15 Summer Schools for Middle School Students
If you're a middle school student looking to learn something new over the summer, summer schools are a great option to explore new subjects or delve deeper into topics you are already interested in.
What do summer schools for middle school students involve?
Summer schools for middle school students range from one-week residential camps to multi-week academic intensives held on university campuses. Learning usually takes place through a mix of lectures, interactive sessions, hands-on projects, and activities, covering subjects such as medicine, STEM, engineering, math, and creative writing.
Why attend a summer school as a middle schooler?
Many of these programs are competitive and selective, which means simply gaining admission is a meaningful credential to list on future applications. Beyond the academic content, residential programs also let you experience living away from home for the first time while learning alongside other motivated peers from across the country.
To make your choice easier, we've narrowed down a list of 15 summer schools for middle school students. For related opportunities, check out our guides to online summer camps for middle school students and summer programs in NYC for middle school students.
15 Summer Schools for Middle School Students
Quick Look
3 free programs: Columbia S-PREP (NY residents, STEM/medicine focus), NYU College and Career Lab (NYC students), and USC Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp (grades 5-7, B average required)
Paid programs: range from $75 (Yale Ulysses S. Grant Foundation, full scholarships available) to $7,000 (Deerfield Academy EXP boarding); financial aid available at Lumiere Junior Explorer, Junior Innovator Program, Deerfield EXP, and Vanderbilt SAVY
3 programs open to 5th or 6th graders: USC Northrop Grumman (grades 5-7), W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Summer Institute (grades 5-12), and Johns Hopkins CTY (grades 2-12)
3 programs open to international students: UC Berkeley Summer Teen Research Program, Deerfield Academy EXP, and W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Summer Institute
4 fully or partially virtual options: Junior Innovator Program (100% virtual), Lumiere Junior Explorer (virtual), Johns Hopkins CTY (virtual option available), and Northwestern Academic Summer Camps (virtual and in-person options)
Most selective: Yale Ulysses S. Grant Foundation (8-15 students per class), Deerfield Academy EXP (85-100 students total), and Vanderbilt SAVY (requires strong standardized test scores)
1. Columbia University State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (grades 7–12); New York State residents; economically disadvantaged or in need of academic enrichment; minimum ~80% average; interest in STEM/medicine
Columbia University offers an academically rigorous high school preparatory program for middle school students interested in a career in medicine or related STEM fields. The first session of the program takes place during the summer and continues over the academic year through weekly classes. Enrichment courses offer learning in subjects such as biochemistry, cognitive science, psychology, geometry, calculus, statistics, physics, organic chemistry, anatomy, and more. Alongside academic sessions, you will gain guidance through career development workshops, counseling services, field trips, and tours.
2. Junior Innovator Program
Location: 100% virtual, with one-on-one mentorship and interactive events
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: Flexible start dates; vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to middle school students
The Junior Innovator Program is a virtual entrepreneurship incubator where you develop a real project that solves a problem you care about. Over the course of the program, you take your idea from curiosity to creation by applying principles of entrepreneurship, pitching, and business thinking in a structured, hands-on setting. You work through one-on-one mentorship sessions that cover ideation, market thinking, and foundational business concepts, while also participating in fireside chats, remote socials, and group discussions with a global cohort of student founders. Throughout the experience, you receive mentorship from entrepreneurs and professionals with backgrounds at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, helping you understand how innovation and venture-building work in practice. You refine your communication and leadership skills by presenting your project and incorporating feedback from peers and mentors.
3. Western Kentucky University The Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students
Location: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Cost/Stipend: $1,400 (non-residential/commuter); $2,800 (residential)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 7–19
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students completing grades 6–8; must be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or principal; must demonstrate high interest or achievement in one or more subject areas
Western Kentucky University offers a competitive summer camp for academically talented middle school students known as SCATS. The camp takes place over two weeks, during which you learn alongside peers from across the nation and challenge yourself academically. Course options range from arts and humanities to science and mathematics, where you will choose ten choices and be placed in four that you will attend throughout the camp. You will also receive individualized counseling based on your interests and goals, participate in social activities, and learn to be part of a team.
4. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real-world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
5. UC Berkeley Summer Teen Research Program
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $1,550 per one-week commuter session; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple sessions offered in the summer
Application Deadline: Approximately one week before each session starts
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9; no prior STEM experience required; open to domestic and international students; financial aid and reserved seats available for California families with demonstrated financial need
UC Berkeley offers a Summer Teen Research Program for middle school students interested in exploring research, scientific research that helps you approach STEM through real-world application. You can enroll in programs covering topics such as animal behavior, biomedical innovations, coding and engineering for space exploration, and future design. All these programs take place over a week, during which you will gain hands-on experience, conduct scientific research, network with professionals in the field, and explore diverse STEM pathways.
6. NYU College and Career Lab
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer multi-week intensive workshops; academic-year Practice Lab sessions; exact session dates not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, New York City students, interested in college exploration, career pathways, mentorship, and professional skill development
The NYU College and Career Lab is offered to middle school students to help them explore various academic pathways and engage in professional development. During the program, you will learn through college-level lectures and intensive workshops, and explore a wide range of topics, from neuroscience to philosophy and engineering. You will connect with industry professionals to learn what it's like to work in different careers, ranging from lawyers to therapists to teachers. You will also engage in professional development through courses, mentorships, and individualized advice sessions.
7. EXP at Deerfield Academy
Location: Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA
Cost/Stipend: Boarding program $7,000; day program $6,000; $85 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to approximately 85–100 students
Dates: July 8–26
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority deadline February 1
Eligibility: Middle school students, current grades 6–8; domestic and international students are eligible
Deerfield Academy offers EXP to middle school students, allowing them to delve into project-based learning and build creative thinking and collaboration skills. The Academy offers a list of creative classes to choose from that help you approach subjects in a new, fresh way. Some of the previous courses offered include exploring Greek mythology, the art of video game design, designing cities for people and the planet, performance on the stage, exploration, and the art of mathematical problem-solving. Apart from classes, there are scheduled free times, weekend picnics, co-curriculars, field trips, and sit-down meals. You get to connect with peers, collaborate, and develop teamwork and communication skill sets.
8. The Harker School Summer Institute Middle School
Location: The Harker School, Upper School and Middle School campuses, San Jose, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June–August; multiple one-week, two-week, and multi-week sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until courses fill
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8; some courses open to rising grade ranges only; prerequisites required for select academic courses
The Harker School Summer Institute offers summer programs for middle school students in academics, athletics, the arts, and co-curricular activities. You can choose from a diverse list of programs, including math, writing, science, technology, design, life skills, and arts. You can choose from a wide range of topics in these subsections, allowing you to explore them in depth. There's an afternoon activities program that helps you develop a range of skills through themed workshops and skill-building specialty classes, including crafts, sports, cooking, and science, along with a fun balance of activities and focused study sessions.
9. Northwestern University Academic Summer Camps
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; residential and commuter program options available
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by program format
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29–July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, typically grades 6–12, depending on the course; academically advanced students; qualification through CTD eligibility criteria or approved standardized testing required
Northwestern University offers a variety of academic summer camps for middle school students. You can enroll in both in-person and virtual programs in entrepreneurship, mathematics, science, economics, leadership, social sciences, English, humanities, language arts, technology, and engineering. Each course focuses on a specific topic, covers fundamental concepts, and helps you gain practical experience through fun projects and activities. The camps will also develop your skills in observation, problem-solving, teamwork, and inquiry, which will benefit you academically.
10. W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Summer Institute
Location: Varies depending on session
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by residential or commuter format and host institution; need-based financial aid and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June–August; one-week and multi-week sessions depending on location and course selection
Application Deadline: Rolling until programs reach capacity
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, grades 5–12; academically motivated students; domestic and international students eligible
W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Summer Institute offers summer academies for middle school students to prepare them for high school. You can enroll in two academies: the Junior Achievers Academy or the Fellows Academy. The Junior Achievers Academy focuses on developing academic skills such as effective writing, critical reading, and mathematical logic. The fellows academy builds on the previous program. It helps you deepen those skills, including analytical skills, through specific coursework and curriculum, build on cultural awareness, and practice problem-solving skills.
11. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Location: The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Varies based on course
Dates: Varies based on specific course
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Grades 2–12; must meet the academic qualification criteria
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers a variety of educational programs for middle school students to explore new topics and challenge themselves during the summer. Many programs offer advanced exploration of subjects you might already be interested in, giving you the chance to delve deeper and gain a glimpse into the high school curriculum. You can enroll in courses such as anatomy and physiology, biotechnology, cognitive psychology, essay writing, cryptology, polymers, electrical engineering, forensic programming, microeconomics, global politics, and history. You have the option to attend courses in person, residentially, or even virtually.
12. Vanderbilt University Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY)
Location: Vanderbilt University, Peabody Campus, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: $625 per one-week session; students may enroll in up to 3 sessions (one course per week)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Various sessions offered in the summer
Application Deadline: Priority application window is 7 days from when applications open (typically January); rolling thereafter until courses fill
Eligibility: Rising 7th–8th graders (students completing 6th or 7th grade)
Vanderbilt University offers the Summer Academy to academically motivated middle school students who are looking to explore topics beyond their Grade level and build academic skill sets. The program is competitive and requires you to score well on standardized tests. At the Academy, you will study courses such as archaeology, philosophy, and microbiology, among others, and study at a two- to three-grade level above your current grade. The program also introduces you to skills and tools to approach problem-solving in the field you are studying.
13. USC Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp
Location: University of Southern California, USC University Park campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: July 13–24
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in grades 5–7 (rising 6th, 7th, or 8th graders for Fall); minimum B average in science and math classes; must commit to attending both full weeks
USC Northrop Grumman offers a Summer Engineering Camp for middle school students to explore civil, electrical, environmental, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. During the camp, you will explore engineering through hands-on activities where you'll learn how to code, build apps, and work on projects involving robots, rockets, circuits, and bridges. You’ll also get to interact with real engineers and learn what it takes to be an engineer through hands-on experience and project work.
14. Yale University Ulysses S. Grant Foundation
Location: Dwight Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $75; full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29–July 30
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school students (entering grades 6–9); attend New Haven public or parochial schools; must commit to full program attendance
The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation is an academically rigorous summer program for academically motivated middle school students that takes place at Yale University. The program is highly competitive, with a typical class size of eight to fifteen students, and takes place over six weeks, during which you will be taught by Yale undergraduate students. The program is multidisciplinary, where you will study history, discuss poetry, do creative writing, develop problem-solving skills, work on hands-on projects and social sciences, and participate in music, sports, and debates. You’ll build academic skills to excel in your current school environment while also preparing for the future.
15. Illinois Tech Make This Summer All About STEM
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Mies Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $500–$600 for middle school programs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 15–18 (Young Entrepreneurs Academy — business and entrepreneurship); June 22–26 (RoboCamp — robotics, coding, and engineering)
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 (ages 11–13); no prior experience in robotics, coding, or business required; programs are hands-on and designed to be accessible to beginners
Illinois Tech Make This Summer All About STEM is a summer program that exposes middle school students to STEM-driven programs. During the program, you will explore topics such as programming, coding, sustainability, robotics, scientific research, and the human sciences. You will broaden your knowledge, enhance your academic skills, explore different pathways, and gain exposure to highly relevant topics in your field of interest. Apart from STEM, you can also enroll in topics such as architecture, legal academy, game design, digital media, and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free summer schools for middle school students?
Yes, 3 programs on this list are free. Columbia University's S-PREP is free for New York State residents with an interest in STEM or medicine, though it requires a minimum 80% academic average. NYU's College and Career Lab is free and open to NYC middle and high school students. USC's Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp is free for students in grades 5-7 with a B average in math and science. Several other programs, including Deerfield EXP, Vanderbilt SAVY, and the Junior Innovator Program, offer need-based financial aid or scholarships for students who don't qualify for a fully free option.
2. Which summer schools for middle schoolers are available online or virtually?
4 programs on this list offer virtual participation. The Junior Innovator Program is 100% virtual and pairs you with one-on-one mentorship as you build an entrepreneurial project. Lumiere's Junior Explorer Program is also fully virtual and pairs you with a PhD-level research mentor over eight weeks. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth allows you to take many of its courses virtually instead of in person or residentially. Northwestern University's Academic Summer Camps offer both virtual and in-person formats depending on the course you select.
3. Which summer schools accept younger middle schoolers, like 5th or 6th graders?
3 programs on this list accept students as young as 5th grade. USC's Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp is open to students currently in grades 5-7. The W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Summer Institute accepts students in grades 5-12 across its various academy tracks. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth accepts students from grade 2 onward, provided they meet the academic qualification criteria for their selected course. Most other programs on this list, including Vanderbilt SAVY and Yale's Ulysses S. Grant Foundation, are restricted to students entering 6th grade or later.