1. What is Breakthrough Miami?
2. What is College Bound?
3. What are the program goals?
4. Who will teach my child?
5. How much does Breakthrough Miami cost?
6. Who is the typical Breakthrough Miami student?
7. Is there an age requirement?
8. What commitment will my child have to make to Breakthrough Miami?
9. Is there homework?
10. Is it OK to miss a few days of the summer institute and Super Saturday program?
11. Where is Breakthrough Miami?
12. Is transportation provided?
13. Is lunch provided?
14. How do I apply?
15. What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?
16. Which subjects are presented at Breakthrough Miami?
17. Is there a uniform or dress code?
18. How do you measure my child’s progress?

What is Breakthrough Miami?

Breakthrough Miami is a year-round academic program for talented middle school students, where all of the teachers are high school and college students. Everyone at Breakthrough Miami comes to learn, be challenged, and have fun. Students take classes in math, science, history and English and experience engaging activities like theatre, music, art and athletics. In addition, students participate in educational fieldtrips and receive high school options counseling from our full-time staff. Breakthrough students agree to be a part of the program for eight years, coming every day for six weeks during the summer, 2 Breakthrough Saturdays per month during the school year program while in middle school and to join College Bound during high school.

Our young teachers are all trained and supervised by professional mentor teachers. Breakthrough Miami 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.

What is College Bound?

College Bound is the continuation of Breakthrough. College Bound focuses on an academically rigorous course load while focusing on skill development during weekly workshops. Further, College Bound provides services like SAT practice classes and college counseling to ensure that all former Breakthrough students thrive in high school and enroll at a top college or university.

What are the program goals?

The mission of Breakthrough Miami is to inspire and encourage talented, motivated middle school students to enter and thrive in top college preparatory high school programs and graduate from college. The program is equally focused on promoting careers in education for the outstanding high school and college students who teach, tutor, and mentor in Breakthrough Miami’s summer institute and school year program.

Who will teach my child?

The Breakthrough Miami staff is comprised of students from the best high schools and colleges across the US. Breakthrough Miami uses the tried and tested model of “students teaching students” developed by Louis Loofburow over 20 years ago at the first Breakthrough Site (University High School, SF). The staff goes through a rigorous selection process including an application and interview. Past staff has been enrolled in the following schools:

How much does Breakthrough Miami cost?

Nothing! Breakthrough Miami is TUITION-FREE for students. Due to the generous support of Ransom Everglades School, The Knight Foundation, The Children’s Trust and numerous individuals, businesses, and foundations, students pay nothing to participate. The year-round commitment to Breakthrough is how the student “pays” for the experience. 

Who is the typical Breakthrough Miami student?

Our students 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. Breakthrough students are dedicated to their dreams and are able commit to the rigor of Breakthrough inside and outside of the classroom.

Is there an age requirement?

Breakthrough Miami recruits fourth and fifth graders. Applications placed for other grade levels are considered on a limited basis based on student enrollment.  

What commitment will my child have to make to Breakthrough Miami?

If your child is accepted to Breakthrough Miami, s/he is expected to participate actively for six weeks every summer as well as attend our Breakthrough Saturday programming during the school year. Afterwards, you will be invited to continue in our College Bound program. The College Bound program consists of school year and summer institutes for the 9th and 10th grades. Students are encouraged to apply to experiential summer programs and internships like Centers for Talented Youth, Rustic Pathways, research at a university, or come full circle and become a Breakthrough Teacher.

Is there homework?

Of course! Breakthrough Miami is an academic program for students eager to discover and grow. As a college preparatory program homework is an important part of that learning. Two hours of homework each weeknight during the summer will be expected from all participants. The school year program does not currently assign homework.

Is it OK to miss a few days of the summer institute and Breakthrough Saturday program?

Yes. We are flexible in that any legitimate emergency where to cause an absence we would understand this. However, our courses are rigorous to the extent that several absences place the student at a severe disadvantage of performing to his/her full potential in the program. The commitment made to Breakthrough Miami by the students and their families is not one to be taken lightly.

Is transportation provided?

Yes! Breakthrough Miami arranges transportation from public schools within walking distance or a short drive from the student’s domicile. Click here for more information on bus routes and bus etiquette.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all students. You may want to have your child bring his/her own lunch if s/he has special dietary needs. Click here for more information.

How do I apply?

Click here to print the Breakthrough Miami application. Thoroughly read the instructions and fill out the parent section. Allow the student to work on the student section with an added emphasis on proofreading responses. Once the application is complete, you may mail, hand deliver, or fax the application to the Breakthrough location that is nearest to you.

What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?

Parental support is very important for academic success and that holds true at Breakthrough Miami. 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: 

• Student Orientation
• Parent’s Night
• Celebration
• Any conference scheduled by one of the directors.

Is there a uniform or dress code?

There is no uniform but the program does enforce an appropriate dress code. Click here to view The dress code standards.