The National High School Institute, established in 1931, is the nation’s oldest and largest university-based summer program for outstanding high school students.

Approximately 850 of the nation’s best cityscapestudents will enroll in the Institute’s 6 Divisions: Debate, Speech, Journalism, Music, Film & Video Production, and Theatre Arts. Students in the Institute are affectionately called “Cherubs,” a tradition that began in the 1930s with the founder of the Institute, Dean Ralph Dennis.

students lawnNHSI’s goal, as stated by Dean Dennis and as followed today is, “to bring together gifted young people and superior teachers in an atmosphere of affection, knowledge, and trust.” In each of the 6 divisions, students gain practical college-level experience in their chosen field; interact closely with outstanding faculty; tackle new social and intellectual challenges; and experience campus life with other exceptional high school students. NHSI students leave the Institute better able to make decisions about their future and many go on to study at the finest colleges and universities.

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Our Divisions


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Click each Division link to learn more about our programs and see how NHSI students gain practical college-level experience in their chosen field.

Film & Video


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The latest technology educates today’s high school students in the art and artistry of the moving image.
Click Here

Theatre Arts

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A one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain a broad exposure to the complex art of theatre, produce and perform theatrical works. Click Here
Northwestern
Debate Institute


An unequaled living, learning opportunity for high school debaters that offers an intensive and comprehensive debate learning experience
Click Here.
Speech

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An intensive study of both theory and practice in the competitive arena of high school speech - learn from some of the country’s finest and most accomplished speakers.
Click Here
Music


Skills and values, superb musicianship, a mastery of
communication, a sense of discipline, a commitment to excellence that will prepare students for success.
Click Here
Journalism


Study journalism from a
“professional’s perspective,” learning from top-notch
practitioners and distinguished college teachers.
Click Here

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