You may dissect a pig in freshman biology, but do you want to dive deeper into the world of anatomy?  Come back to The Hill this summer and work on your dissection skills in Comparative Anatomy.  Students will explore the structure and function of major organ systems found throughout the animal kingdom including squid, shark, eyes, brains, kidneys, hearts and a full cat dissection.  This class will focus on hands-on explorations and guided dissections in the lab, while maintaining respect for biological specimens.  All the fun of a science class without the tests!

This class is being taught by Jennifer Perry, a high school science teacher at Harpeth Hall and the mother of an MBA student. 

This year's key set: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (released on March 6th)

This course is typically the largest class of the summer and the longest - and we fill it up each because of it's continued popularity over more than a decade here at MBA during the summers. It also helps that students leave with a lot of Magic the Gathering cards! Or it could be that it is, by far, the most popular collectible card game in the world for well over 30 years.

This class is for rank beginners and thoroughly experienced players (it's about 40/60 from the second time we did this and beyond) as each group will have their own section to learn and play this fantastic game. In fact, we have our own section for newbies who are ramped up quickly to join the pack. 

You might find that some requirements for the Collection Merit Badge (YES!) can be met by this class or even some of the requirments for the Game Design Merit Badge. If you have designs on obtaining this merit badge then work with Mr. Barry or Dr. Lech WELL BEFORE the class takes place to see how many requirements you can meet! 

Note: Please sign up for only one session of this class (there are now two). If the seats are filled by the beginning of May, feel to take another seat in the other class.

This class proved to be a hit in its first year, so we are bringing back with an extra session. The goal remains to obtain a better understanding and a deeper engagement with the world around us.  In a series of lunches, we will learn interviewing concepts, grow in cultural sensitivity, and identify common characteristics over the most natural human social practice; breaking bread together.  With people from different parts of the world, we will appreciate a slice of their story on their terms and with their favorite foods right here in Nashville.

The students will meet in at the pick up circle located off of Wilson Blvd. Mr. Lawrence will write the students (and parents) about the precise itinerary, and if there's any required reading to accompany the trip. 

Preliminary & essential notes: 

A) There are three sections, please only sign up for ONE. Much of the material repeats, and there's a deluge of students who want to take this class every summer. 

B) The class dates may change based on the Crew team's schedule in July. We'll know well before then, and I'll write if there are any changes. If you do not here from Dr. Lech or Mr. Viger then the dates and times are the same. 

C) There is a third, a compact session in June to accomodate the growing popularity of Mr. Viger's classes. 

Want to understand the basics when it comes to what's going on under your hood? You are not alone. This 4-day class always runs one of the longest waitlist we have. That's because Mr. Viger is one of the best mechanics in Nashville. He will show you how to jump car battery, make oil and air filter changes, conduct a brake job, and even how to diagnose check-engine lights. All students will leave with their own fully-loaded emergency roadside kit!

We know that many of you are Boy Scouts with your eye on getting to Eagle. This summer class is a linkage with the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge, obviously.  If you have designs on obtaining this merit badge then work with Mr. Viger WELL BEFORE the class takes place to see how many requirements you can meet! 

Picture: Last's year's Empanadas Day - time to enjoy the fruits of their labor!

Another year for this scrumptious class, and we are expanding it by another day so to meet the students' request to learn how to create some Columbian deserts. MBA boys are all about healthy choices! 

Arepas, pandebono con chocolate, arroz con pollo, and classic Colombian-style empanadas are all specialites of Ms. Victoria. Come learn how to make four of these classic Colombian entrees and that new desert during these five days in June. This course will include accessible, easy-to-follow recipes and an introduction to some basic food vocabulary in Spanish.

NOTE: This is a class for rising sophmores, juniors and seniors. Playing an instrument is not a prequisite. Only curiousity is.

Explore the fascinating connection between physics and music in this interactive week-long Wilson Summer Class, This course delves into the science behind how music is produced, transmitted, and received. Through a combination of discussions, demos, and hands-on activities, you’ll discover how the principles of physics bring music to life.

This course puts students into MBA's real working pottery studio led by Ms. Flanagan, an accomplished ceramic artist herself.

Beginners learn the fundamentals: hand-building, glazing, firing, and understanding clay as the medium it is, and has been for thousands of years. As students grow, the training ramps up fast.

Intermediate and advanced artists tackle complex forms and larger-scale work leading to portfolio-ready pieces that don’t just survive the kiln—they stand out. These students will have the opportunity to use the wheel if they have already learned the basics.

Whether a student has never touched a wheel or they’re already producing gallery-caliber work, the class meets them where they are and pushes them further. By the end, every student walks away with stronger technique, real creative confidence, and a body of work that proves it.

(This is one of the largest classes we host all summer, and it's a CLEAR favorite of the students who are vocal veterans and those looking to become one!)

Singing has affected all of us at one point because it's one of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience! Singers at MBA learn to use their voices, stand tall and share with confidence. If you ever wanted to improve your singing and learn to work better with others in an ensemble then MBA A Cappella Camp is for you!

Singers in the MBA A Cappella Camp will:

*Learn the basics of a cappella singing

*Develop fundamental musical skills

*Learn how to perform with others

*Learn and perform pop, rock and classical songs

*Enjoy a great week of music making with friends

Lastly, You might find that many requirements of the Music Merit Badge  can be met by this class. If you have designs on obtaining this merit badge then work with Mr. Smyth WELL BEFORE the class takes place to see how many requirements you can meet!