The Summer Institute

Since 2018, The Summer Institute (TSI) has provided high-quality educational enrichment for economically underserved secondary students in Houston on the campus of Presbyterian School. Through rigorous coursework and mentorship, TSI helps students strengthen academic skills, develop leadership abilities, and build confidence both during the summer and throughout the academic year. By fostering a love of learning, TSI equips students with the academic and social-emotional foundation needed for high school success. With access to Presbyterian School’s top-tier facilities and dedicated educators, students thrive in a structured, supportive environment. Many Presbyterian School faculty members serve TSI through teaching, administrative leadership and board membership.

Designed as an “educational wrap-around” program, TSI offers what the existing public school structure cannot always provide. At the heart of TSI is a five-week summer program, where experienced teachers deliver coursework designed to close learning gaps and inspire intellectual curiosity. Middle Schoolers receive instruction in Math, ELA, Personal Finance, Tutoring Lab, Bible, Life Skills, and PE, while High Schoolers engage in Writing Workshop, Applied Math, Literature, and Leadership. During the summer, when learning loss and opportunity disparities are most pronounced, TSI enables students to make meaningful academic gains. Throughout the school year, students continue their development in twice-monthly Saturday Sessions that provide tutoring and additional instruction, ensuring continued academic growth. TSI challenges students to push beyond perceived limits, reinforce ambitious academic goals, and fill in knowledge gaps while exposing them to impactful enrichment experiences and career exploration.

By supporting the same students from sixth grade through their senior year of high school, TSI provides motivated learners from across the greater Houston area with the resources to change their trajectories and turn their potential into achievement. TSI is committed to equitable access, exclusively serving students from low-income communities who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Through the generosity of Presbyterian School, ministry partners, and individual supporters, TSI is able to offer programming at little-to-no cost to families, including all transportation, meals, supplies, and trips. Scholarships are provided to every family who requests one to ensure financial barriers do not prevent participation. TSI services over 80 students each year. Students who wish to participate in TSI are encouraged to apply online at https://www.summer-institute.com/apply-now.

TSI allows high school students to explore postsecondary pathways, gain meaningful work experience, and take on increasing leadership within the TSI Community. TSI alumni have opportunities to return as volunteers, mentors, and paid team members, working alongside staff to support and inspire younger students. This creates a lasting cycle of leadership: students who once benefited from TSI return to help shape the experience for the students who follow them fostering a cycle of leadership and support. The TSI impact is clear—students achieve an average of six months of math growth in a single summer, and over 90% of TSI students are recognized as classroom leaders by their teachers.