About
Branson Summer Session offers more than thirty programs that include academic preparation, sports camps, arts, and STEM, with students working closely with Branson teachers and coaches. The program welcomes middle school students, high schoolers from around the Bay Area, and lifelong learners from the adult community, and is described as an “incubator of ideas” where summer is the time to take risks, explore new passions, and dive deep into subjects without the pressure of grades or heavy workloads. Summer Session now also offers short-term programs during school breaks and at other times during the school year, and all are welcome, with financial aid available.
• Ages: 11–18 years old
• Schedule: More than thirty programs ranging from one week to five weeks in length
Branson Summer Session is part of a school that began as a small community school over a century ago and has grown into one of the nation’s premier independent high schools. The mission of the program’s home school is to develop students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy. The Director of Summer Programs is Mackenzie Huntington. The program opens its doors to the wider community so that everyone can experience the Branson campus, its faculty, and a curriculum built on collaboration and curiosity.
One student from the “Effective Reading and Writing Skills for 9th Graders” class in 2022, Sadie Saavedra (Branson Class of 2026), reported getting better at writing and improving in analysis of short stories, and noted that the classes were small, personalized, and included plenty of 1:1 attention. Another student, Skylar Lariviere from the 2022 Summer Session (Branson Class of 2026), described the course as helping with the transition between 8th and 9th grades and giving a sense of Branson and connection to the school. A 2023 participant, Calvin Tenney (Branson Class of 2028), said that taking a summer class provided a taste of the Branson experience, including being in a classroom, experiencing the community and student environment, eating the lunches, and exploring the campus, and that this contributed to choosing Branson as the right school. Cecilia “CC” Brenner (Summer Session 2025, Branson Class of 2026) advised rising seniors to enroll in the “Writing the College Essay” class, noting the quality and quantity of time and feedback on the personal statement and entering senior-year fall confident in a 650-word essay.
Branson and Summer Math Teacher Gretchen Koles stated that a full summer immersion feels special and that she supports and encourages every student, creating a space where they can work hard during class and still have time to enjoy a relaxing summer. Branson English Teacher Giles Scott described teaching Summer Session as “utterly chill,” with work getting done while also spending time outside doing activities, playing games, or relaxing in the sun with Mt. Tam in the background, and noted that the intensive format allows students and teachers to get to know each other and form bonds that last beyond the class itself.
Last updated March 17, 2026.
• Ages: 11–18 years old
• Schedule: More than thirty programs ranging from one week to five weeks in length
Branson Summer Session is part of a school that began as a small community school over a century ago and has grown into one of the nation’s premier independent high schools. The mission of the program’s home school is to develop students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy. The Director of Summer Programs is Mackenzie Huntington. The program opens its doors to the wider community so that everyone can experience the Branson campus, its faculty, and a curriculum built on collaboration and curiosity.
One student from the “Effective Reading and Writing Skills for 9th Graders” class in 2022, Sadie Saavedra (Branson Class of 2026), reported getting better at writing and improving in analysis of short stories, and noted that the classes were small, personalized, and included plenty of 1:1 attention. Another student, Skylar Lariviere from the 2022 Summer Session (Branson Class of 2026), described the course as helping with the transition between 8th and 9th grades and giving a sense of Branson and connection to the school. A 2023 participant, Calvin Tenney (Branson Class of 2028), said that taking a summer class provided a taste of the Branson experience, including being in a classroom, experiencing the community and student environment, eating the lunches, and exploring the campus, and that this contributed to choosing Branson as the right school. Cecilia “CC” Brenner (Summer Session 2025, Branson Class of 2026) advised rising seniors to enroll in the “Writing the College Essay” class, noting the quality and quantity of time and feedback on the personal statement and entering senior-year fall confident in a 650-word essay.
Branson and Summer Math Teacher Gretchen Koles stated that a full summer immersion feels special and that she supports and encourages every student, creating a space where they can work hard during class and still have time to enjoy a relaxing summer. Branson English Teacher Giles Scott described teaching Summer Session as “utterly chill,” with work getting done while also spending time outside doing activities, playing games, or relaxing in the sun with Mt. Tam in the background, and noted that the intensive format allows students and teachers to get to know each other and form bonds that last beyond the class itself.
Last updated March 17, 2026.
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