In high school, summer is often seen as a break from structured academics. However, it can also be used as a focused period to explore university-level subjects, build academic discipline, and develop skills that go beyond school curricula. Online summer schools for high school students allow you to access structured learning environments without geographical limits, while still experiencing the academic expectations of higher education.

You will explore subjects ranging from finance, law, computer science, psychology, and business to creative writing, medicine, and international relations. These programs often include live or recorded lectures, assignments, case studies, and guided projects that mirror introductory university coursework. You will also develop skills such as critical thinking, research, structured writing, and subject-specific analysis while learning at your own pace or within scheduled cohorts.

What kinds of online summer schools for high school students are there?

Finding strong online programs requires attention to academic rigor, structure, and depth of content. Some programs focus on introductory exposure, while others provide detailed coursework with assessments and projects similar to university modules.

Various universities and institutions offer online summer schools in areas such as STEM, business, humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. You will engage in lectures, readings, discussions, and applied assignments designed to reflect real academic expectations. These programs help you build early familiarity with subject-specific frameworks, strengthen analytical skills, and experience structured online learning environments.

No matter the program, you will be expected to participate actively, complete assignments, and engage with course material in a disciplined way. To make selection easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 Online Summer Schools for High School Students. We selected these based on academic structure, accessibility, subject diversity, and level of intellectual engagement.

For adjacent opportunities, consider in-person summer courses.

15 Online Summer Schools for High School Students

 1. Harvard Secondary School Program (7-Week Online)

Location: Online
Cost: $4,180 (4 credits) – $8,160 (8 credits) + $75 application fee
Program Dates: June 20th – August 8th
Deadline: Early: January 7th | Regular: February 11th | Late: April 1st
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 graduating in 2026, 2027, or 2028; open to international students (financial aid only for U.S. citizens/permanent residents/DACA)

You’ll take for-credit college-level courses through Harvard’s Secondary School Program in a fully online format. You’ll examine subjects across fields such as computer science, economics, psychology, and premedical studies. The program emphasizes academic writing, analytical reasoning, and subject-specific frameworks used in undergraduate coursework.

You’ll build skills through graded assignments, coursework, and structured academic evaluation. You’ll apply concepts through class discussions and optional virtual activities. You’ll gain exposure to tutoring support and writing resources typically available to university students. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the expectations of college-level academics and refine your subject interests.

Why it stands out: You earn graded, transferable college credits while accessing structured academic support systems.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Summer School

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

The Online Research Programme offers high school students the opportunity to conduct rigorous research with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The program is offered in 1:1 and small group formats, and you can choose to receive college credit from universities in the US and the UK.

The virtual research program is offered in over 20 subjects, including artificial intelligence, chemistry, psychology, economics, computer science, creative writing, philosophy, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You experience authentic Oxford-style tutorials online, work closely with leading academics, and produce an assessed research paper — with the option to earn UCAS points or US college credit if you are aged 14 or above.

3. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (6-Week Online Courses)

Location: Online
Cost: $575
Program Dates: June 14th – July 26th
Deadline: March 1st – April 20th
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12); open to international students; must be proficient in English

You’ll engage in structured creative writing courses focused on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or screenwriting. You’ll examine core writing techniques such as voice, structure, character development, and narrative form. The program emphasizes workshop-based learning, where you’ll critique peer work and refine your own writing through iterative drafts. You’ll build skills through weekly assignments, guided readings, and discussion forums.

You’ll apply literary frameworks by analyzing published texts and responding with original pieces. The asynchronous format allows independent scheduling while maintaining weekly deadlines. By the end of the program, you’ll develop a portfolio of revised writing and a stronger understanding of creative writing craft.

Why it stands out: Emphasizes peer critique and workshop-style learning in an asynchronous format.

4. Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) Virtual Programs

Location: Online
Cost: $900
Program Dates: Dates vary with universities
Deadline:  May 6th
Eligibility: High school students; open to international students (scholarships only for U.S. citizens or residents); English proficiency required

You’ll study core economic principles and leadership frameworks through FTE’s virtual programs. You’ll examine topics such as market dynamics, decision-making, and policy trade-offs. The program emphasizes applied economics, where you’ll connect theory to real-world scenarios. You’ll build skills through structured sessions, group activities, and guided discussions.

You’ll apply concepts in collaborative exercises that simulate economic decision-making. The program is conducted synchronously, requiring daily participation and engagement. By the end of the program, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of economic reasoning and leadership application.

Why it stands out: Combines economics theory with structured leadership training in a live virtual format.

5. NYU Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop

Location: Online
Cost: $8,008
Program Dates: July 6th – July 31st
Deadline: Priority: May 11th | Scholarship: May 18th | Regular: June 10th
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; open to international students (English proficiency required)

You’ll study filmmaking through a structured curriculum focused on visual storytelling. You’ll examine core techniques in writing, directing, cinematography, and editing. The program emphasizes production-based learning, where you’ll build films through staged assignments and collaborative projects. You’ll develop skills by producing a documentary, a music video, technical exercises, and a final narrative film.

You’ll apply filmmaking concepts in crew-based work and scheduled instructor meetings. The asynchronous format allows flexible learning while maintaining consistent project deadlines. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a portfolio of films and gain practical experience in film production workflows.

Why it stands out: Includes multiple completed film projects across formats, building a structured portfolio. It offers four college credits alongside hands-on, collaborative filmmaking experience

6. Boston Architectural College (BAC) Summer Academy – Online

Location: Online
Cost: $1,800-$2,000 (early bird: $1,600-$1,800)
Program Dates: July 6th – July 31st
Deadline: March 1st (scholarship) | June 9th (registration)
Eligibility: Students aged 14+; open to international students

You’ll study foundational design principles through a structured pre-college architecture and design curriculum. You’ll examine concepts such as ideation, iteration, spatial thinking, and visual communication. The program emphasizes studio-based learning, where you’ll build skills in sketching, digital design, model making, and presentation. You’ll apply design frameworks through real-world challenges, guided projects, and collaborative studio work.

You’ll engage in lectures, workshops, and feedback sessions with practicing design professionals. The program includes virtual site visits and concludes with a digital portfolio and presentation. By the end of the program, you’ll develop core design skills and a clearer understanding of design disciplines.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its studio-based structure, where you work in small groups with direct feedback from design professionals while applying concepts to real-world challenges 

7. Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF) Summer Design Institute – Online

Location: Online
Cost: $3,500 (early bird: $3,000)
Program Dates: June 8th – June 26th | July 6th – July 24th
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students; open to international students

You’ll study architecture and design through a structured three-week online studio. You’ll examine the design process, including ideation, sketching, and digital modeling techniques. The program emphasizes applied design, where you’ll build original projects using hand-drawing, physical modeling, and computer-aided design tools. You’ll develop skills through guided studio sessions, collaborative group work, and iterative feedback.

You’ll apply concepts in design challenges and present your work for critique. You’ll also receive mentoring from architects and design professionals, gaining insight into academic and career pathways. By the end of the program, you’ll produce original design work suitable for portfolios and future applications.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its integration of professional mentoring with hands-on design training, allowing you to engage directly with industry practitioners while developing projects.

8. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) – Online

Location: Online
Cost: $3,750
Program Dates: June 15th – July 3rd | July 6th – July 24th
Deadline: February 9, 2026 (Financial Aid) (regular admission deadline typically falls earlier in the year)
Eligibility: High school students (highly advanced in mathematics); open to international students

For students ready for advanced mathematical challenge, Stanford University Mathematics Camp is one of the more rigorous online summer schools for high school students. Across three weeks, you’ll explore theoretical topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology, attend live online classes with professors, and collaborate in real-time problem-solving sessions led by teaching assistants, all within a fast-paced curriculum focused on deep conceptual understanding and mathematical rigour.

You’ll work on assignments, participate in discussions, and complete a final research project, which you’ll present at the end of the program. You’ll also attend guest lectures by mathematicians and professionals applying mathematics in real-world contexts, while engaging in academic and community-building activities.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its rigorous, proof-based curriculum and real-time engagement with advanced mathematical concepts typically taught at the undergraduate level.

9. Stanford AI4ALL – Online / Residential

Location: Online
Cost  $4,120
Program Dates: June 15th – June 26th (Online)
Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students; open to international students

You’ll explore the foundations of artificial intelligence through a structured program combining lectures, live demos, and collaborative research projects. You’ll study core AI domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, medical AI, and robotics while understanding their real-world impact.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, where you’ll work in teams to apply AI concepts to meaningful problems and present your findings. You’ll also participate in career workshops and engage with AI practitioners, researchers, and industry professionals, gaining exposure to both technical skills and the broader AI ecosystem.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its strong focus on using AI for social good, combining technical learning with real-world impact and ethical perspectives.

10. The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program – Online

Location: Online
Cost: $575 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary)
Deadline: Typically early spring (exact date varies each year)
Eligibility: High school students, graduating seniors, and gap year students (Classes of ’25 or ’26); open to international students

You’ll participate in a highly personalized creative writing mentorship where you’re paired with an established writer in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Instead of formal classes, the program focuses on one-on-one and small-group mentorship, where you’ll submit writing regularly and receive detailed feedback.

You’ll engage in drafting, redrafting, and critical discussion, while also collaborating with peers and learning to give and receive constructive critique. The experience is flexible and correspondence-based, allowing you to deeply refine your writing process and develop a stronger creative voice.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its individualized mentorship model, offering direct guidance from published writers rather than structured classroom instruction.

11. Sarah Lawrence College Writers Week: Summer Writing & Theatre – Virtual

Location: Online / Bronxville, New York
Cost: $1,195 (Virtual)
Program Dates: July 6-10 (Virtual) Deadline: Rolling (apply early as spots are limited)
Deadline: Typically early spring (exact date varies each year)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12, age 14+); open to international students

You’ll participate in an immersive one-week program combining creative writing and theatre, designed to develop storytelling across multiple formats. Each day begins with writing workshops where you’ll experiment with genres such as poetry, fiction, memoir, and more through prompts, peer feedback, and guided exercises.

Alongside this, you’ll engage in theatre workshops focused on performance, improvisation, and storytelling techniques like screenwriting and playwriting. The program emphasizes small-group learning, with close interaction with instructors and peers, and concludes with a showcase of student work. You’ll also have opportunities to attend readings, collaborate creatively, and earn one college credit upon completion.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its unique integration of writing and theatre, allowing you to explore storytelling both on the page and through performance.

12. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop – Virtual Program

Location: Online (Columbia University, USA)
Cost: $1,100 per virtual session
Program Dates: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Online application deadline)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9-12; includes students from U.S. schools and international schools following an American-style curriculum

This online program is designed for student journalists who want to build strong skills in reporting, writing, editorial leadership, digital media, and broadcast journalism. In the virtual sessions, students participate in live instruction led by professional educators and journalists, engaging in interactive workshops focused on real newsroom practices such as news writing, editorial decision-making, and media production.

Each week focuses on a specific journalism track, allowing students to deepen skills in areas like news reporting, leadership, or newsroom redesign while collaborating with peers from around the world.

Why it stands out: The online version stands out because it delivers a real journalism-school experience remotely through live, expert-led sessions that mirror professional newsroom workflows.

13. Girls Who Code – Pathways Program (Online)

Location: Fully virtual (global participation)
Cost: Free
Duration: 6-7 weeks (self-paced with optional live events)
Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early as spots and cohorts fill throughout the year)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12), including rising 9th graders, graduating seniors; open internationally; specifically designed for girls and non-binary students

This program is a fully online, year-round learning experience where students build real computer science and problem-solving skills through project-based tracks in game design, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and web development. Alongside technical learning, students participate in a virtual Discord community where they connect with peers worldwide, attend career panels, and engage in workshops led by professionals from top tech companies.

The experience is flexible, allowing students to complete projects at their own pace while still accessing structured guidance, mentorship, and optional industry events that introduce real-world tech careers.

Why it stands out: This program stands out because it is completely free, globally accessible, and designed specifically to build both technical skills and confidence in a supportive community for girls and non-binary students

14. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Architecture Summer Camp Academy

Location: Virtual + optional in-person day in Milwaukee, USA
Cost: $625
Program Dates: July 26th – August 1st
Deadline: June 15th (registration deadline)
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 (Grades 9-12 and recent high school graduates); open to international students (virtual participation allowed)

This hybrid architecture program introduces high school students to foundational architectural design through a mix of virtual studio learning and an optional in-person experience in Milwaukee. Students work on real design challenges where they learn to communicate architectural ideas using sketches, models, drawings, and digital tools.

Guided by university faculty and graduate students, they explore spatial thinking, 3D design software, and visual representation techniques while developing structured design projects over the week. The program also includes an optional final-day campus visit with architecture tours and engagement at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Why it stands out: This program stands out because it blends university-level architectural instruction with hands-on digital design training and a real-world campus experience option.

15. Wharton Global Youth – Future of the Business World (Online)

Location:  online
Cost: $4,099
Program Dates: June 15th – June 26th | July 6th – July 17th
Deadline: Priority deadline January 28th, followed by rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12) worldwide; open to international students

This two-week online program at Wharton introduces high school students to business thinking through a global, future-focused lens. Students attend live daily sessions and work on independent assignments while engaging with Wharton faculty-led content.

The program emphasizes design thinking, scenario planning, market research, and innovation, while also incorporating business simulations and team-based projects. A major component involves students developing a final project where they analyze trends and make predictions about the future of industries, economies, and global business systems. Throughout the program, students collaborate with peers from around the world and apply structured frameworks to real-world business problems.

Why it stands out: This program stands out because it focuses specifically on predicting and analyzing the future of global business using Wharton-level frameworks like scenario planning and design thinking.

Turn Online Learning Into University Readiness

A good online summer school should leave you with more than completed lessons. It should give you proof of how you think.

The 15 online summer schools for high school students featured here can help you build that proof through research papers, design portfolios, writing workshops, coding projects, and business simulations.

When you finish with clearer subject interests, stronger study habits, and work you can discuss, university preparation becomes more focused and personal.

To shape that experience into your next step, explore our University Preparation blogs for personal statement advice, interview guidance, entry requirements, and supercurricular ideas.