Frequently Asked Questions About ExplorSchool
Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about our in-person program for rising 6th – 8th grade students. Families of admitted students receive complete details via email prior to the start of a session. Still have a question? Email info@mity.org or call us at (651) 243-2221.
Application Questions
What are the criteria for admission?
There is no specific test score or GPA requirement. We are looking for students who perform well in school and are passionate about learning.
What does “grade level” refer to on the application?
The grade the student is currently in.
Will exceptions be made to the grade level (age) requirements?
No. The middle school program is only for students currently in grades 5 - 7; those who will be entering grades 6 – 8 in the fall.
Should all the application components be sent together?
All the application components do not need to be sent together; however, we will not review your application until all the materials and deposit are received.
Does My Child Have to be Identified as Gifted and Talented by Their School District to Attend?
No. MITY welcomes all eager learners in its programs.
Food, Transportation, Before/After Care, & Safety
Is transportation available?
MITY does not provide transportation. Families who are interested in carpooling are given a list of other interested families so that they can arrange ridesharing.
What do students do for lunch?
Lunch is not provided. Students should pack a lunch and a nut-free snack for each day. Lunch is not available for purchase on-site.
Can you accommodate students with food allergies and other special needs?
Yes, students will be asked to provide health information and details on specific needs. MITY staff will work with families to plan the necessary accommodations.
What if a child gets sick or injured during the program?
The MITY staff strive to maintain a safe environment for all participants. If a student becomes sick or injured, parents will be contacted immediately. In an emergency, students may be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital.
What kind of supervision is provided?
Students are supervised by the instructional staff and teaching assistants. Our TAs are college students or juniors and seniors in high school who go through the same background checks as our teachers.
Is before- and aftercare available?
Yes. Go to the ExplorSchool Overview page for more information.
Staff, Class Size, and Evaluations
Who teaches the ExplorSchool courses?
MITY hires master teachers for each course. Most of them have been teaching in our program for several years and know how to work with gifted students at this age.
How many students are in each class?
Class sizes range from 8 to 16 students.
Do Staff Undergo Background Checks?
Yes. MITY conducts background checks on all staff members prior to contact with children.
Do Students Receive a Grade or Performance Evaluation?
Each student will receive an end-of-session evaluation. No letter grades or numerical scores will be issued.
Can parents and guardians visit their student’s class?
ExplorSchool parents, guardians, and family friends will have an opportunity to visit their student’s classes on the last day of the session. Students will display or perform what they have been working on for the past few weeks. A schedule for that day will be sent home with each student during the first week of the session.
Miscellaneous
Will classes be held on Juneteenth?
Yes! In order to provide a full 10 days of programming and to maintain the momentum generated during the first two days of Session A, MITY will hold classes as usual on June 19. We will commemorate our nation's second independence day, the ending of slavery, with a variety of special events featuring education, discussion, special guests, and celebration.
What is MITY's refund policy?
All applications must include a deposit of $300 per session or a completed financial aid application. $100 of the deposit is non-refundable.
- After April 1, the full deposit is non-refundable.
- The balance is due by May 1. After May 15, there is no refund of tuition.
- If MITY cancels a course before it begins, students will be placed into their second-choice class.
- Refunds are not provided once a session begins.
- In the unlikely event that MITY terminates a course during the session, MITY will consider the circumstances and may, at its sole discretion, issue a partial refund or credit.