Application, Steps & Timeline
The 2025–2026 application for current 6th-grade students is now closed. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] for further assistance.
High Jump helps Chicago middle schoolers grow their curiosity, confidence and academic skills in a supportive community of learners.
The program is 2 years which includes six weeks of daily summer classes and two Saturday sessions each month during the school year. Students learn through engaging academics, culturally relevant readings, and hands-on activities at one of our three partner campuses: the Latin School of Chicago, Francis W. Parker School, and the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
For students attending George B. Armstrong Elementary or Philip Rogers Fine Arts Elementary, you may be interested in our Community Scholars program.
Use this High Jump Application Checklist to track your application progress.
High Jump Application Guide
Learn about the application process, explore key deadlines and access resources that will help you apply. High Jump is where motivated students begin their journey toward academic growth and leadership.
October 25, 2025 - January 20, 2026
Application Open
- Students currently in 6th grade can apply.
- Gather all materials:
- Write your essay! Choose one of the prompts listed in the application.
- Prompt #1: Who is someone, real or fictional, who has inspired you this year? Share 2-3 reasons why they inspire you and how they’ve helped you think differently about learning or not giving up.
- Prompt #2: High Jump is a program for students who keep trying when things get hard, love to learn new things, and believe they can grow with effort. What qualities do you have that show you’re ready for this kind of challenge? Give examples of how you’ve shown these qualities in your life.
- Prompt #3: If you could share one lesson you’ve learned with your younger self, what would it be? Provide 2–3 examples of times this lesson has influenced the way you learn, face challenges, or make decisions, and explain how it might guide you in the future.
- Get your report cards: Gather your 6th grade Q1 report card and your 5th grade full report card.
- Teacher recommendations: Let your teachers know to complete their recommendation forms.
- Family tax forms: Prepare your family's latest tax forms for eligibility verification.
- Write your essay! Choose one of the prompts listed in the application.
- Need more information? Check out our High Jump Informational Toolkit here for helpful resources!
January - March
Application Review
- Our team carefully reviews all applications.
Early March
Interview Invitations
- Eligible students are invited to the next round: the interview.
March
Interviews
- Students participate in interviews.
April
Decision Announcements
June
Program Start
- Accepted students will begin the High Jump Program the summer before their 7th-grade year!