Information for Parents

Want to learn more? Visit one of our Information Evenings:

Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Hoover Middle School (in the cafeteria), 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
6:15 – 7:00pm English meeting
7:00 – 7:45pm Spanish meeting

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Los Arboles Elementary School, 455 Arboles Ave, San Jose CA 95111
6:00 – 6:45pm English meeting
7:00 – 7:45pm Spanish meeting

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Santee Elementary School, 1313 Audobon Dr, San Jose CA 95121
6:00 – 6:45pm English meeting
7:00 – 7:45pm Spanish meeting

Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Franklin-McKinley District Office, 645 Wool Creek Dr, San Jose CA 95112
6:00 – 6:45pm English meeting
7:00 – 7:45pm Spanish meeting

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

What is Breakthrough Silicon Valley?

Breakthrough Silicon Valley is a 6-year long academic and college readiness program for talented and motivated junior high and high school students. From 7th to 12th grade, students participate in a variety of summer and after school activities geared towards challenging students academically and preparing them for rigorous college–prep high schools and four-year colleges.

Our classes follow a “student teaching students” model, where our teachers are themselves in high school or college. They are trained and supervised by professional Mentor Teachers. This model is an exciting way for young people to teach and learn from one another. Taught by inspiring teachers who are excited about learning and being role models, students internalize the importance of their own education and take responsibility for seeking academic challenges.

Our Program page provides more details about the opportunities and commitment.

What are the program goals?

Breakthrough Silicon Valley’s goal is to inspire and prepare motivated middle school and high school students to succeed in college preparatory high school programs and attend college.

The program is also focused on encouraging outstanding high school and college students who teach, tutor, and mentor in Breakthrough Silicon Valley’s summer institute and school year program to pursue careers in education.

Who can apply?

Currently, we are partnered with two school districts: San Jose Unified School District and Franklin-McKinley School District. Because of this partnership, we can only accept applications from students who are enrolled in one of these two districts.

In general, only 6th grade students are eligible to apply. A very limited number of 7th grade students may also be admitted every year. This is because we work extensively with our students throughout their six-year commitment. As a result, we do not generally accept students who cannot commit to our program from 6th through 12th grade.

Who will teach my child?

Students from the best high schools and colleges across the US lead our classrooms. Each student-teacher goes through a rigorous selection process including an application and interview, and continue during their tenure to be mentored by experienced teaching professionals. Past teachers have been enrolled in the following schools:

Amherst
Bellarmine College Prep
Brown
Claremont-McKenna
Dartmouth
Georgetown
The Harker School
Harvard
Morehouse
Northwestern
Notre Dame High School
NYU
Stanford
U.C. Berkeley
U.C. Davis
U.C.L.A
UNC
Vassar
Wellesley
Williams

How much does Breakthrough Silicon Valley cost?

Breakthrough Silicon Valley is TUITION-FREE for students. Due to the generous support of Applied Materials, San Jose Unified School District and numerous individuals, businesses, and foundations, students pay nothing to participate. Your family’s serious commitment to Breakthrough is your payment.

Who is the typical Breakthrough Silicon Valley student?

Our students have a desire to learn, try new things, and have fun. Breakthrough students have a strong desire to achieve academically and to be leaders—preparing themselves for challenging high schools and colleges and beyond. Also, most but not all of our students come from under-served communities.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Breakthrough Silicon Valley recruits sixth graders. Applications placed for other grade levels are considered on a limited basis based on student enrollment.

What commitment will my child have to make?

If your child is accepted to Breakthrough Silicon Valley, they are expected to actively participate in the 6-year program. The requirements vary depending on the grade level of the student, however, the intensity of the program necessitates a deep and serious long-term commitment. For more information, please see Our Program

Is there homework?

Of course! Breakthrough Silicon Valley is an academic program for students eager to discover and grow. Homework is an important part of learning. Two hours of homework each weeknight during the summer is expected of all BSV students. There is also homework for the after school program.

Can we miss a few days of the summer session?

No. Daily attendance at Breakthrough Silicon Valley during the summer is mandatory, except in cases of serious illness or legitimate emergencies. As the summer program is short but intense, missing a few days will put a student behind. You should not apply to the program if your family plans to take extended vacations during the Breakthrough dates. We may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis during the school year.

The commitment made to Breakthrough Silicon Valley by the students and their families should be taken seriously.

Where is Breakthrough Silicon Valley?

The main office is located at Hoover Middle School. The summer program location is at The Hillbrook School in Los Gatos.

Breakthrough Silicon Valley
c/o Hoover Middle School
1635 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126

Is transportation provided?

Breakthrough Silicon Valley provides transportation for the summer session. We also provide transportation for field trips and some activities during the year. Students must provide their own transportation to the after school program.

Is lunch provided?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided to all students during the summer program. You may want to have your child bring his/her own lunch if s/he has special dietary needs.

How can my child apply?

Please click here to download an application or for more information about Becoming a Student.

What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?

Parental support is very important for academic success and that holds true at Breakthrough Silicon Valley. We will ask for your support in ensuring that your child attends all program activities and does his or her homework consistently.

There are also a few events that parents must attend.

Which subjects are taught at Breakthrough Silicon Valley?

During the summer students may choose classes in math, science, literature, writing, the arts, athletics, and a plethora of academic activities. The after school program emphasizes math only.

Is there a uniform or dress code?

There is no uniform but the program does enforce an appropriate dress code. If accepted, your child will receive a student handbook outlining all our expectations.

How do you measure my child’s progress?

Your child’s progress will be assessed throughout the 6-year program. First and foremost we focus on academic success at student’s school. We monitor our students’ grades at key checkpoints during the year. We also use our own tools to track progress: an individualized Student Success Plan and end of summer evaluation. Each student is given an evaluation and a student success plan so that s/he, the family, the school and Breakthrough Silicon Valley know what his/her strengths and weaknesses are. Both documents are developed as a result of formal and informal assessment throughout the summer and school year programs. Full-time staff, mentor teachers, and teaching interns work collaboratively to use this academic data to produce an individualized plan for each student.

If you would like more information, please contact our Program Director:
Tina Briceno, Program Director—tbriceno@breakthroughsv.org