Scholars

Student First. Hands-On. Campus Based.

High Jump Scholars is a tuition-free program with one-of-a-kind experiences, access to resources, and educational opportunities.

Students are intellectually curious and academically motivated, and they seek a high school experience that will challenge them socially and academically. The program takes place at three campuses in Chicago with teachers from across the city.

What is High Jump?

Year Round tuition-free Academic Enrichment

When does High Jump happen?

  • High Jump is an academic enrichment program that you attend in addition to your school.
  • The program meets 5 weeks in the summer and 2-3 times a month on Saturdays during the school year.

Where do I attend High Jump?

  • Latin School of Chicago: 59 W. North Blvd
  • Francis W. Parker School: 330 W. Webster
  • University of Chicago Laboratory School: 1362 E. 59th Street

Who can apply?

  • Current 6th grade students
  • Students with a B average or higher (students with C’s are still encouraged to apply)
  • Intellectually curious and academically motivated students
  • Students seeking a challenging high school experience
  • Students with demonstrated financial need

Student Experience

  • Make new friends and gain meaningful experiences, including field trips, high school networking, and hands-on learning activities.
  • Discover new interests with electives such as visual arts, film studies, music history, and more!

High School Selection Support

During eighth grade, High Jump supports students and their families with high school admissions, financial aid and scholarship information they need to prepare for high school and beyond.

Materials and Meals

All learning materials for the program will be provided at no cost. Students will also receive free breakfast and lunch at each day of programming they attend.

How do I Apply?

Applications open online October 25, 2025.

  • Online applications are due January 20, 2026.
  • Application requirements include:
    • 1 personal essay
    • 5th-6th grade report cards
    • 3 Teacher/School Recommendations
    • 2024 Family Tax Returns
  • Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview in March 2026
  • Please direct any questions or concerns about your application to [email protected]

Take a Class Tour

Check out these videos to get a glimpse of what High Jump classes are like.

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Scholars explore physical and chemical change concepts, chemical reactions, atomic structure, and more. They learn to observe and record data, analyze results, and effectively communicate their findings through hands-on labs.

Chemistry

High Jump Chicago

Scholars get an intensive overview of cells, heredity, and classification before moving on to human body systems and health. They practice lab design, perform experiments, and do hands-on animal dissections.

Biology

Issues and Ideas

Scholars explore the social, political, economic, and environmental issues that shape their world. They learn to analyze and discuss perspectives, develop critical thinking, and respond in personal narratives and expository writing pieces.

Humanities

Building the Next Generation of Leaders.

At High Jump, we help learners develop the skills they need to thrive wherever they go. Our curriculum exposes students to culturally relevant literature, rigorous math instruction, and experiential learning to help them prepare for high school, college, and beyond.

High Jump at Latin School on Saturday 1st, 2022. Photos by Jasmin Shah

Our 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio helps students thrive. Small class size means more one-on-one time with teachers to provide an emotionally supportive learning environment that’s more meaningful for students.

Scholars make new friends, gain meaningful experiences, and build confidence to follow their dreams. Interested in applying? Have more questions about how it works? Check out our program FAQs.