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A College Preparatory Catholic High School

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Freshman Experience

A Summer Program for Incoming Freshmen

Summer 2026 Dates: July 27 - July 30 and August 3 - August 6 (choose one week)

After a student is enrolled, please visit the New Family Portal to register for Freshman Experience. 

New Family Portal

If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQs on the right side of this page or contact The Freshman Experience team at freshmanexperience@smrhs.org. 

What is Freshman Experience?

Freshman Experience is a summer program designed to acclimate incoming freshmen to St. Mary’s Ryken. The program prepares students academically and socially for the upcoming year. Incoming students have the opportunity to meet faculty and fellow classmates, become familiar with the SMR campus, and develop new skills before the year begins.

Goal of Freshman Experience

The goal of Freshman Experience is to prepare and boost the confidence of incoming Freshmen both academically and socially. All courses, including the Jump Start Series and Freshman Seminar are taught by SMR faculty and are highly successful in preparing incoming Freshmen for their first year of high school at St. Mary's Ryken.

Technology

Students who purchased iPads through SMR will receive their devices in our the morning session on the first day. If you have purchased an iPad through SMR, feel free to bring a self purchased iPad case and Apple Pencil/Stylus the first day to get started using your iPad.  Students who are self-providing iPads should bring their devices the first day. All students should bring their iPads fully charged daily.

The Jump Start Series

The Jump Start Series is a series of content specific courses, designed to prepare incoming Freshmen and provide them with a jump start for the fall. Each course in the series will introduce essential new skills and concepts required for student success. Students will select two classes from the series.

Jump Start classes include Math, Science, English, and Theology.

Freshman Seminar

The Freshman Seminar introduces high school success skills to students of all academic levels. Topics include:

  • Time management and homework tips
  • Note taking skills and testing strategies
  • Tips on successful use of the iPad for educational purposes, and how to use apps such as Google Drive and Notability
  • Discussion about how to manage stress and navigate the social pressures that come with high school
  • Communication skills for interaction with peers and teachers
  • Team building and getting-to-know-you activities

Program Details

  • Lunch is included in the cost of the program.
  • Program Fee: $235, which includes two Jump Start sessions each day, Freshman Seminar, lunch and program materials. A $50 fee will be applied for registration after June 1.

Transportation Available

  • Round-trip transportation fee: $130
  • Transportation stops located throughout Calvert, Charles and Prince George's Counties
  • Information regarding transportation times and specific locations will be emailed a week prior to Freshman Experience.

Frequently Asked Questions