Succeed
    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program
    In-person Program

    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program

    by Appleby College Summer Academy

    Appleby’s logic-focused summer course builds analytical thinking through puzzles, riddles, and structured problem-solving strategies.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

    Get the full picture before you decide

    See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    High English proficiency

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 12-17

    Location / Region

    Appleby College, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

    Cost

    $625 + HST per week

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    MathematicsComputer ScienceSocial Sciences
    Class size: Maximum 15 students
    Meals: Daily lunch included
    Certificate / Outcome: Attendance-based enrichment certificate
    Daily schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
    Junior campus experience: 1.5 hours daily active learning
    Senior classroom time: 5.5 hours per day

    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program summary

    Appleby’s Critical Thinking course turns logic puzzles and riddles into practice in analytical reasoning. Students learn how to break complex challenges into manageable steps.

    Junior and Senior versions offer different levels of challenge. The emphasis is on building reusable thinking strategies rather than simply finding puzzle answers.

    What is Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    The Critical Thinking Enrichment Program is Appleby College’s summer course in logical reasoning and structured problem-solving. Students work through puzzles, riddles, and analytical challenges in small, in-person classes.

    The Junior version develops foundational inquiry skills with connections to Mathematics and Social Studies. The Senior version introduces more advanced logic challenges and analytical strategies linked to Computer Science and Advanced Mathematics.

    Why Succeed highlights Critical Thinking Enrichment Program

    • Structured problem-solving strategies give students a practical way to approach unfamiliar academic questions.

    • Separate Junior and Senior versions provide a clearer match between challenge level and classroom experience.

    • A maximum class size of 15 supports a manageable group-learning environment.

    • Junior active learning offers a useful balance alongside an academically focused course.

    Who is Critical Thinking Enrichment Program for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy puzzles and want a more systematic approach to reasoning through difficult questions.

    Not ideal if

    You want a mainly recreational camp or swimming during the program day; the course is academically focused.

    Is Critical Thinking Enrichment Program worth it?

    This course is worth considering if your main goal is to improve how you approach unfamiliar problems. Its structured strategies and varied logic challenges give students a concrete focus for practice.

    The value depends on enjoying sustained academic work and continuing to use the strategies afterward. Treat the attendance-based certificate as a record of participation, while judging the experience primarily by the reasoning skills you develop.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $625 + HST per week; includes One week of enrichment classes., Daily lunch..

    Meals

    Daily lunch included

    Supervision or safety information

    Families can pre-register for weekly Before & After Care, extending supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students without this service go to class and leave independently.

    Provider details

    Review the Appleby College Summer Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Appleby College, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Critical Thinking Enrichment Program need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to demanding, depending on the age track.

    Best started

    Begin planning a few weeks before your selected session, allowing extra time for an English assessment if needed.

    Main challenge

    Persisting with unfamiliar logic problems when the solution is not immediately clear.

    Typical preparation

    • Practice a few logic puzzles and write down the steps behind each solution.

    • Prepare your laptop or tablet, reusable water bottle, and suitable footwear.

    • Arrange daily travel and decide whether to pre-register for Before & After Care.

    Useful if

    You want reasoning strategies that transfer to schoolwork.

    What do students do on Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    You work through logic problems, puzzles, and riddles while learning structured ways to analyze them. The Senior course extends these strategies to abstract questions, real-world scenarios, and advanced academic work.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Analyze a logic challenge and identify the information needed to solve it.

    2. 2

      Break the problem into smaller steps using structured strategies.

    3. 3

      Try different approaches and work toward an effective solution.

    4. 4

      Apply the strategies to increasingly complex questions.

    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Critical Thinking Jr. — June shortened week

    29 June-3 July 2026

    Four program days; no classes on 1 July.

    Reference date

    Critical Thinking Sr. — July 6-10

    6-10 July 2026

    Senior course.

    Reference date

    Critical Thinking Jr. — July 13-17

    13-17 July 2026

    Junior course.

    Reference date

    Critical Thinking Jr. — July 27-31

    27-31 July 2026

    Junior course.

    Reference date

    Registration opens

    8 December 2026

    2027 day-program portal: 7:00 a.m.; the enrichment page instead lists 9 December.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Junior: ages 12-14, accommodating grades 6-8.

    • Senior: ages 15-17, accommodating grades 9-11.

    • High English language proficiency is required.

    • Native and non-native English speakers are welcome.

    • English language learners self-identify and complete an online assessment before acceptance.

    How much does Critical Thinking Enrichment Program cost?

    Program fee

    $488; $610 — 2026 reference fees in CAD; 13% HST additional.

    Funding or discounts

    • Non-refundable deposit: $100 per week — Retained from the registration fee when canceling under the 2027 day-program policy.

    What's included

    One week of enrichment classes., Daily lunch.

    How to apply to Critical Thinking Enrichment Program

    1. 1

      Create an account or sign in to Appleby’s summer-program registration portal.

    2. 2

      Choose the appropriate Junior or Senior Critical Thinking course session.

    3. 3

      Provide accurate participant, language, medical, and support information.

    4. 4

      If you are an English language learner, self-identify and complete the required online language assessment before acceptance.

    5. 5

      Use the registration and welcome emails to prepare for arrival and locate your classroom.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does Critical Thinking Enrichment Program cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Logic challenges

    Practice analytical reasoning through logic problems, puzzles, and riddles.

    Structured problem-solving

    Learn step-by-step strategies for breaking complex challenges into manageable parts.

    Advanced analytical reasoning

    Senior students apply problem-solving strategies to abstract questions and real-world scenarios.

    Academic connections

    Connect reasoning to Mathematics and Social Studies in Junior, and Computer Science and Advanced Mathematics in Senior.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    A typical day during the program.

    Program day

    9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., excluding public holidays.

    Junior structure

    1.5 hours classroom, break, 1.5 hours active learning, lunch, then 2.5 hours classroom.

    Senior structure

    1.5 hours classroom, break, 1.5 hours classroom, lunch, then 2.5 hours classroom.

    Optional extended care

    Pre-registered supervision extends from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with activities and snacks.

    Who teaches on Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    Appleby describes its enrichment classes as led by passionate instructors in a supportive group-learning environment. Classroom discussions and group activities form part of both age tracks.

    Enrichment sessions have a maximum of 15 students.

    Where do students stay on Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    Non-residential plan

    • Dining hall lunch: A daily lunch is included in the course fee.
    • Junior active learning: Junior students have 1.5 hours of daily active learning, using indoor spaces during rain.
    • Optional extended care: Families can pre-register for weekly Before & After Care with activities and snacks.

    Without Before & After Care, students go to class and depart independently; they must leave campus before 4:00 p.m.

    What happens after Critical Thinking Enrichment Program?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use structured reasoning strategies in school subjects.

    Build confidence approaching abstract and real-world problems.

    Explore connections to Mathematics and Computer Science.

    Earn an enrichment certificate by attending every program day.

    Course content repeats across weekly sessions, so Appleby recommends choosing different courses rather than repeating the same one.

    Where does Critical Thinking Enrichment Program take place?

    The course takes place on the Appleby College campus at 540 Lakeshore Road West in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Registered families receive a welcome email with directions and classroom details one week before their session.

    Appleby does not provide travel documentation for international day participants or accompanying family members.

    Critical Thinking Enrichment Program FAQs

    Students practice critical thinking and analytical reasoning through logic problems, puzzles, and riddles. They learn structured strategies for breaking complex challenges into manageable steps.

    Junior courses combine four hours of classroom learning with 1.5 hours of active learning each day. Senior courses provide 5.5 hours of classroom instruction and use more advanced logic challenges.

    Appleby sets a maximum of 15 students per enrichment session.

    Yes. A daily lunch is included in the course fee and served in the dining hall.

    Students should bring a personal laptop or tablet and a reusable water bottle. Junior participants should also wear comfortable athletic shoes. Cell phones cannot replace a laptop or tablet for classroom work.

    Yes, but high English proficiency is required. English language learners must identify themselves when applying and complete an online language assessment before acceptance.

    Enrichment participants must attend every program day to earn a certificate. Families should notify the Academy office in advance of an absence, or as soon as possible if a student is ill.

    Families can pre-register for weekly Before & After Care, extending supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students without this service go to class and leave independently.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking Enrichment Program

    Compare these related options if you want philosophical reasoning, public speaking, or a broader academic summer experience.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking Enrichment Program

    TED Summer School

    An in-person summer school with debating coverage

    Debating
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £5995
    15-18
    London
    In-person

    Best for

    Students interested in presenting ideas

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Login | Appleby Summer International Priority
    • Login | Appleby College Summer Programs
    • Strengthen Academic and Leadership Skills with Appleby’s Summer Enrichment Camp
    • Appleby College Camps & Academies Code of Conduct
    • Appleby Camps & Academies Refund Policy
    • 2027 pROGRAM details coming soon
    • Book A Tour
    • Apply Now
    • How To Apply
    • 2026-27 Registration
    • Enhance Academic Skills with Appleby’s Summer Enrichment Courses | Programs in Leadership, Communication, and Critical Thinking

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course descriptions reviewed

    • Age tracks verified

    • Daily schedules reviewed

    • Lunch inclusion verified

    • Certificate conditions reviewed

    • Registration-date discrepancy identified

    • Refund policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.