Sophomore Scholars Program

Yes, all SYA Sophomore Scholars must be at least 15-years-old by the day of departure.

No. SYA not only has experience with strong, motivated sophomores attending the program, but in addition, SYA is making changes to the program content, support system and policies in order to make it more age-appropriate for sophomores.

The positives are many. Studies have shown that younger students are more receptive to language than older students. Students who attend SYA as a sophomore will return prepared to complete junior and senior years at their home schools, allowing them to participate in school traditions and go through the college process with their peers. Having two more years of high school also allows for students to complete course requirements which may not be offered at SYA and to apply for leadership positions at their sending school.

Sophomores will receive additional orientation support both before departure and after arrival. They will be in the same advisory group which will address with them topics more pertinent to their age group. They will not be placed with other seniors in English class. Host family placement will be with a family able to provide structure and support during the days and weekends. The curfew for sophomores will be earlier than for juniors and seniors. In addition, sophomores will not be permitted to travel independently overnight.

Not necessarily. It is important for all students enrolling at SYA to sit with their home school advisor to review the graduation requirements and create a plan for fitting them all into their four-year schedule. Options for a student who needs to take a course not offered by SYA are to either take the course over the summer or take the course online.

All SYA students are welcome to stay with their host family during the entire nine months of the program. As stated above, Sophomore Scholars will be placed with a host family able to provide support and structure during times when SYA is not in session. Sophomore Scholars, while not able to travel overnight with friends, may certainly travel with their own U.S. families should they plan to go over and visit. SYA faculty will also plan an optional, supervised trip during both vacations.

In addition to the regular application, all SYA Sophomore Scholar Program applicants will need to supply an additional recommendation from a dean, coach, or mentor who knows the student well and can speak to their social and emotional development. Both the applicant and his/her parent(s) will also need to be interviewed by SYA staff.

SYA will accept a limited number of highly-qualified Sophomore Scholars; however, we do not set aside a specific number of places. The enrollment each year will vary depending on the makeup of the applicant pool.

Yes, we would be happy to get you – or your parents – in touch with a student (or his/her parents) who attended SYA as a sophomore. Keep in mind, however, that this has not be common practice, so the list of referrals will be quite small.

Yes, all students are eligible to apply for financial aid and will be considered for any of our scholarship awards.