When summer arrives, it can feel like a welcome break from classes, assignments, and exams. But it can also be something more: a chance to step beyond the usual school routine and explore new passions, skills, and creative outlets. For many high school students, that opportunity comes through online writing programs: courses designed to combine learning, imagination, and personal growth in meaningful ways.

Imagine spending your summer in a virtual classroom, workshop, or creative lab, surrounded by peers who share your love of storytelling and expression. Whether you’re exploring fiction, poetry, journalism, or essay writing, these programs offer hands-on experiences that go far beyond textbooks. You’ll learn by writing, revising, and collaborating in settings that reflect real-world literary and communication challenges.

How do you choose the right online writing programs for high school students?

It can be challenging to figure out which online writing program is the right fit for a high school student. Some courses might be too general, too basic, or disconnected from the real-world craft of creative writing. That’s why having guidance is important: to help you navigate the many options and select a program that truly matches your goals.

Top online writing programs offer structured, engaging experiences where you can develop skills in storytelling, character development, poetry, nonfiction, and more. You’ll learn through interactive workshops, peer feedback, writing exercises, and guided projects. Programs vary from those that mimic advanced college-level courses to those designed for beginners eager to build a solid foundation in creative writing.

Of course, regardless of the program’s level, dedication and practice will be key once you start. To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of the 15 Best Online Writing Programs for High School Students. Each has been selected for its quality curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and strong track record of helping young writers grow.

For in-person alternatives, you can also have a look at summer writing programs. To test your writing skills, you can consider participating in writing competitions.

15 Online Writing Programs for High School Students

1. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Course fee is $475 per course
Dates: Feb 15th
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who can read & write in English; international students are eligible

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio offers 6-week online creative writing courses for high school students that run both in winter and summer, giving young writers a flexible way to grow their craft from anywhere. These asynchronous courses allow students to complete weekly writing assignments, read selected materials, critique classmates’ work, and participate in discussion forums on their own schedules.

Taught by graduates of the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the classes cover genres like poetry, fiction, creative writing, and TV writing, helping students explore different styles and techniques. While the program isn’t for college credit, participants receive a letter of completion and can download their final grade. This online option is ideal for students passionate about writing who want structured feedback and creative growth over six weeks.

Why it stands out: It gives high school writers the chance to learn craft and creative thinking through structured online workshops taught by graduates of the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, helping you develop your writing voice and analytical skills through weekly assignments and peer critique from anywhere in the world.

2. Immerse’s Creative Writing Online Summer School

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Location: Fully remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+); international students eligible

The Immerse Education Online Research Programme offers high school students a rigorous online learning experience that combines subject study with the creation of a university-style research project guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions. Participants aged 13–18 work one-on-one with their tutor to explore a chosen subject in depth, build independent research skills, and strengthen academic writing.

The programme is flexible, delivered entirely online, and can be taken year-round from anywhere in the world. Students can choose from several formats, including accredited options that award UCAS points or college credits upon completion. By the end of the course, each participant produces a substantial research piece and receives personalised academic feedback. This structure supports university preparation and enhances confidence in advanced study.

Why it stands out: You’ll get access to 1:1 Oxbridge- or Ivy-style research supervision culminating in a publishable academic paper.

3. Columbia University Creative Writing Workshop

Location: Online (Spring & Summer sessions)
Cost/Stipend: Approx USD $2,867 - $4,017 for 1‑ or 2‑week online programs
Dates: Spring session: January 23rd  -  March 29th | Summer session (Online): July 6th  – July 17th
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: High school students; international students eligible

The Creative Writing Workshop: Multi‑Genre, Columbia University Pre‑College Programs, offers high school students a dynamic opportunity to strengthen their creative writing across several forms, including poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction. Designed for learners who want to deepen their craft, the workshop engages you in reading and writing exercises that encourage idea generation, drafting, revising, and editing under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

You read excerpts from notable literature, respond thoughtfully, and share your own work in constructive peer critiques. Through discussions and creative practice, students build a final portfolio of revised pieces that showcase their progress. This immersive course supports both imaginative expression and technical skill development in a collaborative learning environment.

Why it stands out: You’ll engage in creative exercises, get helpful feedback from both peers and instructors, and build a final portfolio of revised work. It’s designed to strengthen your creative process, revision skills, and confidence in multiple genres of writing.

4. Johns Hopkins Crafting the Essay – Workshop

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $1,850 USD
Dates: Spring B: Mar 23rd – Jun 14th | Summer A: Jun 15th – Aug 31st
Application Deadline: Spring B: Register by Feb 17th | Summer A: Register by May 11th
Eligibility: Grades 7-11 and must meet CTY Verbal-Level requirements (no other prerequisites); international students eligible

The Crafting the Essay – Workshop offered by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth is an online writing course designed to help students in grades 7–11 bring their personal experiences to life through compelling essays. Over the span of ten units, you explore a variety of essay forms, from narrative scenes to reflective pieces, while learning essential techniques like vivid description, sensory detail, and revision strategies through structured assignments and lessons.

Each unit includes pre-writing exercises, essay projects, reflection letters, and participation in asynchronous workshops where students give and receive peer feedback. By engaging with classmates and refining their work, you build confidence in their voice and perspective. This workshop not only strengthens writing skills but also fosters critical thinking and creative expression.

Why it stands out: It helps you build advanced personal writing skills through guided essay creation and peer feedback, giving you deeper confidence and polish in expressing your voice.

5. Columbia Univeristy – Imaginative Fiction: Science Fiction and Fantasy

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Not listed
Dates: Summer B (In person): July 21st – August 7th | Summer AA (Online): June 22nd – June 26th
Application Deadline: April 2nd
Eligibility: Open to high school students; international students eligible

Columbia University’s Imaginative Fiction: Science Fiction and Fantasy pre-college course invites students to explore the creative power of speculative storytelling through reading, discussion, and writing. Over an intensive session, you examine how literature from science fiction and fantasy stretches beyond reality to reveal deeper truths about empathy, possibility, and the human experience.

Guided by experienced instructors, you analyse influential works and learn the craft of world-building, character development, plot, magic, and suspense from a writer’s perspective. The course emphasises writing original, compelling fiction that blends the futuristic, uncanny, and magical with personal creative goals. Through collaborative discussions and practical exercises, budding writers strengthen their narrative voice and imaginative skills in a supportive learning environment.

Why it stands out: It gives students the chance to analyse and create genre fiction at a collegiate level, while developing creative writing skills under the guidance of experienced instructors at an Ivy League institution.

6. Morehouse College: Summer Writing Camp

Location: Online (virtual via Zoom)
Cost/Stipend: $350 (fee, no stipend)
Dates: June 8-19 (Mon-Thu, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Students ages 12-18 and recent high school graduates; international students eligible

The Morehouse College Summer Writing Camp is an online, two-week program designed to help students strengthen their critical thinking and writing skills through daily interactive learning. You engage in a variety of writing activities, explore different genres, and discuss the craft of writing and revising with experienced instructors and peers.

Each day includes live sessions via Zoom, independent writing time, and opportunities for individual feedback through one-on-one conferences that deepen understanding and confidence. The camp fosters a supportive environment where you can refine your voice, experiment with ideas, and build writing habits that serve academic and creative goals. This program is ideal for students ages 12–18 who want to enhance their writing before high school or college.

Why it stands out: It gives you immersive, instructor-led writing practice and personalised feedback over two weeks, helping you sharpen critical thinking, revision skills, and confidence in multiple writing genres.

7. Writers Week: Summer Writing & Theatre for Teens

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Location: Bronxville, NY, USA (on-campus sessions) or online (virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Virtual: $1,195; On-campus: $1,950 (deposit $250)
Dates: Virtual: July 6-10 | On-campus: July 20-24 & August 3-7
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: Students entering 9th-12th grade and age 14+ at program start; international students eligible

Sarah Lawrence College’s Writers Week offers high school students an immersive, week-long experience that blends creative writing with performance arts in both virtual and on-campus formats. You engage in daily writing and theatre workshops led by experienced prose writers, poets, and performance artists, fostering creative exploration and skill development across genres.

Small class sizes and one-on-one interaction reflect the college’s tradition of personalised learning, giving you space to build confidence and discover their unique voice. The program also features readings, guest artists, and a celebration of student work at the end of the week. Open to students aged 14 and older, Writers Week provides a supportive environment to grow as a storyteller while earning one transferable college credit.

Why it stands out: It offers an immersive, creative week of writing and theatre workshops with close faculty interaction, helping young writers strengthen their voice and explore storytelling across genres in a college-level setting.

8. The Droit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

Location: Online/remote (virtual program)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition ~$575
Dates: June 15th  – July 27th
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), graduating seniors, and gap‑year students; must have writing familiarity/interest; international students eligible

The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program is an online creative writing initiative that connects high school and gap year students with experienced writers in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Rather than formal classes, the program emphasizes personalized guidance through regular correspondence, allowing you to share work and receive detailed feedback from mentors and peers.

You refine drafting, revising, and editing skills while building confidence in their creative voice. Many alumni of the mentorship have gone on to earn recognition through national writing awards and attend top universities, reflecting the program’s strong track record of nurturing talent. Need‑based financial aid is available, making the experience accessible to a diverse community of young writers.

Why it stands out: This online summer mentorship pairs high school writers with experienced literary mentors for personalized feedback and dialogue, helping students deepen their creative writing and revision skills in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.

9. Kenyon Review: Young Writers Workshops

Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $2,575 | Summer Online: $995 | Winter Online: $695
Dates: Winter Online: Jan 24th – Feb 28th | Summer Online: June 14-19 | Summer Residential Session 1: June 21st – July 4th | Summer Residential Session 2: July 12-25
Application Deadline: Winter Online: Dec 18th | Summer Residential: March 1st | Summer Online: Not yet listed
Eligibility: High school students (generally rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors; age requirements vary by workshop); international students eligible

The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops bring high school students into a creative and supportive literary community where they can grow as writers, explore ideas, and stretch their talents alongside peers who share a passion for writing. These workshops are offered in multiple formats, including a winter online program, a summer online intensive, and a two‑week summer residential experience on the scenic Kenyon College campus, each designed to deepen skills in genres like short stories, poems, and essays.

Through daily writing, discussions, and feedback sessions, you discover new strengths and refine their unique voice under the guidance of experienced instructors. By combining craft study with collaborative learning, the program nurtures both confidence and creative expression in young writers.

Why it stands out: These programs bring high‑school writers into a supportive, small‑group writing community where you produce lots of new work, explore your voice across genres, and learn directly from experienced writers and peers through daily workshops and thoughtful feedback.

10. University of Washington: UW Youth & Teen Programs

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $700 to $780, depending on session and format
Dates: Jun 29th – Jul 10th (in person) | Jul 13th – Jul 24th (online) | Jul 27th – Aug 7th (in person)
Application Deadline: No specific application deadline
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 (high school); international students eligible

The University of Washington’s Writers Workshop for High School offers students an engaging introduction to creative writing in a supportive and collaborative environment. Designed for grades nine through twelve, the workshop invites you to explore diverse genres like poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, spoken word, and hybrid forms while developing your unique voice.

Through regular reading, sharing, and constructive critique, you build confidence and refine your craft as you work toward a final portfolio of original writing. The experience culminates in a class reading where you present your work to family and friends. Offered both on the UW Seattle campus and online, the program fosters community and growth among emerging writers.

Why it stands out: This course brings together high school writers to explore creative writing across genres, build confidence in their own voice, and share work in a supportive community.

11. Juniper Institute for Young Writers: Juniper Young Writers Online Programme

Location: Online / Virtual (no physical campus)
Cost/Stipend: $1,325 tuition (no stipend mentioned)
Dates: August 3-7
Application Deadline: April 6th
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders; international students eligible

The Juniper Young Writers Online program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers high school students a dynamic virtual space to explore creative writing in depth. Designed for rising 9th–12th graders, this one‑week online workshop emphasises experimentation, community, and the writing process through interactive sessions led by experienced creative writing instructors.

You engage in daily writing labs, craft sessions, participant readings, and “Writer’s Life” talks that deepen your understanding of craft while connecting you with peers from around the world. In this collaborative environment, you build skills, share work, and find support from both mentors and fellow participants. The program provides a flexible yet rigorous opportunity to strengthen writing, expand creative thinking, and join a passionate literary community.

Why it stands out: It gives high school writers a creative, immersive week of online workshops, craft sessions, and readings where you can experiment with your writing and connect with passionate peers and instructors from anywhere. It builds community and helps you develop your writing process and voice in a supportive virtual environment.

12. Writing Rockstars

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $149 USD (for this short course)
Dates: Self‑paced – no set start or end dates listed
Application Deadline: None listed
Eligibility: Teens (general program age ~13-18, must be able to write paragraphs); international students eligible

Writing Rockstars is an online writing program designed to help teens build strong, college‑ready writing skills through personalised instruction and a flexible, self‑paced format. You work independently on lessons, videos, and resources in an online learning platform while receiving detailed, individualised feedback from a live professional teacher, which helps you master each stage of the writing process.

The curriculum includes multiple essay types and structured short courses, such as textual analysis, and provides lifetime access to completed course materials upon finishing. Many families choose it to enhance academic readiness and ease the transition to higher education writing expectations.

Why it stands out: It pairs every student with a live professional teacher who gives personalised feedback and guides them step by step through writing skills at a pace that fits them, helping teens build confidence and strong writing ability with flexible online lessons, videos, and resources.

13. UCL Writing Project: Virtual Programs for Youth

Location: Online / Virtual (run by University of California, Irvine – Irvine, CA, USA).
Cost/Stipend: Registration: $575 per session | Multi‑Session Price: $1,000 (discounted).
Dates: Fall: September-November | Winter: January-March | Spring: March–May | Summer: July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Grades 2-12 (students in Grade 2 up through Grade 12); international students eligible

The UCI Writing Project’s Virtual Programs for Youth (VPY) provide students in grades 2–12 with engaging online writing experiences designed to strengthen confidence, creativity, and academic skills. Offered in fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions, VPY blends research‑based instruction with opportunities for personal expression and development through small, interactive classes.

Credentialed instructors guide you in meaningful writing activities that emphasise both foundational techniques and individual voice, helping you see writing as a powerful tool for communication and critical thinking. With a legacy rooted in over four decades of excellence and national recognition as part of the National Writing Project, these virtual courses connect young writers with high‑quality literacy enrichment in a supportive online setting.

Why it stands out: The program draws on decades of experience from a nationally recognised writing project, combining academic rigour with engaging activities to help students grow as writers.

14. Georgetown University Summer Programs

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Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
Cost/Stipend: $7,113 + optional housing ($2,542) + fees
Dates: Jun 1st – Jul 3rd | Jul 6th – Aug 7th
Application Deadline: Apr 30th
Eligibility: You must be a current 10th, 11th, or 12th grader with good academic standing (≈ 3.0 GPA); international students eligible

The Writing and Culture course at Georgetown Summer College offers high school students a dynamic introduction to college-level writing through an interactive seminar format. Limited to small classes, this seminar encourages you to experiment with diverse planning, drafting, and revision techniques that strengthen both creative and analytical writing skills. You learn how to adapt your work for different audiences and use rhetorical strategies to communicate effectively in writing and other media forms.

Instructors emphasise writing as a tool for thinking, inquiry, and deeper learning, allowing you to grow in confidence and expression. The course also provides a supportive environment where you collaborate with peers while gaining insight into academic expectations at a renowned university. Overall, this seminar prepares students for future writing challenges in college and beyond.

Why it stands out: This course combines creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry into one intensive writing experience, helping you read like a writer and build your own portfolio through workshops, discussions, and guided writing exercises in a supportive online community.

15. Stanford: Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry

Location: Online (live online course)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Session One: June 15th – June 26th | Session Two: July 6th – July 17th
Application Deadline: March 13th
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 at the time of application; international students eligible

The Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry course at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes introduces high school students to the art and craft of creative writing through focused study and practice in multiple genres. You read poems, essays, and short stories by accomplished authors and learn to develop your own voice and creative process.

Through class discussions, writing exercises, and workshops, you build essential skills in narrative, imagery, and style while exploring different forms of expression. By the end of the program, each student completes a portfolio of original creative work. The course also fosters a supportive writing community that encourages collaboration and feedback. This immersive experience strengthens both creative thinking and written communication for young writers.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in one course while receiving university-level instruction and workshop-style feedback, helping you build a strong, polished writing portfolio.