MT LAUREL – Summer means fun for children, but at Hilltop Montessori School, the fun comes along with learning.

The school is offering the Summer Institute of Advanced Studies for children from 18 months through eighth grade.

“The kids just absolutely love it,” said Melanie Morrison, assistant to the head of school. “They’ve been having a really good time.”

One-week sessions are split into toddler, preschool and elementary classes. They began June 11 and will continue with sessions scheduled for July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 23-27.

Each camp delves into advanced topics such as biology, ecology, astronomy, cryptology, speleology, zoology and more, and they are geared to each child’s learning ability.

The classes, which last from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, are led by Hilltop Montessori educators, but the camps are not exclusive to Hilltop students. The only requirement is immunization records for non-Hilltop students.

The maximum number of students accepted for classes is 10 for toddler classes and 24 for preschool classes.

Participation costs $225 a week for preschool and elementary students, and $280 a week for toddlers.

Those interested in registration should visit the school’s Facebook page (@hilltopmontessorischool) to get a feel for the camps, and call the school at 437-9343.

Also, a brochure and application can be found at the school’s website, HilltopMontessori.com, under “Academics” and “The Montessori Summer Experience.”

As part of the Institute of Advanced Studies, campers will participate in the traditional Montessori classroom, “where various learning styles are accommodated and celebrated,” according to the school’s website.