Teachers develop curriculum, prepare and teach academic classes and electives, manage program administration, student advising, special events and enrichment activities. Summerbridge faculty are strong role models and mentors and many come from similar backgrounds as their students. Summerbridge is a volunteer program and teaching faculty receive a small stipend to cover living expenses during the summer. Class sizes are small, with 6 to 8 students per class. The work is demanding, skill based, and designed to prepare students for academically challenging middle schools and high schools.
All students complete two to three hours of homework each night to reinforce study skills.
Students also participate in field trips, workshops and after school activities that stress leadership, cooperation and community service. Creativity, leadership, and positive risk-taking are emphasized both in and out of the classroom. The program seeks to nurture a love of learning and encourages responsibility in both staff and students. Community service through service learning projects stresses the value of volunteer service. The program is housed at and receives in-kind services from Ransom Everglades, an independant school.