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Higher Achievement Program

The Jesuit Higher Achievement Program (HAP) at Xavier is a tuition-free, five-week summer program for rising eighth grade boys who excel academically, have leadership potential, and are open to growth.

HAP will be in session from June 29 through July 30, 2026, running Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The online application for HAP is now open. Please see below for application requirements and notification timeline.

Every HAP student completes a rigorous course of study that is designed to give him a sense of what a high school college preparatory experience is like. Each day includes class time dedicated to core subjects, ensuring that HAP graduates return to eighth grade more confident in their academic abilities and serious about their future in high school and beyond. Additionally, students also take one cycle each of classes focused on Science, Technology, and Art (STArt), and choose from over a dozen Option Classes that change every year based on the unique interests of Xavier’s dedicated and innovative faculty. Finally, Xavier believes it is important to take advantage of New York City’s rich history and famed cultural institutions. HAP students go on two field trips, and in the past have visited places like the Museum of Natural History, the Jackie Robinson Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Museum of Illusions.

Core Subjects STArt                    
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Acting & Art
Intramural Sports                         2025 Option Classes
  • Basketball
  • Track
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Dodgeball
  • Chess
  • Art History
  • Film Studies
  • Food for Thought
  • History of Lacrosse
  • History of the Marathon
  • Journalism
  • Sci-Fi Fantasy
  • Three Branches of Science

HAP is a tuition-free program for all students supported by Xavier High School and the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus. We also depend on the generosity of former and current HAP families to keep the program accessible to students of diverse backgrounds and means. Please consider making a donation using the link below. Every gift matters!

Donate to HAP

Application Details

Click the plus signs to find out more.

HAP Timeline

12/15/25

Phase 1 application materials due; decision notification January 5.

3/15/26

Phase 2 application materials due; decision notification April 5.

5/15/26

Phase 3 application materials due; decision notification June 1.

6/29/26

First day of HAP.

7/23/26

HAP Parent Back-to-School Night

7/30/26

HAP Graduation (Church of St. Francis Xavier)

Have any questions about HAP?

Email hap@xavierhs.org 
or call the Admissions Office at (212) 924-7900, ext. 1442.

Help keep HAP accessible!

HAP depends on the generosity of current and former families to remain tuition-free.

Donate to HAP