Thriving in Middle School and Beyond
When a scholar begins their High Jump journeys in the summer after 6th grade, the idea of being in high school can feel worlds away. For many students, the most pressing things are the here and now of middle school and the daunting high school application process. And over the course of two years, High Jump helps students with just that, giving them the tools and resources not just to thrive in middle school and get into their best-fit high schools.
But all the while, the academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and community at High Jump prepare our scholars for high school and encourage them to thrive once they get there. We talked to three of our most recent High Jump alumni (rising 9th graders who graduated from the program just under a month ago!) to hear how they feel High Jump has prepared them to thrive in high school.
“Thinking about going into High School, you know that you’re going to meet so many new people, and you want to know how to interact with them. You get to take that all in here at High Jump. My high school choice teacher, she has helped me with my high school choices, but definitely my anxiety more. She makes her environment a safe space. I’ve felt so noticed at High Jump. It really helps you a lot not only in your academics but in your social life too. It helps you get those experiences that you probably won’t get at your home school.”
“Thank you, High Jump, for helping me live in my future.”
eliyana, high jump cohort 33
“School never gave me a challenge, so I was always bored in class. And then, when I came to High Jump, I was looking forward to making new friends and learning something new. What really challenged me was meeting new people because I kind of got to a stage where I was like anti-social. The interactions with other students at High Jump really helped me a lot because you could just be yourself around everybody. I feel ready for high school because it helped me learn about new people and other backgrounds, not just my own. High Jump is a community where it’s okay to be you.”
“Thank you, High Jump, for letting me come out of my shell.”
Malik, High jump cohort 33
“High Jump opened this whole new world of personalized learning that helps you get ahead of your classmates and your peers. At the same time, my own picture of myself kind of changed during High Jump because in Humanities last year, we learned about the different points of views of people around the world. That really taught me that my own experiences have made me become who I am today. High Jump really gives me the reassurance that there’s always somebody there for me. And High Jump really opens this whole new world of like subjects and teachers and TAs who are ready to help you become better. And that’s really going to help me in high school.”
“Thank you, High Jump, for opening new possibilities.”
rizqi, High jump cohort 33
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