About Us

Program Overview
Who are Pathfinder Students?
Teaching Fellows
Meet the Team
FAQs

Program Overview

Pathfinder Hopkins School is a tuition-free, four-year, after-school and full-time summer program serving students from the summer before 6th grade until the summer before 9th grade. Pathfinder students attend New Haven schools and want enrichment above and beyond what their schools already offer.
Pathfinder provides a tuition-free, four-year program of comprehensive, rigorous academic preparation and high school pathways advising to high-potential middle school students from New Haven public, magnet, parochial, and Open Choice schools.
Pathfinder is also a workshop in teacher education for high school and college students, who are trained as Teaching Fellows to assist faculty, teach enrichment classes, and mentor students.
Pathfinder prepares students with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to thrive at college preparatory high schools and programs.
Pathfinder has served New Haven students at Hopkins School since 1993, first as Summerbridge New Haven (1993–2005) and then as Breakthrough New Haven (2006–2016).

Summer Program

5 weeks in July–August
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am–3:10 pm
Subjects offered include ELA, math, science, and SSAT prep.
Average hours of homework per night: 2 hours
Beyond the classroom: a rotating lineup of arts and movement workshops, plus all-program field days and community celebrations

After School Program

12 weeks, January - April
Schedule for 6th – 8th grade: Thursdays, 4:20pm–5:55 pm
Subjects offered include ELA, math, science, and SSAT prep.
Average hours of homework per week: 1-5 hours

Who are Pathfinder Students?

Students who thrive in Pathfinder are...

motivated to do well in school and proud of their grades;
kind and considerate to their classmates and teachers;
curious about lots of different things; and
very interested in going to college.

Who Are Pathfinder Teaching Fellows?

Pathfinder offers a limited number of paid Teaching Fellowships each year. Teaching Fellows are expected to work full time for six weeks in support of our Summer Program.

These positions are intended for college students and recent college graduates who are considering entering the field of education. Hopkins School students entering their Senior year with a proven track record as a volunteer in the After School Program may also be considered.

Pathfinder alumni and New Haven Promise recipients are encouraged to apply.

Check back in January 2027 to learn more about applying for a Summer 2027 fellowship.

Meet Our Team

List of 5 members.

Anabelle Marty Jose

Executive Director of Pathfinder / Modern Language (Spanish)

203.397.1001 x350

Read Bio

A Few Favorites (Then and Now):

6th Grade	Now
Musician: Mariah Carey	Musician: Romeo Santos
Athlete: Serena Williams	Athlete: Stephen Curry
Book: Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez	Book: Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol
TV Show: Full House	TV Show: All American
Movie: The Parent Trap	Movie: Taken

What I do with Pathfinder:

As the new Executive Director of Pathfinder, my primary focus in the upcoming months will be on thoroughly understanding the program's current landscape. I am responsible for ensuring that all team members are fully equipped with the resources necessary for their success in the program. Beyond that, I will be overseeing large-scale projects, such as budgeting and fundraising. I am especially eager to visit and discuss our program at local New Haven middle schools — my hometown!

My favorite memory from Middle School:

My sixth-grade year began with a new school, and barely two weeks in, we went on a field trip to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT. Our beautiful hike up the mountain abruptly became a nightmare: a few peers and I had gotten separated from our teachers. We were literally lost! We tried path after path, but it quickly became clear that we were just going in circles, with no end in sight. Until suddenly, there was a road. We sprinted until we saw houses, and I distinctly remember banging on someone's front door to ask to use their phone. I needed to call a teacher and tell them where we were – and yes, I was the kid who had memorized all of her teachers' phone numbers! Quite the 'favorite memory,' huh?

What I do with my free time:

My 'free time' is usually dedicated to 'Mommy Mode,' and while it is rarely truly free, it brings me the absolute greatest joy! My husband and I love taking our son to explore museums, practice his soccer skills, or immerse ourselves in his endless collection of dinosaur and construction vehicle toys right in our living room. Beyond that, I cherish catching up with family and friends over meals. On a different note, I find the act of cleaning my house deeply therapeutic. Also, during the warmer months, you can often find me by the ocean at sunset, intentionally regrounding myself.

Dante Brito, Jr.

Pathfinder Student Pathways & Placement Advisor / Athletic Department Associate / English

203-397-1001 x647

Read Bio

A Few Favorites (Then and Now)

In 6th Grade:	Now:
Musician: 50 Cent	Musician: Drake
Athlete: Allen Iverson (Basketball)	Athlete: Tyrann Mathieu (Football)
Book: The Outsiders	Book: The Color of Water
Cartoon: Dragon Ball Z	Cartoon: Avatar Last Air Bender
Movie: The Matrix (1999)	Movie: Batman Dark Knight (2008)

What I do with Pathfinder:

I am fortunate enough to work with Pathfinder during the school year and during the summer! During the school year, I get to help and inform families about the high school choices they have. The choices of schools that we discuss range from public school to independent boarding schools, depending on the child. We want to make the best decision for the student, with the understanding that everyone is different.

During the summer I am the Dean of Students, so I am the person responsible for making sure that you’re having a positive experience, in addition to you are following the rules. In other words, I am the person who greets you every morning with a smile and high-five but who is also the disciplinarian.

My favorite memory from Middle School:

My middle school years were some of my best memories still to this day. Middle school was a great time for me to meet people and really figure out more about myself as a young person. My greatest memory from that time was when I tried out for the basketball team as a sixth-grader. I was so nervous, but also confident. I understood that not many, if any sixth graders made the team, so I simply just put forth my best effort and I made the team! Not only did I make the team I started in our first game!

What I do with my free time:

In my free time, I enjoy working out and coaching sports. Fitness and sports have been huge for me in my development and something that I love to do when I have free time. I also like playing my gaming system currently a Playstation 5 guy but may be going back to Xbox soon with the Series X coming out. The games that I enjoy most are Madden (Football), Fifa (Soccer), and 2K (Basketball). With all that being said, I simply love and appreciate being able to lay around and just be lazy with no planned activity.

Hughes Fitzgerald

English, Pathfinder Summer Program Dean of Students, Student Activities Coordinator

203.397.1001 x256

Read Bio

A Few Favorites (Then and Now):

In 6th Grade:	Now:
Musician: Alicia Keys	Musician: Olivia Dean
Athlete: Tom Brady	Athlete: Jaylen Brown
Book: Rick Riordan, The Battle of the Labyrinth	Book: Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
TV Show: That’s So Raven	TV Show: Atlanta
Movie: National Treasure	Movie: Daughters of the Dust

What I do with Pathfinder:

I have the pleasure of working with Pathfinder during the afterschool program and the summer program! During the afterschool program, I teach 6th-grade ELA and help students think through the importance of storytelling. In the summer, I’ve served as a teacher, instructional coach, and now have the privilege of stepping into a new role: Pathfinder Dean of Students. As I step into this new role, I look forward to deepening my relationships with the many Pathfinder students I’ve taught and supported over the past few years!

My favorite memory from Middle School:

My favorite middle school memory is the first day of sixth grade. It began, like most things at that age, begrudgingly. Ms. Giaquinto, my fifth-grade teacher, strongly encouraged—forced—me to join a speech competition after I became obsessed with a political candidate named Barack Obama. I spent the last few weeks of fifth grade searching for a topic before settling on the mysterious disappearance of Flight 19 in the Bermuda Triangle. That summer, I researched, wrote, and revised until I had memorized a full five-minute speech.

On the first day of sixth grade, I stood in front of the entire student body, my hands shaking, my heart pounding. I stumbled through the first few words before finding a rhythm. When I finished, the room erupted in applause. I don’t remember the speech now, nearly twenty years later, but I remember that feeling of accomplishment. I credit that moment as the last time I was ever truly afraid to speak in front of others.

What I do with my free time:

Most of my free time is spent with my superb son and my wonderful wife. While it is cliché to say, my family means the world to me. We really enjoy spending time together by reading and playing board games. Beyond family time, I enjoy reading and writing poetry—which is no surprise to the students I’ve taught. Having grown up with Levar Burton’s Reading Rainbow, there are few things I love more than spending time with a good book.

Keely Garden

Pathfinder Co-Director of Summer Program
Catherine Stahl

Pathfinder Director of Admissions & Operations / Science

203.397.1001 x695

FAQs

General FAQs

List of 8 items.

Who is eligible to apply for the Pathfinder Program?
Read More
Students who attend New Haven public, magnet, parochial, and Open Choice schools are eligible to apply for admission to the program regardless of the city or town that they live in.
When should I apply to the Pathfinder Program?
Read More
Students apply to the program in the fall of their 5th grade year. The application materials are online by the third week in October and are due in January. Consult the apply page for more detailed information.
What kind of commitment is the Pathfinder Program?
Read More
Upon admission, Pathfinder families commit to attending the program for four years, from the summer before 6th grade through the summer before 9th grade. Those years include attendance during both the summer and after school programs.
Does the Pathfinder Program make it easier for my child to get into Hopkins School?
Read More
The Pathfinder Program is hosted by Hopkins School but is NOT a direct pipeline into admissions at Hopkins. However, given the quality instruction that students receive at the Pathfinder Program and the relationships that they develop with their Pathfinder teachers, the program staff are often able to give important insights to the Hopkins Admissions Committee when appropriate.
Can my child participate in only one part of the program: after school only or summer only?
Read More
Pathfinder families make a commitment to both the after school program AND the summer program.
When should we take our family’s summer vacation?
Read More
The Pathfinder summer program is five weeks long. It usually begins the week containing the Independence Day holiday and goes five weeks. Given how the calendar works, most years the program ends the last week of July or the first week of August. You can safely plan your family’s vacation to take place after the first weekend in August.
How will the program communicate with me?
Read More
The program does most of its communication with families by email to the family’s email account(s). Occasionally, the program staff will reach out to individual families by phone. Students that matriculate into the program receive a path.hopkins.edu email account. Program staff only email students at their path.hopkins.edu email address and expects students to use that address when emailing with Pathfinder teachers and staff.
What is expected of my child if they are accepted and attend the program?
Read More
- Students who are admitted to the program are expected to attend all of the after school program and summer sessions. Students can expect regular homework during both the after school and summer programs.
- Students with multiple unexcused absences will warrant a meeting with the family to discuss options.

After School Program

List of 2 items.

When does the After School Program begin?
Read More
The after school program generally begins mid-January.
Does the After School Program provide transportation?
Read More
The after school program provides transportation to Hopkins School from students’ schools within the City of New Haven. Families are responsible for providing transportation for students to get home after the program ends at 5:55 pm.

Admissions

List of 5 items.

When is my child eligible to apply to Pathfinder?
Read More
Children are eligible to apply to Pathfinder in the fall of their 5th grade year. Applications are due in January. For more information, please consult the Apply page of this website.
What is the admissions process?
Read More
To apply, students and their families must fill out the online application, indicate name and contact information of two teachers (who will subsequently upload their recommendation), and provide authorization for their transcript and test scores to be released to the Pathfinder office through a secure link to their school counselor. Once materials are received and evaluated, some students and their families will be invited to Interview Day in February
How does my child apply to the Pathfinder program?
Read More
Please consult the Apply page of this website for detailed information applying to the program.
When will I be notified about the admissions decision?
Read More
Students and families are notified about their Pathfinder admissions decision by mid-March.
My child was placed on the waitlist. Now what?
Read More
You must confirm that you would like your child to stay on the waitlist. Then, the program will contact you if a spot should open up.

Summer Program

List of 6 items.

Is Pathfinder a summer camp?
Read More
Part of the Pathfinder program takes place over the summer, but it is NOT summer camp. In fact, Pathfinder students commit to taking classes over the school year and during the summer.
Does the program provide transportation during the summer?
Read More
During the summer, the program provides bus transportation to and from Hopkins School for students who live within the City of New Haven.
Does Pathfinder provide meals for my child?
Read More
Pathfinder does not provide breakfast or lunch. We ask students to come to Pathfinder having already eaten something for breakfast and with a bag lunch that does not include anything that needs to be warmed. We do have refrigerators.
What school supplies does my child need to buy for the summer program?
Read More
None. Pathfinder provides students with all supplies and resources needed for success.
Will my child be assigned homework?
Read More
Yes, your child will generally be assigned homework in each class each day. Homework provides independent practice that is crucial to skill development. To help students manage their workload and get critical questions answered, there is a study hall every afternoon. Students use this time to work on assignments and receive one-on-one assistance if they need it.
Is there any outside time during the Pathfinder day?
Read More
Yes. There are two twenty-minute recess periods: one in the morning and one after lunch.

“Through Pathfinder, kids become more grounded in their dreams and have a clearer vision of how they want to go about achieving those dreams.”

~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep
“Pathfinder changed the way I interact with people. I was real shy before. After going to Pathfinder and feeling comfortable with my abilities, I started to blossom and think of myself as smart.”

~ Darrell, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Cheshire Academy

read more testimonials...
“I saw the lightbulb go on the first day my son was there and surrounded by all those folks.”

~ Darrell Draughn, parent
“If you have the chance to change, do it.”

~ J’Nisha, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Lafayette College
“Pathfinder gave me my lifelong friends.”

~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard
“People think Middle School’s not important, but what you do now really sets you up for how your life’s going to be.”

~ J’Nisha, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Lafayette College
“Teaching at Pathfinder gave me happiness.”

~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard
“It definitely was the switch that turned my life into one of academic rigor.”

~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard
“Even though it was a very rigorous program, they also had fun. My son actually looked forward to going.”

~ Doreen Spence, parent
“Every kid who attends is a success story!”

~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep
“It helped me interact with my teachers, ask for more help, or ask for more work if I needed it.”

~Maria, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Albertus Magnus College
“Pathfinder changes lives, without a doubt.”

~ Darrell Draughn, parent
“It makes me feel wonderful that they have more options available to them and more doors open.”

~ Angelina Dusa, Counselor, John S. Martinez School
“Pathfinder became a match made in heaven for my son. Not only did he excel, but all these different prep schools wanted him. I’m all excited because now my son is getting ready to graduate from Princeton.”

~ Odell Cohens, parent
“Pathfinder showed me we can combine academics with fun.”

~ Maria, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Albertus Magnus College
“What drives me is the joy of seeing young people exposed to a rigorous learning environment.”

~ Julie Greenwood, New Haven Squash
“These are the kids that will truly help to change this world.”

~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep
“Locally, it’s among the best free academic programs available.”

~ Julie Greenwood, New Haven Squash
“It’s been incredible seeing that transformation of students who started the program in 7th grade and now are in high school.”

~ Sarah Crilley, Director of Graduate Support, St. Martin DePores Academy
“Pathfinder is an enrichment experience that your child truly deserves.”

~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep

1/20

986 Forest Road
New Haven, Connecticut 06515
(203) 397-1001

Ranked #2 Best College Prep High School

in Connecticut

Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.

About Us

Program Overview

Summer Program

After School Program

Who are Pathfinder Students?

Students who thrive in Pathfinder are...

Who Are Pathfinder Teaching Fellows?

Meet Our Team

List of 5 members.

Anabelle Marty Jose

Dante Brito, Jr.

Hughes Fitzgerald

Keely Garden

Catherine Stahl

FAQs

General FAQs

List of 8 items.

Who is eligible to apply for the Pathfinder Program?

When should I apply to the Pathfinder Program?

What kind of commitment is the Pathfinder Program?

Does the Pathfinder Program make it easier for my child to get into Hopkins School?

Can my child participate in only one part of the program: after school only or summer only?

When should we take our family’s summer vacation?

How will the program communicate with me?

What is expected of my child if they are accepted and attend the program?

After School Program

List of 2 items.

When does the After School Program begin?

Does the After School Program provide transportation?

Admissions

List of 5 items.

When is my child eligible to apply to Pathfinder?

What is the admissions process?

How does my child apply to the Pathfinder program?

When will I be notified about the admissions decision?

My child was placed on the waitlist. Now what?

Summer Program

List of 6 items.

Is Pathfinder a summer camp?

Does the program provide transportation during the summer?

Does Pathfinder provide meals for my child?

What school supplies does my child need to buy for the summer program?

Will my child be assigned homework?

Is there any outside time during the Pathfinder day?

“Through Pathfinder, kids become more grounded in their dreams and have a clearer vision of how they want to go about achieving those dreams.”

“Pathfinder changed the way I interact with people. I was real shy before. After going to Pathfinder and feeling comfortable with my abilities, I started to blossom and think of myself as smart.”

“I saw the lightbulb go on the first day my son was there and surrounded by all those folks.”

“If you have the chance to change, do it.”

“Pathfinder gave me my lifelong friends.”

“People think Middle School’s not important, but what you do now really sets you up for how your life’s going to be.”

“Teaching at Pathfinder gave me happiness.”

“It definitely was the switch that turned my life into one of academic rigor.”

“Even though it was a very rigorous program, they also had fun. My son actually looked forward to going.”

“Every kid who attends is a success story!”

“It helped me interact with my teachers, ask for more help, or ask for more work if I needed it.”

“Pathfinder changes lives, without a doubt.”

“It makes me feel wonderful that they have more options available to them and more doors open.”

“Pathfinder became a match made in heaven for my son. Not only did he excel, but all these different prep schools wanted him. I’m all excited because now my son is getting ready to graduate from Princeton.”

“Pathfinder showed me we can combine academics with fun.”

“What drives me is the joy of seeing young people exposed to a rigorous learning environment.”

“These are the kids that will truly help to change this world.”

“Locally, it’s among the best free academic programs available.”

“It’s been incredible seeing that transformation of students who started the program in 7th grade and now are in high school.”

“Pathfinder is an enrichment experience that your child truly deserves.”