Humanities Institute

Geneva
Humanities
Institute

Where middle school students develop the critical thinking, analytical writing, and intellectual voice that top institutions demand — years before college applications begin.

About the Program

A structured path to intellectual excellence

Geneva Humanities Institute is designed for students in Grades 6–8 who are ready to think, debate, and write at a level that most students don’t encounter until university. Led by a Harvard graduate, the program goes far beyond the traditional classroom.

Through Harkness-style discussions, structured debate, advanced analytical reading, and multiple writing genres — including opportunities for publication — students build a tangible academic portfolio that sets them apart years before university applications open.

Modelled after America’s most prestigious preparatory schools, every session is designed to sharpen intellectual curiosity, strengthen confidence, and help students express their ideas with clarity and purpose.

What Students Learn

A structured path to intellectual excellence

01

Advanced Reading

Students engage with complex literary and non-fiction texts, developing the ability to read critically and extract nuanced meaning.

02

Analytical Writing

From literary analysis to argumentative essays, students learn to write with clarity, structure, and intellectual authority.

03

Harkness Discussion

Students lead their own discussions around a shared table — building the oral fluency and critical listening skills top schools demand.

04

Structured Debate

Formal debate builds the ability to research, structure arguments, and defend a position clearly under pressure.

05

Creative & Persuasive Writing

Students explore op-eds, personal essays, and narrative forms — finding their voice across multiple genres.

06

Publication Opportunities

Standout students have the opportunity to publish their writing, adding real credentials to their portfolio early.

Why It Matters

Built for the moment when preparation becomes advantage

The students admitted to the most selective secondary schools and universities are not those who started preparing in 9th grade. They are the ones who spent years developing a genuine intellectual identity — a consistent voice, a record of serious thinking, and the confidence to defend a position in front of others.

Geneva Prep Humanities is where that identity is built. We prepare them not just to apply well, but to succeed once they arrive.

6Curriculum modules
per program
3Writing disciplines
covered
1Academic portfolio
built per student
Who It's For

Designed for students who are ready to be challenged

01

The Curious Reader

Students who enjoy exploring ideas, asking why, and going beyond surface-level understanding of texts and the world around them.

02

The Emerging Writer

Students who want to write with more precision, persuasion, and personal authority — regardless of where they are starting from.

03

The Future Leader

Students with aspirations toward top secondary schools and universities who want to begin building their academic story now, not later.

Course Schedule

Program schedule & sessions

Current sessions for the Humanities Institute. To apply, use the form below or visit the full Schedule page.

Humanities Institute Open

The Art of the Short Story

A Geneva Humanities Institute Intensive

📅 July 27 – August 20 🕐 Mon – Thu, 10am – 1pm 🎓 Grades 6–8 👥 10 spots available

Over three intensive weeks, students immerse themselves in the craft of fiction under the direction of our Harvard-educated Director, an English scholar with a passion for theater and film. Students learn to build character from the inside out, write dialogue that crackles with tension, and shape conflict and voice with the precision of a dramatist — completing a portfolio of up to four original short stories.

DatesJuly 27 – Aug 20
ScheduleMon–Thu, 10am–1pm
Duration3 weeks
Grade LevelGrades 6–8
Spots10 Available
LocationFort Lee, New Jersey
Early DeadlineJune 22
Final DeadlineJune 30
Request Consultation
Contact Us

Request Consultation

To apply for this program you must request a consultation first.

Consultation request submitted

Your request has been received by the Geneva Prep admissions team.
We will contact you within 1–3 business days to arrange a consultation.

Application Received

Thank you for applying to the Geneva Humanities Institute. A member of our team will be in touch at the email address you provided.