The Bush School
Academics

Summer Programs

Learning and Exploration

Your summer adventure awaits at The Bush School. We are excited to welcome campers for a range of summer classes and camps for students entering Kindergarten - Grade 12. Bush summer camps are open to the greater community, welcoming students from beyond Bush to enjoy summer on one or both of our two campuses in Seattle, Washington and the Methow Valley in Mazama, Washington.

Seattle Campus Summer Programs

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  • Camp Galileo (Open Now!)

    The Bush School welcomes back Camp Galileo to its campus this summer for the third year in a row! Galileo engages every kid with hands-on projects that teach design-thinking and problem-solving skills, all wrapped in big summer fun. Energetic, inclusive staff and world-class curriculum make for a summer kids love. Camp Galileo has been providing decades of fun for campers at 70+ locations in California, D.C., Chicago, and Denver. The Bush School is Camp Galileo’s first Seattle location. 

    Summer 2025 Information

    Dates    : Monday, June 23 to Friday, August 1
    (Six Sessions)

    ENROLL NOW >> Click here to register 

    Questions: For questions related to enrollment, parents/guardians can email at: info@galileo-learning.com 

  • Debate Camp (Open Now!)

    Summer 2025 Information

    New this year for our Bush Summer Programs, we are welcoming Debate Camp for two sessions held Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 18. This five-day program teaches and develops student-skills in parliamentary debate, public speaking, and global awareness. Individuals work in teams of two to generate ideas in support of, or in refutation to a selection of debatable topics (new each day). This program is designed for students entering Fifth through Tenth Grade who are curious about debate and want to explore something new. No prior experience is necessary. 

    Click here to enroll today!

  • Bush Blazer Athletics

    The Blazers Summer Athletic Camps focus on teaching and developing fundamental technical and tactical sports skills in a fun and challenging atmosphere. Participants are able to apply the experience they gain to their participation in recreational, club and/or interscholastic sports teams.

    Our experienced and qualified coaches will utilize age-appropriate coaching methods which aim to teach offensive and defensive skills, team strategies and mental aspects such as teamwork, leadership, confidence and fair play. Following the Blazers Athletic philosophy, coaches will encourage campers to work hard and to improve various aspects of their game while developing a love for the sport. All levels are welcome!

    Coming Soon!

  • Upper School Academic Classes

    Writing the College Essay

    Age: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (break for lunch)
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
     
    Description: This one-week course for rising seniors explores the writing portions of the college application process. Hands-on and fast-paced, Writing the College Essay helps students craft  a compelling personal narrative of who they are with both joy and authenticity.
     
    By the end of the course you will:
    • Analyze the nuances of the Common Application personal essay and college supplements
    • Be able to edit your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    • Complete an edited draft of the Common App personal statement
    • Begin brainstorming ideas for, and draft at least one, college supplement
    Notes: Students receive two personal writing assignments from their teachers in July that they must complete prior to the first day of class. In addition, students must bring a computer to each class session and should expect to write both in class and at home throughout the course of the week. This class is offered three times in July and August, and students should sign up for one week only. Please note that financial aid is available to current Bush students who receive financial aid for tuition for this course. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information. 

    Geometry
    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Prerequisite: Students who have completed Algebra

    Description: This is an intensive course designed to present the major topics of a geometry course with practice problems that lead to fluency. Emphasis is on relationships among spatial constructs, algebraic applications and using deductive reasoning for proof. This course can serve as a student’s
    comprehensive study of geometry at the high school level or prepare students for a more in-depth
    examination of a full-year geometry class. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Algebra II in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.
     
    Introductory Calculus
     
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Prerequisite: Math Analysis or equivalent Pre-Calculus course

    Description: This course synthesizes a wide array of previous math experiences. Among other topics, this class introduces polar and parametric equations, vectors, difference equations, and logistic functions. Concepts introduced in Math Analysis are refined, broadened, and extended. Through graphic, numerical, and algebraic points of view, the groundwork is laid for a formal development of rates of change and limits of infinite sums. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Advanced Calculus in the coming academic year. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Introductory Calculus in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.
     
    Math Analysis

    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    Location: In-person at The Bush School
    Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Geometry

    Description: This course integrates an analysis of data with a formal development of functions encompassed by real-world applications. The students’ study of data motivates the need to develop an understanding of functions in order to model variable relationships. Many families of functions are investigated including exponential, inverse, logarithmic, and trigonometric. In addition, the students continue their study of sequences by examining series. The students are introduced to probability concepts and data analysis tools as well. Graphing calculators and other technology are heavily utilized to allow students to make connections between graphical and analytical approaches. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Introductory Calculus in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.

    More information coming soon!
     

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Financial Aid for Summer Programs
There is limited financial aid available for Bush Summer Programs upon request for Bush Upper School students who receive financial aid for tuition. For more information on financial aid coverage for Bush Summer Programs, please contact Director of Enrollment Management Adam Choice at adam.choice@bush.edu.

Methow Valley Campus Summer Programs

Your summer adventure awaits at The Bush School Methow Valley Campus! The Bush School offers local summer programming in the Methow Valley to provide children ages seven to fourteen the opportunity to learn new skills as well as the opportunity to explore the Methow’s environment, history, and culture. 
Each camp is led by experienced instructors. Camps are based out of The Bush School Methow Valley Campus in Mazama, Washington, and often venture to destinations around the Methow Valley to explore and participate in a variety of activities. Campers can expect to be outside in any weather, and be active and engaged. Please note, we will only offer transportation from Seattle and overnight accommodation at the Methow Campus for the College Essay Course. All others are day only.
Each day camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Campers are required to bring their own lunch and water bottles. Snacks will be provided. For day campers, there will be an optional bus each morning and afternoon that shuttles students to/from the Methow Campus and the Winthrop Library. There is also a MVSD bus to take students between TwispWorks and the Winthrop Library if needed.

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  • The Bush School Discovery Day Camp

     
    Location:  The Bush School Methow Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama WA, 98833
    Ages: Seven to Ten Years Old
    Transportation: 8:30 a.m. drop-off and 3:30 p.m. pick-up at the Winthrop Library

    Description: In a week of outdoor exploration and artistic expression, students will discover the magical secrets of the woods and waters around The Bush School’s Methow Campus. Using all of their senses and a variety of tools, students will develop naturalist skills, play games, and create art from and inspired by nature. Highlights could include building forts in the woods, learning to identify plants and insects, pressing flowers, cooking delicious snacks, and creating self-portraits from found materials.  Friendships will develop and grow as students share feelings, ideas, and new experiences in a nurturing environment with caring instructors. Join us for a week of outdoor exploration, creativity, and summer fun!

    More information coming soon!
     

  • College Essay Writing Retreat - Mazama OVERNIGHT

    Age: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    Location: Methow Valley Bush Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama WA, 98833
     
    Write your college essay in the beautiful landscape of the Methow Valley! This one-week writing retreat tackles the writing portions of the college application process, as well as offering day hikes and Methow excursions. Through activities and focused feedback, the College Essay Methow Retreat will help you tell your best story and present colleges with an engaging portrait of who you are. Best of all, you are able to fully focus on your work and take breaks to enjoy our amazing Methow Campus and surrounding community. This course covers the same material as the Seattle-based Writing the College Essay class, and students should not register for both.
     
    By the end of the course you will:
    ●  Understand the components of a strong college admissions essay
    ●  Analyze the nuances of the Common Application personal essay and college specific supplemental questions
    ●  Be able to edit your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    ●  Complete an edited draft of a Common App personal essay and college supplement
    ●  Explore other written elements of college applications, including the “Additional Information” and “Activities” sections
    ●  Feel relaxed and rejuvenated from your time in the Methow
     
    You should expect to write for several sessions during the day and for at least thirty minutes each evening.  We are staying in the lodge on campus and cooking our meals as a group. Transportation to and from Bush is provided. Please bring paper and writing utensils as well as a laptop. Before this class, students must have identified at least one college that they intend to apply to that requires a supplemental essay.

    More information coming soon!

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For questions about Bush Methow Valley Campus Summer Programs, email summerprograms@bush.edu.
The Bush School
The Bush School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 735 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities

3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status
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