Free Winter Workshops
Fun Tastes of Summer
This winter break, have fun and explore some of Fairfax Collegiate's summer options with free winter break workshops!
These public speaking and coding events are the perfect place for curious children who love learning to meet new friends and discover a new interest over their school break.
Parents are also welcome during the event. Fairfax Collegiate's team of Directors will be on-site for open house sessions, including tours, Q&A, and more.
Founded in 1993, Fairfax Collegiate is Northern Virginia’s academic enrichment provider, serving thousands of students each year through our popular summer program. Join us this winter and experience the joy of learning with Fairfax Collegiate.
Public Speaking Workshops
- Public Speaking Workshop for Grades 3-4: This workshop is a crash course in the main themes of the Public Speaking category of the Summer Program. Students practice basic skills for speaking in front of an audience such as tone and posture; write and deliver a short speech on a topic of their choice; and experiment with storytelling techniques for reading a short story aloud.
- Public Speaking Workshop for Grades 5-6: This workshop gives students a taste of the Public Speaking category of the Summer Program. Students learn public speaking skills such as vocal variety and body language; write and deliver a short speech on a topic of their choosing; and participate in a class debate on an issue relevant to their interests.
Coding Workshops
- Coding Workshop for Grades 3-4: This workshop provides students with an introduction to the educational coding software used in the Summer Program. Students design and customize short animations using Scratch, then create and play simple games using Microsoft MakeCode. Both programs use a graphical UI that is beginner-friendly and does not require typing complicated commands.
- Coding Workshop for Grades 5-6: This workshop is an overview of the Computing category of the Summer Program. Students design and play simple games using Microsoft MakeCode, a beginner-friendly program with a graphical UI, and then build a basic Python program for a taste of a text-based programming language. No prior coding experience is necessary.
Additional Details
- Reston: December 26, 2024 (address: Edlin School / 10742 Sunset Hills Rd)
- Ashburn: January 2, 2025 (address: Loudoun School for Advanced Studies / 20577 Ashburn Rd)
- Morning workshop times are 9:30am to 12:00pm, with a short supervised break at 10:45.
- Afternoon workshop times are 12:30pm to 3:00pm, with a short supervised break at 1:45.
- There is no cost to attend, and all required materials will be provided by Fairfax Collegiate.
- Workshop courses are taught by experienced veterans of the Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program.
How to Register
To sign up for summer samplers, simply fill out the interest form below. Please note that space is limited and submitting the form does not guarantee you a seat. After submitting the form, please watch your email for an update from our team (we will begin sending acceptance emails on Monday, December 16).
If the number of responses exceeds the program's capacity, we will add you onto a waitlist and let you know if a seat becomes available for your child.
About Fairfax Collegiate
This summer your child can have fun and learn!
Since 1993, the Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program has provided challenging and engaging courses in academics, STEM, and creative arts.
Small classes are available both in-person at locations throughout Northern Virginia, and online via Zoom. Courses are built around creative activities that are captivating and entertaining, as well as informative.
Summer Program instructors include undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities, as well as area public and private school teachers. Over 4,000 students attend Fairfax Collegiate programs each year.
For more information about Fairfax Collegiate, check out our Summer Program course pages and our FAQ.