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 once Saturday per month 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!

School-Year Saturday Program (5th – 8th Graders)

9:15 – 9:30 am	Arrive at Breakthrough: Give a high-five to the Breakthrough staff and say hello to your friends.
9:30 – 9:40 am	Morning Meeting: Do the “Attitude Check,” Breakthrough’s special cheer. Share a book you’ve read recently, or something interesting you learned in school.
9:45 – 10:30 am	Workshop: Learn how to be even more successful as a student. Topics include getting ready for middle or high school, multiple intelligences, effective communication, and more.
10:30 – 10:45 am	Recess: Play an energizing game of four-square, knockout, or soccer on the rooftop playground.
10:45 – 11:30 am	Academic Support: Build your math or literacy skills with the help of a volunteer.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm	Elective Classes: Options might include arts and crafts, basketball, coding, soccer, or STEM. Learn something brand-new or do something you already love.
12:30 pm	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 – 8:25 am	Morning Meeting: Do the “attitude check!” Share a thought, idea, or interesting fact with the Breakthrough community.
8:30 – 9:20 am	Math class: Learn about decimals by working as a cashier in a mock store.
9:25 – 10:15 am	Literature class: Discuss the novel Tuck Everlasting and create a poster about the characters.
10:20 – 11:10 am	Elective: Participate in a stimulating class such as yoga, computer science, basic drawing, sports, or arts and crafts. Have a snack as well!
11:15 am – 12:05 pm	Science class: Construct a paper rocket, launch it, and analyze its design.
12:10 – 1:00 pm	Social Studies class: Learn about untold stories right here in San Francisco.
1:05 – 2:00 pm	Lunch/Recess: Eat a delicious and healthy lunch and play soccer on the rooftop playground.
2:05 – 2:50 pm	Advisory or Study Hall: Rehearse your All-School Meeting skit for later in the week, or get started on your homework for the night, with support from your teachers.
2:55 – 3:15 pm	All-School Meeting: Meet with the entire Breakthrough community for performances, announcements, and cheers. Find out who won the Spirit Stick today!
3:15 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!
3:15 – 4:30 pm	After-School Program (Optional): Complete homework and have fun with support from Breakthrough Leadership Participants.