High School Courses and Workshops
Overview
Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School (PVPSS) is thrilled to continue serving the educational community! Students entering grades 9-12 have the opportunity to enroll in both onsite and online summer high school courses for advancement, all of which meet the UC/CSU and NCAA college entrance requirements through our WASC accredited program. We are also proud to offer outstanding enrichment workshops that do not provide grades or credits, with the sole intention of supporting student interests and needs. See dates, times, and descriptions in the Daily Schedule section below, and go to the Summer High School Courses and Workshops tab to view all of our offerings.
PVPSS alternates campuses each year, and the location this summer is Peninsula High School (Palos Verdes High School in 2026). Courses run from June 16 – July 24, with the exception of onsite history courses (June 16 – July 10). It is very important to stay on track because each school day covers a great deal of material. Due to the fast pace, teachers cannot provide extensions on assignments/exams for any reason, including illness. Also, students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that subject area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night.
Please note that although our online program is asynchronous (no attendance), students must meet all the deadlines provided by the teacher. Also, online students are allowed to work ahead and finish the assignments/exams in advance.
Make sure to check out our amazing workshops, too! They each run onsite for two to three hours per day over the course of one semester. Workshops do not provide grades or credits, and they can be taken concurrently with an online course. Students may also take a different workshop each semester.
Please also note that PVPSS is a non-profit private entity which does not provide additional services that may be in place through the home District, such as extra time to submit assignments. However, families are always welcome to share helpful information with the instructors.
Go to the Summer High School Informational Video tab for a full overview of the program in only 10 minutes. Also, feel free to contact Adam Genovese, PVPSS high school director, at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. We look forward to another great summer!
SUMMER 2025 courses and workshops (JUNE 16 – July 24)
Onsite classes and workshops take place on the Peninsula High School campus, and online courses are asynchronous (no attendance)
All courses run from June 16 – July 24, with the exception of onsite history courses (June 16 – July 10)
Workshops are one semester (three weeks), with the exception of CAP Jr (one week)
Students may take an online course and onsite workshop concurrently
Students can enroll in a different workshop each semester
Grade level refers to the student’s grade in fall of 2025
View the Summer High School Information tab for details on all of our programs
| Course | Course Information |
| World History |
This course provides a basic understanding of world history, geography, and culture. Content will cover political thought in the development of law, religion, philosophy, and culture, while also emphasizing the influence of ancient civilization on modern society. Please note that Onsite World History can now be completed in only four weeks. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Ms. Webster – PVPHS Room P206 |
| United States History |
This course analyzes American political, social, and economic behavior during major periods in history. There is a focus on the multiple factors that affect continuity, outstanding contributions of individual Americans, change in ethnic composition of American society, the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women, and the expanding role of the Federal government in addressing critical issues. Please note that Onsite US History can now be completed in only four weeks. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Hangartner – PVPHS Room P204 |
| American Government |
This semester course provides perspective on politics and government in the United States. It compares systems of government in the world today, and analyzes the changing interpretations of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and current state of the government branches. The course also promotes familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American and comparative political system. Please note that Onsite Government/Economics can now be completed in only four weeks. Onsite American Government and Economics must be taken together, but students may enroll in one or the other through our online program. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Frazier – PVPHS Room P102 |
| Economics |
This course involves the study of microeconomics and macroeconomics to help students become responsible/effective decision makers. It provides an understanding of supply and demand, scarcity, the role of the marketplace, competition, and consumer choice. The course also covers inflation, unemployment, measures of national wealth, the economic role of the government, international trade/finance, personal economic decision making, investments, budget, job choice, and consumer information. Please note that Onsite Government/Economics can now be completed in only four weeks. Onsite American Government and Economics must be taken together, but students may enroll in one or the other through our online program. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Frazier – PVPHS Room P102 |
| Course | Course Information |
| Geometry |
This course provides an understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments. Students will study geometric constructions using compass and straight edge; properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, triangles and other polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles and three dimensional shapes. Algebraic techniques are applied for both two and three dimensional figures. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Van Enk – PVPHS Room H30 |
| Geometry Honors |
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments. Students will study geometric constructions, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles, and three-dimensional shapes. Algebraic techniques are applied in the solution of problems for two and three dimensional figures. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that subject area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Ms. Vijaiyan – PVPHS Room H14 |
| Course | Course Information |
| Biology |
The lessons in this course include cell biology, basic chemistry, plant growth and Development, genetics, evolution, natural selection, reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Kwak – PVPHS Room H60 |
| Biology Honors |
This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Biology (Biology 2 AP), with a focus on laboratory investigations. The lessons include biochemistry, energy, fermentation, structure/function of the cell, genetics, origin of life, evolution, ecology, human physiology, classification, and plant physiology. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that subject area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Ms. Salgado (Sem 1) and Ms. Hughes (Sem 2) – PVPHS Room H35 |
| Chemistry |
The lessons in this course include atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, matter/energy conversion, stoichiometry, gases, acids, bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, nuclear processes, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Experiments, mathematical calculations, and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Ms. Jarrin – PVPHS Room P208 |
| Chemistry Honors |
This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Chemistry, with more of an emphasis on depth and problem-solving than seen in Chemistry. Experiments, mathematical calculations and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that subject area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Snodgrass – PVPHS Room H40 |
| Course | Course Information |
| Digital Photography |
This course teacher students how to take well-composed photographs, while also discussing the history and evolution of film and photography. Emphasis will be placed on topics such as handling skills, compositional guidelines, utilization of light, and lens capabilities. Students will use advanced techniques to create images while going through the photographic process (contrast control, cropping, etc). In lieu of a materials fee, students will purchase their own Adobe Photoshop subscription. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Mr. Stiles – Online |
| Drawing & Painting |
This course explores aesthetic perceptions and develops skills for using visual arts media effectively. These skills will enhance the ability to interpret and communicate ideas, feeling, and values. Tuition plus $60 materials fee. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor and Location: Ms. Rarewala – PVPHS Room H32 |
| Workshop | Workshop Information |
| College Application Prep |
This three-week workshop assists rising seniors in producing excellent college applications. Students focus on creating a balanced college list and writing outstanding college essays. The workshop takes place on campus from 9:30 – 11:30am, over the course of one semester, and there is also a great deal of virtual support provided. College Application Prep (CAP) is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. Students may also take a different workshop each semester. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructors: Ms. Baranick, Mr. Hall, Ms. Blazevic – Semester 1 |
| College Application Prep Jr |
This one-week workshop helps rising juniors get an early start on the college application process. Students will explore their strengths, passions, and values to identify key themes in their academic and extracurricular record. The goal is to guide students in presenting an authentic and compelling narrative in their college applications. Over the course of the workshop, they will also create a resume reflecting their unique aptitudes and accomplishments. The workshop takes place on campus from 9:30 – 11:30am, over the course of one week, and there is also a great deal of virtual support provided. College Application Prep Jr (CAP Jr) is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. Students may also take a different workshop each semester. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor & Location: Mr. Wolven – PVPHS Room P221 |
| SAT Prep |
This three-week workshop provides exceptional SAT training for both the reading/writing and math sections. Students will learn academic content and test-taking strategies specific to the exam, and they will also be provided with a comprehensive workbook. The workshop takes place on campus from 9am – 12pm, over the course of one semester, and the instructors also offer additional onsite and virtual support. SAT Prep is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. Students may also take a different workshop each semester. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor & Location: Ms. Dibble (Reading/Writing) – PVPHS Room P103 |
| Algebra 1 & 2 Prep |
This two-week workshop is an outstanding opportunity to learn the basic concepts of Algebra 1 or 2, so that students are set up for more success and less stress in the upcoming school year. The workshop takes place on campus each school day from 9:30 – 11:30am, over the course of two weeks, and the teacher is available for support outside of those classroom hours. Algebra 1 & 2 Prep is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. See the Summer High School Information tab for details on schedules and formats. Instructor & Location: Ms. Tran – PVPHS Room H13 |