Application, Steps & Timeline
The 2026–2027 application for current 6th-grade students is scheduled to open on Friday, October 23. Please check back then to learn more and apply. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Priority Deadline: Monday, December 7 at 11:59 PM
The first 75 eligible applicants to submit will receive a guaranteed interview!
Final Deadline: Tuesday, January 19 at 11:59PM
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.
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 23, 2026 - January 19, 2027
Application Open
- Students currently in 6th grade can apply.
- Gather all materials:
- Write your essay!
- 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.
- Priority Deadline: Monday, December 7 at 11:59 PM
- The first 75 eligible applicants to submit will receive a guaranteed interview!
- Final Deadline: Tuesday, January 19 at 11:59PM
- 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!