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Scholars

Early Admission Deadline:
January 15, 2025

Regular Decision Deadline:
April 1, 2025

Summer Orientation:
May 23, 2025
6:30-8:00p.m.

Summer Institute 2025:
June 16-July 25

Breakthrough Scholars are a dynamic cadre of motivated students selected from across Miami who are supported through an unparalleled eight-year academic and social enrichment program. The journey includes six-week Summer Institutes (grades 5-9) and Saturday programming during the school years.

Why Become A Breakthrough Scholar?

  • Get a head-start on the school year
  • Join a group of kids as motivated as you are
  • Come to a place where it’s cool to be smart
  • Meet high school and college age role models
  • Reach for your wildest dreams
  • Be an inspiration to your community

Want to find out more? Attend a Family Information Session:

Thursday, November 7th, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 5th, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Scholar Application Is Now Open

STUDENTS MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Academically Motivated with a mostly B’s and above
  • At or above grade level in Math and Reading (FSAs or other standardized tests)
  • Enrolled in 4th or 5th Grade in  Public, Charter, Private, or Home School
  • Can attend both school year and summer programming
  • 6th, 7th, and 8th graders may apply for limited seating

STUDENTS MUST MEET TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Low income or free/reduced lunch
  • Live in a single parent household
  • Primary language other than English
  • First generation in family to attend college
  • Identify as a racial or ethnic minority

For more information regarding how to become a Breakthrough Miami Scholar, please contact Jake Verdin, Director of Recruitment at 786.525.4501 or by email at jake@breakthroughmiami.org.

OUR VILLAGE IS GROWING.

Refer a family to the Breakthrough Miami village.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

The online application is located on our website, www.breakthroughmiami.org. Simply click ‘apply’ in the upper-right-hand corner and select ‘to be a scholar’ in the sub-menu. The application link will be prominently displayed in the center of the page and highlighted in a blue rectangle. Complete the application in its entirety and upload all required supplemental documents. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation with a copy of your completed application.

What information do I need to have ready to complete the application?

Have the following information ready when completing the application:

  • Math Teacher Name
  • Math Teacher Email
  • Reading/ELA Teacher Name
  • Reading/ELA Email
  • Name of School Counselor or Registrar

What documents do I need to upload to the application?

The following supplemental documents need to be uploaded to the application:

  • Completed MDCPS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) Mutual Exchange Form
  • Grades for Current School Year
  • Grades for Previous School Year
  • FSA Scores of Equivalent Standardized Testing
  • Photograph of Applicant 

Can I apply if I am a 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grader?

Yes, in addition to 4th graders, we will accept applications from 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with consideration to the number of open seats in those classes. Space is limited. 

How much does the program cost?

There is no cost to attend. The program is tuition-free. Breakthrough Miami is funded by various foundations, public grants, and individual supporters. 

Where is Breakthrough Miami located?

Breakthrough Miami serves roughly 1300 students at six year-round sites: 

  • Miami Country Day School, 601 NE 107th Street, Miami, Florida 33161
  • Ransom Everglades School, 3575 Main Highway, Miami, Florida 33133
  • Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, 3747 Main Highway, Florida 33133
  • Gulliver Preparatory School, 6575 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
  • Palmer Trinity School, 8001 SW 184th Street, Miami, Florida 33157
  • Saint Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road,Boca Raton, Florida 33434
  • Breakthrough U at University of Miami, 1320 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

Which site will I go to if I am accepted?

Site assignments are determined by the student’s current school and the zip code of the primary guardian’s address. The online application automatically assigns an applicant to a site based on the primary guardian’s address. The student may be reassigned based on their current school and its Breakthrough Miami site affiliation. The guardian can also request an alternate site based on logistical considerations and siblings that currently attend the program. 

Is transportation provided?

Breakthrough Miami provides FREE Transportation. Bus routes are put together using transportation zones at local elementary, middle, and high schools. Carpooling is encouraged among families to help reduce transportation costs. 

Are meals provided?

Breakthrough Miami provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all students at no cost during summer programming. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost during school-year programming.

What is my commitment to Breakthrough Miami?

Students are expected to maintain good attendance throughout the school year and summer program during their eight-year Scholar journey. Students generally enter the program the summer before 5th grade and commit to completing the program upon high school graduation and college entry. Scholars commit to an annual six-week summer institute and a comprehensive school-year program, taking place over 12 to 14 Saturdays. Breakthrough Miami is a tuition-free academic enrichment program, and consistent attendance across eight years ensures 100% of our Scholars graduate high school on time and immediately enter college. 

What are the responsibilities of the Breakthrough Miami Parent/Guardian?

The primary guardian signs an attendance contract outlining the attendance and progress report policy. The contract details are attendance and reporting policy. Additionally, the parent guardian serves as a partner to program staff, ensuring their child remains in good academic standing, leverages additional direct services, and attends one-on-one advising sessions annually. 

What is the schedule for Summer Programming?

Our Summer Institute 2025 is scheduled for June 16 – July 25, 2025.

Programming takes place Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Is it okay to miss a few days of the program for vacation?

An important part of committing to anything is showing up. Students are allowed no more than three unexcused absences during the summer. Similarly, students are allowed no more than three unexcused absences during the school year. Students benefit most when they consistently attend programming and leverage additional direct services. We have committed to providing our students with quality school-year and summer programming at no cost to families. The primary guardian signs an attendance contract outlining the attendance and progress report policy. 

Is Breakthrough Miami a school?

Breakthrough Miami is an academic and social enrichment program, meaning we provide supplemental programming and services in addition to what the student is receiving in school. Programming takes place six weeks in the summer and twelve to fourteen Saturdays during the school year. Direct family services are provided in support of academic success in school. Breakthrough is not a school, nor is it an alternative to school.

When do I find out if I am accepted?

Selection Timeline for Summer 2025:

Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

Regular Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

Regular Decision Admission Letters: Rolling

For more information regarding your application, please contact Jake Verdin, Director of Recruitment at: 786.525.4501  or by email at jake@breakthroughmiami.org.

Breakthrough Miami Site Locations

Breakthrough Miami - School Site logos

For more information regarding our program, please call the Central Office at: 305.646.7210  or email studentapp@breakthroughmiami.org

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