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 Please click on a topic below to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about that topic.
What does MITY stand for?
MITY stands for Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth. The institute offers three programs; EYM for students in grades 7 – 12; ExplorSchool, for students in grades 4 – 6; and YES for students in grades 1 – 4. ExplorSchool is located at Capitol Hill Magnet School in St. Paul.
What courses are offered at ExplorSchool?
The ExplorSchool’s program include courses in mathematics, science, visual art, drama, photography, mock trial and journalism. Please visit the 2010 ExplorSchool Classes to find out detailed course descriptions.
Do students receive grades or credit?
After the conclusion of the program, students are sent a written evaluation and a certificate of completion. No course grades or credits are given MITY classes.
Who teaches the ExplorSchool courses?
ExplorSchool teachers are professional and accomplished educators. MITY selects their instructors for their expertise in the course subject areas and their ability and experience teaching students in 4th through 6th grades who are gifted and talented. Please see the 2010 ExplorSchool Classes page for more information. All staff are subject to background checks through the State of Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
How do I contact the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth?
To submit a question, please visit the Contact page or call the office at 651-696-6590.
What is the application process?
See the ExplorSchool How to Apply page for details on admissions. All application materials must be received by MITY before a student’s application is considered. Applications must be received by Monday, April 19, 2010.
What are the requirements for attending ExplorSchool?
The ExplorSchool program is for students who are currently in grades 4 through 6 at the time of application. Students in grades 7 - 12 may attend the Expand Your Mind program and students in grades 1 – 4 may attend the YES program. The ExplorSchool has a competitive application process involving the evaluation of grades, a teacher recommendation, and student essay. Participants in the program attend tow courses each day, and the application is reviewed for the particular courses to which the student is applying (in order of preference indicated on the application). The admissions committee seeks applicants who demonstrate both academic talent and a passion for learning in the subject areas to which they are applying. For more information, see the ExplorSchool Admissions page.
What does grade level refer to?
Grade level refers to the current grade (2009 – 2010 school year) that a student is in at the time of application.
Will exceptions be made to the age or grade requirements?
The age and grade restrictions help create a social environment that fosters interaction among peers and the formation of friendships that can extend beyond the duration of the program. Because the social and academic components are tightly integrated, students will have greater academic benefit by learning alongside others who are close in age and grade.
What are the cutoff scores for grades?
There is no "cut-off" for grade requirements. MITY seeks students who demonstrate overall academic excellence. All application materials (such as writing samples, grades, teacher recommendations, etc.) are considered together.
Should all of the application components be sent together?
The teacher recommendation forms should be faxed or mailed separately by the teacher. The rest of the application materials should be mailed to MITY together; however, school transcripts may be sent directly from schools.
I applied last year. Do I need to apply again for this summer?
Yes. You must send in an application each year along with a recent transcript. You do not need to send another teacher recommendation or essay. If you attend the YES program last year you must submit all materials for ExplorSchool.
What is the fee for ExplorSchool?
Please visit the How to Apply section of the ExplorSchool page for information on fees.
Is Financial Aid available for the Summer Institutes?
Yes, there is limited financial aid available for ExplorSchool students. Please visit the How to Apply section of the ExplorSchool page for information on financial aid.
Can I pay the tuition in installments?
A $150 deposit is required with the application. The balance of the tuition is required within two weeks of receiving your acceptance packet to ensure your spot in the class.
When will I know if I was admitted to ExplorSchool?
Students will receive their acceptance packet in early May.
Is extended day available before and after the program?
Yes, for the first time, ExplorSchool is offering extended day to assist working parents with their schedules. Extended day is available from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Students may enroll in the morning session for $50, or the afternoon session for $50, or both for $90. Fees are for the entire 2 weeks. We do not offer extended day on a daily basis.
What do participants need to bring with them to MITY?
Students who are admitted to the program will receive detailed information on what they need to bring. All students should bring a lunch and a snack. Juice is available for purchase (25 cents). Students will receive a list of any supplies that may be needed for a specific class.
What is the ExplorSchool daily routine?
Please visit the ExplorSchool detail page for information on the daily routines and the range of activities that students participate in while at ExplorSchool.
What kind of supervision is provided?
Students will be supervised by the instructional staff and interns.
Can you accommodate students with food allergies and other special needs?
Yes, students will be asked to provide health information and information regarding any other specific needs. MITY will work with students to plan necessary accommodations.
What if a child gets sick or injured during the Summer Institutes?
The MITY staff strives to maintain a safe environment for all participants. Parents of students will be contacted immediately. In an emergency, students may be taken to Gillette Children’s Hospital at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
What is the instructor/student ratio?
The class minimum is 8 and maximum is 15.
What are the rules at MITY?
- MITY students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of good citizenship, honesty, and integrity in their academic work and in their personal conduct.
- MITY students are expected to show courtesy and respect for their fellow students, for Capitol Hill Magnet personnel and for all MITY staff members..
- MITY students shall not take part in or facilitate discrimination of any kind, including, but not limited to, discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, handicap, or intelligence.
- MITY students are expected to show respect for and take reasonable care of Capitol Hill Magnet School property, including their cafeteria, playground, gymnasium, classrooms, and other facilities, equipment and furnishings (for instance, course materials, computers, sports equipment, street signs, and other structures in outdoor areas).
- MITY students are expected to respect the belongings of their fellow students. They shall not borrow, use, or disturb items belonging to other students or MITY staff without clear prior permission. MITY students also are expected to respect the belongings of the participants of other programs at Capitol Hill Magnet School.
- MITY students shall not use, possess, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, with the exception of prescription and over-the-counter medications which shall only be used under the supervision of the MITY staff.
- MITY students are expected to be well-behaved and follow the instructions of the staff, Unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
- MITY students shall not commit acts of violence on persons or property, nor shall they threaten to commit any act of violence.
- MITY students shall not engage in any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes sexual conduct, or conduct with sexual overtones, which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning, residential, or working environment.
- MITY students are expected to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation and exploration within the academic guidelines provided by their instructors.
- MITY students are expected to know and to follow all rules listed above, as well as the rules presented by the staff during the program.
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