Timeline - 14-MONTH ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Summer Session I
Summer Session I introduces new Scholars to the rigors and standards of Steppingstone work.Classes meet five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for six weeks. In addition to the academic subjects, Scholars take mandatory classes on study skills and participate in a social-emotional curriculum. Scholars also attend assemblies, participate in elective activities and Friday extra-curricular activities.

Small classes, averaging 11 students per class, are taught by experienced teachers from some of Philadelphia’s regions top independent and public schools. Like the Scholars, members of the Steppingstone faculty come from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, older Steppingstone Scholars are hired as teaching assistants to help with classroom activities, study halls, and electives. These high school age Scholars are wonderful role models for the Scholars in the 14-month academic component.

School Year Session
The School Year Session runs from September through May with the primary focus in the fall being math, English, and preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). The ISEE score is a significant factor for independent school admission. Steppingstone has created a curriculum in conjunction with Princeton Review to help Scholars prepare for this important test.
The fifth graders preparing for placement at an independent school in the sixth grade meet once a week on Saturdays during the academic year.

Summer Session II
Summer Session II builds on the skills introduced during the first summer and academic year. In addition to the subjects taught the previous summer, the Scholars study Spanish. The session culminates with "Commencement," a graduation ceremony where they receive their diplomas. The speakers at Commencement include two Scholars from the current classes, and a guest speaker.