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ore than 200 eighth grade boys attended
the Canisius High School Higher Achievement
Program (HAP) this past July, helping to keep
their minds sharp over the summer while
introducing them to the pursuit of excellence,
Canisius style.
The HAP program, specifically designed for boys who have
completed seventh grade, provides an opportunity for these
grade school boys to get a taste of high school. The program
offers a structured and balanced curriculum taught by
professional teachers and assisted by our own Canisius High
School seniors who serve as counselors.
This year enrollment was up by 25 students compared
to 2012 as participants came from all over Western New
York, representing a number of different middle schools
and diverse backgrounds. The “HAPsters,” as Thomas
Coppola ’01, the program director, affectionately calls the
students, enjoyed five weeks of academic preparation and
enrichment, including instruction in English, math and
reading, as well as club activities in technology, history,
drama and other subjects. The athletic facilities came alive
each afternoon with a wide range of intramural team sports.
According to Mr. Coppola, himself a HAP graduate, the
increased enrollment and the enthusiasm of the students
indicate that parents recognize the quality of HAP .
“Many other area schools offer similar summer
programs and the competition to attract
students grows greater each year,”
Mr. Coppola
explains.
“We were very pleased to increase
our numbers in this competitive market.
We have a quality staff, including teachers
who are either alumni or current faculty
members, dedicated Canisius seniors as
counselors, and many underclassmen
volunteers. That is what separates the
Canisius HAP program from other schools.”
Opening doors to Canisius
Mr. Coppola notes that HAP is a staple at most Jesuit high
schools throughout the country dating back to the 1950s.
Canisius president, Fr. Joseph Costantino, S.J., taught
mathematics at HAP during his first assignment as a Jesuit
Novice in 1978 when long-time faculty member Charles
Chimera was programdirector and again two summers later.
School officials estimate the HAP program has a retention
rate of between 75% and 85%, a rate that remains consistent
year after year. With more than 200 students this year, the
importance of HAP is obvious.
HAP highlights
In addition to the classroom learning, this year’s program
was a lively bustle of activity as students went on three
different field trips and participated in the Robert J. Stransky
HAP Olympics, the culmination of the athletic portion of the
program held during the final week.
Fr. Joe found himself back in HAP 35 years after his first
encounter with the program as he spoke at the graduation
ceremony, recognizing students for their academic and
athletic achievements.
“For so many kids, HAP is the determining
factor for them to join the Canisius family,”
Mr. Coppola concludes.
“Everyone associated
with the program is very proud that HAP just
keeps getting better.”
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How HAP works
Each year, Canisius High School sends HAP applications to area grade
schools inviting boys who will finish seventh grade into the program.
Print advertising is also run to promote the program.
Cost of the five-week program is approximately $625, which includes the
Canisius entrance exam prep course and the cost to take the entrance
and scholarship exam in November.
Parents must arrange transportation for their boys to attend the
program and students bring their own lunch each day.
Tuition assistance is available to students who qualify.
More information is available by calling the Office of Admissions
at (716) 882-0466 Ext. 204 or visit canisiushigh.org
Higher Achievement Program (HAP) continues to climb.
CH S Today
