A Day in the Life

The Student Experience

Breakthrough students can expect a mix of engaging, exciting, and challenging educational activities. Each day builds skills that prepare students to enter an academically rigorous middle school, high school, and later a four-year college. Throughout grades 5- 8, Breakthrough students attend tutoring twice per week during the school year and daily during our six-week summer program. During grades 9 – 12, Breakthrough students attend monthly Saturday workshops and take advantage of other opportunities that will help them get to college. View schedules for our 5-8th grade program below!

After-School Program (5th – 8th Graders)

4 – 4:30 pm	Arrive at Breakthrough: Give a high-five to the Breakthrough staff and say hello to your friends. Play a board game or get started on your homework.
4:30 – 4:45 pm	All-School Meeting: Eat a healthy, tasty snack. Do the “attitude check,” Breakthrough’s special cheer. Share a book you’ve read recently, or something interesting you learned in school.
4:45 – 5:30 pm	Tutoring: Work on your homework with the tutor assigned especially to you. If you finish your homework, try a challenge activity.
5:30 – 5:45 pm	Recess: Play an energizing game of four-square, knockout, or soccer on the rooftop playground.
5:45 – 6:30 pm	Tutoring and Classes: Read and discuss a great book, like The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez. Learn to speak French or Mandarin. Attend an SSAT prep class. Or, get some extra homework help with your tutor.
6:30pm	Dismissal: Say goodbye to Breakthrough and head home to see your family members.

Summer Program (Rising 5th – 8th Graders)

8:00 – 8:15 am	Arrive at Breakthrough: Be greeted by smiling and dancing teachers. Enjoy breakfast with fellow students in the cafeteria, or catch up with your friends in the gym. Get ready to start the day!
8:15 – 8:30 am	Morning Meeting: Do the “attitude check!” Share a thought, idea, or interesting fact with the Breakthrough community.
8:35 – 9:05 am	Advisory: Meet with your advisory group for team building and important conversations.
9:10 – 10:00 am	Math class: Learn about decimals by working as a cashier in a mock store.
10:05 – 11:00 am	Science class: Construct a paper rocket, launch it, and analyze its design. Have a snack as well!
11:05 – 11:55 am	Literature class: Discuss the novel Tuck Everlasting and create a poster about the characters.
12:00 – 12:50 pm	Writing class: Work on your “I Believe…” personal narrative. Topics range from sports, to family, to patriotism.
12:55 – 1:55 pm	Lunch/Recess: Eat a delicious and healthy lunch and play soccer on the rooftop playground.
2:00 – 2:40 pm	Elective: Participate in a stimulating class such as yoga, computer science, basic drawing, sports, or arts and crafts.
2:45 – 3:15 pm	Study Hall: Get started on your homework for the night, with support from your teachers.
3:20 – 3:30 pm	All-School Meeting: Meet with the entire Breakthrough community for performances, announcements, and cheers. Find out who won the Spirit Stick today!
3:30 pm	Dismissal: Say goodbye to Breakthrough and head home to see your family members. Work on the approximately one hour of homework assigned daily. Call your teachers if any questions arise. Get prepared and excited for tomorrow!
3:30 – 5:30 pm	After-School Program (Optional): Complete homework with support from Volunteer Leadership Participants.