Steppingstone Academy Hartford

The Steppingstone Academy Hartford is a 26-month preparatory program for middle school students. Currently, HYSF recruits highly motivated 6th graders from area elementary and middle schools. Students are selected based on a variety of personal and academic qualities. For more information about The Steppingstone Academy Hartford you may contact Kameyia Van Allen [860-895-6640 x100] directly.

Summer Sessions

Prior to the start of classes, Scholars and families attend Summer Academy Orientation.  During orientation, Scholars receive their Scholar’s Handbook and parents received the Parent’s Handbook.  HYSF staff outline Academy rules and expectations.  Clear expectations and consistent reminders of those expectations increase the chances of retention, and prepare Scholars and families for the standards they must meet to be successful in high school and in college.

Scholars soon realize why we say The Academy is rigorous.  During the first weeks of Summer Session 1, Scholars report doing between 4-6 hours of homework a night.  By Week 2, Scholars improve in their study and time management skills (both classes at The Academy), and homework takes them approximately 2-3 hours/night. Attendance, excellent behavior, and completed homework are required.   If a Scholar receives six homework slips, he or she is dismissed from the program.  Scholars who display inappropriate behavior are issued a behavior slip, and can only accumulate three before being removed from the program.  If a Scholar gets a homework or behavior slip, he or she must meet their advisor immediately, and both call home to discuss with parents.      

Fall and Spring Sessions

The Fall Session of The Academy begins with Fall Academy Re-Orientation.  Scholars attend their regular 7th/8th grade classes and then come to The Academy Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 4:30PM-6:30PM, and Saturdays from 9:00AM-1:00PM. Saturday coursework focused on SSAT test preparation and study skills.  Spring Session follows the same schedule, but programming shifts to character development and higher level math and literature courses in preparation for high school for students in the 8th grade.

Independent School Application Process and Placement

In August, Scholars and parents visit independent schools as a group with HYSF.  Many urban parents are unfamiliar with independent schools, and are often anxious about sending their child away to board.  These field trips introduce parents to independent schools as safe places that will provide their children with the education and opportunity of a lifetime. Parents and Scholars also meet with HYSF Staff to discuss placement options and work together to select schools that best met Scholars’ needs, desires, and ability.  Each Scholar was given a list of 3-4 schools to visit and interview at and staff tracks this process to ensure completion.