Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays - Class meets twice a week
T - 6/16, 6/23, 6/30
TH - 6/18, 6/25, 7/2
Description:
Ready to unlock the secrets of money and make your future self rich in knowledge? Dive into the world of Financial Literacy, where you’ll discover how a single dollar can grow, shrink, and work for you in powerful ways!
In this class, you’ll explore the “Six Functions of a Dollar” and learn how money changes over time through simple and compound interest. Using real financial tools like HP12 calculators, you’ll experiment and figure out what really makes money grow the fastest.
But that’s not all! You’ll create your own budget, learn how to make smart spending choices, and uncover the difference between assets (things that make you money) and liabilities (things that cost you money).
This isn’t just a class, it’s your first step toward becoming smart, confident, and in control of your financial future.
Taught by Amanda Hallahan Swain.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 07/02/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Wednesdays - 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8
Description:
This 4-week middle school summer art class is designed to inspire creativity and build strong artistic skills in students of all experience levels. Whether students are just beginning their artistic journey or already have advanced abilities, this course provides engaging projects and personalized guidance to help every artist grow.
Throughout the program, students will explore a variety of mediums and techniques, including drawing, painting, mixed media, and design. They will learn foundational skills such as composition, shading, color theory, and perspective, while also experimenting with more advanced methods to expand their creative expression.
Each week introduces new concepts and hands-on projects that encourage imagination, problem-solving, and confidence. Students will develop their own unique artistic voice while gaining practical techniques they can continue to use beyond the classroom.
By the end of the course, students will have a stronger understanding of artistic principles, along with the skills and confidence to continue developing as creative thinkers and artists.
Taught by Kim Harrington.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 07/08/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Thursdays - 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/16, 7/23
Description:
Book Title - Mackenzie's Ring by Teri Stevens
This 5-week middle school book club is designed to inspire thoughtful reading, confident communication, and lively discussion. Each week, students will dive into a shared book, exploring key themes, characters, and plot developments while reflecting on their personal reactions. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions, consider different perspectives, and discuss questions like: What would you have done differently? Did you agree with the characters' choices? How might the story change with a different ending?
In addition to literary discussion, the club includes a strong focus on building public speaking and debate skills. Students will practice expressing their ideas clearly, listening actively, and respectfully challenging one another's viewpoints. Through guided discussions and structured debates, they'll gain confidence in speaking in front of others while learning how to support their opinions with evidence and reasoning. By the end of the program, students will not only have a deeper understanding of the book, but also a stronger communication skills, greater confidence and an appreciation for thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
On the final class, students will have a visit and presentation from the books author Teri Stevens.
Taught by Alex Schoeps
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 07/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Thursdays - 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16
Description:
This 5-week class introduces middle school students to the foundations of yoga and mindfulness in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. Through guided movement, breathing exercises, and reflective practices, students will explore how their bodies and minds work together.
Each session will include a blend of gentle yoga poses, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness activities designed to help students build awareness, reduce stress, and improve focus. Students will learn practical tools for calming their minds, managing emotions, and strengthening their connection to their physical bodies.
By the end of the program, participants will have a better understanding of how to control and connect their mind and body, empowering them with skills they can use both in and outside the classroom to support their overall well-being.
Taught by Michelle Cardozo.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 07/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Mondays - 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17
Description:
This hands-on summer cooking program invites middle school students to explore the exciting world of food while building confidence in the kitchen. Designed for beginners and budding young chefs alike, the course focuses on essential cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and skill development through fun, interactive lessons.
Each week, students will dive into a new culinary theme, preparing unique and creative dishes inspired by different cultures and cuisines. Along the way, they’ll learn foundational skills such as knife handling, measuring, seasoning, and cooking methods like sautéing, baking, and grilling.
Beyond recipes, the program encourages creativity, teamwork, and an appreciation for diverse foods. By the end of the course, students will have expanded their palates, sharpened their cooking abilities, and gained the confidence to create delicious meals on their own.
Whether they’re flipping their first pancake or experimenting with bold new flavors, students will leave with practical skills—and recipes—they can enjoy for years to come.
Taught by Chef Patrick.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 08/17/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays (Class meets 2 days a week)
M - 7/6, 7/13
W - 7/8, 7/15
Description:
In this creative writing course, middle school students will explore the exciting world of storytelling across a variety of genres. From fantasy to mystery to realistic fiction and beyond. Along the way, students will meet inspiring authors, study their craft and experiment with their own unique voices. Through engaging activities, guided writing, and peer collaboration, each student will develop a final piece they are proud to share and publish. Whether your child already loves writing or is just beginning their journey, this course is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and celebrate the power of storytelling!
Taught by Kate Koval.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 07/15/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Tuesdays - 7/21, 7/28, 8/3, 8/9, 8/17
Description:
This hands-on summer course invites middle school students into the delicious world of baking and dessert design. Perfect for beginners and aspiring young bakers alike, the class blends creativity with foundational kitchen skills as students learn to make and decorate a variety of sweet treats.
Throughout the session, students will explore essential baking concepts such as accurate measuring, ingredient functions, and heat control, gaining an understanding of how science and creativity come together in the kitchen. They’ll practice working with tools like piping bags, cake scrapers, and smoothers to create beautifully finished desserts, while also learning techniques for frosting, layering, and decorative design.
In addition to baking skills, the course introduces principles of color contrast and visual presentation, helping students develop an eye for design as they decorate cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. Each class encourages experimentation, teamwork, and personal expression, allowing students to build confidence while having fun.
By the end of the program, students will have a collection of recipes, a foundation in baking techniques, and the skills to create treats that are as impressive to look at as they are to eat.
Taught by Berenize Marcelo Amezcua.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 08/17/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays (Class meets 2 days a week)
M - 7/27, 8/3
W - 7/29, 8/5
Description:
In this creative writing course, middle school students will explore the exciting world of storytelling across a variety of genres. From fantasy to mystery to realistic fiction and beyond. Along the way, students will meet inspiring authors, study their craft and experiment with their own unique voices. Through engaging activities, guided writing, and peer collaboration, each student will develop a final piece they are proud to share and publish. Whether your child already loves writing or is just beginning their journey, this course is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and celebrate the power of storytelling!
Taught by Kate Koval.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 08/05/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Oak School (1455 Polk St, Napa CA 94559)
Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays - Class meets twice a week
T - 8/4, 8/11, 8/18
TH - 8/6, 8/13, 8/20
Description:
Get ready to see the world in a whole new way: through the shapes and patterns around us! In this geometry class, we’ll explore how math shows up everywhere, from simple shapes to amazing works of art.
You’ll learn how to find area and perimeter for all kinds of shapes, such as quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and of course, we’ll celebrate the wondrous power of the triangle! But this isn’t just about formulas, you’ll discover why they work and how patterns connect everything together.
Put your skills to the test with a design project and create your own 2D mosaic tile artwork where math meets creativity. Then, you’ll use your geometry skills to calculate the area of your own design!
If you like solving puzzles, creating cool designs, and seeing how math connects to the real world, this class is for you.
Taught by Amanda Hallahan Swain.
Registration for this schedule starts on 05/05/2026 and ends on 08/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 4 to 8.
Discover, create, and grow this summer with our Middle School Summer Learning Series! Designed for curious and creative minds, this program invites rising 5th grade to rising 7th grade students to explore a wide range of engaging topics—from baking and creative writing to yoga and math. Whether your child wants to sharpen skills, try something new, or simply stay inspired during the summer months, there’s something for everyone!
Open to all rising 5th grade and middle school students—not just those attending Blue Oak School—this series welcomes participants from across Napa Valley and beyond. Join us for a summer of learning, connection, and fun in a supportive and dynamic environment!
Please contact Blue Oak School if you have any questions.