What is the Jasper Program?​

VIDEO: JASPER IN 60 SECONDS
The Jasper Learning Initiative is ideal for students who can relate to some of the statements below...
  • I prefer opportunities to be creative with projects and utilize my interests and talents. 
  • I prefer projects and authentic assessments over tests.
  • I am interested in my school work having connections to the real world and my own community.
  • I am open to collaborating with other students, teachers, and members of the community.
  • I am prepared to take the core courses taught at the college preparatory level.
  • I am a curious student with my own unique passions.
  • I prefer a smaller, more intimate program that still allows me to be an Emmaus High School student.

Who are Jasper students?

Incoming Jasper students should be...

Jasper is appropriate for students wanting to attend college after high school.

Our first cohort of Jasper students graduated in 2024. They, along with our current senior class, have been applying to colleges. The image above displays the colleges to which our Jasper students have been accepted as of January 13, 2026.

How do I join Jasper for 2026-2027?

If you'd like to join Jasper, please click on the icon to the right:

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 24, 2026. After February 24, students can only be accepted into Jasper if there is room in the program.  

The section immediately above has more information about the entire application process and timeline.

How do I learn more about Jasper for 2026-2027?

There are many ways you can learn more about the program:  

1. Student Presentations at the middle schools
It starts with Mr. Mihalik and Jasper students visiting the middle schools for presentations on January 13 (Eyer) and January 14 (LMMS).
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2. Online Information Sessions
Click here to view several short videos to learn more about Jasper. This is for students and parents wanting to learn more and very similar to what was presented to 8th graders.

"Virtual Open Houses" on Zoom
Wednesday, February 4, 6:30-7:30pm. Please click here to register.
Tuesday, February 10, 6:30-7:30pm. Please click here to register.
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3. 9th Grade Family Welcome Night
  • Wednesday, January 14, 6-8pm
  • Please stop by The Hive at EHS to learn more about Jasper. We will have projects on display and several stations with various topics. Dr. Mihalik will be there to answer questions and educate interested students and families about Jasper. You will also have the opportunity to talk to current freshmen about their 9th grade experience in Jasper and upperclassmen will be there to talk about their experiences.

4. Individual Family Meetings/Office Hours​
  • If you would like to meet with Dr. Mihalik and talk about Jasper for a specific student, please fill out this form to schedule a meeting. We can meet on Zoom, in-person, or make it a phone call.
  • This is a great way to talk about the program specific to the student's interests and/or goals. This is especially recommended for interested students wanting to map-out a 4-year plan to include Honors and AP courses.

5. Browse this website
Please browse this website to learn more. Here are the common areas of focus:
  • What does the schedule look like?
  • Is this good for students wanting to go to college?
  • How do I apply?

What does Jasper look like?

Photo Gallery

Projects

If you'd like to learn more about these pictures and what kinds of learning activities happen in Jasper, visit our Courses page.

Field Trips

To learn more about our Jasper Field Trips, click on the link above.