher Guest. Students who want to connect, build confidence, engage deeply in play, and think quickly on their feet will find this course gives them everything they need. CRITICAL THINKING, LOGIC PUZZLES AND ANCIENT CODES JR. This course is designed to help students improve their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on organization and structured analysis when approaching problems. Students will improve these skills while working through a variety of challenging logic problems, puzzles, and riddles, learning the different approaches one can take to solving problems. Students will also explore ancient codes like the Caeser Code, Alberti Disk, and Vignere Square, analyze and use ciphers like the polyalphabetic cipher, the block cipher, the pig pen cipher, and examine modern-day uses for cryptography like algorithms and RSA Encryption. Famous examples like the Enigma Machine, The Heiroglyphs and Rosetta Stone, and the Shugborough inscription will be discussed. Bring your creative energy and get ready to think outside the box! CRITICAL THINKING, LOGIC PUZZLES AND ANCIENT CODES SR. This course aims to enhance students' critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on organization and systematic analysis when approaching complex issues. Through a series of challenging logic puzzles, riddles, and structured problem-solving exercises, students will refine these essential skills and explore various methods of problem analysis. In addition, students will delve into historical codes such as the Caesar Cipher, Alberti Disk, and Vigenère Square, and they will learn to analyze and apply various ciphers, including the polyalphabetic, block, and pigpen ciphers. The course will also cover the applications of modern cryptography, such as algorithms and RSA encryption. This course encourages students to bring a creative mindset and develop new ways of thinking as they engage with the world of cryptography and codebreaking. DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING JR. This course is designed to help students improve their debating, public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills. Students will learn the important skills required for successful public speaking and debate, including effective brainstorming of topics, structuring a speech, delivery techniques, argumentation and rebuttal, and audience engagement. Topics covered will include impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking, and parliamentary debate (prepared and impromptu). Students will be asked to complete several small take-home assignments, including a persuasive speech and a prepared parliamentary debate. Students who want to gain confidence when speaking in a classroom or simply improve their public speaking skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful. DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING SR. This course is designed to strengthen students' abilities in debating, public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Students will further develop essential skills for effective public speaking and debate, such as topic brainstorming, structuring speeches, mastering delivery techniques, constructing arguments and rebuttals, and engaging an audience. Topics covered include impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking, and parliamentary debate (both prepared and impromptu formats). Students will complete several take-home assignments, including a persuasive speech and a prepared parliamentary debate. ESSAY WRITING JR. This course is designed to help students develop successful essay writing skills. Instructional time will be devoted to different areas of essay-writing, such as research skills, thesis development, planning and organization, effective use of textual evidence, proper paragraphing, logical argumentation and the drafting process. The course will focus mainly on the research essay, the comparison and contrast essay, and the analytical essay. Students will be asked to complete several small take-home assignments, a formal essay, and a final in-class essay test. Students who want to improve their results on written assignments and develop their communication skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful. ESSAY WRITING SR. This course is designed to equip students with effective essay-writing skills essential for high school success. Instruction will cover various aspects of essay composition, including research techniques, thesis development, planning and organization, using textual evidence effectively, paragraph structure, logical argumentation, and the drafting and revision process. The course will primarily focus on the research essay, the comparison-contrast essay, and the analytical essay. Students will complete several short take-home assignments, a formal essay, and a final in-class essay test. This course is ideal for students seeking to improve their written assignment results and enhance their overall communication skills. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM JR. This course is designed to help students develop editing and writing skills. Instructional time will be devoted to different areas of investigative journalism, covering topics that include choosing a story, conducting research, writing and editing news articles, choosing and verifying reliable sources, identifying bias in media, and interviewing skills. The course will draw on current, real-life examples. MEDIA AND THE DIGITAL WORLD JR. *NEW* This course is designed to develop critical thinking and communication skills, encouraging students to think critically about the messages and information around them. Students will examine the role and influence of media in society through all mediums, and the evolution of media from past to present. Students will explore these topics using real life case studies, group activities, discussion and debate. Students will also develop self-awareness and understanding of the power of social media, and how our interactions on social media impact both ourselves, and others. This course will delve into the world of social media and media influencers and what messages are being portrayed. STUDY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS JR. This course is designed to help students develop the study and organizational skills needed for academic success. Students will develop awareness of their own unique learning style and how they use this knowledge to engage as effective learners. Instructional time will be devoted to helping students improve and develop skills related to time management, note taking, test preparation, and organizational techniques in and out of the academic classroom. Students will be expected to complete a small amount of homework each night. Students who want to improve their learning habits both inside and outside of the classroom will find this course and its accompanying materials very helpful. STUDY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS SR. This course is structured to help students further cultivate the study and organizational skills essential for academic achievement. Students will gain a deeper awareness of their individual learning styles and learn how to apply this understanding to become more effective and engaged learners. Instructional time will focus on further developing core skills, including time management, effective notetaking, test preparation, and organizational strategies applicable both inside and outside the classroom. Students are expected to complete a small amount of homework each evening. This course will be especially beneficial for students seeking to enhance their learning habits and academic performance. |
| LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS |
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BUILDING GLOBAL CITIZENS SR. *NEW* This course is designed to focus on addressing global issues and ways to face them locally. This class is a transformative experience that empowers students to become active global citizens. Students will engage with their peers, make a difference in the community, and take the first step toward creating a better world for all. Students will explore global issues and apply problem-solving skills to local issues and devise a plan and create a proposal to present. EXPLORING INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS SR. *NEW* This course is designed to introduce students to the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Each day focuses on different topics, like history, traditions, languages, storytelling, medicine, elders, loss of culture, and hope; providing a range of activities to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures. This course will incorporate a wide variety of instructional methods. LEADERSHIP OF OTHERS JR. This course is designed to further develop communication and conflict resolution skills in students while building empathy for the world around them. Students will work as a group, or independently, to apply leadership skills to solve complex problems. The application-focused course will help students learn about leadership styles and better understand who they are as a leader. This course will cover topics that include: Me as a Leader, Communication and Response Styles, Conflict and Resolution, Empathy, and Digital Citizenship. LEADERSHIP OF OTHERS SR. This course is designed to enhance students' communication and conflict resolution skills while fostering empathy and awareness of global perspectives. Students will work both collaboratively and independently to apply leadership skills to address complex challenges. Through a focus on practical application, students will explore different leadership styles, gaining a deeper understanding of their own leadership identity and gain more confidence as leaders. LEADERSHIP OF SELF JR. This course is designed to develop self-awareness in students and their interactions with others. Themes explored are: Interactions with Self, Interactions with Others, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Putting it all Together. Students will apply curriculum through age-specific and real-life scenarios in groups. At-home applications and reflections will also be assigned to work through independently. IMPORTANT NOTE: The content and style of the Enrichment Leadership programs are more academic in nature than the Camps-based Leadership programs. For information about our Camps-based Leadership programs, please click here. |
| MATH & SCIENCE PROGRAMS |
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BAY ST. - INTRODUCTION TO MICROECONOMICS SR. This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of microeconomics. Students will begin to explore the concept of money, and the difference between borrowers, lenders, shareholders, and the terminology used in financial systems. Students will use different case studies and sample market situations to track portfolios and learn about the stock market. Students are required to bring a personal laptop with access to Microsoft Excel. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE JR. This class is designed for students who are passionate about medical science. This introductory course will cover a variety of current topics in biomedical science as well as include hands-on laboratory activities and experiments introducing students to the systems of the body, such as the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE SR. This course is designed for students with a strong interest in medical science. This class will cover a range of contemporary topics in biomedical science, featuring hands-on laboratory activities and experiments. Students will cover various body systems, including the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems, providing foundational knowledge for further study in the field of biomedical science. |
Contact Information
Inquiries for Enrichment Program:
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179
Email: academy@appleby.on.ca
Program Details
Students who are not enrolled in Before & After Care are considered self-sign in/sign-out and are expected to go to their classrooms on their own each morning, as well as at departure.
Appleby welcomes native and non-native English speakers to our Enrichment programs, and high English language proficiency is required. Applicants who are English language learners are asked to self-identify at the time of application and will require an online language assessment prior to acceptance.
*CIVIC HOLIDAY: There is no programming on Monday, August 4, 2025. Shortened programs will be offered at 4-day pro-rated fees.
JUNIOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS:
Our Junior Enrichment programs are designed for ages 12 to 14 and will accommodate students who are in grades 6, 7 and 8. These programs, while academic in nature, will provide more structured active time in addition to classroom time to help engage and foster development in younger students. Junior participants will receive 4 hours of in-class discussions, group activities and more. Exclusive for our Junior participants, there are also 1.5 hours of active time each day where they can expect to be outdoors engaged in group games and active learning. Active footwear is recommended.
Junior Program Structure:
- 1.5 hours classroom time
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Break
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1.5 hours outdoor/active learning
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Lunch
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2.5 hours classroom time
SENIOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS:
Our Senior Enrichment programs are designed for ages 15 to 17 and will accommodate students who are in grades 9, 10 or 11 to ensure the class content is appropriately focused. These classes are structured and academic in nature to help develop and hone students’ classroom skills and allow depth of content exploration. Students will receive 5.5 hours of classroom time and instruction per day where they will be engaged in class discussions, group activities and more.
Senior Program Structure:
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1.5 hours classroom time
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Break
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1.5 hours classroom time
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Lunch
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2.5 hours classroom time
The content and style of the Enrichment Leadership programs are more academic in nature than the Camps-based Leadership programs. For information about our Camps-based Leadership programs, please click.
What Is the Refund Policy?
Withdrawal and Refund Policy:
Notice of student withdrawal must be made in writing to the Academy office at academy@appleby.on.ca. We will issue full refunds for cancellations of the 2025 Enrichment programs received prior to and including May 1, 2025. Please note that this applies to all Enrichment weeks and is a change from our previous policy of refunding up to 30 days prior to any given week of class. Cancellations received after May 1, 2025, will not receive a refund. Exceptions to this policy are only given in the event of a medical emergency supported by certification from a legally qualified medical practitioner not related to the student. Refunds will not be provided for inclement weather or for days of the program not attended. Changes to the program and/or program weeks must be requested a minimum of 30 days prior to the first day of the Enrichment Program start date of July 7, 2025, and are accommodated pending availability.
Appleby College Summer Programs will do everything possible to avoid program cancellations, though we reserve the right to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or if the minimum enrollment is not met. In either of these instances, we will accommodate students in an alternate program/alternate week or provide a full refund. If payment was made on a credit card, refunds will be processed back to the card on file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does registration open?
Applications for Summer 2025 open at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
What should my participant bring to the Enrichment course?
Students enrolled in our Enrichment Program are encouraged to bring a device such as a laptop or a tablet. For students enrolled in the Junior Programs, comfortable athletic shoes are recommended as well. All students should bring a reusable water bottle each day.
What does 'self-sign out' mean?
Students not in our Before & After Care program are required to go to their classrooms on their own as well as leave class at the end of the day on their own. Teaching staff will be available to greet students at the front of the school on the first day of classes each week.
Do the Enrichment Programs vary in content by week?
While we offer several sessions of many of our programs, the content from week to week remains the same. As such, students are recommended not to repeat programs in any given summer, and rather, choose different options each week.
Is swimming included in the Enrichment Program day?
Swimming is not a part of the Enrichment Program as these are primarily academically focused programs.
What is the last date to register for Programs?
Registration for Appleby College 2025 Enrichment Programs are rolling, and close one week before the start date of each program.
What is Before & After Care and how do I register?
Before & After Care is available on a weekly basis for participants ages 12-17 needing care and/or supervision ahead of or after the program day. For our Enrichment participants, this is an ideal option for families with younger siblings who are in Camps and who need supervision before and after programming. Families must pre-register for this service, and participants will be entertained with a variety of activities organized by our camp instructors beginning from 7:30 a.m. until our extended 6:00 p.m. pick-up time. Both active and passive activities, as well as quiet spaces to read are offered. Snacks are also provided in the morning and afternoon. Late fees will apply should participants not be picked up by 6:00 p.m.
Where can I find more information about the Enrichment Programming and details?
Registered families will receive an email upon registration with details as well as a Welcome email one week before the program starts with directions and room location and more.
My participant cannot make it today or is unwell. Who do I inform?
Please contact the Enrichment Team as soon as possible by either calling or emailing us.
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179 Email: academy@appleby.on.ca
What happens if my participant feels unwell or is injured in the program?
We have medically trained professionals on campus to assist, and we will contact parents if students are unwell or injured.
My plans have changed, and I need to pick my participant up early. What should I do?
Please contact the Enrichment Team as soon as possible by either calling or emailing us.
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179 Email: academy@appleby.on.ca
My participant will be late. What should I do?
Please contact the Enrichment Team as soon as possible by either calling or emailing us.
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179 Email: academy@appleby.on.ca
What will my participant do during inclement weather?
Participants in the Junior Enrichment Programs will still have active time, utilizing indoor spaces on rainy days.
Do you have non-gendered washrooms?
Yes, Appleby College has non-gendered washrooms on campus.
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