PK-12 Student Programs

Dates and Costs

• January 10 - February 7, 2026
• $290.00

This program is thoughtfully designed to provide your child with the most innovative content and engaging learning methods available in gifted education today.  With hands-on activities and the opportunity to engage with other children with similar interests and abilities, we are certain that your child will thrive each Saturday morning.

The five-week program compacts the curriculum in a way that provides accelerated and enriched learning experiences that meet the needs of advanced learners. These courses balance opportunities for engaging in projects that develop critical thinking skills and technology use with those that help students connect with artistic expression and design. All of our classes benefit from community and university mentors who will visit and spend time answering questions about future opportunities related to the class.

Eligibility:

Students who score at or above the 90th percentile on an individual IQ test, or students who score at or above the 90th percentile on nationally normed tests of achievement appropriate for their grade level, are eligible for this program

This program has concluded for 2026.  Please look back in October for classes available in 2027.

 

Dates and Costs:

• June 8-12, 2026
•  $290.00 + $10.00 application Fee

The Young Gifted Students Program is designed to give our youngest learners time to explore their own strengths and weaknesses while discovering the joy of accelerated curriculum. Vocabulary development and broad exploration of integrated topics make this a program your young child will talk about for a long time.

Eligibility

 Students who score at or above the 90th percentile on an individual IQ test, or students who score at or above the 90th percentile on nationally normed tests of achievement appropriate for their grade level, are eligible for this program. Provisional eligibility may be obtained for this program. Please contact our director for details.

COURSES NOW AVAILABLE:

Pre‑K (must be four by program start) — Sparks:  Within each of our young, gifted students there is a spark of curiosity and imagination. In this class they will explore their unique gifts and talents by investigating the concepts of giftedness and cognition. Learn how your brain works with us this summer!

Kindergarten–1st — Signal Flare:  Our community is full of helpers. Learn what happens when we send out a signal flare. From the science of the flare itself to the skills needed to be one of the community helpers that answer the call, we will explore the systems in place that make this community a wonderful place to be. 

2nd–3rd — Combustion & Oxidation: Explore historical discoveries in chemistry and physics that changed our understanding of fire and rust. Study the lives of scientists who worked with these and other phenomena and learn why the discovery of oxygen and nitrogen sparked innovation around the world.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Dates and Costs

•  June 8-12, 2026
• $290.00+$10.00 application fee

Designed with our middle‑grade students in mind, Summer in the Middle offers a supportive, engaging week of learning tailored to the unique needs of students in grades 4–6. These years are full of rapid growth and wide differences in individual development, and this program provides the perfect balance of structure and flexibility to meet learners where they are. Through hands‑on activities, creative challenges, and opportunities to explore emerging interests, students gain confidence, deepen their curiosity, and enjoy meaningful learning with peers who think and learn like they do. For families who want their child to grow in the maturity and confidence that make residential learning successful—while still keeping the ease of a day program—Summer in the Middle offers an encouraging next step that stands entirely on its own.

Eligibility

Students who score at or above the 90th percentile on an individual IQ test, or students who score at or above the 90th percentile on nationally normed tests of achievement appropriate for their grade level, are eligible for this program.

Courses Now Available:

• Sky Fire:  Why are we so amazed at fireworks shows? How has the science of fireworks changed over time and why are drones now taking the place of fireworks shows? Come explore the inventions of the Grucci family and design your own digital light display.

• Verdict:  In this learning simulation, students will build a case to prove the innocence or guilt of a hiker accused of starting a forest fire. Students will learn the ways that fire impacts the landscape while they learn how to be expert sleuths and contentious jurors.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Dates and Costs

•  June 15-19, 2026
• $1005.00 + $10.00 application fee

The Summer Gifted Studies Program is our flagship experience, offering an exciting week of learning that first inspired the creation of the Karnes Center nearly five decades ago. Designed for students in grades 4–8, this one‑week residential program invites learners to dive deeply into fascinating topics through an integrated unit of study led by experienced instructors. Throughout the week, students enjoy dynamic, content‑rich courses during the day and a full schedule of recreation and social activities in the afternoons and evenings. For many students, Summer Gifted Studies becomes a memorable introduction to residential learning: a chance to stretch their minds, build independence, and connect with peers who share their curiosity and love of discovery.

Eligibility

Students who score at or above the 90th percentile on an individual IQ test, or students who score at or above the 90th percentile on nationally normed tests of achievement appropriate for their grade level, are eligible for this program.

Students who score at or above the 90th percentile on an individual IQ test, or students who score at or above the 90th percentile on nationally normed tests of achievement appropriate for their grade level, are eligible for this program.

 Courses Now Available:

Minds Alight — Unlock the mysteries of the mind as you explore how humans measure intelligence and why IQ and EQ matter. Investigate where creativity and personality come from, and try out fun, creative ways to express the ideas that make you uniquely you.

Wild Child Come Home — Dive into the causes of endangerment and explore how habitat loss, climate change, and human activity impact animals across the globe. Then, discover the real‑world conservation efforts—big and small—working to bring threatened species back to their natural homes.

The Path of Lightning — Explore the electrifying science of lightning as you uncover what fulminology is and why this powerful force has fascinated everyone from Benjamin Franklin to today’s NOAA scientists. Discover how artists and photographers capture lightning in motion and how their work helps meteorologists better understand the weather patterns that shape our world.

Fire Under My Feet — Follow the heat of the Earth as you investigate how geothermal energy influences everything from national parks to local businesses. From Yellowstone to Hot Springs to the propane supplier down the road, discover how natural power fuels beauty and innovation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Dates and Costs

• June 22-26, 2026
• $1005.00 + $10.00 application fee

This residential program invites students to discover their own leadership potential and develop the skills needed to make meaningful change in their communities. Through individualized instruction, collaborative activities, and guided reflection, students learn to communicate effectively, work with diverse teams, and shape ideas into purposeful action. Three levels of courses allow participants to build on their strengths each year as they grow in confidence and capability.

Local community leaders join students for afternoon sessions, offering real‑world insight and mentorship as students refine their leadership platforms. The week culminates in the Leadership Banquet, where participants share their speeches, projects, or research on influential leaders with an audience that celebrates their growth. Many students return home inspired to put their plans into motion—raising funds, launching projects, and contributing to their communities in powerful ways. Recreation, meals, room and board are included.

Eligibility

The Leadership Studies Program is open to all students who have a desire to grow as leaders and who are dedicated to helping their community thrive. That dedication is shown through an entrance essay of 500 words that completes and expands upon this framework:

"My goal for participating in the Leadership Program is to learn _______, to develop myself by _________, and to change my community through ______________."

Courses Available for Summer 2026

Leadership I

Learn your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Build basic skills such as public speaking, team leadership, and idea generation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Dates and Costs

• Session 1 June 15-17, 2025
• Session 2 June 18-20 2025
• Session 3 June 22-24 2025
• $900 per session or $2630.00 for all three sessions +$10.00 application fee

Eligibility:

• Academically Talented Program: ACT or SAT scores
• Artistically Talented: Portfolio submission

These intensive, three‑day seminars bring highly able middle and high school students together with standout instructors for an accelerated, college‑style learning experience. Each session invites academically mature students to dive deeply into a single area of study at the rapid pace they’re ready for—exploring advanced concepts, engaging in hands‑on work, and collaborating with peers who think and learn like they do.

With flexible session options, students can choose one seminar or combine all three for an even richer experience. Throughout the program, participants enjoy unique opportunities to work closely with professors, visit campus spaces, and spend personalized time with the USM Honors College and Admissions teams as they learn about future academic pathways. Recreation, meals, room and board are included for residential students, and a commuter option is available for families who prefer to arrange their own lodging and meals.

Courses Now Available:

Session 1: Mon–Wed, June 15–17, 2026

Anatomy for Nursing —  Experience an inspiring three‑day nursing seminar where you will explore the heart of health care through hands‑on skill practice, engaging lessons and real conversations with professional nurses. Discover vital signs, body system, and career pathways, then put your knowledge to the test in a dynamic escape‑room challenge designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

From Movement to Stage —  This three-day intensive offers an immersive introduction to dance technique, creativity and performance. Participants will develop foundational dance technique while exploring the core elements of dance—body, space, time, and energy. Through guided improvisation and collaborative choreography, students will create original movement pieces and learn the basics of stage production, including staging and presentation. The intensive culminates in a short performance, providing students the opportunity to apply their skills, build confidence, and experience the full creative process from rehearsal to stage.

 Session 2: Thu–Sat, June 18–20, 2026

Sports Medicine Careers —  This three-day seminar introduces participants to a variety of  careers within the world of sports medicine. Participants will take a brief dive into anatomy and medical terminology then work through an injury case study that utilizes the expertise of multiple sports medicine professionals. Join us in this fast-paced, hands-on look at the teamwork and knowledge behind athletic care.

Session 3: Mon–Wed, June 22–24, 2026

Create, Inspire, Inform: Digital Media for 2026 — In this three‑day seminar, students learn the essential skills and concepts needed to craft compelling messages across today’s media platforms. Key takeaways include media‑literacy principles, creating vertical video for social media, shaping messages for different audiences, and writing with strategic purpose. Students will leave with practical tools for communicating in a digital world.

Polymer Power: Building the Future with Polymer Composites  —  Explore polymer types, material properties and their real‑world applications through engaging lessons and hands‑on labs. The highlight of the program is a composite‑structure building competition, where teams design, create and test their polymer composite structures. Participants will also spend time with experts, learn about pathways in polymer science, and build teamwork, problem‑solving, and engineering skills. This track fosters creativity, innovation and a deeper understanding of material science and engineering.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.