Top 10 Online Summer Programs for High School Students in 2026–2027

Studies show summer programs can boost academic skills like reading and math for high school students, with about a third of outcomes showing strong gains when programs use evidence-based methods. Online versions deliver similar benefits in research and self-efficacy, fitting your schedule while building skills that colleges notice.​

Online summer programs for high school students allow you to use that time to focus on interests while keeping a flexible schedule at home. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 of these programs in 2026–2027 to help you pick the right one.

• What Are the Online Summer Programs for High School Students?
• Columbia University Summer Writing Academy
• Boston University High School Honors Online
• Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCS)
• Pathways – Girls Who Code
• Brown Pre-College Online
• Cornell Precollege Summer Online
• Northwestern Pre-College Online Program
• UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Summer Virtual
• Penn Pre-College Online Program
• Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Online Summer Programs for High School Students?

Online summer programs for high school students give you a chance to gain hands-on practice in areas like data analysis, coding, and lab simulations that match college-level work.​ Here’s a quick look at the top programs:

Let’s discuss each online program one by one.

1. Columbia University Summer Writing Academy

• Dates: 2026 programs run on June 22–26 (Session AA), July 6–17 (Session A); July 20–31 (Session B)
• Cost: $2,867 (1-week session); $4,017 (2-week session); with $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit

The Columbia University Summer Writing Academy helps high school students craft a strong, authentic college admissions essay through live workshops, guided tutorials, and focused feedback. You work through brainstorming, drafting, and revising with direct support from Columbia instructors and receive insight from college admissions representatives and Dr. Nancy Sommers, a leading expert in writing instruction. The course emphasizes clarity, personal voice, and purposeful storytelling so you finish with a polished essay ready for your applications.

The online program typically follows Columbia’s three-session summer structure. In 2026, online sessions will run as follows:

• Online Summer AA (1 week): June 22–26, 2026
• Online Summer A (2 weeks): July 6–17, 2026
• Online Summer B (2 weeks): July 20–31, 2026

Early registration closes around February 2, with general deadlines around April 2. Participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Participation and an instructor evaluation.

If you want a full guide to the Columbia Writing Academy, check out our comprehensive guide.

2. Boston University High School Honors Online

• Dates: Varies; May 12–June 26 or May 19–June 26, depending on course
• Cost: $6,760 Tuition fee (for 8 credits); $75 (Application fee) and $75 (service fee); with $1,000 nonrefundable deposit

The Boston University High School Honors Online program allows you to earn college credit through fully online summer courses if you are unable to be on campus. Designed for motivated rising juniors and seniors, the program allows you to take up to two BU courses (up to 8 credits).

Courses are academically rigorous and span multiple BU schools, including Arts & Sciences, Fine Arts, Communication, Business (Questrom), and Hospitality, with lectures, discussion boards, and graded assignments.

Online courses may follow nonstandard schedules in Boston time (EDT), so careful attention to time zones and meeting times is required.

You are eligible to apply if you are entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall and have a strong academic record, typically including Honors or AP coursework. Admission is based on your transcript, course rigor, personal statement, and at least one teacher recommendation; standardized test scores are optional for Summer 2026.

Limited financial aid and scholarships may be available for eligible domestic students.

3. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCS)

• Dates: June 15–June 26, 2026 (Session 1); July 6–July 17, 2026 (Session 2)
• Cost: $3,200 Tuition​; with $65 application fee

The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCS) is a selective two-week online academic program for students in grades 8–11 who want to pursue advanced study in a single subject.

You take one intensive course, engage in daily live classes, and learn alongside academically driven peers from around the world. Courses offered are not for credit, but they allow you to experience college-level depth across STEM, humanities, writing, philosophy, social sciences, engineering, and business.

You must attend all synchronous classes with camera and microphone on, and you should expect daily asynchronous work.

Admission is open to students who will be 13–18 years old during the program. You can rank up to three courses in your application, but you will be enrolled in only one. The application requires academic records from Fall 2024–Fall 2025, a $65 application fee (fee waivers available), and a completed parent/guardian submission.

The application deadline is March 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT, and admissions decisions are released in mid-May 2026.

Financial aid—including partial and full awards—is available based on demonstrated need and is open to both domestic and international students.

4. Pathways – Girls Who Code

• Dates: June 29 – August 14, 2026
• Cost: Free​

Pathways – Girls Who Code is a free, fully online asynchronous summer program where you learn computer science skills through hands-on, self-paced coursework in Data Science + AI, Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and AI + Society.

Over seven weeks, you complete real projects, join a supportive sisterhood on Discord, and participate in optional partner events, career panels, and advisor-led workshops that introduce you to tech pathways and emerging technologies.

You can take part no matter your experience level. You work at your own pace but must finish all coursework by August 14, 2026 (12 PM EST).

You’re eligible if you identify as a girl or non-binary, are a U.S. 8th–12th grader for the 2025–2026 school year, or an international student ages 14–18 on June 29, 2026. Returning Girls Who Code students are welcome. All learning is virtual, and students worldwide can apply.

Pathways runs with fully flexible scheduling, and the short 10-minute application must be submitted by either the early deadline on February 25, 2026, or the general deadline on April 10, 2026.

Because the program is free and open globally, demand is high. You’re encouraged to apply early and ensure your parent or guardian reviews the required terms before submission.

5. Brown Pre-College Online

• Dates: 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-week sessions running June 15–July 24, 2026 for Summer@Brown Online; June 22–July 17, 2026 for Leadership Institute Online
• Cost: $3,364 (2-week), $4,656 (3-week), $5,554 (4-week), $6,520 (6-week) for Summer@Brown Online; $5,778 (4-week session) for Leadership Institute Online

Brown Pre-College Online offers a flexible learning experience designed for students in grades 9–12 who want rigorous academic study from anywhere in the world.

Through Summer@Brown Online, you choose from dozens of courses across STEM, humanities, writing, business, social sciences, engineering, and health sciences. Courses are delivered either mostly asynchronously or in a blended format.

The Leadership Institute Online is a 4-week blended program focused on social justice and leadership development. You participate in twice-weekly required live workshops, complete independent coursework, and work closely with instructors to develop a community-based Action Plan.

All courses run through Canvas, include access to virtual office hours, and emphasize Brown’s student-centered, exploratory learning model. While courses do not carry credit, you receive a Digital Certificate of Completion, and any online course lasting three weeks or longer includes a Course Performance Report.

Eligibility is open to students ages 14–18 by June 14, 2026, including international students. The application requires a short essay, transcripts, and an $80 application fee (fee waivers available). Online course enrollment remains open until two weeks before the course start date, but seats fill quickly.

6. Cornell Precollege Summer Online

• Dates: June 1–19; June 22–July 10; July 13–31, 2026 (3-week sessions); June 22–July 31, 2026 (6-week sessions)
• Cost: $5,820 (3 credits); $7,760 (4 credits); $11,640 (6 credits); $13,580 (7 credits); $15,520 (8 credits); with $75 application fee

Cornell’s Precollege Summer Online Program allows you to take Cornell undergraduate courses from anywhere and earn 3–12 college credits plus an official Cornell transcript. You study alongside Cornell undergraduates in fast-paced 3- or 6-week summer courses. Subjects include architecture, business, hospitality, international relations, veterinary medicine, technology, humanities, and more.

Courses are offered synchronously or asynchronously through Canvas, with interaction via discussion boards, email, live sessions, and video conferencing.

You’re eligible if you’re 15–19 years old, have completed at least 10th grade, and meet all stated course prerequisites. International students are welcome, though students in certain restricted regions must receive export-control clearance. You must demonstrate the readiness and maturity to handle condensed college coursework.

To apply, you submit transcripts, a current grade report, one recommendation, and a brief application statement, along with the $75 nonrefundable fee. Summer applications are due as early as April 28, 2026, depending on the session, and most decisions are released within two weeks of completing your file.

If you want a full guide to Cornell Precollege Summer Online, check out our blog on Cornell Summer Program for High School Students.

7. Northwestern Pre-College Online Program

• Dates: Year-round offerings with 1-, 2-, and 4-week online sessions
• Cost: $1,895 per course​

The Northwestern Pre-College Online Program is an enrichment program for high school students ages 13 and older who want to explore college-level subjects in a flexible online format. Courses are designed by Northwestern faculty and delivered through pre-recorded video lessons, with no required live class meetings.

You complete coursework asynchronously over one, two, or four weeks, spending approximately 20–30 total hours per course. Current courses available include:

• Navigating the AI-Powered Future (Artificial Intelligence)
• Innovation, Strategies, and Success (Business)
• Beyond the Field (Business of Sports)
• Solving Problems Through Design (Engineering)
• Think Like an Investor (Finance)
• From Interview to Argument (Law)
• Evaluating Claims and Facts (Medical Research)
• The Journey to Saving Lives (Medicine)
• Understanding the Body’s Systems (Physiology)
• Inside Diagnosis and Treatment (Psychology)

Each course includes guided assignments and concludes with a final capstone project, which is reviewed by a subject-area mentor. Mentor support is provided throughout the course via written feedback and online communication tools.

You may enroll in multiple courses and participate from any time zone. The application process is brief and does not require transcripts or letters of recommendation; you submit basic information and a short personal statement. Admission decisions are typically released within a few business days.

Courses do not carry college credit, but students who complete course requirements receive a Certificate of Completion from the university. Need-based scholarships are available.

8. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Summer Virtual

• Dates: Vary by Summer Sessions (June–August 2026)
• Cost: $635 per unit + $585 registration fee + $73 document fee (international students add $500 service fee); with $25 Application fee

The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Summer Virtual track allows you to take Berkeley undergraduate courses online and earn college credit from anywhere. You join a virtual academic community, enroll in lower-division UC Berkeley courses (numbered 1–99), and study alongside Berkeley students and visiting undergraduates from around the world.

You may choose from hundreds of online summer courses across STEM, social sciences, arts and humanities, and interdisciplinary fields, as long as the course is approved for high school students and offered virtually. Courses follow Berkeley’s accelerated summer schedule, so you should expect a fast pace and may take up to two courses in Sessions A–D or one course in Sessions E–F.

To apply, you must have completed 10th or 11th grade by summer, hold at least a 3.0 GPA, be 16 years old by June 21, 2026, and remain in good academic standing. International students must meet Berkeley’s English proficiency requirements unless exempt.

The application includes basic information, two short-answer responses (100 words each), and an unofficial transcript showing all high school work through Fall 2025.

The program combines academic credit with optional virtual activities. You earn an official UC Berkeley transcript, and students who complete courses with passing grades receive a letter of commendation from Berkeley’s Dean of Extended Education.

9. Penn Pre-College Online Program

• Dates: May 26–July 1 (Session 1); July 2–August 7, 2026 (Session 2)​
• Cost: $8,462 (1 course); $13,858 (2 courses).

The Penn Pre-College Online Program allows you to take credit-bearing undergraduate courses remotely alongside Penn undergraduates. Courses are taught by Penn faculty and follow standard university expectations, with scheduled synchronous meetings (Eastern Time), regular assignments, exams, and required readings.

Once admitted, you enroll in one or two courses (each worth 1 c.u., equivalent to 4 credit hours), and you earn an official University of Pennsylvania transcript upon completion.

For summer 2025, online Summer Session I and II offerings include courses in humanities, social sciences, STEM, arts, economics, philosophy, linguistics, and global studies. Summer 2026 courses will be available in spring and often fill early so you must submit alternates when you register.

Application is reviewed on a rolling basis. You must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, strong writing, a recommendation letter, transcripts from the 2024–2025 school year, and two short essays. International students may need to submit English proficiency scores. Applications remain open until courses fill; early submission is strongly recommended.

The program is fully online, and scholarships are available but limited to the School District of Philadelphia public and charter school students.

If you want a full guide, check our blog about UPenn Pre-College Programs.

10. Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

• Dates: Year-round; 2-week or 4-week sessions
• Cost: $1,795 per course; $3,000 for two courses (Golden Opportunity Bundle)

The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program is a fully online, non-credit program for high school students ages 13 and up, including international students. Courses are asynchronous and delivered through pre-recorded lessons designed by Notre Dame faculty, allowing you to complete work on your own schedule.

You may take one or more courses, each requiring about 20–30 total hours and ending with a capstone project. Courses available for 2026 include:

• The Impact of Genetic Mutations (Biology)
• From Startup to Success (Business)
• Creating and Building Wealth (Finance)
• Thinking Like a Lawyer (Law)
• Advancing Human Health (Medical Research)
• Understanding the Self and Our World (Psychology)

You receive feedback and support from assigned mentors throughout the course. Courses do not award college credit, but you earn an official University of Notre Dame Certificate of Completion.

Admission is rolling and requires only a short application and personal statement. Decisions are typically released within one week. If you enroll in two courses, the Golden Opportunity Bundle reduces the total cost to $3,000, and course dates can be selected or changed throughout the year. Need-based scholarships are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the online summer programs for high school students in 2026?

Online summer programs for high school students include university pre-college options like Columbia Writing Academy, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, and UPenn Pre-College Online. They offer credit or non-credit courses in writing, STEM, business, and more, often lasting 2-6 weeks.​

2.  Are there free online summer programs for high school students?

Yes, Girls Who Code Pathways provides a fully free, self-paced program in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and web development for girls and non-binary students in grades 9-12. Other programs like university pre-college tracks charge fees but some offer need-based aid.​

3. What subjects do online summer programs typically cover?

These programs cover writing and humanities (Columbia, Stanford), coding and tech (Girls Who Code, Northwestern), neuroscience and entrepreneurship (Brown), engineering and sciences (Cornell, UC Berkeley), and psychology or law (Notre Dame, UPenn). Many mimic college courses for broad exploration.​

4. How can online summer programs help with college admissions?

They show initiative by tackling college-level work, provide certificates or transcripts for apps, and let you explore majors early. Admissions officers value the challenge alongside peers worldwide.​

5. When should I apply for online summer programs?

Apply early, often January-May rolling deadlines, as spots fill fast.

Takeaways

• Online summer programs for high school students tackle college-level courses in writing, coding, STEM, business, and more from home.
• Top options like Columbia Writing Academy, Stanford Pre-Collegiate, and UPenn Pre-College offer credits, certificates, and Ivy League exposure.​
• Free programs such as Girls Who Code Pathways build tech skills for girls and non-binary students with no prior experience.​
• These online summer programs for high school students sharpen research, problem-solving, and time management while letting you test majors early.​
• If you want help picking the right program to boost your college apps, book a private consultation with an admissions expert.