Set on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, enjoy the wide sandy shoreline and calm waters. Go swimming, relax while getting a tan, play beach games, launch a kayak and explore the bay. With views of the Bay Bridge in the background, Sandy Point is a perfect getaway for a classic beach day.
ACA @
Washington, D.C.
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA @ Washington, D.C!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities! Set in the heart of Washington, D.C., this is the perfect location to discover new passions, make lasting friendships, and get a taste of college life. We’re bringing you an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, exploration, and fun.
Explore D.C.’s famous landmarks, shop ’til you drop on M Street, and dive into exciting electives—all while making new friends from all over the world! Whether you’re into sports, business, art, leadership, or exploring the city, there’s something for everyone. And of course, you’ll have plenty of time to make memories, laugh with new friends, and enjoy the amazing city around you. Discover the vibrant world of college life – all in the heart of Washington, D.C.
- 2 Enrichment Electives Daily
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities Daily
- Weekend Adventures to Six Flags, DC, & Annapolis Are Always Included!
- Iconic College Town
- Upscale Residence Halls complete with A/C
- 8:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Local Private Transportation for ACA Students and Staff Only
2026 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Elective 1 -
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Elective 2 -
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch -
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Chill -
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dinner -
8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
11:00 pm - 12:00 am
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Classes run Monday through Friday.
Safety
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a eight-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation. Parents will be reassured to know that Georgetown is a friendly college town.
Travel to Washington, D.C.*
We recommend that students travel with ACA, via deluxe motorcoach, fully chaperoned for the beautiful drive from the Tri-State NY area. Our program will offer various pickup points making it convenient and easy for families.
For students outside of the Tri-State area, we recommend that students fly nonstop to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). We will have designated times that you should fly into DCA where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to Georgetown’s campus.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to Georgetown directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
Students will return home from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
ACA Electives
ACA’s signature Washington, D.C. program offers the kind of personal enrichment electives that build confidence for college while also giving you the chance to grow academically and intellectually.
The ACA experience gives you a welcome preview of college life, and still delivers plenty of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and pursue your interests. Pursue a new passion, explore your inner creativity, practice a sport. Do it all in an amazing summer setting, surrounded by new friends and without the pressure of grades!
The academic portion of ACA’s Washington, D.C. program consists of college-style courses.
ACA classes are graded on a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” basis, and all students receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement” upon successful completion of each course.
Classes are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished members of the university faculty, graduate students, secondary school instructors or DC-area professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class.
ACA fills courses on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend enrolling in the program early to better ensure the availability of your desired courses.
Elective Options:
You will be able to choose two of the following options for your stay:
Elective 1 Selection (9:30am - 11:00am):
From sports stars selling SUVs to pop singers selling soda, advertising and marketing is a huge part of our culture. Sure, it is essential to business, but it also reflects our society. How do advertisers and marketers determine the best way to influence consumers? What campaigns are the most effective? What new trends is technology creating? If you’re planning on influencing others through advertising, public relations or marketing, understanding these concepts will be essential. Get a head start!
An introduction to the fields of mass communication and group and interpersonal communication. Everyone knows that we live in a fast-paced, information-dependent culture – and we need skilled, entertaining personalities to provide us with what we need to know. Whether it’s serious news served up CNN style or a lighthearted late-night talk show, anchors, hosts and reporters have worked hard to ask compelling questions and create engaging interview styles and stories. You’ll study classic ways to cover a story, interview a celebrity and interact with an audience. In addition we will focus on media including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film and advertising. Stick with it and you could become one of the trusted faces we see on TV every night or the one who goes behind the scenes to get the next big scoop!
These days everything — and everyone — is online. This course explains how social media has not only revolutionized the social fabric, but also how to create a one-of-a-kind social media experience. Explore how individuals and companies use social media to increase their fame, following and value. Examine the business plans of the major social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Tik Tok. This class will also explore how individuals and companies build successful brands across various platforms and the big question – what makes a post go viral?
Photography has evolved more dramatically than any other art form, and digital technology has revolutionized how we take pictures. This hands-on course will introduce you to both the basics of taking great digital pictures and advanced tricks for making them even more creative and compelling. You’ll learn how to crop images, adjust color and contrast, and save your work as a great keepsake of your ACA experience! Whether you hope to shoot fashion models and rock stars, capture images of rare animals in the wild or just want to take good vacation photos, this course is picture perfect! Please note: Some studio time outside of regular class is required, and students must supply their own DSLR cameras or camera phones.
The mind is a limitless frontier. What do we know about its inner workings? You will get insight into what makes people tick in this popular introductory course. You’ll study personality and psychological development, attitudes, cognition and intelligence. And you will learn a bit about how you think and feel yourself.
Looking to be accepted at your dream school and then survive there? This class gives you intensive work on the college entrance application and tips to survive freshman year while keeping your sanity. This course focuses on writing effective admissions essays, getting noticed during interviews, mastering study success in a college environment, library research and winning test strategies. Teachers will keep you on your toes as you navigate this comprehensive course.
Mock Trial: Order in the Court is an exciting, hands-on course that introduces students to the world of law, courtroom procedures, and legal arguments. Through immersive role-playing, ACA students will take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors, working together to prepare and present a mock trial. Students will learn how to build a case, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver persuasive and powerful arguments in a courtroom setting.
The course focuses on developing critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills while providing a deeper understanding of the justice system. Students will gain practical experience in legal research, persuasive communication, and the ethics of law, all while engaging in a fun and competitive environment.
Perfect for students interested in law, debate, or leadership, this course will prepare students to think critically and speak with conviction—skills that are valuable for any future endeavor.
World of Current Politics is a dynamic course that introduces ACA students to the key political issues shaping the world today. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and analysis of global events, students will gain a deeper understanding of how politics, government policies, and international relations impact societies and individuals globally..
Students will explore topics such as democracy, human rights, climate policy, global conflicts, and economic inequality, while learning to critically assess news sources and understand different political ideologies.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in informed political debates, make thoughtful decisions, and actively participate in the political processes that shape their futures.
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” ACA’s Service Learning course embodies this Albert Einstein quote providing, rewarding opportunities to spend time helping to make Maryland an even better place for its citizens and visitors. Our goal is to encourage our students to realize the power they have to grow as individuals while contributing to an environment of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Earn up to 45 hours of community service! Upon completion, every participant receives a certificate highlighting the total number of hours volunteered and projects completed.
Past ACA Service Partners & Projects Include:
- Food Pantry
- River Clean Ups
- Gardening
- Habitat for Humanity
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Support Our Troops
Elective 2 Selection (11:15am - 12:45pm):
Successful CSI requires hands-on training and a step-by-step process in the discovery, preservation, and collection of physical evidence. In this course, you will examine the techniques CSI’s collect and preserve evidence from delicate crime scenes. Learn about crime scene management; diagramming and sketching; photography; fingerprint, bloodstain pattern analysis. The instructor will create a mock crime scene and you will collect and interpret the evidence. Prepare to experience what you see on CSI!
Ready to showcase your entrepreneurial skills on Shark Tank? Launching your own company isn’t for everyone. Only the most daring, determined types need apply, but if you have what it takes, you’ll be in the same league as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or Google guys Larry Page and Sergey Brin. If you’re ready to develop your own startup, this course could be your first step on the road to success! You’ll create a business plan, hoping to cash in on your innovation and creativity. Research your market, work up a template to put your plan into action, and let your inner entrepreneur take command.
You and your peers are divided into groups each holding a different role representing your tech start up from the CEO to CFO, COO to customer service and consumers. Each team is responsible for designing a new product, taking into account its user-friendly features and breakthrough potential. Teams are required to develop marketing strategies including doing research about competitive products, determining the sale price and advertising campaigns along with the profitability of your products. This program will help you think like an innovator, test your ability to work with a team, and push you to develop your leadership capabilities.
Are you afraid of studying in the United States because you don’t trust your English skills? This course will improve your English skills as a certified teacher helps you along. Semi-private classes are designed to help you, no matter what your level of English proficiency. This course will help you develop skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication.
Grammar
- Past Perfect Review
- Introduction to Simple Future and Formation
- Time/Adverb Clauses in Future Sentences
- Future Progressive Formation
- Review Future Progressive, Present Progressive, Simple Future
Communication Skills
- Review of Travel Vocabulary and Idioms
- Review of Holidays; Discuss/Learn About New Places to Visit
- Introduction of Debate Vocabulary and Debate Preparation
- Speaking About Favorite holidays
- Travel Practice Activity
- Create Travel Itineraries and Present as a Tour Guide
- Debate – “Is Travel Tourism Good or Bad”
- Group Work for Presentations
ACA’s Global Leadership elective is an interactive, dynamic course designed to help young individuals develop the essential skills and mindset to become effective, confident leaders. Through a combination of discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will explore key leadership concepts such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
ACA students will engage in activities that challenge them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and lead with empathy and integrity. The forum will also delve into the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience in leadership roles. By the completion of the program, students will have developed a personalized leadership style and the confidence to take on leadership opportunities in school, extracurricular activities, communities and beyond.
For you, being a writer means more than putting pen to paper. It means refining your skills for creative storytelling, true-to-life narratives, fact-based essays, and even journalistic reports. This course will cover your bases while it teaches character development and smart dialogue plus the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation. Whether you’re about to start a best-selling novel or hoping to ace your next big report, this is the “write” course for you!
College Sports Marketing is a hands-on course designed to introduce ACA students to the exciting world of sports marketing at the collegiate level. Through real-world case studies, group projects, and interactive seminars, students will explore how universities build their athletic brands, promote teams, engage fans, and navigate sponsorships and media partnerships.
Students will learn key marketing strategies, digital media tools, and event promotion techniques used by college sports programs to boost visibility and drive fan engagement. They’ll also explore the business side of college athletics, including fundraising, licensing, and creating partnerships with local and national companies.
By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in sports marketing and a practical understanding of how to build and promote sports brands, making them well-equipped for future careers in sports management, marketing, and communications.
ACA’s Debate & Public Speaking elective is an engaging seminar-style course designed to help students build confidence and master the art of persuasive communication. Through structured debates, speech practice, and interactive exercises, students will develop the skills to speak clearly, argue effectively, and present their ideas with impact and conviction.
ACA students will learn key debate strategies, speechwriting techniques, and how to engage an audience, all while refining their critical thinking, listening, and teamwork abilities. Whether preparing for a debate competition or delivering a speech in front of a crowd, this course equips students with the tools they need to communicate persuasively and confidently.
Elective 1 & 2 Selection (9:30am - 12:45pm):
Outdoor Adventures in DC for ACA students is an action-packed course that combines adventure, exploration, and environmental education in the heart of Washington, DC. Set against the scenic backdrop of Georgetown’s historic waterfront, parks, and nearby trails, this course offers students the chance to engage in exciting outdoor activities while developing leadership, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Through a mix of kayaking along the Potomac River, urban hiking, cycling, and team-building challenges, ACA students will build confidence, improve their physical fitness, and gain practical outdoor skills. Along the way, students will learn about the local ecosystem, sustainable practices, and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper connection to our natural world in an urban setting.
* A supplemental supply or lab fee will apply.
Campus Life
Washington, D.C. is known for its stunning blend of historic architecture, vibrant campus life, and picturesque location overlooking the Potomac River. With ACA, you stay in style, enjoying the finest residence accommodations of any pre-college summer program. ACA’s residence hall features deluxe rooms complete with wifi, linen service and, of course, air conditioning! You’ll also like the state-of-the- art workout facility. Plus, their lounge areas and study rooms make it easy and fun to hang out with friends. And rest easy, because the front-desk staff and ACA office is on-site to ensure your safety 24 hours a day.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Around Town & Beyond
- Shop on M Street, home to upscale boutiques, trendy shops, and designer stores. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky independent stores.
- Stroll along the Potomac River, enjoy the scenic views, or kayak or paddle board at the Georgetown Waterfront
- You can’t beat the trendy upscale shopping in Friendship Heights
- End the night with warm, delicious cookies from Insomnia Cookies
- Play a game of Ultimate Frisbee or relax in the sun at Georgetown’s quad
- The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is the perfect activity for science-lovers
- Take a commanding view of our national monuments from the feet of Abe Lincoln
- Try your hand at espionage as you investigate the high-tech surveillance gadgets at the Spy Museum
- Trendy stores, cupcake bakeries and everything in between is at your fingertips in Georgetown’s shopping district
- Dive for the goal line in a game of touch football on the National Mall
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
Staying in Shape
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities including the fitness center, weight rooms, running tracks, basketball courts, outdoor playing fields, and more.
If you’d prefer some fresh air, the campus is surrounded by scenic running and cycling paths. Outdoor tennis courts, volleyball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. Just make sure to pack your workout gear!
Weekend Adventures
Complete your experience with exciting weekend adventures with ACA!
July 4 & 5 Weekend:
DC
Old Town Alexandria– Founded in 1749 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Alexandria still preserves plenty of colonial spirit, thanks to its 18th- and 19th-century architecture. King Street is famous for great restaurants and plenty of shopping.
Lincoln Memorial -Take a commanding view of our national monuments, and reflection pool from the feet of Abe Lincoln.
Spy Museum– One of D.C.’s favorite new museums, you’ll be amazed at the history behind our earliest forms of espionage as well as today’s high-tech surveillance gadgets.
National Air and Space Museum– The world’s most visited museum, it features amazing historic airplanes and spacecraft. Those aren’t models hanging from the ceiling!
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum– One of the world’s most powerful museums, it provides a vivid, often disturbing memorial to history’s most unforgettable tragedy.
July 11 & 12 Weekend:
Six flags America
Featuring thrilling rollercoasters, shows, and attractions. Brave Firebird, get a speed rush on Superman: Ride of Steel, and so much more! Six Flags has dozens of thrills to test your limit.
Sandy Point State Park BEACH
Annapolis
Explore the historic streets along the Chesapeake Bay, wander the scenic trails at Quiet Waters Park, and dive into local maritime history at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Downtown, the waterfront buzzes with energy, offering unique shops, fresh seafood, and lively summer festivals.
Weekend Adventures are weather and schedule permitting.
Program Specifics
Program start: Fly to Washington, DC
We recommend that students travel with ACA, via deluxe motorcoach, fully chaperoned for the beautiful drive from the Tri-State NY area. Our program will offer various pickup points making it convenient and easy for families.
For students outside of the Tri-State area, we recommend that students fly nonstop to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). We will have designated times that you should fly into DCA where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to Georgetown’s campus.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly.
Please contact the ACA office for further information on any of these travel options.
Return Home from Washington, DC (On the 2 & 3 Week Programs)
Students will return home on July 17 via deluxe motor coach to the Tri-State area or fly home from DCA. We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and select dinners at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
With many options each day, we are able to accommodate most special dietary requests along with picky eaters. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you prior to program departure.
Roommates & Accommodations
Your home in Washington, DC is on-campus in residence halls featuring en suite bathrooms. There are two students to a room and four or six students to a suite. All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire. Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.
Laundry
Each week, you will have the option to do self-service laundry at the residence hall or to utilize our laundry service.
What's Included
Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program.
We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
We allow students to bring their cell phones. Please contact your cell carrier to set up an international plan which will enable calling and data plans when not on WiFi. The use of cellphones and other messaging devices are not allowed during classes.
Students will choose their electives as part of their pre-program kit in the spring.
ACA students are always within minutes of world-class medical services should an emergency occur. In the case of any accident or illness, ACA staff members accompany students to appropriate medical facilities and immediately notify parents or guardians. For non-emergencies, local doctors make house-calls to the hotels we stay at. The program director has each student’s medical history on file. We will contact parents when a doctor’s visit is necessary. Staff collect all prescription medication and will administer it to the students as prescribed.
All of our directors and counselors are at least 21 years of age. Having worked extensively with high school and middle school students in the past, they genuinely look forward to their summers with ACA. All staff go through in-depth training on ACA’s philosophy, policies, safety protocols, and procedures.
Each member of our team works tirelessly throughout the program, serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all of our students. We work hard to create a warm, supportive family atmosphere, one in which ACA students are treated as young adults whose opinions and concerns truly matter.
Highlights
Photos
TestimonialS
What Alumni are Saying
"I had an awesome time on the program. The counselors were unbelievable, and the activities were amazing. The dorms were like hotel rooms. I met so many new people and had an excellent time. I couldn't have asked for a better summer!"
Ethan U.
New York
"The program far exceeded our son's expectations. He made wonderful friends, experienced living on a college campus, and had the time of his life. He can't wait to join ACA again next summer! Thank you!”
Beth and Richard S.
New York
"The best summer of my life was hands down ACA! I made friends of a lifetime and learned more than I could of imagined. I am not worried about my transition to college one bit, and I have ACA to thank for that.”
Alex G.
Florida
The most Personalized program
LEt's start
your Summer!
your Summer!
