FREQUENTLY ASKED STUDENT AND FAMILY QUESTIONS

What is Breakthrough Saint Paul?
Breakthrough Saint Paul is a summer and school year academic program for talented junior high students, where all of the teachers are high school and college students. Everyone at Breakthrough Saint Paul comes to learn, challenge themselves, and have fun. Students take classes in math, science, history and English and experience engaging activities like theatre, music, art and athletics. Breakthrough students agree to be a part of the program for two years, coming every day for six weeks during the summer and 14 Saturday mornings during the school year.

Our young teachers are all trained and supervised by professional mentor teachers. Breakthrough Saint Paul believes that the “Students Teaching Students” model is an exciting way for young people to teach and learn from one another. With aspiring teachers who are excited about learning serving as role models and mentors, Breakthrough students begin to internalize the importance of education in their own lives and take responsibility seeking challenges in school.

How much does Breakthrough Saint Paul cost?
Nothing. Breakthrough Saint Paul is TUITION-FREE for students. Due to the generous support of Mounds Park Academy, Saint Paul Public Schools, and numerous individuals, businesses, and foundations, students pay nothing to participate. Your twoyear, year-round commitment to Breakthrough is how you “pay” for this experience.

Is Breakthrough Saint Paul for everyone?
Breakthrough students do not have to get perfect grades in school, but they do have to have a desire to learn, try new things, and have fun. Breakthrough students have a strong desire to achieve academically and to be leaders—preparing themselves for challenging high schools and colleges.

What commitments will I have to make to Breakthrough Saint Paul?
If you are accepted to Breakthrough Saint Paul as a student, you are expected to participate actively in the summer before seventh grade, the school year of seventh grade, the summer before eighth grade, and the school year of eighth grade. Afterwards, you will be invited to continue in our high school program.

Is there homework?
Of course! Breakthrough Saint Paul is an academic program for students eager to discover and grow. Homework is an important part of that learning. Two hours of homework each weeknight during the summer will be expected from all participants.

What is the Breakthrough summer 2010 schedule?
Breakthrough Saint Paul takes place Monday through Friday, June 28 through August 6, 2010, with Celebration on the evening of August 7, 2010. The program hours are approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Due to transportation scheduling, there may be some alterations to this schedule—if so, we will notify families as soon as possible. We will have one day off on Monday, July 5th.

Is it OK to miss a few days of the program for vacation?
Daily attendance at Breakthrough Saint Paul is mandatory, except in cases of illness. The summer program is very short and students who miss days will fall behind quickly. If your family is planning an extended vacation during the Breakthrough dates, you should not apply to the program.

Where is Breakthrough Saint Paul?
Breakthrough Saint Paul is hosted by Mounds Park Academy at 2051 Larpenteur Avenue East, St. Paul, MN.

Is transportation provided?
If students live in St. Paul, buses will pick up and drop off students at points near their homes. If students do not live in St. Paul, families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the program.

Is lunch provided?
Yes. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and snack to all students. You may bring lunch if you desire.

When do I find out if I am accepted?
Decision letters will be mailed out in mid-March. We would like to accept every student into the program, but because we have a limited number of spaces, we cannot accept everyone who applies.

What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?
Parental support is very important for academic success and that holds true at Breakthrough Saint Paul. We will ask for your support in ensuring that your child attends the program every day and does his or her homework consistently. There are also a few events that parents must attend:

• A Back to Breakthrough event before the summer begins, scheduled for the evening of Thursday, June 24.
• Family conferences, scheduled for the evening of Thursday, July 15.
• Celebration, event where students demonstrate all they have learned over the summer, August 7.

How do I apply to Breakthrough Saint Paul?
There are four parts to the application: 1) Student Statement; 2) Parent Statement; 3) Teacher Recommendations; and 4) Student Information Release Form. Complete each of these parts by Wednesday, February 10, 2010.