HAP 2025

WHY SHOULD A BOY ATTEND HAP? A strong performance in the first marking period of eighth grade and on the HSPT Exam are crucial in the high school admissions process. The Higher Achievement Program motivates students to perform their best when they return to middle school in September.

It also lays the groundwork for a solid performance on the HSPT Exam.

“The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes.”

- Benjamin Disraeli

HAP is a one-time opportunity. The summer between seventh and eighth grade is the only chance a boy will have to attend.

Important Dates for HAP 2024 Candidates Friday, March 21: HAP applications due.

Saturday, March 22: HAP Entrance Exam at Saint Peter’s Prep, 9:30 am.

Friday, April 17: HAP 2025 admission decisions mailed.

Tuesday, June 24: HAP begins at 8:30 am, sharp.

Friday, July 4: No classes.

Monday, July 21: Parent/teacher meeting, time TBA. Friday, July 25: Final day of HAP (12:00 dismissal) Friday, July 25: HAP graduation (7:00 pm)

The Higher Achievement Program at Saint Peter’s Prep Mr. John Irvine, Director 144 Grand Street Jersey City, NJ 07302 Phone: 201-547-6389 email: IrvineJ@spprep.org spprep.org/hap

A five-week enrichment program at

Saint Peter’s Prep Jersey City, New Jersey

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF A SUMMER AT HAP?

WHAT IS HAP? Since 1964, Saint Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City has hosted the Jesuit Higher Achievement Program (HAP) each summer.

HAP is an enrichment program for boys about to enter the eighth grade.

Through classes, guest speakers, athletics and other activities, HAP aims to show students that learning can be exciting and interesting.

The ultimate goal: greater success in high school and hopefully, a college education for each HAP graduate.

At HAP we emphasize rigorous coursework in a caring and relaxed environment. We know that quality education is crucial in developing community leaders, and we begin today to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

Each summer, more than 260 boys participate in the Higher Achievement Program at Saint Peter’s Prep.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT HAP? A normal HAP day starts at 8:30 and ends at 2:00. Here’s how you’ll spend it: Mornings include homeroom, English, mathematics, writing classes and a short recess.

After lunch, each class competes in intramural sports which include basketball, volleyball, soccer, dodgeball and kickball.

Three afternoons (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) we offer “Option Classes.”

These are mini-courses on topics of special interest to both teachers and students.

Students select the class which most interests them.

Tuesday and Friday afternoons include assemblies, HAP team practices and open gym time.

HAP combines academics, athletics and creative classroom techniques to form a memorable summer for the boys, while leaving a lasting impression of the values of a good education.

The nearly 10,000 HAP alumni – college graduates, successful businessmen, educators, doctors, thoughtful citizens – are a testament to those beliefs.

Former HAP students know what a difference the Higher Achievement Program can make in a boy’s life. But don’t just take our word for it...listen to what HAP alumni have to say: “HAP is the perfect way to spend your summer before 8th grade. It’s the best way to get to know what Prep is about before you come to Prep.”

Gabe Ursic, HAP ’22

“I tell all of my students this on the first day of class each summer, and by the end of the program they understand why: HAP is my favorite five weeks of the year!”

Mr. Anthony Locricchio, HAP teacher 20+ years

“HAP and Saint Peter’s offered the wider world to a working class kid. As a student at Prep, I learned that all the accumulated learning of the ages belonged to me. HAP was my first taste of the main dish that has sustained me to this day.”

Patrick Griffin, HAP ’78 Professor of History University of Notre Dame