Albuquerque Academy’s Multicultural Summer Honors Program is a six-week, full-day summer scholarship program for academically strong students who are currently in fourth grade.
The 2023 MSHP program begins June 5 and runs through July 14. Classes meet from 8:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Summer Honors applicants are evaluated on academic performance, character ratings, teacher recommendation(s) and the applicant’s essay. Selections for acceptance will be announced no later than Feb. 15. Applications can be done online and must be received by Jan. 26.
Current fourth grade students from all cultural backgrounds and all schools are encouraged to apply. Up to 50 students will be selected for the program, which includes academic enrichment, creative arts, interactive electives, experiential education and community building.
Families accepted into the program will be given the opportunity to consider their financial resources and pay an amount that they feel they can afford. Regardless of what their family contributes, the Academy will fund the remainder. All contributions from families will be reinvested to expand the program for the future. The total value of the program is $1,925 per student.
What do students do at the Multicultural Summer Honors Program?
Summer honors students are introduced to Albuquerque Academy through academically challenging courses that not only encourage critical-thinking and problem-solving strategies, but also enhance and refine each student’s proficiency in core academic subjects. Classes are kept small to facilitate student-teacher interaction and to give students the opportunity to receive individual attention.
- Culture Through the Arts: Students study Native American, African American, Hispanic and other cultures from a unique anthropological perspective that emphasizes hands-on projects and creative self-expression. This course deepens students’ awareness of their own cultures while encouraging them to grow in their understanding of other cultures.
- Math: Students receive grade and/or skill-appropriate math enrichments.
- Writing, Reading & Literature Workshop: Based on the highly successful National Writing Project and Six Traits of Writing models, this workshop emphasizes reading and writing as integrated activities to develop independent writers.
- Advisory: Once per week, students will meet with their adviser in small groups. In addition to weekly check-ins with their advisers during this time, students will engage in team-building activities, social-emotional learning and study skills lessons.
- Common Time: Once per week, students will meet as an entire cohort to hear, learn and interact with various aspects of campus life, including admission, athletics, performing arts, clubs, affinity groups, counseling and human development, the Desert Oasis Teaching Garden and more.
- Experiential Education: Three times per week, students will participate in outdoor activities to explore nature and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the state of New Mexico.
- Electives: To end the day, students will select two electives of their choice. Options include Film, Computer Science, Board Game Design, Universal Beat, Karate, Science in Action, Variety Sports, French, Spanish and Creative Journaling.
