Who should attend?
Heights Middle School Shorts is open to students in grades 6-9 who live in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Camp I, open to 30 students, is intended for students in grades 6-8. Camp II is open to ten students from grades 6-9.
We encourage students of all backgrounds, especially those who haven’t traditionally had access to performing or musical arts opportunities, to apply.
How much does HMSS cost?
Building Heights recognizes that cost can be a challenge for students seeking to explore creative educational and vocational training and opportunities. Accordingly, we offer full scholarships—up to 20 per year—to maximize the number and diversity of students we reach. One of our founding goals is to provide opportunities for students who may not traditionally get them, so we are committed to making HMSS free of charge for the majority of participants.
HMSS I Tuition
Tuition for HMSS I Film Camp in 2025 is $300 for campers who attend CHUH public schools, and $400 for campers who reside in Cleveland Heights or University Heights but do not attend CHUH District Schools.
As noted above, HMSS offers up to 20 full scholarships for students of CHUH public schools (applicants must request scholarships when submitting their application).
We also offer reduced rates for families with multiple children attending HMSS:
- $275 for additional siblings who attend CHUH schools
- $375 for additional siblings who do not attend CHUH schools
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HMSS I campers are also encouraged to enroll in the Creative Writing class we have developed with instructors at the Cleveland Institute of the Arts to teach our campers the art of storytelling. Students will read contemporary poetry, fiction, comics, and other works, authored by writers from diverse backgrounds and identities, as they craft and refine their own stories that they will later turn into film scripts. Tuition for the Creative Writing class is $200, of which campers will pay $50.
HMSS II Tuition
Tuition for HMSS II Film Camp in 2025 is $250 for all campers. For additional siblings, the cost of attending HMSS II $225.
How to apply for scholarships?
To be considered for a scholarship, students must check the “Scholarship” option on the application form. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is recommended!
Scholarship decisions are based upon multiple criteria, including student statements of interest, past access (or lack of access) to enrichment activities, perceived student leadership and performance skills, and the like. We are keen to have students in the program who are open to personal growth and learning to work together to set and achieve challenging objectives.
Can private and charter school students attend Heights Middle School Shorts?
Yes. We welcome private school students who live in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Indeed, we have established relationships with those schools to ensure their students are aware of the camp and application process.
Can campers go on family trips or attend other camps while HMSS is in session?
Yes! We want campers who want to make movies, even if they have other obligations that prevent them from attending HMSS every day. We are happy to work with campers and their families to accommodate scheduling conflicts.
When is camp held?
HMSS Camp 1 – for current 6-8th graders – runs from mid-February through June 13.
Students who enroll in Camp 1 will be assigned to film crew roles as part of separate Production Teams, each of which will be responsible for writing, directing, and producing an original film.
HMSS Camp 2 – for current 6-9th graders – runs from June 16-27.
Students who enroll in Camp 2 will be assigned to film crew roles as part of a single Production Team that will write, direct, and produce a short documentary film.
HMSS 5 Film Screening
Screening for Camp 1 and 2 films will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Cedar-Lee Movie Theater.
Are students with special needs eligible for the camp?
Yes. The Heights Middle School Shorts film camp is open to every Cleveland Heights and University Heights middle schooler. Students with special needs can apply for the camp, where we help students learn to believe in themselves, harness their creative potential, and work with others to make something they’re all proud of.