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 students will enroll in the Institute’s 6 Divisions: Coon-Hardy Debate, Speech, Journalism, Music, Film & Video Production, and Theatre Arts, and its 1 Adjunct Division: Championship Debate. Students in the Institute are affectionately called “Cherubs,” a tradition that began in the 1930s with the founder of the Institute, Dean Ralph Dennis.

NHSI’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 and 1 Adjunct Division, 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.