The Ultimate ACA Summer Combo
Super Cool Madison and
Ultra Chill Malibu!
We did it! ACA combined two of its most popular programs to create one spectacular summer! You get three weeks in the quintessential college town of Madison, Wisconsin, followed by two weeks at the picturesque oceanside campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California!
Two Amazing Schools
Madison is not only the capital of Wisconsin, it's where the University of Wisconsin reigns supreme! Malibu is home to the world-renowned Pepperdine University, a top-tier school in business, communications and the arts.
You get a great Midwest college town at the peak of its summer best and an oceanside paradise that defines Southern California style.
On the shores of Lake Mendota, Madison is a cosmopolitan state capital and renowned college town. It has the excitement of a large city, but on an intimate, user-friendly level. Madison is the perfect place for anyone looking for an active summer.
Malibu is famous for its warm sandy beaches, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! Dynamic, culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful, Malibu combines the finest the California coast has to offer.
Awesome Accommodations
In Madison, you’ll stay at ACA’s newly renovated residence, The Statesider. It features deluxe suites, complete with refrigerators, microwaves, Ethernet connections, weekly housekeeping, linen service and of course – air conditioning! You’ll also like the computer center and state-of-the-art workout facility, complete with plasma-screen televisions. At the end of the day, relax in fully furnished lounges. Catch your favorite program on cable TV, play some Xbox, or watch a DVD. And rest easy, because the front-desk staff and ACA office is on-site to ensure your safety 24 hours a day.
Staying in Malibu has its privileges, which is why so many celebrities call it home. You’ll kick back in comfort, enjoying in-suite bathrooms, Internet access and much more. These rooms definitely serve up cool California style! Be sure to step outside and enjoy the awesome ocean view! Serious shoppers will also love the trendy shops of the Malibu Country Mart, such as James Perse, Kitson, True Religion, John Varvatos and more just a short ACA shuttle-ride from campus!
Academic Advantages
Both world-class campuses offer access to the finest resources you’d expect from a top-tier institution. Tackle an ACA college-level enrichment course, learn necessary business skills, explore courses focused on the entertainment industry, prepare for the SAT or ACT, or pursue fulfilling internships and community service options. ACA has the perfect recipe to fulfill your collegiate interests!
Amazing Activities
Afternoon and evening activities are yours to enjoy. Play some tennis, head to the bike path or the beach. Get in a round of golf or catch the perfect wave during a surfing lesson. Shop in fun downtown Madison, or browse the celebrated shops of Rodeo Drive. From semi-private sports instruction to creative arts workshops to cool shows, outings and summer concerts, there are new options to pursue every day!
Incredible Weekend Adventures
Every weekend, you’ll explore exciting cities and tour top college campuses. From famous restaurants and amazing cultural events to Major League Baseball games and all-star summer concerts, each weekend brings an unforgettable adventure!
Our Signature All-Inclusive Weekends Include:
• Summerfest & Six Flags Weekend Adventure • Chicago Windy City Weekend Adventure
• San Diego Seaside Weekend Adventure • Santa Barbara and Universal Studios Weekend
Exciting Campus Tours
• The University of Wisconsin • Northwestern University • University of Chicago
• Pepperdine University • UC Berkeley • UCSD • UCLA • USC • Stanford • USD
San Francisco Extension
(supplemental tuition required)
Extend your California experience by four days! From Alcatraz to Pier 39, it’s an amazing way to conclude your stay. See the Weekend Adventures page for more details.
Excellent Eats
Choices, choices, choices! From home-style meals served at breakfast and dinner to lunch options that let you enjoy favorite restaurants – no pre-college summer program gives you as many dining options as ACA!
Our residence hall breakfast buffet features made-to-order morning specials like omelets, pancakes and waffles, and there is plenty of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, yogurt and pastries too. If you’d rather take your breakfast on the run, don’t worry, there's Einstein Bros. bagels and fresh fruit ready and waiting for you to grab before you go!
While in Madison, thanks to ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan, you have amazing lunch options each weekday. Visit your favorite restaurants like the famous Potbelly’s sub shop, Ian’s Pizza, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Five Guys Burgers and more! While in Malibu, lunch options will include an incredible array of dining options located within the campus dining facility.
Dinners, served up Monday through Thursday at the residence hall, feature a choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, a soup-and-salad bar, beverage bar, frozen yogurt and fresh-baked breads and pastries. Fridays, you enjoy a fun dinner at a great restaurant. And don’t worry; we make sure everyone eats just as well during our exciting weekend adventures!
First-Rate Fitness Facilities
When you’re in Malibu and Madison, you’ll have access to great fitness centers, complete with Nautilus strength machines, Stairmasters, treadmills and LifeCycles. Of course, you’ll have full use of the running tracks, basketball courts, outdoor playing fields and weight rooms at the University of Wisconsin and Pepperdine. And if you want to play outside, you’ll have access to running trails and bike paths, beautiful beaches and great swimming in Lake Mendota or the Pacific Ocean!
Safety and Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-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, and are always equipped with cellphones for emergencies. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.
Travel to Madison and Malibu*
Heading to Wisconsin, we recommend that students fly nonstop to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the two-hour drive to Madison.
If necessary, students may fly directly to Madison’s Dane County Airport. Upon arrival, they will be met by ACA staff and escorted directly to the Wisconsin campus.
Getting to Malibu, students fly nonstop to Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport from Chicago O'Hare along with ACA staff from Madison and their friends. In LA, students will be escorted to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway.
For their flight home, we recommend that students fly nonstop from Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport. Group flights will be available to/from the New York area. Contact the ACA Office for details.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation costs are not included in tuition.
