The Breakthrough Admissions Committee selects students who are bright and inquisitive and strives to build classrooms that are economically, ethnically, racially, and religiously diverse.

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Special consideration is given to those applicants with limited economic means. While Breakthrough students come from different backgrounds, they are all avid learners. They apply themselves to challenges, respond with openness to new ideas and experiences, and see the teaching staff and other students as new friends and co-learners.

Students interested in Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy must participate in an application process, which includes essays, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. A commitment to attend all three summers is not a requirement for admission, but we believe making this commitment will result in the most substantial growth for students. Students and graduates of the program are enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses at local public schools, local independent schools, and out-of-state boarding schools. The vast majority of Breakthrough graduates go on to attend a four-year college or university.

New Student Applications for the Summer Session are available on this site. To be eligible for admission, students must currently attend a public school and be enrolled in 6th or 7^th grade. Attending each summer before entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade will galvanize your experience in the program, although it is not a requirement for admission.

Breakthrough is committed to accepting students from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. We regret that more qualified students apply than there is space to admit.