Summer Sessions at Truman State University
JBA: A Pre-College Summer Academy
The Joseph Baldwin Academy is a three-week residential program on the Truman State University campus that offers an academically challenging curriculum for students that have completed grades 7-9.
This summer academy introduces highly talented middle and junior high students to college life in general.
- live in a residence hall and adapt to living with a roommate
- select one class offered in an area of the liberal arts, including the humanities, fine arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
- work with exceptional teachers, engage in the Truman community, and make new friends from around the country
Session I
Saturday, June 6 – Friday, June 26, 2026
Session II
Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 25, 2026
The JBA Experience
JBA students get a head start on their future university careers by living like college freshmen for three weeks. During their time on campus, students:
- gain an increased appreciation for the pleasures of education and intellectual engagement
- discover a place where students are accepted for who they are
- learn what a college experience looks like first hand
- grow both academically and socially as they interact with other high-ability students
Student eligibility to qualify for nomination
- Students who will complete the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade at the conclusion of the current academic year
- High achievers as indicated by GPA, IQ, enrollment in gifted courses, high standardized test scores, or equivalent measurement
Who can nominate a student?
- guidance counselors
- school principals
- gifted education teachers
- parents of home-school students
Important Deadlines
- November 2025: Applications open
- January 7, 2026: Deadline to accept applications
- First week of March 2026: Notification of acceptance to Academy
- April 1, 2026: Course Acceptance and deposit due
- May 14, 2026: Session I final payment due and Parent Consent forms with Roommate Requests
- June 18, 2026: Session II final payment due and Parent Consent forms with Roommate Requests
Have questions?
We’re here to help.
Joseph Baldwin Academy
Truman State University
100 E. Normal Ave.
Kirksville, Missouri 53501
Email: jba@truman.edu
Phone: 660-785-5384