National History Academy
The National History Academy holds a noble mission: to inspire students in their quest to comprehend the foundations of American democracy and the duties of citizenship through immersive and experiential learning. The academy is guided by the motto “Historia Est Magistra Vitae,” taken from Cicero’s De Oratore. The Academy firmly believes that history serves as the ultimate teacher of life.
Residential Summer Program
The Residential Summer Program students embark on a truly remarkable journey during the program. The participants of the program engage in a unique blend of formal and informal learning experiences. They are treated to the privilege of visiting prominent historic sites scattered across Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. These excursions provide firsthand encounters with exceptional events and visionary leaders. They get the immersive experience of events that shaped American history from the pre-colonial era to the present. Students also get the opportunity to witness the endurance of the American idea through the trials of the Civil War.
The Academy participants delve into major thematic explorations that illuminate key aspects of America’s narrative. Topics include the intricacies of daily life in the American colonies, the principles of liberty and equality enshrined within the nation’s founding documents, the contentious and transformative debates surrounding slavery, the far-reaching consequences of industrial and transportation revolutions on the national economy, and the profound social and cultural impacts emanating from the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
The National History Academy has an inspiring and captivating learning environment. Each week students have site visits to historic landmarks and classroom sessions that delve deeply into the themes connected to these locations. Students are encouraged to engage in collaborative learning experiences and uncover the hidden narratives woven within these sacred grounds.
The Academy fosters thought-provoking lectures delivered by esteemed scholars, stimulating readings, and engaging discussions. The students also participate in debates and watch enlightening films about historical events. By joining the National History Academy, students unlock a profound understanding of the past, paving the way for a future shaped by the lessons of history.
Location
The National History Academy is organized at the esteemed Foxcroft School of Middleburg, Virginia. This private secondary school campus offers an exceptional and student-focused environment. The school has contemporary residence halls, well-equipped classrooms, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and a welcoming dining hall. The campus holds historical significance as it was once traversed by cavalry and others during the Civil War Battle of Middleburg. The strategic location of the school provides easy accessibility. It is an hour away from the bustling metropolis of Washington, D.C., and a mere 30-minute drive from Dulles Airport. The students who attend the National History Academy enjoy the convenience of being within a three-hour radius of the essential historic sites they will explore during the program.
Students at the Residential Academy will most likely visit the following sites (and possibly several more):
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Native American Sites
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Jamestown
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Williamsburg
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Presidential sites including:
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George Washington’s Mount Vernon
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Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
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James Madison’s Montpelier
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African American slavery sites
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Civil War sites including:
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Gettysburg National Military Park
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Antietam National Battlefield
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National Parks including:
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The Appalachian Trail National Park
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The National Mall
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
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Civil Rights sites including:
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The Lincoln Memorial
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Storer College
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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
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Washington, D.C.
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The Smithsonian National Museum of American History
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The U.S. Capitol
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The National Mall
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President Lincoln’s Cottage
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National History Academy Online
National History Academy Online is an immersive one-week college preparatory summer experience. The program is tailored for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade high school students, as well as recent graduates, who possess a keen interest in civics, civil discourse, and the captivating history of the United States.
The participants of this program experience a dynamic virtual learning environment with a thought-provoking curriculum. The students embark on a journey of exploration through case studies. These captivating case studies are meticulously crafted by esteemed Harvard Business School Professor David Moss through the Case Method Institute. The cases delve deeply into major themes of American history, drawing direct connections to current events.
This summer’s cases focus on pivotal topics, including the Writing of the Constitution, Debt and Democracy, the origins of Public Education, and the impactful Pecora Hearings. The cases critically examine government regulation of industry and the intricate role of Congressional hearings. Participants will also have the opportunity to virtually visit iconic historic sites that have shaped the nation’s identity. They will also engage in enlightening discussions led by expert speakers and get an enriching understanding of these crucial historical periods and their relevance to contemporary challenges.
National History Academy Online participants actively engage in vibrant discussions with their peers. They connect the dots between significant historical events and the current struggles we face as a society, fostering a deeper appreciation for the past and illuminating the path forward.
The National History Academy Online provides a platform for young minds to thrive, empowering them to explore and understand the intricate tapestry of American history while cultivating critical thinking skills and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
Eligibility
National History Academy is for highly motivated 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students who are passionate about history. The program admits 90 students from all across the world. In 2022, students from 26 states, five countries, and one U.S. territory joined us. The four states with the greatest representation in 2022 were Texas, California, New York, and Florida.
Admissions
The admissions are on a rolling basis. Selected applicants Students will be required to register for the Academy. Tuition must be paid in full by June 15, 2024.
2024 Residential Dates & Tuition
National History Academy will operate from Sunday, June 30, 2024, to Friday, July 26, 2024. Students may depart Friday evening after 5:00 pm or Saturday morning, July 27, 2024.
Application Requirements:
The students need to submit their high school GPA, test scores, and a short essay. Students may also include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or community leader. Some students may also be asked to participate in a brief phone interview.
Cost of Attendance
Residential Program: The four-week residential summer program costs $9,995. Tuition is inclusive of room, board, learning materials, transportation, and admission to historic sites.
Online Program: Tuition for each one-week session is $95.
In conclusion, students who attend the National History Academy are better prepared for college. They acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it means to be an American.
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