Middle school is a time of transition—from new hallways to new expectations—and in the move from elementary to middle school, students typically show a decline in academic achievement.
That’s where Higher Achievement comes in.
Our rigorous program is designed to help your child sharpen their academic skills and build the social-emotional tools to succeed, starting now at this pivotal middle school moment.
Why is Higher Achievement important?
Ninety-five percent of Higher Achievement scholars who complete the program advance to college preparatory high schools. Our supportive program guides scholars in shaping their personal and academic goals and equips them with the tools and encouragement to achieve their ambitions.
If your child attends school in one of our communities, Higher Achievement can provide new learning opportunities, an engaging academic environment, a challenging curriculum, and caring adults to help them succeed.
Is my child eligible to apply?
To be eligible for enrollment in Higher Achievement, a child must:
Be willing to commit 400 hours per year for three to four years
Attend 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade; most new scholars are rising 5th or 6th grade students
Live or attend school in one of the Higher Achievement communities
Consideration is not based on standardized test scores and grades. Commitment to our rigorous, multi-year program is the most important factor, and we require participation in all elements of our programming offered at your affiliate.
In the words of our scholars:
The best part of Higher Achievement is you get extra help and have more fun than you do in school.
Higher Achievement created a foundation that will help me in high school and in everything.
The best part of Higher Achievement is the mentoring sessions that help the scholars learn.
The best parts are study hall and elective. I like study hall because you get all of your homework done and you get a nice sense of accomplishment. I like elective because it’s fun to hang out with your friends.
Mentoring is very hard for me because it adds more work to my day. But it also helps me with my schoolwork, which is a good thing.
Doing your homework every day. Sometimes I just don’t want to … but I do it.
The hardest part is mentoring because you have to stay for long periods doing work, but I guess it’s good for you to learn.
I go home late, but I don’t care as long as I learn above and beyond.
The hardest part of Higher Achievement is doing difficult homework in study hall.
No, because it helps me finish my school work.
Not at all. It’s improved my grades a lot. I don’t know what I’ll do when I leave.
I don’t regret making a big time commitment such as this one. I would have to learn how to make and keep commitments sooner or later in life. Higher Achievement is good practice … plus, I’m starting early!
Sometimes, but it has helped me to mature into the young lady I am today.
Yes, because you have people helping you.
Higher Achievement has disciplined me a little, so my schoolwork is much easier.
HA has made it easier for me to complete my schoolwork and homework because I have become more self-disciplined, and I practice unbreakable focus.
Yes, because they go over the work, and they keep going until you get it.
I get better grades. I am more confident.
I got to meet new friends.
Higher Achievement exposed me to things that I probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in this program. I’m thankful for that.
My grades are higher. I love school more and working with my friends more.