Liberal Arts Summer Pre-College

Earn college credit and get a taste of campus life while still in high school. The Marist Summer Pre-College program allows high school students to experience the excitement of college life at one of the “Best 385 Colleges and Universities.” The School of Liberal Arts offers two unique Pre-College courses in diverse academic fields. Best of all, we keep our programs small so that your experience is an intimate and rewarding one. 

In our Creative Writing course, students will have the opportunity to improve their own writing and share ideas with other writers. The program combines our highly-regarded Marist faculty with top visiting writers to present a unique experience for young writers eager to develop their own voice. With an eclectic approach to the creative experience, the course encourages students to try a variety of literary genres in order to improve their understanding of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting.

In our Pre-Law course, we cover the cornerstones of family law, contracts, torts, real property, wills, and criminal law. This program will provide insight into the legal profession from making the most of being “pre-law” in college, the value of working as a paralegal before going to law school, selecting a law school, law school admission, law school experience, and selecting a field of practice.  This program will provide solid advice and a strong academic foundation for any student considering a career in law. Guest speakers will include law school professionals, judges, lawyers, political scientists, and historians. Field trips include a visit to the FDR Museum and a courthouse.  

In the Theatre course, students have the opportunity to take their passion for theatre to the next level.  Mornings are filled with acting games, scene study and dissecting plays, while afternoons are spent learning the roles of theatre artists: actors, directors, designers, playwrights, and producers. You will work closely with Marist faculty and professional artists with diverse specialties. Our program also includes seeing live summer theatre right here in the Hudson Valley! The program culminates with a final showcase for an invited audience, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills you've learned during your two-week hands-on experience.