July 24, 2025

The board-approved 12-month academic calendar has been uploaded to IMSA's website. Please refer to this comprehensive calendar for important dates, including breaks, grading periods, and key academic events throughout the year.

In Case You Missed It....

Passcode: J2hgEJ@D

Important Dates and Deadlines

Students and parents are encouraged to utilize our online student portal to navigate the orientation and registration process. Password: NSO2028

REMINDER: Submitting all required health and housing forms by August 1 will enter you in the July raffle!

Dr. Peter Dong

Science Faculty

Dr. Peter Dong’s educational journey began at Washington Elementary, Eastmont Intermediate, and Schurr High School in Montebello, California. Inspired by a series of exceptional teachers, he developed a deep appreciation for the impact of great educators, influencing his own career path. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in both physics and music from Harvard University, where he wrote, composed, and produced an original musical titled Les Phys for his senior thesis. He then completed his Ph.D. in physics at UCLA.

Dr. Dong joined IMSA’s science faculty in 2008 and has been a valued and influential member of the community ever since. He teaches courses in modern physics and computational science, mentors students in the Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program. Under his guidance, his research cohort presented their work at the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, CA last year, showcasing their advanced research skills fostered by Dr. Dong.

Students in the Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with professionals across a wide range of academic disciplines. Encouraged to explore topics they are truly passionate about, students work alongside IMSA staff to secure research placements or internships that align with their interests. These experiences culminate in IMSAloquium, a campus-wide research showcase where students present their findings to peers, mentors, and professionals. Many students choose to continue their research beyond IMSAloquium, often presenting at professional conferences, where they frequently stand out as the only high school participants contributing work at such an advanced level.

As stated above, last year, Dr. Dong's SIR students presented their research and poster projects at the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit, which is the largest gathering of physicists in the world.

Max Chen '25 presented a talk titled "Search for a Doubly Charged Higgs Decaying to Muons or Electrons at CMS."

Jayram Palamadai '25 shared his research on "Search for Dark Photons Decaying to Lepton Jets at CMS"

SIR students presented their projects to IMSA community members and mentors at IMSAloquium.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in the Summer Research and Experiential Learning Program (SRELO), which allows them to engage in hands-on research or professional experiences either at IMSA or at partner sites across the state. When they return from summer break, students showcase their work at the Summer Symposium, held immediately after the Convocation ceremony that marks the official start of the academic year.

Students in the SRELO cohort spent the summer at Western Illinois University studying topics in computer engineering, economics, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and organic chemistry.

At IMSA, almost every week features a special day dedicated to curiosity and connection called Inquiry Days, or I-Days for short. I Days typically fall on Wednesdays and break from the regular class schedule, giving students the freedom to dive into research, collaborate on projects, meet with teachers, or simply explore their interests.

As a sophomore, you won’t be enrolled in SIR or an internship just yet (that comes in junior or senior year), but I-Days are still a valuable part of your week. While it might feel like a day off, think of it as a chance to reset, recharge, and get ahead. Use this time wisely to catch up on assignments, attend extra help sessions, or team up with classmates to tackle a group project. You’ll thank yourself later!

July Brain Teaser

Consider the 4 by 4 grid shown. How many rectangles (in total) can be drawn on this grid if each vertex must be on a dot in the grid?

Email your answer to admissions@imsa.edu. Please also include your first and last name in the submission.

Where will your IMSA Odyssey take you?

Notice of Nondiscrimination: IMSA prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator.