15 Online Writing Courses for High School Students

TL;DR

This list gathers 15 ways to strengthen your writing online before college, spanning creative writing, screenwriting, essay writing, and academic formats. You can choose between free, self-paced options and paid live or asynchronous workshops costing up to $4,017. Most are open to students in grades 7 through 12, with acceptance ranging from open enrollment to highly selective programs like Yale's Young Writers' Workshop. NYU Tisch's online screenwriting workshop stands out for carrying four units of college credit. Immerse Education also offers a fully remote writing-focused programme for ages 13 to 18, with bursary support available.

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Writing shows up almost everywhere. You might study computer science, business, biology, economics, or political science, but you'll still need to explain your research, make an argument, write reports, or communicate an idea to someone who wasn't in the room when you came up with it. If you want to become a better writer before college, an online writing course is a practical place to start.

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An online course can let you explore the kind of writing you actually enjoy. You could work on essays, write short stories, learn how journalists develop a story, experiment with creative nonfiction, or practise academic writing. You also don't have to deal with the cost and logistics of travelling somewhere for a few weeks, since you can take the course from home. That process can make you a much more careful writer, which is useful when you're eventually writing college essays, applications, and academic work.

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

Begin with the type of writing you want to get better at. A creative writing course might spend most of its time on characters, plot, dialogue, and storytelling, while a journalism course could focus on reporting, interviews, research, and editing. If you're looking for academic writing, pay attention to whether the course covers building arguments, using evidence, structuring essays, and working with sources. Check the syllabus closely so you know exactly what you'll be spending your time writing.

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You should also check what kind of work you will leave with. Several revised essays, a set of short stories, a published article, or another collection of finished pieces can become useful portfolio material. If you're thinking about studying writing, journalism, English, or another subject where writing is a big part of the work, consider going through a guide on building a career in creative writing.

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With so many courses available, choosing one can get confusing. To make that search a little easier, we have put together a list of 15 of the best online writing courses for high school students!

15 Online Writing Courses for High School Students

1. Iowa Young Writers' Studio (Online Courses)

Location: Remote
Cost: $475 per course
Dates: Winter and Summer sessions (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: September/October for winter courses
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who can read and write in English; international students eligible

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The Iowa Young Writers' Studio offers six-week asynchronous online courses where you develop your creative writing through weekly assignments, reading selections, peer critiques, and discussion forums. You can choose from subjects including nonfiction, personal essays, and poetry, allowing you to explore different genres while working at your own pace. 

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The courses are taught by graduates of the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, giving you direct exposure to experienced writers and educators. Throughout the program, you'll receive structured feedback on your work while building a portfolio of original writing over six weeks. Although the courses do not award college credit, you'll receive a letter of completion and a final grade at the end of the program.

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Why it stands out: It combines the flexibility of asynchronous learning with instruction from Iowa Writers' Workshop graduates, giving you structured feedback and a chance to strengthen your creative writing from anywhere.

2. Immerse Education’s Creative Writing 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 aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+); international students eligible

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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. 

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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.

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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. MIT Open Learning – Writing and Reading Short Stories

Location: Online (MIT OpenCourseWare)
Cost: Free
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: None
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all learners; suitable for motivated high school students

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MIT Open Learning's Writing and Reading Short Stories introduces you to the fundamentals of short fiction through a combination of literary analysis and creative writing exercises. You'll study published short stories to understand how authors develop character, setting, dialogue, and narrative structure before applying those techniques in your own writing. 

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The self-paced format allows you to work through lectures, readings, and writing assignments at your own pace while exploring the craft of storytelling. Because the course is hosted through MIT OpenCourseWare, you can access university-level instructional materials completely free of charge. Although it isn't designed exclusively for high school students, motivated teens interested in creative writing can use it as an introduction to college-level literary study.

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Why it stands out: It offers free access to MIT course materials, allowing you to study creative writing techniques through a university-level curriculum without tuition or application requirements.

4. Columbia University Creative Writing Workshop: Multi-Genre

Location: Online
Cost: $4,017 for the 2-week online summer session and an $80 application fee
Dates: Spring: January 15th - March 21st | Summer: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; international students eligible

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Columbia University's Multi-Genre Creative Writing Workshop introduces you to poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction through reading, writing, revision, and discussion. You'll complete writing exercises, study published literary works, and receive constructive feedback from both instructors and classmates. The course places a strong emphasis on revision, helping you develop multiple drafts into polished pieces for a final portfolio. 

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You'll explore several genres instead of focusing on just one, allowing you to experiment with different writing styles before discovering your strengths. This workshop format mirrors many university-level creative writing classes.

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Why it stands out: It allows you to explore multiple genres in one course while building a portfolio through instructor guidance and peer workshops.

5. Johns Hopkins CTY: Crafting the Essay – Workshop

Location: Remote
Cost: $1,924
Dates: January 25th – April 12th
Application Deadline: December 8th
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-11 who meet CTY Verbal-Level requirements; international students eligible

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This online Johns Hopkins CTY course focuses on personal and reflective essay writing through ten structured instructional units. You'll learn techniques such as vivid description, sensory detail, narrative structure, and revision while completing regular writing assignments. 

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Each unit combines lessons, essay projects, reflection letters, and asynchronous peer workshops, giving you multiple opportunities to improve your writing. You'll revise your work based on detailed feedback, helping you strengthen both your writing process and your personal voice. The course is designed for students who want to build confidence in expressive and narrative writing.

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Why it stands out: It offers a structured approach to essay writing that combines guided instruction, revision, and peer feedback over an extended online course.

6. Stanford: Creative Writing - Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry

Location: Online (live online course)
Cost: $3,200; additional course materials, if required, will not exceed $100
Dates: Session One: June 15-26 | Session Two: July 6-17
Application Deadline: March 13th
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 at the time of application; international students eligible

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Stanford's creative writing course introduces you to fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry through reading, discussion, writing exercises, and workshops. You'll study works by published authors while experimenting with narrative, imagery, voice, and style in your own writing. 

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The multi-genre format allows you to explore different forms of creative writing before assembling a portfolio of original work. Regular workshops and class discussions provide opportunities to receive feedback while refining your writing process. The course offers a collaborative environment for students interested in developing creative writing skills across multiple genres.

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Why it stands out: It brings together fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in one university-level course, allowing you to build a diverse creative writing portfolio.

7. Yale Young Writers' Workshop

Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,380
Dates: June 21–26
Application Deadline: April 1st
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who are rising high school juniors or seniors

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The Yale Young Writers' Workshop allows you to develop your creative writing across fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting in a seminar-style online environment. You'll participate in small workshops led by published authors and experienced instructors, where you'll receive detailed feedback on your writing while learning techniques to strengthen voice, structure, and style. 

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Alongside writing workshops, you'll attend readings, craft talks, and community events that expose you to different approaches to creative writing. By the end of the programme, you'll leave with a revised portfolio of writing and a deeper understanding of your own creative process. The collaborative format encourages you to share your work while learning from fellow young writers.

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Why it stands out: It combines small-group workshops, published-author instruction, and a revised writing portfolio in a highly selective online programme.

8. Georgetown University – Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling

Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895
Dates: Multiple sessions available year-round (1-, 2-, and 4-week formats)
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Acceptance rate: Selective
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and older

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This online Georgetown course introduces you to the fundamentals of fiction writing through interactive lessons on character development, plot, narrative structure, and storytelling techniques. You'll complete writing exercises, participate in peer workshops, and revise your work using instructor feedback throughout the course. 

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The programme culminates in a polished portfolio of original fiction along with a capstone project that brings together the skills you've developed. Depending on the session, you may receive a Certificate of Completion or earn Georgetown College credit. The flexible course lengths allow you to choose an option that best fits your schedule.

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Why it stands out: It offers flexible course formats throughout the year while combining guided workshops, portfolio development, and the opportunity to earn Georgetown credit.

9. Loyola Marymount University – Beginning Screenwriting Online Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,730 + $65 application fee
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Acceptance rate: Limited enrollment
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

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Loyola Marymount University's Beginning Screenwriting Online Program introduces you to the fundamentals of writing for film and television. You'll study story structure, dialogue, character creation, screenplay formatting, and script development while analysing classic and contemporary films.

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Professional screenwriters lead the workshops, giving you insight into both the creative and technical aspects of screenwriting. Throughout the programme, you'll write your own screenplay while learning industry-standard techniques used in film and television production. The course is well suited for students interested in storytelling through visual media.

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Why it stands out: It teaches screenwriting directly from industry professionals while introducing students to the conventions and techniques used in film and television writing.

10. UMass Amherst – Writing With Pictures: A Multimodal Introduction to Writing for College

Location: Online

Cost: $1,985

Dates: July 13–24

Application Deadline: Not specified

Acceptance rate: Not specified

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

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In this two-week online UMass Amherst course, you’ll work with images, layout, design, sound, and digital tools to see how all of these can shape an argument. You’ll practice rhetorical analysis, audience and purpose, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revision, while using Canva to build multimodal projects. 

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The course also includes two peer review sessions where you’ll read other students’ work and revise your own drafts. Your final project combines writing and visual design, and you’ll submit a written reflection explaining why you made particular choices in the project.

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Why it stands out: It goes beyond traditional essay writing and teaches students how writing works alongside visual and digital media.

11. NYU Tisch – Online High School Screenwriters Workshop

Location: Online

Cost: Not specified

Dates: Not specified

Application Deadline: September 3rd

Acceptance rate: Not specified

Eligibility: High school students interested in screenwriting

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NYU Tisch’s Online High School Screenwriters Workshop takes you through the actual process of writing for film and television. You’ll develop story ideas, build characters, write scenes in screenplay format, and work on story structure and dialogue through weekly assignments. The course also includes film story analysis and screenings, so you can look at how scripts turn into finished stories. 

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You’ll submit scenes, a short screenplay, and a synopsis for a feature film or television series. The online format is asynchronous, but you’ll still meet one-on-one with your instructor and take part in critiques, rewrites, and group projects with writers from around the world. The workshop carries four units of NYU college credit.

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If you’re interested in screenwriting, consider this guide on how to improve your screenwriting skills.

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Why it stands out: It gives current high school students a university-level screenwriting course with individual feedback and college credit.

12. UCI Writing Project: Virtual Programs for Youth

Location: Online
Cost: $575 per session ($1,000 for multiple sessions)
Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Registration remains open until classes fill
Acceptance rate: Maximum 12 students per teacher
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12; international students eligible

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The UCI Writing Project's Virtual Programs for Youth offers online writing classes that combine creative expression with research-based writing instruction. You'll participate in small interactive classes led by credentialed teachers while completing activities designed to strengthen writing skills, creativity, and communication. The programme is offered throughout the year, allowing you to choose a session that fits your schedule rather than waiting for the summer. Small class sizes encourage regular interaction with instructors while giving you opportunities to share your writing and receive feedback. The curriculum is rooted in the National Writing Project's long-standing approach to literacy education.

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Why it stands out: It draws on the National Writing Project's educational framework while offering year-round online writing instruction in small interactive classes.

13. HSLDA Online Academy – Foundations in Writing

Location: Online (live with recorded sessions available)
Cost: $765 ($650 for HSLDA members)
Dates: Fall-Spring (yearlong course)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment (subject to seat availability)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12

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HSLDA Online Academy's Foundations in Writing is a year-long online course that introduces students to academic writing, grammar, and literary analysis through weekly live instruction. You'll work through every stage of the writing process, including planning, drafting, editing, and revision, while learning to analyse short literary works and organize clear, well-structured essays. 

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The course combines weekly live classes with recorded sessions, allowing you to participate in real time or review lessons later if needed. By the end of the course, you'll have developed a strong foundation in essay writing, grammar, and analytical thinking while earning one high school English credit. The curriculum is NCAA-approved and integrates literature with structured writing instruction throughout the academic year.

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Why it stands out: It provides a comprehensive, yearlong writing curriculum that combines live instruction, grammar, literary analysis, and academic writing while awarding high school credit.

14. Gotham Writers Workshop – Creative Writing 101 (Online)

Location: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: Varies by session
Dates: Six-week course (multiple start dates throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until classes fill
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment (class size limited to 16 students)
Eligibility: Open to writers of all experience levels

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Gotham Writers Workshop's Creative Writing 101 introduces you to the fundamentals of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry through a structured online workshop. Each week focuses on a different aspect of the writing process, combining lectures, writing assignments, peer critiques, and instructor feedback in an asynchronous classroom that you can access at any time. 

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The course follows a week-by-week workshop format that encourages you to write regularly while receiving feedback from both your instructor and classmates. Small class sizes of up to 16 students allow for personalised guidance and meaningful discussion throughout the programme. While the course is open to learners of all ages rather than being designed exclusively for high school students, it can be a useful option for students seeking a flexible introduction to creative writing.

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Why it stands out: It combines flexible asynchronous learning with a workshop model, giving you regular writing practice, peer critiques, and personalised instructor feedback in small online classes.

15. WriteAtHome – High School Creative Writing Workshop

Location: Online
Cost: $199 per workshop
Dates: Eight-week workshops offered throughout the year, including five school-year sessions and two summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students

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WriteAtHome's High School Creative Writing Workshop is an eight-week online course that helps high school students strengthen their creative writing through focused instruction and regular writing practice. You'll work on original pieces while learning techniques related to storytelling, character development, dialogue, and revision with guidance from experienced writing coaches. 

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The workshop focuses on one area of writing at a time, allowing you to build specific skills through structured assignments and personalised feedback. Because courses are offered multiple times throughout the year, you can choose a schedule that fits alongside your academic commitments. Students looking for more comprehensive instruction can also enrol in the programme's semester- or year-long writing courses covering creative, academic, and practical writing.

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Why it stands out: It offers flexible workshop-based learning designed specifically for high school students, with personalised coaching and multiple course schedules available throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions: Online Writing Courses for High School Students

What are some good online writing classes for teenagers?

Strong options split by the kind of writing you want to practice, so it helps to start there rather than picking by name alone. For creative writing across multiple genres, Columbia's Multi-Genre Workshop and Stanford's Creative Writing course both cover fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in one program. If you're drawn to essay writing specifically, Johns Hopkins CTY's Crafting the Essay workshop builds skills through ten structured units. For screenwriting, NYU Tisch and Loyola Marymount both run dedicated online programs. Match the course to the genre you actually want to improve, then compare cost and length from there.

Is there a free online writing course for high school students?

Yes, MIT Open Learning's Writing and Reading Short Stories is completely free and hosted through MIT OpenCourseWare. It's self-paced, so you work through lectures, readings, and writing assignments on your own schedule with no application or deadline to meet. Unlike most other courses on this list, it wasn't built exclusively for high school students and doesn't include instructor feedback, a grade, or a certificate at the end. If you want structured feedback on your work alongside a free option, you'll need to look at need-based scholarships offered by some of the paid programs instead.

What is the best online writing course for high school students?

There's no single best option, since it depends on what kind of writer you want to become and how much structure you need. If you want a highly selective, published-author-led experience, Yale Young Writers' Workshop offers small seminar-style groups with detailed feedback. If you'd rather work at your own pace without live sessions, Gotham Writers Workshop or WriteAtHome both run flexible asynchronous formats. For students who want their writing tied to a bigger goal like college applications, Immerse Education's Online Research Programme pairs writing development with a university-style research project supervised by Oxbridge and Ivy League tutors.

Do online writing courses for high school students offer college credit?

Some do, though most award a certificate or letter of completion instead. NYU Tisch's Online High School Screenwriters Workshop carries four units of NYU college credit, and Georgetown's Creative Writing course lets you earn Georgetown credit depending on which session you choose. HSLDA Online Academy awards one high school English credit rather than university credit, which is useful if you're homeschooled. Immerse Education's Online Research Programme also offers accredited formats that award UCAS points or college credit, alongside options with no formal credit attached. Check each course's credit status before enrolling if that's your goal.

How long do online writing courses for high school students typically run?

Length varies from a single intensive week to a full academic year, so match the format to how much time you want to commit. Short options like Stanford's and Columbia's summer sessions run one to two weeks, while Iowa Young Writers' Studio and WriteAtHome run six to eight weeks. HSLDA Online Academy's Foundations in Writing is the longest on this list, running from fall through spring as a full yearlong course. Rolling enrollment programs like Gotham Writers Workshop and UCI Writing Project let you start whenever a new session opens rather than waiting for summer.

Can you build a writing portfolio through an online writing course?

Yes, most courses on this list leave you with finished pieces you can use as a portfolio afterward. Yale Young Writers' Workshop and Columbia's Multi-Genre Workshop both end with a revised collection spanning fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Georgetown's screenwriting course adds a capstone project on top of the portfolio, bringing together everything you learned across the term. For more information, read our guide on how to build an impressive writing portfolio.

What an online writing course proves to admissions

Admissions officers read thousands of applications, and a finished piece of writing tells them something a list of activities cannot show.

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Completing a selective workshop like Yale's, or a flexible option like Gotham's, shows you can sustain focus on writing without external structure.

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Choosing from the online writing courses for high school students on this list gives you a finished portfolio worth mentioning in interviews.

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Once you've picked the right course for you, visit Immerse's University Preparation resources to map out your next application steps.