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Please click on a topic below to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about that topic.
What do MITY and YES stand for?
MITY stands for Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth. The institute offers three programs; EYM for students in grades 7 – 12; ExplorSchool, for students in grades 4 – 6; and YES for students in grades 1 – 4. YES stands for Your Extraordinary Saturday.
What courses are offered at YES?
The YES program includes courses in chemistry, art, drama, ancient civilization, inventions, space and the solar system, and the brain. Please visit the 2010 YES Classes to find out detailed course descriptions.
Where is the program held?
YES is held at Linwood A+ Elementary School in St. Paul, MN.
Who teaches the YES courses?
YES teachers are professional and accomplished educators. MITY selects their instructors for their expertise in the course subject areas and their ability and experience with teaching students in 1st through 4th grades who are gifted and talented. Also, we have a trained intern in each classroom to help the teacher and students. Please see the 2010 YES Classes page for information about our YES faculty. All staff are subject to background checks through the State of Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
How do I contact the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth? To submit a question, please visit the Contact page or call the office at 651-696-6590.
Admissions & Tuition
What is the application process?
See the YES How to Apply page for details on admissions. All application materials must be received by MITY before a student’s application is considered. Applications must be received by February 17, 2010.
What are the requirements for attending YES?
The YES program is for students who are currently in grades 1 through 4 at the time of application. YES has a competitive application process involving the evaluation of grades and teacher comments. Participants in the program attend two classes for four Saturdays, and the application is reviewed for the particular classes to which the student is applying (in order of preference indicated on the application). The admissions committee seeks applicants who demonstrate both academic talent and a passion for learning. For more information, see the YES Admissions page.
What does grade level refer to?
Grade level refers to the current grade (2009 – 2010 school year) that a student is in at the time of application.
Will exceptions be made to the age or grade requirements?
The age and grade restrictions help create a social environment that fosters interaction among peers and the formation of friendships that can extend beyond the duration of the program. Because the social and academic components are tightly integrated, students will have greater academic benefit by learning alongside others who are close in age and grade.
What are the cutoff scores for grades?
There is no "cut-off" for grade requirements. MITY seeks students who demonstrate overall academic excellence and a strong desire to learn.
Should all of the application components be sent together?
You do not need to send all the information at the same time, but, we do not consider a student for admission until all the materials are in. Classes fill up fast in YES, so we advise parents to submit all application materials together.
I applied last year. Do I need to apply again for this spring?
Yes. You must send in an application each session along with a recent report card.
What is the tuition for YES?
Tuition for YES is $170 for the four Saturdays. Tuition includes all instructional materials.
Is Financial Aid available for YES?
Yes, there is limited financial aid available for YES students. Please visit the How to Apply section of the YES page for information on financial aid.
When will I know if I was admitted to YES?
Students will receive their acceptance packet the week of February 22.
What do participants need to bring with them to YES?
Students who are admitted to the program will receive detailed information on what they need to bring. All students should bring a snack. Juice is available for purchase (25 cents). Students will receive a list of any supplies that may be needed for a specific class.
What is the YES daily routine?
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Students should pick up their name tags and meet in the cafeteria
9:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Period 1
10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Break time in the cafeteria
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Period 2
12:00 p.m. Parents meet son/daughter in the cafeteria
How do I find my classroom on the first day?
At YES, the first day you will go to the registration table where you will pick up a name tag. Interns or volunteers will guide you to the cafeteria area where you will put your snack and coat. The interns will help you find your classroom after announcements.
Can you accommodate students with food allergies and other special needs?
Yes, parents will be asked to provide health information and information regarding any other specific needs. MITY will work with students to plan necessary accommodations.
What if a child gets sick or injured during the YES program?
The MITY staff strives to maintain a safe environment for all participants. Parents of students will be contacted immediately. In an emergency, students may be taken to Gillette Children’s Hospital at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
What if my child cannot attend YES on a particular Saturday?
The YES staff asks that you call the central MITY phone number (651-696-6590) and leave a message as soon as you know your child will not be attending that day. We are very careful about taking attendance to be sure all students are in the correct classroom. It is very helpful if we know that someone is not in the school.
What is the instructor/student ratio?
The class minimum is 8 and maximum is 15. Additionally, all classes have an intern.
Where can parents pick up their child?
Your parents can pick you up in the cafeteria area, which is located on the first floor of Linwood A+ Elementary School.
What can parents do during the YES program?
Parents are welcome to wait in the cafeteria, or leave and return at 12:00 p.m. Also, Grand Avenue, where there are coffee shops and other stores, is in easy walking distance (3 blocks north) of the school.
What are the YES Parent Information and Discussion Sessions?
During Period 1 of each YES Saturday, professionals in gifted and talented present information on a variety of topics. After the presentation there is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topic. These sessions begin at 9:00 am and end at 10:15 am and are held in the Linwood A+ Elementary School cafeteria. Coffee is always perking.
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