Freshman Experience

A Summer Program for the Class of 2023

Save the Date! Registration Begins March 8

Program dates: July 15-18 or July 29-August 1. Monday-Thursday. Select one week.

Freshman Experience is a week long summer program designed to acclimate incoming Freshmen to the SMR campus, learn the curriculum, and meet faculty and fellow classmates. It also gives students a chance to make new friends before the school 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.

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.

The 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

Program Details:

  • July 15-18 and July 29-August 1. Monday-Thursday. Select one week.
  • The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
  • Half-day options are available. Please contact Mrs. Crystal Dunkin (at crystal.dunkin@smrhs.org or 301-475-7678) for details.
  • Lunch is included in the cost of the program.
  • Program Fee: $225, which includes two Jump Start sessions each day, Freshman Seminar, lunch and program materials.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Crystal Dunkin at crystal.dunkin@smrhs.org.