Students in the Summer Law Institute (SLI) delve into criminal law and procedure topics, learn about the legal system, practice trial advocacy skills, and attend field trips to law firms. SLI culminates in a mock trial, during which students compete before sitting New Jersey judges.

Students in the NJ LEEP Constitutional Law Debate program prepare for and participate in two debates each year. The debate program is intended to build skills in writing, research, public speaking, critical thinking and self-advocacy. Prior debate topics have included Free Speech, Search & Seizure, Immigrants’ Rights, and Due Process.

Students meet twice weekly to gain a better understanding of the case law and develop arguments as either a respondent or petitioner. Students prepare a written brief and craft oral arguments to be presented in front of a panel of judges at debate competitions. Students are paired with an Attorney Mentor who assists their Mentee in understanding case law and supplementary reading material, developing their oral arguments and offering direction on the preparation of briefs.

During the summer prior to 10th grade, students participate in Week on the Job (WOTJ), a series of micro internships at companies throughout the greater Newark and New York City area. Students are rotated through four different placements and learn about various industries, career paths, and strengthen professional skills such as networking and public speaking.

Life Skills helps students gain and maintain confidence during their high school career. This course works to address topics not always covered in high school curricula, but that are important for success in high school and beyond, including study skills, conflict resolution, college and career exploration, and healthy relationships.

10th graders also continue participation in the Constitutional Debate Program.

Rising Juniors develop test-taking skills and strategies while preparing for the ACT. A test prep company teaches test-taking techniques and focuses on teaching of supplemental verbal, math, and science skills. In addition to test taking, students continue to build a strong foundation for their junior year by focusing on a variety of social-emotional skills and vision-building for what the year will hold. At the end of the academic year, 11th graders launch into the Pre-College Access Program, to set them up for their rigorous 12th grade summer.

The summer prior to senior year, students explore all aspects of the college application process including selecting “best fit” colleges to apply to, crafting their personal statement, communicating with teachers for recommendations, identifying and working on elements of the Common Application, and learning about financial aid and scholarships. Students apply for college exploration programs for the fall, visit college campuses, and attend college fairs. During the summer, students participate in a Great Books course. Run as a seminar style course, it emphasizes close readings of philosophical texts and engaging class discussions.

Senior academic year programming is broken up into two parts: College Application Process (October through January) and Senior Workshops (February through May). The College Application Process encompasses all elements of applying to college, including finalizing personal statements, compiling a balanced college list, writing multiple drafts of supplemental essays, submitting completed applications, preparing for interviews, and submitting the FAFSA and other financial aid documentation. In Senior Workshops students discuss the college choice process and develop strategies and identify supports for a healthy academic and social transition to the collegiate environment.

Students from 9th - 12th grade participate in twice monthly writing program. The goal of the program is to practice and strengthen skills across a variety of styles and build foundations for strong writing. 9th grade focuses on grammar, 10th grade focuses on vocabulary building and composition writing, 11th grade focuses on persuasive writing and 12th grade focuses on building a personal statement for college applications.