As a high school student interested in architecture, the field can feel exciting. You might enjoy sketching buildings, noticing how spaces are designed, or wondering how cities are planned, but still ask yourself what architecture really involves beyond drawings and blueprints. Architecture summer schools for high school students offer a practical way to explore this by introducing you to problem-solving, planning, sustainability, and how people interact with spaces.

Picture yourself working on design projects, building models, or learning how architects turn simple ideas into real spaces. You might spend your time sketching concepts, visiting buildings, or discussing urban design with students who share the same interests. Through these experiences, you’ll start to see how architecture is studied and practised beyond the classroom.

How do you choose the right architecture summer schools for high school students?

It can be difficult to figure out which program is the right fit. Some might focus more on portfolio building, while others are centered around studio work, design thinking, or university-level architecture concepts. It’s not always easy to tell which ones offer the most meaningful experience.

Many universities and design schools offer architecture summer programs that are hands-on, creative, and for high school students. You’ll explore topics like urban planning, sustainable design, landscape architecture, and digital modeling through workshops, lectures, studio sessions, and site visits. Some programs feel closer to college-level architecture studios, while others are more introductory and help you build your basics.

To help you choose, here’s a list of the 15 architecture summer schools for high school students. These are selected for their hands-on learning experience, expert-led sessions, and design opportunities.

To get a sense of what working in architecture involve, consider participating in architecture summer internships.

15 Architecture Summer Schools for High School Students

1. Harvard GSD Design Discovery Youth

Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: 3 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: April (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students in Boston, ages 15-18

Harvard GSD Design Discovery Youth offers a three-week learning opportunity to high school students. The program will allow you to gain knowledge about design media, methods, and the scales included in it. You’ll learn the spatial and visual language of design based on your individual observations of the world around you.

You’ll be taught by the experienced faculty at Harvard GSD and engage in a range of hands-on activities, including drawing, modeling, and landscape architecture, while also exploring fine arts, graphic, and industrial designs.  You’ll learn the role of digital media for idea expressions and creating illustrations through individual and group discussions. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore design through drawing, modeling, and digital media while developing your own creative projects with guidance from Harvard faculty.

2. Immerse Education’s Architecture Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and Singapore
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13-18

Immerse Education’s Architecture Summer School offers a two-week hands-on learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll explore a range of architecture concepts, including structural engineering, smart cities,  spatial design, urban planning, and sustainable design. You’ll work on real-world design projects, attend studio sessions, and go on site visits.

The program offers one-on-one mentorship while allowing you to develop technical skills, visual thinking, and creativity important for a career in the field of architecture. You’ll also earn a recognized certificate on program completion.

Why it stands out: You’ll design real-world architecture projects, attend studio sessions and site visits, and build skills in spatial design and urban planning with one-on-one mentorship.

3. Exploration of Architecture – USC Summer Pre-College Program

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $11,570; Commuter: $8,130; $85 Application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: June 22nd – July 17th
Application Deadline: International students: March 13th; Domestic students: May 8th
Eligibility: High school students who will have completed 9th grade; Open to international students 

Exploration of Architecture – USC Summer Pre-College Program offers a four-week immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll engage in hands-on projects, attend lectures, and work on interactive assignments. The program will help you interact with professional architects, learn from the experienced faculty at the USC School of Architecture, and understand graphic analysis of architectural spaces.

You’ll develop a range of skills in drawing, sketching, modeling, and photography while also learning about design tools and methods. You’ll have the opportunity to evaluate design proposals and become equipped with the knowledge and skills to explore Architecture in advanced studies and a career.

Why it stands out: You’ll create architectural designs through drawing, modeling, and analysis while learning from faculty and professional architects.

4. University of Toronto Daniels Design Discovery

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost:  $1,550 CAD per course
Dates: July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students ages 14-18 worldwide

University of Toronto Daniels Design Discovery offers two-week courses to high school students. The program introduces you to different concepts in Architecture through three courses, focused on drawing practices, model making, and portfolio building. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, receive guidance from experienced instructors, and sharpen your spatial thinking skills.

You’ll learn design representation techniques, transform concepts into physical objects, and build a strong design portfolio. The program will help you communicate your ideas, imagination, and interest while engaging in creative problem-solving.

Why it stands out: You’ll choose from three focused courses, drawing, model-making, or portfolio design, and build hands-on projects while developing your spatial and creative skills.

5. University of Houston Design Experience Summer Programs

Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: $1,500; Need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 15th – July 17th
Application Deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: Rising grade 10th-12th students; Must be residents of the Houston area and Texas

University of Houston Design Experience Summer Programs offer a hands-on learning experience to high school and college students, along with degree professionals. You’ll gain knowledge about design disciplines and attend lectures on technology and architectural history.

You’ll learn through case studies while also going on field trips to buildings of special interest in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. You’ll have the opportunity to attend portfolio workshops and prepare for your college applications while learning from Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design faculty.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore architecture through case studies, lectures, and field trips across Texas while building your portfolio with faculty guidance.

6. University of Michigan ArcStart

Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $6,250
Dates: July 12-31
Application Deadline: February 26th
Eligibility: Current high school students and rising college freshmen; Open to international students 

University of Michigan ArcStart offers a residential pre-college learning experience in Architecture to high school students. You’ll participate in hands-on workshops, gain knowledge about fundamental design principles, and engage with the academic experience at the Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning. You’ll interact with peers, develop analytical and conceptual skills, and go on site visits to architectural firms.

You’ll get to explore careers in the field through interactions with designers, educators, and practitioners. Along with gaining academic knowledge and hands-on experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to prepare for the college application process through interactions with the Taubman College Admissions team.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn design fundamentals through hands-on workshops, visit architecture firms, and explore careers while experiencing college life.

7. Summer College Architecture Program – Syracuse University School of Architecture

Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Cost: Residential: $6,595; Commuter: $5,138
Dates: July 5-24
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or high school graduates around the world

The Summer College Architecture Program offers you a fundamental introduction to the field of Architecture. During the first part of the program, you’ll engage in seven short exercises and learn about a range of concepts, including representation, spatial definition, and composition. You’ll attend lectures, design projects, participate in drawing and modeling exercises, and go on virtual tours.

In the second part of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to work with Rhino and Adobe InDesign. The program will help you gain clarity about pursuing a career in architecture while learning from experienced faculty. You’ll also design a small pavilion in downtown Syracuse as a final project before the program concludes.

Why it stands out: You’ll complete design exercises, learn tools like Rhino and InDesign, and create a final pavilion project while building core architecture skills.

8. Pratt Institute Pre-College Architecture

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $5,400 to $8,200 (Approximately)
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18; Open to international students 

Pratt Institute Pre-College Architecture offers a four-week pre-college summer learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll explore courses in a broad range of disciplines, including architecture, design, art, and writing.

You’ll learn from experienced Pratt faculty, engage in a collaborative and creative environment, and develop valuable skills to build your portfolio while also earning four college credits. The program allows you to experience university life and form meaningful friendships with peers sharing similar interests.

Why it stands out: You’ll study architecture through studio-based projects, develop design concepts, and build a strong portfolio while earning college credits.

9. Urban Design and Planning Studio – Boston Architectural College (BAC)

Location: Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies. More information here
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: June 9th
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students; Not open to international students 

Urban Design and Planning Studio offers a hands-on summer learning experience to high school students. You’ll participate in designing and transforming urban spaces, develop real-world skills in digital fabrication, model making, and GIS mapping.

You’ll receive professional training and work on problem-solving a range of important societal challenges, including social justice, climate resilience, human health, and sustainability. The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to explore careers in architecture, urban design, urban planning, and other related areas. 

Why it stands out: You’ll design real urban spaces, learn to apply GIS mapping, and build physical and digital models while addressing challenges like sustainability and climate resilience.

10. Summer Scholars: Explorations in Architecture and Design

Location: Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Dates: 3 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies. More information here
Eligibility: Year 10 and 11 high school students; Open to international students 

Summer Scholars: Explorations in Architecture and Design offers a three-week course to high school students. The program is focused on a specific theme every session. You’ll engage in studio-based learning through model making, drawing, and proposing designs for projects.

You’ll attend lectures by faculty and professionals, enjoy excursions to architectural landmarks including styles like Art Deco, Cape Dutch, Neo Classical, and more, while also receiving tour guidance from special guest experts. The program offers individual ongoing feedback on the completion of each project. 

Why it stands out: You’ll create design proposals through drawing and model-making, explore architectural styles on guided tours, and refine your work with ongoing feedback.

11. Cornell Precollege Architecture Summer Program – College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Tuition: $13,000 + Application Fee: $45
Dates: June 22nd – July 31st
Application Deadline: Early: February 27th; Regular: April 17th
Eligibility: High school students; Open to international students 

Cornell Architecture Summer Programs introduces you to the fundamentals of design principles. The program spans six weeks and allows you to attend college-level classes and engage in studio work. You’ll gain knowledge about design objects, landscapes, urban installations, and buildings.

The program combines architectural learning through history, theory, and practice. You’ll develop the mindset of a professional architect and engage in creative experimentation and iterative analysis. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study architecture through studio work and college-level classes while exploring design, landscapes, buildings, and urban spaces.

12. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Architecture

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $10,744; Commuter: $8,253 + $50 non-refundable application fee and an $800 non-refundable enrollment deposit
Dates: June 20th – July 25th
Application Deadline: Early: February 1st; Final: March 1st
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors worldwide

Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Architecture offers an intensive summer learning experience to high school students. The program spans five weeks and will allow you to participate in workshops, attend seminars, special lectures, and engage in digital media and analog drawing coursework. You’ll learn the spatial articulation and representation techniques, iterate ideas, and engage in conceptual development.

Along with the academic and hands-on architectural learning, you’ll also go on field trips and explore contemporary practice issues, digital media and fabrication, and gain real-world exposure to the field of architecture.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop architectural ideas through drawing, digital media, and workshops while learning spatial design and exploring real-world architecture practice.

13. Camp ARCH – Texas A&M University College of Architecture

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cost: $1,500
Dates: July 6-11
Application Deadline: March 8th
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade students; Open to international students 

Camp ARCH – Texas A&M University College of Architecture offers a one-week immersive learning experience. You’ll work on hands-on design projects, attend interactive classes led by experienced faculty, and interact with fellow students and industry professionals, building a strong network of like-minded people.

The program offers a range of course options to explore, including architecture, construction science, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Through these courses, you’ll develop visualization, data analysis, and design skills while gaining knowledge about city planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

Why it stands out: You’ll choose a specific course, work on design projects, and build skills in visualization, city planning, and data analysis

14. The Bartlett School of Architecture Summer School (UCL)

Location: London, UK
Cost: From £850 to £2,250
Dates: July
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students worldwide ages 14-16

The Bartlett School of Architecture Summer School (UCL) offers an immersive, on-campus learning opportunity to high school students. The program will introduce you to the world of architecture and design.

You’ll engage in individual and group-based creative architectural activities like drawing, installations, and modeling. The program will help you develop and sharpen your conceptual knowledge through experimental learning. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore architecture through drawing, model-making, and creative design projects while developing your own design ideas on campus.

15. TeenArch Studio Summer Institute – UCLA Architecture & Urban Design

Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies. More information here
Dates: June 22nd – July 10th
Application Deadline: June 12th
Eligibility: Grade 9th-12th students worldwide

TeenArch Studio offers you a three-week learning experience focused on architecture. You’ll be assigned a program instructor and will have the opportunity to participate in technical seminars, theory seminars, and group work sessions.

The program will help you understand the relationship between hard and soft materials, along with exploring a range of other concepts, including 3D modeling, diagrammatic drawing, and physical model-making. You’ll work on developing a studio extension, apply study models to inform your design, and receive valuable feedback.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on a studio design project while learning 3D modeling, diagrammatic drawing, and physical model-making with instructor feedback.

Turn Design Curiosity Into Career Confidence

Maybe you already notice buildings differently: the shape of a staircase, the feel of a room, or how cities guide movement.

The 15 architecture summer schools for high school students in this article help you turn that curiosity into studio work, drawings, models, and design critiques.

After exploring options like Harvard, Immerse Education, USC, Cornell, UCL, and UCLA, you’ll have a clearer sense of architecture’s creative and technical demands.

Still deciding where design could take you? Explore our Career Exploration blogs for practical guides on careers, skills, industries, and study routes.