2024 Classes
This is an archive of courses from last year’s PEF Summer Program. Stay tuned for next year’s courses to be released in early 2025!
Dates/Times
June 10 – July 11, 2024
No classes on June 19 or July 4
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Monday – Thursday (no class on Friday)
After-School Care
McKINLEY & DON BENITO – PEF Afternoon Camp
- Until 5:30 pm
- Monday – Thursday only
- Extra fee – see below
- Open to all students
- On-campus
JACKSON
Pasadena LEARNs | Boys & Girls Club |
until 6:00 pm, additional hours on Friday | |
fees may apply | extra fees |
current PUSD students only | open to all students |
on-campus | off-campus w/ transportation |
(626) 396-3614 | (626) 449-9100 x112 |
pasadenalearns@pusd.us | stephanie.bernal@bgcpasadena.org |
Separate registration required – contact program partner for more info and to apply |
Locations
Enrollment is based on the grade a student will be entering in Fall 2024.
McKinley
Kinder – 9th Grade
featuring new and old favorites, like Mock Trial, Cooking, and Minecraft
PMTP @ McKinley
The Pasadena Musical Theatre Program is a self-contained morning class for 4th – 9th grade students.
Tuition & Fees
TK – 9th Grade (Intro & Block Classes)
$495 for PUSD students
$595 for Non-PUSD students
Some classes also charge an additional materials fee, as noted in the course description.
Tuition assistance and sibling discounts are available for qualifying families.
PEF Afternoon Camp
$650
Afternoon Camp tuition is charged separately from the morning program.
Course Catalog
Kinder – 2nd Grade students can enroll in Self-Contained/Intro classes, which prepare them for a successful start to the upcoming school year. Students will spend the entire morning in one class with the same teacher. (Note: The Pasadena Musical Theatre Program at McKinley, for grades 4-9, is also considered Self-Contained.)
2nd – 9th Grade students pick three Block schedule classes to move between throughout the morning.
Enrollment is based on the grade a student will be entering in Fall 2024.
2024 Classes – Sort by Site, Grade Level, and Program Type
Note: Course options might change based on enrollment.
Class Name | Subjects | Description | Materials Fee | Sites | Grades | Program Types | hf:tax:site | hf:tax:grade | hf:tax:program |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intro to Kindergarten | Kindergarten |
Children prepare for kindergarten by engaging in language arts, mathematics, art, and music. This fun introduction enhances their readiness for both the social and academic settings of elementary school. Students must be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Don Benito, Jackson, McKinley | K | Self-Contained | don-benito jackson mckinley | k | self-contained | |
Intro to First Grade | First Grade |
Designed to help ease the transition from kindergarten to 1st grade, students will engage in creative, thematic activities that reinforce reading and mathematics. As students are introduced to a 1st grade curriculum, they will gain skills for academic success. Students must be six years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Don Benito, Jackson, McKinley | 1 | Self-Contained | don-benito jackson mckinley | 1 | self-contained | |
Pasadena Musical Theatre Program | Art, Drama, Music |
Come be a part of this summer’s most fun musical revue led by the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program. Professional teaching artists will lead this conservatory-style format in an original production that will culminate in a grand performance! Students in PMTP must attend every rehearsal in order to perform. | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Self-Contained | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | self-contained | |
Amazing Authors & Artists | Language Arts |
Do you want to be a Twenty-First Century Renaissance person? Build your knowledge and creativity by not only studying literature and art, but creating it. By immersing yourself in contemporary short stories, writing in a variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, you will also learn about the lives of renowned artists and create your own artworks based on their unique styles. Students will leave with a portfolio of work. | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Creative Screenwriting | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Students will learn how to express their ideas through writing. We’ll learn techniques for drafting creative stories (both fiction and nonfiction), and we’ll dive into excerpts of fictional novels to see how filmmakers alter these stories to fit the screen. | McKinley | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
World of Adventures | Language Arts |
No matter when or where, we can take you there! Students will travel through time and space, study important world events, explore ancient cultures, and marvel at the art they created. Students will share their discoveries in a variety of fun and engaging formats, ranging from hieroglyphics on hand-made papyrus, to art that echoes the masterpieces of earlier days. | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 | blocks | |
Mock Trial | Language Arts |
Order in the court! Students will learn how our justice system works through role-playing key court players, like judges, lawyers, and witnesses. Class will include two mock trials structured like real criminal and civil cases. Students will also develop critical-thinking and public-speaking skills. | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Narrative Film Production | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Dive into the foundations of digital film production! Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, script development, filming scenes, and editing to create a short film. Equipment provided. | $15 | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Documentary Filmmaking | Art, Drama, Music |
Students will develop ideas for engaging stories and learn how to communicate through the art of documentary filmmaking. They will be guided through the process of concept development, production, editing techniques, music and sound design, and final presentation. Equipment provided. | $15 | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Digital Photography | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Discover the creativity of photography by exploring fun projects with genre themes including portraiture, nature, still life, and landscape. We will work with black-and-white as well as color imagery during our daily class shoots. Students will learn the basics of using a digital camera including composition, lighting, and how to choose great subjects to create a personal portfolio of expressive images. Equipment provided. | $15 | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Fantasy Worlds & Gaming | Art, Drama, Music |
Students will see how fantasy worlds are created and look at the characters and mythology of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, and more. Various board games and adventures will be used to inspire students to create their own fantasy world, and we’ll see the connections between different media and careers. Students will also create a role playing character and learn how to paint fantasy miniature figures. | $10 | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Imaginary Lands | Art, Drama, Music |
Using papier-mache, glitter, paint, and a variety of other feathery and fun materials, students will create a fantasy landscape and the creatures that live there. | $10 | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 | blocks |
International Film Study | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Students will watch and discuss the differences of film storytelling from around the world, including Bollywood, Asian film, European film, and more! We’ll think critically about films with group discussion and even write our own movie reviews. | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Screen Acting | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Budding performers will build their acting instincts with improv and ice breaker games, as well as working on monologues and scenes. Their work culminates in a showcase at the end of the program, where students will watch each other’s scenes come to life on the screen. | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Stitches and Threads | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Students will practice the basics of sewing, learning to thread and knot needles, sew on buttons, and sew running and whip stitches. They will create several projects such as pillows, stuffed animal pouches, and pot holders. | $10 | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Summer Art Studio | Art, Drama, Music |
Come and experiment and build art skills with a wide range of media, techniques and “concepts in art” from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media. Students will learn by looking at the work of historical and contemporary artists, focusing in particular on underrepresented and less well-known artists as inspiration for self-expression and communication. | $10 | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | blocks |
BizMatics | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Ever wonder how you will manage your personal finances and excel in the professional world? In this course, students become entrepreneurs and start their own business. Students will review and apply mathematical operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, and percent as they work their way into becoming successful summer leaders! | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Chess [Beg./Int./Adv.] | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
The ancient game of chess develops skills in spatial relationships, awareness of consequences, and planning ahead. Beginners learn the basics of the game that can lead to a lifetime of study. Students who already possess a working knowledge of the game can take intermediate chess, while more experienced players can continue to hone their skills in advanced chess. | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
LEGO Engineers | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
*NEW!* Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! Explore your creativity and join us for the perfect combination of learning and fun! Come and learn about different building strategies as we create our own LEGO masterbuilds. Students will learn how to work in teams, problem-solve, create their own LEGO models, and communicate their ideas through creation in a world of STEM. | $10 | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Math Mania | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Students will discover the joys of learning math by engaging in creative hands-on activities such as playing cards and using spinners. They will reinforce their use of basic math skills and learn strategies to boost their confidence in a fun, stress-free, and supportive environment. | McKinley | 2, 3, 4 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 | blocks | |
Robotics [Beg./Int./Adv.] | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Students will learn the exciting art and technology of robotics, from mechanical design to programming, and strengthen their knowledge of algebra. Students will build important teamwork and problem-solving skills as well. This class is available for all levels of experience. | $15 | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Action Sports | Health and Fitness |
Get moving in this class designed to build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance through fun, outdoor activities. Students will develop teamwork skills and build self-confidence as they take on new physical challenges and play games including capture the flag, circle run, soccer, and much more! | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 6 7 | blocks | |
Basketball Camp | Health and Fitness |
Students will learn the basics of the great game of hoops. Players will practice dribbling, passing, and shooting, and learn the importance of teamwork. | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Joy of Cooking [Beg.] | Health and Fitness |
Through hands-on culinary exploration students are introduced to the joys of cooking and learn about nutrition through the use of math and science. Each student will participate in the preparation of basic recipes from many cultures and, of course, taste their creations. Students with food allergies should contact us before registering. | $15 | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 | blocks |
Chef University [Int./Adv.] | Health and Fitness |
Take your cooking to the next level! Students will build on culinary skills and techniques, craft delectable delicacies inspired by cuisine of various cultures, and participate in a Master Chef challenge that will amaze the judges. Creativity, imagination, and application are keys to this cooking class. Students with food allergies should contact us before registering. This class is intended for students who already understand the basics of cooking and food prep. | $15 | McKinley | 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
Yoga | Health and Fitness |
Students will build their strength, balance, and focus through fun yoga games, basic poses, and calm breathing. They will reflect on their experience through journaling, discussions, and more. | McKinley | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks | |
Intro to Transitional Kindergarten – Spanish | Spanish, Transitional Kindergarten |
Designed to prepare students for school readiness in the Spanish Immersion program by creating learning opportunities in language arts, mathematics, science, and in physical and social-emotional development. The inclusion of art, music, and play will make learning fun! Students must be four years old by June 2, 2024, and must be potty-trained. | Jackson | TK | Self-Contained | jackson | tk | self-contained | |
Intro to Kindergarten – Spanish | Kindergarten, Spanish |
Designed to prepare students entering into PUSD’s Spanish Immersion Program, students will have fun learning basic instructions and vocabulary in Spanish. Activities will involve language arts, mathematics, art, and music. Students must be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Jackson | K | Self-Contained | jackson | k | self-contained | |
Intro to First Grade – Spanish | First Grade, Spanish |
Reinforces the reading, math, and language skills learned in the kindergarten year of PUSD’s Spanish Immersion Program. Class is open to any student who has already completed one year of a Spanish Immersion Program. Students must be six years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Jackson | 1 | Self-Contained | jackson | 1 | self-contained | |
Intro to Second Grade – Spanish | Second Grade, Spanish |
Reinforces reading, math, and the language skills learned in the first two years of PUSD’s Spanish Immersion Program. Class is open to any student who has already completed two years of a Spanish Immersion program. Students must be seven years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Jackson | 2 | Self-Contained | jackson | 2 | self-contained | |
Intro to First/Second Grade – French | First Grade, French, Second Grade |
Reinforces reading, math, and the language skills learned in the first and second year of PUSD’s French Immersion Program. Class is open to any student who has already completed at least one year of a French Immersion program. Students must be six years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Jackson | 1, 2 | Self-Contained | jackson | 1 2 | self-contained | |
California National Parks | Language Arts |
*NEW!* California is home to over 28 National Parks and thousands of historical landmarks. Students will choose their own destinations and take a journey through research, writing, and art. | Jackson | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Festival of Stories | Language Arts, Spanish |
Through the use of verbal expression, body language, improvisation, and other techniques, students learn the ancient art of oral storytelling. Students will discover their own unique talent and expressiveness as they “command the stage” and bring characters to life. Spanish Only. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
English Language Detectives | Language Arts |
Use your detective skills to hunt for context clues and discover new vocabulary. English language learners will be immersed in a supportive environment with an emphasis on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Engaging games and daily discussions will prepare students for proficiency in English. By principal recommendation only – contact PEF if interested. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 | blocks | |
Writer’s Circle | Language Arts |
Unleash your imagination through the amazing world of reading and writing. Students will uncover the secrets of good writing skills as they create and share their own stories. Along the journey, students will publish their own book of poetry with watercolor illustrations that bring their books to life. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Exploration of Art | Art, Drama, Music |
Calling all artists! Come and learn about different artists as we create our own masterpieces. We will investigate different elements of art including color, shape, form, and much more. If you love being creative, this is the class for you. | $10 | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
Latin America Arts Tour | Art, Drama, Music, Spanish |
Let’s embark on an artistic adventure and explore the creativity of Hispanic cultures and countries! Through hands-on practice, students will create art inspired by cultural traditions, and even build some Spanish vocabulary. English & Spanish. | $10 | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
Music Adventures | Art, Drama, Music |
Music Adventures is a dynamic course blending music and movement to foster rhythm, coordination, and teamwork. It offers an introduction to music theory and a foundation for greater learning. The class culminates in a showcase where students demonstrate their skills. Instruments provided. Partnership with Minibop Music. | $10 | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
All About Prehistoric Animals | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Spanish |
*NEW!* Travel millions of years back in time, and learn about animals like dinosaurs and mammoths! As students study life on Earth and its different time periods, they will create art and presentations to share their findings. English & Spanish. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Computer Wizards | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Students will practice different computer skills like coding, keyboarding, word processing, and slide presentations to master the art of being a digital learner. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Rocketing Through the Cosmos | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Spanish |
*NEW!* Join us as we blast off to outer space and learn all about the universe! Students will research, test, and investigate as they create their own rockets and “Mars Landers.” English & Spanish. | $10 | Jackson | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
S.M.Art – Science, Math, and Art | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Explore math and science concepts through exciting art projects! Students will experience a variety of science experiments, learn new concepts in math through games, and create unique works that involve both science and art. Whether you’re an artist, scientist, or mathematician, this class is for you! | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 | blocks | |
Garden to Table Cooking | Health and Fitness |
Ever wonder what it takes to grow your own food? Students will build enthusiasm for fresh fruits and vegetables as they make connections between nutrition and the environment. Come investigate agriculture and build healthy eating habits! | $10 | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
Tennis Fun-damentals [Beg./Int.] | Health and Fitness |
Learning the fundamentals of tennis such as footwork, grip, and stance, are essential to becoming a competitive player, but it’s only the beginning in this tennis camp! As players build on basic strokes, practice their serve, and test their skills against each other, they will study the game of tennis, journal their findings, and learn about healthy habits! | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Zumba | Health and Fitness, Spanish |
This lively cardio dance class gets students moving and grooving! Student self-esteem and body awareness will grow as we learn to dance salsa, merengue, cumbia, and hip-hop. English & Spanish. | Jackson | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | jackson | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Intro to Kindergarten – Mandarin | Kindergarten, Mandarin |
Designed to prepare students entering into PUSD’s Mandarin Immersion Program, students will have fun learning basic instructions and vocabulary in Mandarin. Activities will include language arts, mathematics, art, and music. Students must be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Don Benito | K | Self-Contained | don-benito | k | self-contained | |
Intro to First Grade – Mandarin | First Grade, Mandarin |
Reinforces the reading, math, and language skills learned during the kindergarten year of PUSD’s Mandarin Immersion Program. Class is open to any student who has already completed one year of a Mandarin Immersion Program. Students must be six years old by Sept. 1, 2024. | Don Benito | 1 | Self-Contained | don-benito | 1 | self-contained | |
Island Survival | Language Arts |
*NEW!* Come learn what it takes to survive on an island! Through project-based learning, students can develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills. They can build their creative capacity with lessons including reading, writing, math, and science, plus lifelong skills for survival in the real world. | $10 | Don Benito | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
The Hero’s Journey | Art, Drama, Music |
Come and discover the hero’s journey as you’ll learn about theatre arts, literature, and storytelling! Class combines elements of theatre and acting with reading by learning about the hero’s journey plot structure and writing by developing our very own script! In addition, students will hear tales of real-life heroes and heroines throughout history. Join this adventure that cultivates creativity, collaboration, and confidence and culminates in their very own play performance! | Don Benito | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Make Your Mark! | Art, Drama, Music |
Let your imagination soar by creating various art projects inspired by diverse, contemporary artists. This course is designed to promote personal self-esteem and self-expression. We will be using materials like paint, watercolors, oil pastels, markers, clay, and fabrics. | $10 | Don Benito | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
String Orchestra [Beg./Int.] | Art, Drama, Music |
Students will continue to practice with string instruments they began learning about in elementary school, like the violin, viola, cello, and bass, culminating in a performance at the end of the program. Instruments provided. At least one year experience preferred, but not required. | Don Benito | 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Marching Band [Beg./Int.] | Art, Drama, Music |
*NEW!* Students will continue to practice with instruments they began learning about in elementary school, and gain exposure to the real concert and marching band experience that awaits them in middle school. Instruments provided. At least one year of experience is preferred, but not required. | Don Benito | 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Guitar Band [Beg./Int.] | Art, Drama, Music |
Rock out in this course designed for the young musician and learn the basics of the guitar. Instruments provided. No experience needed. | Don Benito | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
3D Printing | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
Welcome to the future! Students will be introduced to the software and hardware of this ever-expanding technology, and will learn to design, collaborate, and think critically to make designs come to life. | $10 | Don Benito | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
Coding 101 [Beg.] | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
*NEW!* Students will learn the basics of coding using Scratch, a block-based visual programming language. This beginner-level course will engage students to learn the basics of coding to create web-based games, and to collaborate with other students as part of the design process. Course will end with students presenting a capstone of one of their projects. | Don Benito | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
STEAM 360 | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
From LEGOs to cardboard, let’s build! STEAM 360 will include science, technology, engineering, art, and math through exploration and building projects using a variety of materials. This 360 course will support students’ conception through design to finished product using their imaginations. | $10 | Don Benito | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks |
Team Sports | Health and Fitness |
A class designed around movement, teamwork and core P.E. skills, like throwing, balance, agility, and more. We will use sports to help build strength and confidence, and we’ll work as team members to improve and practice great sportsmanship during movement. | Don Benito | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Blocks | don-benito | 2 3 4 5 6 | blocks | |
Minecraft | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |
*NEW!* Students will create natural and human environments in Minecraft inspired by the world all around us. They’ll practice their design and teamwork skills as they build and play together. | $15 | McKinley | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Blocks | mckinley | 4 5 6 7 8 9 | blocks |
How to Choose Classes
- Get ready to register by reviewing the class descriptions and schedules at each campus.
- Make a list of your class choices and one or two backups in case the class you want fills up.
- Use the class grid (at the top of this page) to figure out which class you want to take in each block. Some classes are only available in one block, and the same class might be open to different grades from one block to another.
- If a block class you want is full, please pick another class and complete the registration process. For self-contained classes, you can join a waitlist directly from the registration site.
- After you have completed registration, you can’t change your registration directly. Please visit pased.org/changes to request a different class. Requests are subject to availability.