Session Schedules
Accepted students may choose between any of the three sessions, but students may only enroll in one session.
Session 1:
- Classes Monday, June 22 through Friday, July 3 (weekdays only)
- Residential students move in the afternoon of Sunday, June 21 and move out the evening of Friday, July 3.
Session 2:
- Classes Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 17 (weekdays only)
- Residential students move in the afternoon of Sunday, July 5 and move out the evening of Friday, July 17.
Session 3:
- Classes Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 31 (weekdays only)
- Residential students move in the afternoon of Sunday, July 19 and move out the evening of Friday, July 31.
Tuition and Residential Fees:
Tuition: $2,200 (plus $70 registration fee)
Residential Fees: $2,500 (plus $200 activity fee)
Application Process
Acceptance to Junior Summer Intensive is by application only. Applications are now available through BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL’S DANCE APPLY PAGE. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
For accepted students, registration will be available through May 23 or until a session reaches capacity.
APPLY
For the application process, please be prepared to upload:
- A letter of recommendation from a current ballet faculty member.
- If en pointe during the summer, this letter should include when the student began (or will begin) pointe training.
- A headshot (or any front-facing photo of the student’s face)
- A photo of the student in first position with preparatory arms
- A photo of the student in tendu a la seconde (en face) OR If en pointe this summer: a photo of the student in relevé first position in the center (at barre, if en pointe less than one year)
- If en pointe this summer: a photo of the student in relevé first position in the center (at barre, if en pointe less than one year)
For photos, please refer to the tips below:
- Take photos head-on, rather than taking them in the mirror.
- Make sure the entire body is visible in the dance photos, so faculty can see full technique.
- Make sure the lighting is conducive to being seen well. For the best results, light sources should be positioned in front of a student, rather than behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement?
Students must be between the ages of 9 and 12 on August 31, 2026. This means students may be 8 years old at the time of application, but they must turn 9 by August 31.
What prior dance experience is suggested for Junior Summer Intensive?
Junior Summer Intensive is for students who have already been participating in classical ballet training and are familiar with the vocabulary associated with a standard technique class. For supplemental curriculum—character, modern, salsa, etc.—no experience is required, as these classes are meant to introduce students to a new dance vocabulary.
Is pointe part of the curriculum?
A key piece of JSI is a pre-pointe/pointe curriculum offered to all students. Whether a student will be focusing on pre-pointe or pointe, though, will be reflective of the student’s ability. Additionally, students will not be training en pointe this summer unless they have already begun pointe-work at their home studio. In the interest of student safety, all decisions around pointe training are at the discretion of program faculty and will be made in a manner consistent with Boston Ballet School’s training approach. As part of our year-round Classical Ballet Training, students begin training en pointe at approximately 11 years old.
Should 12-year-olds apply for Junior Summer Intensive or audition for Summer Dance Program?
As 12-year-olds are eligible for both Junior Summer Intensive and SUMMER DANCE PROGRAM, it is up to the individual family what their preference is. For guidance or for questions about the programs’ differences, please contact JSIADMIN@BOSTONBALLETSCHOOL.ORG.
Are there any differences between the three sessions?
In-studio curriculum will be the same for all three sessions, but there may be small differences between the evening and weekend residential programs offered.
Are accepted students able to enroll in any of the three sessions?
Yes, accepted students may enroll in any session while space remains. However, students may not participate in multiple sessions and may only enroll in one.
Are international students eligible to apply?
Junior Summer Intensive is able to accept international students who are proficient in English. However, international students may only participate in our residential option if they can commit to having a local guardian here for the duration of the program. For such young students, this policy is in place in the event of a medical emergency and the potential for challenges with international health insurance.
Is Financial Assistance available?
Yes. In the interest of making Junior Summer Intensive as inclusive as possible, we encourage all accepted students with financial concerns to apply for aid. To receive an application, please email JSIADMIN@BOSTONBALLETSCHOOL.ORG upon acceptance to the program. A completed application must be received by Sunday, May 31, and the student must have registered for the program and put down the initial deposit and registration fee. If we are unable to offer sufficient financial assistance, students may withdraw and get a full refund of their initial deposit.
Are merit scholarships available?
Merit scholarships are not available for Junior Summer Intensive.
Is there a meal plan provided?
The Dining Hall at Walnut Hill School for the Arts features a variety of nutritious meal options. Three meals a day are included for residential students, while commuter students are served lunch. The Dining Hall is extremely accommodating to allergies and dietary restrictions, and Dining Staff are glad to work with students and families to make sure plenty of options are available.
Do students have to live in the residence hall?
No. Students may choose to commute from home or find alternate housing on their own.
Can I request a specific roommate in the residence halls?
Yes, roommate requests will be collected in the spring. For roommate requests to be accommodated, students must mutually request each other. Please make sure to confirm plans with students you want to live with before submitting a roommate request. Those who do not request a specific roommate will be assigned to live with another student close to them in age. Roommates will be put in contact with one another shortly before the start of the program, so they can begin developing a relationship in advance of move-in day.
What do students do in the evenings and on the weekends?
Each evening, between dinner and “lights out,” Residential Counselors host optional activities on campus. These are a great way for the JSI community to bond! Last year’s activities included scavenger hunts, game nights, talent shows, s’mores nights, craft nights, and more. On the weekends, all residential students go on off-campus field trips. Last year, students visited the New England Aquarium, participated in a Boston Duck Tour, and attended Canobie Lake Park.
Is medical staff present?
In addition to support from Residential Counselors, a Registered Nurse—provided by Walnut Hill—is available throughout the program. This individual oversees medication distribution, allergy management, and other health and wellness needs that may arise.
Will parents be able to contact their child’s Residential Counselor?
While individual Residential Counselors cannot be contacted via their personal phone or email, there is a residential hotline monitored by JSI staff all day and evening. This is how parents can get in touch with any member of the team.
