Academic Workshops
The Academy extends learning beyond the traditional school day, providing academic opportunities for students across Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Throughout the school year and summer, Academic Workshops help students strengthen skills, explore interests, and build confidence through engaging, focused experiences.
Fall Academic Workshops
Speak Up: Foundations of Public Speaking
In this engaging class, students will explore the basics of competitive public speaking. They’ll learn how to structure a strong speech, deliver with confidence, and develop their own voice through fun, low-pressure activities. This is the perfect starting point for students curious about speech competitions—or simply looking to become stronger, more confident communicators. No prior experience is required!
When: September 10 – October 22, 2026; Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Grades: 7th-12th
Instructor: Dr. Courtney O’Dell-Chaib; Parish Religious Studies Teacher
Take the Mic: Preparing for Speech Competition
Building on the basics, this class helps students strengthen their writing, delivery, and performance across popular American Speech and Debate Association (ASDA) events like Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, and Impromptu speaking. With personalized coaching and skill-building exercises, students will begin developing competition-ready pieces—whether they’re seasoned speakers or new to the world of speech and debate.
The class ends with a performance of their speaking skills for parents on Thursday, December 10.
Students who complete this class will have the opportunity to compete at Parish in January in a mock tournament with Parish teachers as judges, as well as local competitions hosted by the ASDA, with a chance to compete at Nationals in May.
When: October 29 – December 10, 2026; Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Grades: 7th-12th
Instructor: Dr. Courtney O’Dell-Chaib; Parish Religious Studies Teacher
Summer Academic Workshops
In the summer, The Academy offers academic camps for Lower and Middle School students designed to build confidence and help students start the school year strong, with offerings in Math, Science, English, and Spanish, as well as workshops focused on essential skills for success at Parish and beyond.
Upper School students can also participate in academic workshops and for-credit summer courses, providing opportunities to fulfill graduation requirements, get ahead in the curriculum, and explore unique learning experiences while balancing other summer commitments.
Stay Informed
Registration for The Academy’s 2027 summer offerings will open in February. In the meantime, join the list to stay informed.
