National History Academy (NHA)

A highly selective four-week residential summer program for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in American history, government, law, and civics. Based at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia, the Academy combines classroom learning with visits to more than 30 historic sites, case studies, guest lectures, parliamentary-style debates, and discussions with scholars and national leaders.

Immersive study of U.S. history at major historic sites; 3–4 field trips per week; History of American Democracy case studies developed by Harvard Business School Professor David Moss; parliamentary-style debates; access to scholars and national leaders; critical thinking and public speaking; civil discourse; international peer community; residential college-preparatory experience; certificate of completion.

Grade: rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. Geography: U.S. and international students are eligible; the 2025 cohort included students from 26 states, two countries and three U.S. territories. Academic information: GPA and AP US History, AP World History, PSAT, SAT or ACT scores if available. Essay: two paragraphs answering one of the Academy's historical-site questions. Recommendation letter: not required; currently listed as recommended but optional. Interview: some applicants may be asked to participate in a brief phone/Zoom interview. Prior research: not required.