Year-Round Programs

The Discovery Academy is more than a summer camp program. We aim to promote career exploration, critical thinking, and creativity through on-campus programming that centers on the Franciscan values of learning, leadership, and service. The Discovery Academy year-round programs offer continued experiential access to the faculty and resources of the University of Saint Francis.

Our year-round programs help to foster new interests and deepen passions, all while nourishing the soul. Participants will build connections and friendships, develop and hone their skills, and have a ton of low-stakes fun in the process.

College of Arts, Science, and Business

Creative Arts

September 28, 2024 – November 23, 2024
K – 8th grade
Registration open now.

February 15 – April 12th 
K-12th grade
Registration Opens Spring 2025


Saturday, October 12, 2024 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
All Ages
Join us for a free, family-friendly event at Saint Francis! Discover booths hosted by international students, enjoy live music, and take part in art activities. Stay afterward to cheer on the Saint Francis soccer team at 7 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

Friday, October 25, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
9th – 12th grade
The Brookside Mansion has become the scene of a crime, and we need your help finding the culprit! Everyone is a suspect. You will be asked to put your detective skills to work before the criminal strikes again.

Spring Visual Art High School Workshop Day has concluded.
Friday, February 16 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$15 per student | FREE for Teachers

Students may choose from the following list of workshops:

  • Drawing
  • Ceramics
  • Photography Is Magic
  • Illustration
  • Make Your Own Sketchbook
  • 2D Animation
  • Game Design
  • Develop Professional Social Media Skills

Teachers will attend the Post-Modern Pots workshop.

Spring Music Technology High School Workshop Day has concluded.
Friday, February 16
| 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$15 per student | FREE for Teachers

Student Workshop: Students will learn about studio production and audio post-production. In a Studio Production Experience, students will write, record, and mix a song. In our Audio Post Production Experience, students will record dialogue and create sound FX, and other foley sounds for film/TV/video games.

Teacher Workshop: High school music educators are invited to learn about how to integrate music technology into their own classes and curriculum. Participants help to guide the workshop as we cover a wide range of topics and answer questions.


USF City Strings Academy

USF City Strings Academy Beginning Level has concluded.
Jan 8 – May 13: Appointment-Based
$32 for 30 min

Lessons are 30 minutes in length, but young beginners may start at shorter intervals and gradually increase to 30 minutes to build strength.

USF City Strings Academy Intermediate/Advanced has concluded.
Jan 8 – May 13: Appointment-Based
Intermediate – $47 for 45 min
Advanced – $69 for 60 min

Intermediate students are expected to take classes at 45 min intervals and advanced students at 60 min intervals. Students start with private instruction and participate in group classes as skill is assessed.

USF City Strings Academy Ensemble Classes have concluded.
Monday nights 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Beginning – $5 per class
Advanced – $8 per class

There is a beginning and an advanced ensemble. You do not have to be signed up for private lessons to attend the weekly ensemble classes.


Humanities, Social Science, and Business Programs

Business Symposium has concluded.
Week of March 25
Students will meet current USF students, explore business programs, connect with program directors, participate in a design sprint, and receive a design print certificate. Students will receive a free t-shirt and lunch.

Coming Again in October
Students will participate in a whodunit at Brookside Mansion, which has become the scene of a crime. Everybody is a suspect. Students will participate in breakout sessions, including a crime scene analysis, exploring technology in forensic science, and discussing eyewitnesses.

Ready to Discover?

Connect with USF Faculty, develop a skill set, and find new interests — all with new friends in a safe and caring environment.

Have questions?

Request more information now.