<p>My son is also going into 9th grade next year, so I have been researching this. Keep in mind that many programs are expensive – however, if the program is a good match and affordable, they can be well worth it.</p>
<p>I have several recommendations – all of which I recommend because they have good supervision (which I think is important for this age), years of experience doing this program, the program is enjoyable – academic with many fun elements and the programs all offer financial aid for families that demonstrate need. Keep in mind that it is important that the program fit the child – some are longer than others (not all kids this age are ready for a 5 week program) and some are more oriented towards math/science and some more oriented towards the humanities.</p>
<p>I have several suggestions – </p>
<p>The great books summer program is excellent – with two choices on the east coast (William & Mary or Amherst). [Greatbooks</a> Summer Program](<a href=“http://www.greatbookssummer.com/]Greatbooks”>http://www.greatbookssummer.com/)</p>
<p>Center for Talent Development (I know it isn’t on the east coast – but it is an excellent program) [Spectrum</a> Program Description, Summer Program, Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer/descspectrum.html]Spectrum”>http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer/descspectrum.html) I particularly recommend this program for this age. They group the kids completing 7th and 8th grade together for rooming and activities, but they can take classes with older kids if they qualify. </p>
<p>The various boarding schools have excellent programs – some offer financial aid and some don’t. These programs are more geared towards the younger kid (rather than those who are going into 11th and 12th grade) and have good supervision. Andover has an excellent program [Summer</a> Session Home Page](<a href=“http://www.andover.edu/summersession/home.htm]Summer”>http://www.andover.edu/summersession/home.htm) and I believe that Choate and Exeter do also</p>
<p>If you are looking for something more outdoorsy and less academic, consider an outward bound or NOLS class. They are excellent and kids who attend claim they are life changing. I also highly, highly recommend the High Peaks Adventure Program [High</a> Mountain Institute : High Peaks Adventure](<a href=“http://www.hminet.org/page.php?pname=peaks]High”>http://www.hminet.org/page.php?pname=peaks)</p>