15 Fall Programs in NYC for High School Students

TL;DR

You'll find 15 fall programs here, ranging from tuition-free college courses at CUNY campuses to conservatory-level music training at Juilliard. Many let you earn real college credit while still in high school, though several restrict eligibility to NYC residents or specific boroughs. Options span STEM research, visual arts, fashion design, and environmental conservation, running anywhere from 10 Saturdays to a full academic year. Columbia's Science Honors Program stands out by placing you directly under active university researchers for Saturday morning sessions throughout the year. Immerse Education's Online Research Programme is among the internationally accessible picks, a fully remote, 1:1 research experience with Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League tutors for students aged 13 to 18.

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Fall programs for high school students offer an opportunity to move beyond the traditional classroom and develop advanced academic and practical skills in a university setting. With guidance from experienced instructors, students engage with the core concepts in their chosen field , whether that means conducting research, analyzing data, solving real-world problems, collaborating with peers, or presenting their ideas with confidence. 

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Along the way, they gain firsthand experience of university life, strengthen their academic foundations, and build practical experience that prepares them for future college study and beyond. Fall programs in NYC can act as a foundation for a high schooler’s college journey, giving them a taste of what university life is like at a top institution, in person.

Why NYC?

New York City is one of the world’s leading centers for higher education, innovation, and research, making it an exceptional place for high school students to learn during the Fall. Home to globally recognized universities, renowned research centers, major hospitals, technology companies, financial institutions, media organizations, and cultural landmarks, the city offers students exposure to a wide range of academic and professional environments. 

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Beyond the classroom, students benefit from guest speakers, industry connections, museums, libraries, and a diverse community that reflects global perspectives. Studying in NYC allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications while experiencing the energy, resources, and opportunities of one of the world’s most influential cities.

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For adjacent opportunities, consider research programs in NYC and pre-college programs in NYC for high school students.

15 Fall Programs in NYC for High School Students

1. Hunter College, City University of New York – College Now

Location: New York City, NY

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated

Dates: August 28th – December 21st

Application Deadline: July 3rd (Rolling after that)

Eligibility: NYCPS high school students, primarily grades 11–12 with limited grade 10 opportunities; course-specific academic requirements apply; registered NYCPS homeschool students also eligible; not open to international students

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In this program, you take college-level courses while still in high school and experience academic life at Hunter College. You can choose from subjects such as computer science, mathematics, media studies, expository writing, nutrition, psychology, sociology, music, and selected sciences. Depending on your course, you may write college essays, analyze media, program computers, work with data, or complete scientific coursework and laboratory activities. 

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You attend classes taught by college faculty and complete college-level assignments, assessments, and projects while using Hunter academic resources. You can earn genuine CUNY college credit at no cost while still enrolled in high school. The experience builds academic independence, subject knowledge, communication, analytical thinking, and readiness for college-level work.

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Why it stands out: It gives eligible NYC high school students the opportunity to complete real Hunter College coursework and earn transferable CUNY credit without paying tuition.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme

Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 learning
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Program Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year.
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)

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The Online Research Program 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. 

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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.

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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’s College Edge: Academic Year

Location: Columbia University Morningside Campus, New York City, NY

Cost: $2,672 per credit + $80 application fee (non-refundable)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not stated

Dates: September 8th   –   December 23rd

Application Deadline: July 3th

Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 11–12 in the U.S.; maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA; not open to international students

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College Edge allows you to study on Columbia University’s campus by enrolling in undergraduate-level courses during the fall term. You can choose from a selection of subjects, including mathematics, statistics, science, and languages, and complete coursework alongside current university students while earning college credit. 

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In addition to your academic classes, you will take part in seminars and workshops that cover topics such as college preparation, professional development, leadership, and the transition to university study. Throughout the program, you will also have access to campus facilities and student resources, giving you practical experience of studying in a university environment.

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Why it stands out: You earn college credit while taking undergraduate courses alongside Columbia students in a university setting.

4. Columbia University (Columbia Engineering Outreach) – Science Honors Program (SHP)

Location: New York City, NY

Cost: $900 + $50 application fee; fee waivers are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not stated

Dates: September – May

Application Deadline: April 15th

Eligibility: 10th, 11th, and 12th grades; resident within a 75-mile radius of the Columbia University campus; open to international students

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In this program, you delve into college-level physical, chemical, biological, and computing sciences on Saturday mornings throughout the academic year. You explore advanced scientific concepts through lectures and collaborative problem-solving sessions led by active Columbia researchers. The curriculum covers highly specialized subjects ranging from quantum physics and organic chemistry to immunology and biotechnology. 

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As a participant, you examine how molecular mechanisms inform disease diagnosis while analyzing the historical context of foundational scientific experiments. You also engage in group discussions and clinical case simulations designed to reinforce complex science topics. Ultimately, you develop strong analytical foundations in scientific theory and practical application that prepare you for future STEM careers.

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Why it stands out: It provides high school students the rare opportunity to study highly specialized, college-level scientific fields directly under active Columbia University research scientists.

5. New York University’s Pre-College Program

Location: Remote or NYU campus, New York City, NY

Cost: 3-credit course: $6,276; 4-Credit course: $8,368 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified

Dates: September 2nd  –  December 22nd

Application Deadline: August 14th 

Eligibility: Current 11th- and 12th-grade students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; international students can apply

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NYU Precollege gives you the opportunity to take undergraduate courses for college credit during the fall while studying on NYU’s campus. You can select classes across a range of disciplines, including STEM, business, and the arts, and complete the same lectures, assignments, projects, and assessments expected in university-level coursework. 

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Alongside your classes, you will participate in College 101 sessions that introduce topics such as the admissions process, academic planning, and financial aid. Throughout the program, you will also have access to campus resources, including libraries, tutoring services, and other student support facilities, providing a practical introduction to university life.

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Why it stands out: You earn college credit while completing undergraduate coursework and using campus resources in a university setting.

6. The Cooper Union, Albert Nerken School of Engineering – STEM Saturdays – Making Waves: Sound, Acoustics & Signals

Location: New York City, NY

Cost: $5,150 tuition; limited need-based partial/full fee waivers, including full waivers for qualifying NYC public/charter students, are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 20–25 students

Dates: October 17th – December 12nd

Application Deadline: September 30th

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; residence in one of NYC’s five boroughs or New Jersey; open to international students

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In this program, you explore sound as a physical phenomenon and learn how engineering shapes music, audio equipment, and room acoustics. You investigate acoustics through hands-on projects, work with electronics, and apply signal-processing concepts to sound-related problems. You use MATLAB, acoustic materials, and professional equipment to analyze and manipulate signals while developing practical engineering skills. 

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You also design, test, and refine custom projects and present your work at a final student showcase. You build skills in acoustic analysis, signal processing, electronics, design thinking, and problem-solving. You complete custom projects using industry technologies in New York City’s only anechoic chamber.

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Why it stands out: It gives you hands-on experience with professional acoustics technology, MATLAB, electronics, and signal processing inside New York City’s only anechoic chamber.

7. The Cooper Union (School of Art outreach) – The Saturday Program

Location: New York City, New York

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; over 200 students

Dates: October 3rd – December 13th

Application Deadline: September 13th

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 attending a New York City public or charter high school; not open to international students

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In this program, you receive free, intensive visual arts and architecture instruction on the campus of The Cooper Union. You learn from undergraduate teaching assistants and professional artists, building fundamental techniques in disciplines like drawing, painting, graphic design, and sculpture. You participate in studio critiques, field trips, and hands-on workshops that connect visual expression with written reflection. 

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If preparing for college, you develop a strong, college-ready portfolio while receiving personalized mentorship and application assistance. You work in a collegiate studio environment to refine your artistic voice and construct a competitive body of work for higher education admissions. This immersive experience builds both your creative confidence and essential professional skills.

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Why it stands out: It connects under-resourced public school students with free, high-caliber studio instruction and near-peer undergraduate mentors, ensuring they develop the robust portfolios required for competitive art school admissions.

8. Wildlife Conservation Society & Fordham University’s Project TRUE

Location: Wildlife Conservation Society & Fordham University, New York City, NY

Stipend: $350

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive; ~20 to 50 students 

Dates: September  –  December

Application Deadline: Early March

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors living in the Bronx with good academic standing; not open to international students

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Project TRUE is a research program that allows you to continue ecological research through the fall by working with environmental data collected from sites across New York City. During weekly sessions, you will examine datasets related to topics such as wildlife populations, bird diversity, water quality, and invasive species while learning how to design research questions, analyze results, and communicate scientific findings. 

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You will work in small groups with guidance from Fordham University undergraduate mentors and scientists, developing practical experience in ecological research methods and data interpretation. The program concludes with presentations where you share your findings with researchers and members of the public.

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Why it stands out: You develop research and data analysis skills by working with ecological datasets under the guidance of university mentors and scientists.

9. Parsons School of Design, The New School – Parsons Academy — Fall School-Year Program

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: $625 tuition + fees (on campus); $505 tuition + fees (online)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated

Dates: On campus: October 3rd – December 12th; online: September 14th – October 18th

Application Deadline: On campus: October 9th; online: September 20th

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; prior art/design experience required only for Portfolio Development; online Portfolio Development Strategies open to grades 9–12; open to international students

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In this program, you choose a noncredit art or design course in areas such as drawing and painting, animation, fashion design, interior design, or portfolio development. Depending on your course, you create original artwork, animate characters, build fashion mock-ups, develop spatial models, or curate portfolio pieces for college applications. 

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You work through research, sketching, prototyping, presentations, and self and peer critiques while developing both technical and visual communication skills. Some courses also use Adobe Creative Cloud tools and include field trips or visits from working artists and industry professionals. High school students can also take a five-week asynchronous online portfolio-development course. You study with Parsons faculty in a collaborative studio environment over 10 Saturdays at the Greenwich Village campus.

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Why it stands out: It gives high school students direct access to Parsons faculty, studio-based art and design instruction, and portfolio-focused preparation during the academic year.

10. NYC Urban Park Rangers Ranger Conservation Corps Internship

Location: NYC Parks & Urban Park Ranger sites, New York City, NY

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots per park location

Dates: Approximately 8–10 weeks; October –  December 

Application Deadline: Rolling; placements filled on an ongoing basis

Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental science or conservation; open to international students

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The Ranger Conservation Corps Internship gives you the opportunity to take part in conservation projects across New York City’s parks while learning about urban ecosystems and environmental management. Throughout the fall, you will work with NYC Urban Park Rangers on activities such as restoring natural habitats, monitoring wildlife, maintaining park landscapes, and supporting conservation efforts in protected green spaces. 

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The program also includes outdoor learning experiences, which may feature field trips, canoeing, or overnight camping, helping you develop practical skills in environmental stewardship. By the end of the program, you will have completed community service hours and gained experience that can support future study in environmental and biological sciences.

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Why it stands out: You gain practical conservation experience by working with park rangers on environmental projects across New York City’s parks.

11. Pratt Institute, Center for Art, Design, and Community Engagement K-12 – Saturday Art School (High School Classes, grades 9-12)

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Cost: $320– $1,294 per class; financial aid is available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission; cohort size not stated

Dates: September 26th – December 5th

Application Deadline: August 25th; rolling as space permits thereafter

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; open to international students

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In this program, you will develop your knowledge in creative disciplines through hands-on, studio-based learning. Activities include working with digital methods, creating mixed-media assemblages, and producing abstract spatial representations. You will use tools such as photogrammetry and augmented reality to integrate traditional art with STEM concepts. 

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The curriculum builds your technical skills in two- and three-dimensional media while fostering problem-solving and collaboration. Taught by Pratt faculty and students, this program allows you to explore architectural perspective drawing and project your ideas into new representational dimensions.

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Why it stands out: It functions as a unique teaching and learning laboratory where high schoolers receive direct mentorship from collegiate art and design education students supervised by Pratt faculty.

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12. Fashion Institute of Technology’s High School: Fall 10-Day Courses

Location: Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, NY

Cost: $550; financial aid is available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated

Dates: September 26th + October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th, 31st + November 7th, 14th, 21st (28th no class); December 5th

Application Deadline: September 16th; first-come, first-served enrollment

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; open to international students

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This fall program gives you the opportunity to explore creative and business-focused subjects through short courses taught by professionals from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Over 10 Saturdays, you can choose one or two classes in areas such as fashion design, styling, journalism, illustration, jewelry design, advertising, graphic design, interior design, fine arts, and fashion business. 

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Each course includes hands-on projects that allow you to develop new skills and create work that can support your creative portfolio. Throughout the program, you will also learn more about FIT’s academic offerings, experience the campus environment, and connect with other students interested in creative fields.

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Why it stands out: You explore multiple fashion and design disciplines through hands-on courses taught by FIT professionals.

13. School of Visual Arts – Pre-College Program (Fall term)

Location: New York City, NY

Cost/Stipend: $900 for in-person courses; $825 for online

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission; approximately 20 students per course

Dates: 

Application Deadline: September 1st

Eligibility: Ages 14–18; enrolled in high school during the program; open to international students

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In this program, you explore college-level art and design while focusing on a field such as animation, comics, film, photography, fine arts, or design. You develop creative and technical skills through studio-based exercises, create original work, experiment with discipline-specific methods, and strengthen pieces for your portfolio. 

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You also experience the expectations and working environment of an art college while learning from professional SVA faculty who teach undergraduate students. Courses emphasize fundamentals that may go beyond what is available in a typical high school art curriculum. You work within a small course group of approximately 20 students. You earn one college credit after completing the fall program.

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Why it stands out: It gives you a college-level creative experience taught by SVA undergraduate faculty while allowing you to earn one college credit.

14. The Juilliard School – Pre-College Division

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: $17,250 + $75 application fee + $740 additional fee for voice majors; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not stated

Dates: September 12th – December 19th

Application Deadline: Early January

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 through 12; audition required; open to international students who meet artistic requirements

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In this program, you receive comprehensive, conservatory-style musical training designed for exceptionally gifted young instrumentalists, composers, and vocalists. You participate in weekly private lessons, rigorous large ensemble rehearsals, and advanced musicianship classes led by distinguished artist faculty. You engage in intensive solo performance workshops, rigorous music theory studies, and collaborative chamber music coaching that refine your technical precision and artistic interpretation. 

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You master complex repertoire, advanced sight-reading, and expressive performance workflows while developing professional-grade musicianship. This premier Saturday program immerses you in a vibrant community of passionate peers within a world-renowned performing arts institution.

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Why it stands out: It offers high school musicians direct, weekly mentorship from world-class faculty while fully integrating them into the artistic ecosystem of a globally renowned conservatory.

15. Manhattan School of Music – Precollege Division

Location: New York City, NY

Cost: $13,060 tuition + $100 application fee ($125 after March 1); need- and merit-based scholarships are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated

Dates: September 19th – May 15th

Application Deadline: March 1st; applications after this date are considered case-by-case

Eligibility: Ages 8–18; not for beginners; entrance audition plus theory and ear-training placement tests; open to international students

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In this program, you receive pre-conservatory music training on Saturdays throughout the academic year at Manhattan School of Music. You pursue either Classical or Jazz Arts and develop your primary instrument or voice through a weekly 60-minute private lesson. You study music theory and ear training; in Jazz Arts, you may also work on history, styles, analysis, improvisation, composition, and arranging. 

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You rehearse in an assigned ensemble and gain practical performance experience through recitals, concerts, showcases, and juries. You can also expand your training through electives such as conducting, film scoring, reed making, and dance. By combining individual instruction, ensemble work, musicianship classes, and regular performances, you build technique, listening, collaboration, and stage skills.

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Why it stands out: It combines full-year Saturday conservatory-style training with private instruction, musicianship study, ensemble participation, and regular performance opportunities.

Frequently asked questions: Fall Programs in NYC for High School Students

Are fall programs in NYC open to students who don't live in the city?

It depends heavily on the specific program, since several restrict eligibility to NYC residents or specific boroughs. Hunter College's College Now and Cooper Union's Saturday Program both require NYC public or charter school enrollment, and Project TRUE is limited to students living in the Bronx. Other programs cast a wider net: Columbia's Science Honors Program accepts students within a 75-mile radius, while NYU Precollege, Juilliard's Pre-College Division, and the School of Visual Arts all accept students regardless of location, including international applicants.

Can you earn actual college credit through a fall program in NYC?

Yes, several programs award transferable college credit rather than just a certificate. Hunter College's College Now offers genuine CUNY credit at no cost, while Columbia's College Edge and NYU Precollege both charge per-credit tuition for undergraduate-level coursework. The School of Visual Arts' Pre-College Program awards one college credit after completing its fall term. Not every program offers credit though: Cooper Union's Saturday Program and Pratt's Saturday Art School focus on skill-building and portfolio development rather than transcripted coursework.

Are there free fall programs available in NYC?

Yes, a handful of programs on this list carry no cost at all. Hunter College's College Now is completely free and awards college credit, while Cooper Union's Saturday Program offers free visual arts and architecture instruction to NYC public school students. The NYC Urban Park Rangers Conservation Corps Internship is also free and focuses on environmental fieldwork rather than classroom coursework. Most other programs charge tuition ranging from a few hundred dollars for short courses to over $17,000 for conservatory-level music training.

Do these programs run on weekends or during the week?

Most fall programs on this list run on Saturdays to fit around your regular school schedule. Cooper Union's Saturday Program, Pratt's Saturday Art School, and Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Division all follow a weekly Saturday format. A few run differently: Columbia's Science Honors Program also meets Saturday mornings, while Fashion Institute of Technology's Fall Courses run on select Saturdays spread across the term rather than every week. Checking each program's exact schedule helps you plan around other fall commitments.

Which fall programs focus on research rather than coursework?

Several place you directly in active research work instead of a structured curriculum. Columbia's Science Honors Program has you engage with faculty-led problem-solving in physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Project TRUE has you analyze real ecological datasets collected across NYC under Fordham University mentorship. If you're looking for research without a New York City residency requirement, Immerse Education's Online Research Programme pairs you 1:1 with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities to produce a publishable academic paper from anywhere in the world.

Are international students eligible to apply for NYC fall programs?

Many are, though a notable number restrict eligibility to US residents or specific NYC communities. Hunter College's College Now, Columbia's College Edge, and Project TRUE are all closed to international applicants. Others welcome them: Columbia's Science Honors Program, NYU Precollege, and Juilliard's Pre-College Division all accept international students who meet program requirements. Immerse Education's Online Research Programme is fully remote and open to students worldwide aged 13 to 18, making it accessible regardless of where you live.

Build your college profile before winter break

Saturday mornings spent in a real university classroom carry more weight on an application than another after-school activity ever could.

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Among fall programs in NYC for high school students, you'll find genuine coursework, faculty mentorship, and even transferable college credit within reach.

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Completing a semester-long research project or earning credit before senior year gives admissions readers concrete evidence of how you handle real academic demands.

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Ready to build on that momentum, explore more university preparation resources to shape an application built on real experience.