Partner-Run Programs

Residential Program

Day Programs

Specialized Afternoon Programs

For Residential Students Only

See the application for dates and fees.

Each activity includes five sessions and will run 3:45-5:30 p.m. on the days they are held.

Creative Writing

The afternoon creative writing class introduces students to various genres including poetry, short story writing, and playwriting. In a fun and collaborative setting, students are encouraged to be creative and write pieces from various perspectives—comedy, drama, thrillers, mystery, and autobiographical. All supplies provided.

Landscape Painting

This program is taught by professional artists from the Grand Central Atelier. They will learn the fundamentals of plein air painting and will bring their easels to various vistas on our campus at the Hotchkiss farm as they work on their paintings. Students will need to bring some supplies, which can be shipped to:

Hotchkiss Summer Portals: Landscape Painting
Student Name
11 Interlaken Rd
Lakeville, CT 06039

Golf

Only for students with previous experience playing golf. Hotchkiss sits on a beautiful 9-hole course. In this program, experienced golfers will be allowed to play three to five holes a day under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must bring their own golf clubs or have them sent to Hotchkiss (using the address below). To participate, a full set of clubs is not necessary. A "half set" of clubs or just having a 3 iron, 7 iron, 9 iron, and putter is sufficient. 

Hotchkiss Summer Portals: Golf
Student Name
11 Interlaken Rd
Lakeville, CT 06039

Rock Climbing

Hotchkiss has two outdoor climbing walls. Under the guidance of a trained and certified climbing instructor, students will learn the basic climbing and safety skills involved in rock climbing. All supplies provided.

Soccer

Students will be run through drills designed to improve their footwork, dribbling, and passing skills, and each day will end with a scrimmage. While students can participate with sneakers, we recommend that they bring soccer shoes/cleats.

Squash

Only for students with previous squash experience. Hotchkiss has nine well-maintained squash courts. Each afternoon, students will be able to hit and compete with each other under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to bring and wear non-marking shoes with clear or white bottoms in order to participate. Please see these links for high end and moderately priced squash shoes. Students must bring their own racket, and if they prefer to ship rackets and shoes to Hotchkiss, they should ship it to:

Hotchkiss Summer Portals: Squash
Student Name
11 Interlaken Rd
Lakeville, CT 06039

SSAT Prep

Students will take practice tests, gain insights into the test and strategies, and gain confidence with the format and expectations of the SSAT. Only sign up for the class if you are fully committed to it!

Tennis

Only for students with previous tennis experience. Hotchkiss has 15 well-maintained tennis courts. Each afternoon, students will be able to hit and compete with each other under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must bring their own racket, and if they prefer to ship the racket to Hotchkiss, they should ship it to:

Hotchkiss Summer Portals: Tennis
Student Name
11 Interlaken Rd
Lakeville, CT 06039

Theater

The afternoon creative theater introduces students to the fundamentals of stagecraft. The class gives students greater comfort with public speaking and character development. They will read a variety of scenes and interpret the author’s intent and the characters’ motivations. They will even try their hand at developing their own short scenes for the final performance. All supplies provided.

Evening Activities

Each activity includes five sessions and will run 7-9 p.m. each day.

Evening Fishing

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will be accompanied to the jetty on Lake Wononscopomuc on the Hotchkiss campus. Students must bring their own fully outfitted spin rods and tackle suitable for bass, and if they prefer to ship these items to Hotchkiss, they should use the following address: 

Hotchkiss Summer Portals: Evening Fishing
Student Name
11 Interlaken Rd
Lakeville, CT 06039

SSAT Prep

Evening SSAT Prep is for students who sign up for afternoon activities (tennis, golf, soccer, rock climbing, squash, creative writing, theater, and landscape painting), enabling them to participate in these activities in the afternoon and SSAT Prep in the evening. Students will take practice tests, gain insights into the test and strategies, and gain confidence with the format and expectations of the SSAT. Only sign up for the class if you are fully committed to it!