What to Expect from Breakthrough
Breakthrough students commit to six years of academic programming, as outlined below, beginning the summer before seventh grade.
Middle School Program
Summer Program: Summers before 7th and 8th grades
- Two six-week summer sessions: one after 6th grade and one after 7th grade.
- Academic classes including: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language and High School Prepp.
- Electives including: art, dance, debate, drama, computers, etc.
- Work that is demanding and skill-based. Two hours of homework, four nights per week.
- Field trips, workshops, community service projects and special events.
School Year Program: During 7th and 8th grades:
- After School Program twice per week, and six Saturday sessions. Enrichment classes, homework help and tutoring. A mentoring component that helps students build relationships and explore future options.
- Academic counseling and assistance applying to selective high schools.
- Year-round workshops and cultural events.
High School Program
- Year-round supports for students across high school, grades 9 - 12.
- Summer programming including a residential program for rising 9th graders at Simon’s Rock College in Massachusetts; Breakthrough Leaders Academy, a three-week math, writing, college prep and leadership training program for rising 9th and 10th graders at Penn Charter; and week-long college prep courses for rising 11th and 12th graders at St. Joseph’s University.
- School year support delivered via Breakthrough’s Drop-In Center, which operates after school Monday - Thursday. Students may receive homework help, tutoring, college guidance and application assistance.
- An Academic Mentoring Program that links 9th graders with volunteers who provide academic guidance across high school.