About the Intervention
Higher Achievement is an intensive year-round out-of-school-time program targeting rising fifth and sixth graders from at-risk communities in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. The program serves students throughout middle school (grades 5-8) with up to 650 hours of academic instruction per year. During the school year, the Afterschool Academy operates three days per week from 3:30-8:00 PM over 25 weeks, providing homework help, dinner, arts/recreation electives, community gatherings, and 75 minutes of small-group academic instruction led by volunteer mentors using a structured curriculum aligned with DC/Virginia standards. The Summer Academy runs five days per week, 8 AM-4 PM for six weeks, with four core academic classes (math, science, social studies, literature) taught by paid teachers to groups of about 13 students, plus two electives, weekly field trips, and a three-day university trip. As students approach high school, the program increases focus on the transition through family nights, high school visits, individual parent meetings, and dedicated mentoring sessions on applications. Students and parents must complete an application, attend an interview, and commit to 3-4 years of participation.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on math problem-solving after two years
Positive effect: on reading comprehension after two years
Positive effect: on math problem-solving after four years
No effect: on reading comprehension after four years
Positive effect: on applying to private high schools
Positive effect: on admission to private high schools
Positive effect: on matriculation to private high schools
Negative effect: on applying to noncompetitive public charter/magnet schools
Negative effect: on admission to noncompetitive public charter/magnet schools
Negative effect: on matriculation to noncompetitive public charter/magnet schools
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
Grossman, J. B., Herrera, C. & Linden, L. L. (2013). Staying on Track: Testing Higher Achievement's Long-Term Impact on Academic Outcomes and High School Choice (ED545471). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED545471.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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