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Badger Precollege Classes

Think like a Badger. Badger Precollege offers in-person and online programs in humanities, music, business, psychology, government, STEM, college prep and more — all designed to help students in grades 1–12 find their passion, meet new friends and explore their future.

Use the search filters to find the class, program or workshop that matches your interests.

If you are looking for information about sports camps, field trips and other youth programs offered by our UW–Madison partners — including Badger Sports Camps, Wisconsin 4-H, the Language Institute and others — view campus programs.

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Classes (69)

EducationUSA Academy Connects

Students will prepare themselves to be college-ready through a variety of interactive online workshops and in-person experiential learning. They will better understand the holistic approach to university admissions in the U.S. and the jargon that accompanies the admissions and educational process. They will identify their weaknesses in study and time management skills essential for college success and develop a plan to improve these habits.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–31, 2024
    Tuition: $490
    Online
  • July 30, 2024–Aug. 22, 2024
    Tuition: $490
    Online

Creative Writing: Storytelling (Grades 7-8)

Do you love a good story? Do you enjoy creating characters and setting them loose in a world of your imagination? If so, join us for a writing workshop where you can express your voice through the endless possibilities of fiction. We'll explore what it is that makes for great storytelling and enjoy sharing our ideas with each other.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 3 FULL) A Class of Characters (Grades 5-6)

In this course, we'll explore the process of how an actor can effectively portray a character. Through scene work exercises we'll dive into the motivation of a character and consider the best tactics an actor can use to communicate that to an audience. We'll unleash your creativity through improv exercises as you set your character loose, creating a story on the fly!
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 22–26, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 2 FULL) Space Exploration Adventures (Grades 5-6)

This class will ponder the question, "What's next in the field of space exploration?", and will explore the evolution of space exploration, from rockets and satellites to animal explorers and the manned space missions of today. This discussion-based class will utilize space imagery and study recent developments in the field as we continue to ask, "How much farther, and further, can we go?"
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 2 FULL) Biotechnology: Engineering Life (Grades 7-8)

In this laboratory-intensive course, you will learn how DNA and proteins are analyzed to improve food products, diagnose a disease or identify a suspect. Gain valuable laboratory skills such as micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, DNA extraction and protein analysis.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) Introduction to Computer Science (Grades 5-6)

Learn about object-oriented programming, and how to write and execute code using the Java programming language, via the Greenfoot programming environment. Students will learn programming fundamentals while participating in authentic coding activities that place an emphasis on problem-solving and creativity. Explore coding by examining a set of interesting scenarios, solving coding problems and competing in a fun coding challenge. Then begin to design your own game or simulation!
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) Classical Mythology (Grade 5-6)

Mythology means more than just Mount Olympus. In this course, you'll expand your horizons beyond Greece to explore the mythology of cultures from around the world. Join us as we travel from continent to continent to compare different types of mythologies and their influence on history, society and culture. Part literature and part geography, you'll be sure to enjoy this literary tour of the world!
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) A Touch of Business (Grades 7-8)

Calling all Entrepreneurs! Or, those who just want to learn about the world of business. This class will give you an introduction to some key concepts of business – product/service creation, marketing, digital creation and finance. We will touch on all sorts of business topics and have plenty of fun doing so. If you are a fan of the show Shark Tank this could be your dream class. 
Upcoming Dates
  • July 8–12, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

Rise and Fall of Civilizations (Grades 5-6)

This discussion-based class uses critical thinking and analysis to examine the question, "How do we know what we know?" in terms of historical narratives. By exploring commonalities over time, students will reflect on how dominant cultures control the narrative, "to the victor goes the spoils" and answer the question, "Who writes history and how do these viewpoints impact the narrative?"
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 2 FULL) Introduction to Computer Science (Grades 7-8)

Intro to Computer Science 2 is intended as a challenging opportunity for students who have taken a previous PACE computer science course (including Intro to Computer Science 1) or have other coding experience.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 22–26, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 2 FULL) Human Anatomy (Grades 5-6)

Take a closer look at the main organs and systems of the human body and their important functions. Topics covered are the format and function of major human organs such as the heart and lungs as well as body systems such as the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system and digestive system.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 22–26, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(Week 2 FULL) Anime (Grades 7-8)

This course explores the diverse worlds of "anime," an animated entertainment medium that originates in Japan and has achieved extensive popularity all over the world. By viewing and discussing a series of anime films/series that represent various time periods, themes, genres and styles, we will develop a critical appreciation for the meanings and experiences of anime and its legacy today both in Japan and the United States.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 22–26, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) UW Art: Behind the Curtain (Grade 5-8)

Spend each day discovering one of the many art areas on the UW–Madison campus, like theatre, visual art, dance, music or creative writing. Part of our day will be spent delving into the creation of pieces, and the other part of the day will include visits to campus arts hubs.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) Mission Impossible: Engineering Challenges (Grades 5-6)

From ski resorts under a dome in the middle of the desert to rotating skyscrapers, nothing is impossible for contemporary designers. This class will help you start thinking like an engineer and engage you in a series of increasingly complex competitive design challenges.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person
  • July 22–26, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

(FULL) Laws of Negotiation and International Relations (Grades 7-8)

In "Laws of Negotiation and International Politics", students will be put in teams and assigned a country to represent. All the countries (teams) will be a part of a sub-committee in the United Nations, and will be asked to come up with a plan that deals with an international issue. After researching their country and the issue, students will partake in a committee conference where they will be allowed to present their country’s position on the issue and a possible proposal for a resolution.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 15–19, 2024
    Registration fee: $35
    Tuition: $580 per session $30 multi-session registration discount available.
    In-person

Write On! Words Have Power! Writing for Social Justice

In Write on! Words Have Power!, students will explore the intersectionality between writing and activism. Students will broaden their idea of what is possible through inspirational readings, writers, guest speakers and activities. Together with the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s top-tier Creative Writing Program and a vibrant community of fellow high school writers, you'll learn how to integrate personal experiences and Social Justice into your work and find authentic expression to answer the following questions: What kinds of Power do words really have? How can each of us get involved in writing for Social Justice?
Upcoming Dates
  • July 21, 2024–Aug. 2, 2024
    Domestic tuition: $4,070
    Commuter tuition: $2,420
    International tuition: $4,450
    Application fee: $75 Early bird rates available between Nov. 28, 2023–Jan. 8, 2024
    In-person

Veterinary and Animal Science

Are you interested in Pre-Vet studies or animal sciences? Immerse yourself in the world of veterinary science. This class is for anyone interested in ethical and scientific questions about animals and our relationship with them! This course will help you to learn about topics such as animal nutrition, genetics, physiology and welfare of a variety of animal species. You will gain an appreciation for the complex relationship between animals and humans and how this may impact society. Through debate and discussion, classroom exercises, and wet labs, you will gain an appreciation for the complex relationships between humans, animals and the environment. In addition, you can explore the many career and education opportunities related to working with animals.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 21, 2024–Aug. 2, 2024
    Domestic tuition: $4,070
    Commuter tuition: $2,420
    International tuition: $4,450
    Application fee: $75 Early bird rates available between Nov. 28, 2023–Jan. 8, 2024
    In-person

Think STEM!

High school students will be taken on a journey of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) as they chart their own educational and career pathways to become the STEM superstars of the future. Students will investigate their own interests, values and skills, as well as explore the dynamic world of STEM careers and trends.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 21, 2024–Aug. 2, 2024
    Domestic tuition: $4,070
    Commuter tuition: $2,420
    International tuition: $4,450
    Application fee: $75 Early bird rates available between Nov. 28, 2023–Jan. 8, 2024
    In-person

Philosophy of Law

When you don't understand the rules, is the question about the rule itself, or why it exists in the first place? How do we know if they are fair, moral or just? Who decides that? This course will interrogate the law to the fullest extent. How did it come to be? Can morality and law be separate, or should they be closely linked? What is the logic behind legal reasoning? How do legal philosophers approach the issue of legal interpretation and judicial decision-making? Through research, discussion, and maybe even a little debate, analyze fundamental concepts of legal systems at play and negotiate the settlement of philosophy versus reality.
Upcoming Dates
  • July 21, 2024–Aug. 2, 2024
    Domestic tuition: $4,070
    Commuter tuition: $2,420
    International tuition: $4,450
    Application fee: $75 Early bird rates available between Nov. 28, 2023–Jan. 8, 2024
    In-person