10 Best Biology Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 20
- 8 min read
If you're a middle schooler curious about how the human body works, fascinated by ecosystems, or wondering how diseases spread and get cured, a biology program for middle school students could be a smart next step. These programs give you a sneak peek into what college-level science might look like, but in a more approachable way. You’ll get to explore lab work, field research, and scientific discussions, sometimes even on college campuses, with other students who are just as interested in biology as you are. Many of these experiences also help you build practical skills like research writing, scientific observation, and data analysis. Some even include mentorship from real scientists, site visits to research centers, and group projects that boost your collaboration and communication skills.
Plus, these programs can set you up for success in high school and beyond. They help you figure out if biology (or a related field) is something you want to study seriously later on. You may even walk away with a certificate, new connections, and projects to list on your resume. If you eventually want to apply to a competitive high school program or even start preparing for college apps early, a strong biology program for middle school students can help you build a standout profile.
To create this list, we looked for programs that are known for strong mentorship, hands-on learning, and academic depth. We prioritized those hosted by universities or well-established organizations, those with selective admissions or capped cohort sizes, and those that offer financial aid or free tuition. Below are 10 of the best biology programs for middle school students, listed in order of selectivity and academic strength.
10 Best Biology Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8-week program; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
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.
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $850 for the summer session; $400 per semester for fall and spring sessions
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; based on application and recommendations
Program Dates: June 2 – June 27 (summer session)
Deadline: May 2 for summer; February 7 for spring
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–8 (must have completed 4th grade); strong school attendance, interest in science, and two letters of recommendation required
The MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy is a year-round enrichment program that introduces middle school students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on learning and exploration of health careers. During the four-week summer session, you'll study topics aligned with Georgia’s academic standards and explore areas like sports science, coding, financial literacy, and medical innovations. Expect to perform dissections, build models, and participate in inquiry-based projects that make science relevant to real life. The program also runs fall and spring Saturday sessions for students in grades 4–8, with a focus on robotics, virtual reality, and phenomenon-based learning. If you're motivated, curious, and excited to explore STEAM in a setting focused on equity and access, this program offers a well-rounded and engaging experience.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to key concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and collaborative learning. Over 25 hours, you learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. You receive personalized guidance through small-group mentoring, with a five-to-one student-to-mentor ratio. As the program progresses, you explore more advanced topics such as neural networks and AI ethics. A central part of the experience is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to solve a real-world challenge and present your findings at the end.
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost: $1,000 per Fall/Winter/Spring session; $4,500 for the four-week summer session; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; 50% of seats reserved for tuition assistance applicants
Program Dates: Fall, Winter, and Spring (after school and weekend classes); Summer Academy runs for four weeks, 9 am–3 pm
Deadline: Rolling; first-come, first-served until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
The Science Alliance Program at the American Museum of Natural History offers science classes throughout the school year and summer for middle school students who want to dive into topics like evolutionary biology, microbiology, conservation, and astrophysics. During the academic year, you can attend two-hour weekday classes or longer Saturday sessions, while the Summer Science Academy offers full-day classes across four weeks, with a new scientific theme each week. Classes emphasize hands-on learning, collaboration, and exposure to real research, and they’re led by educators and scientists from the museum. Students have the opportunity to explore the Tree of Life, investigate climate change, and engage in projects like designing animal prosthetics or studying exoplanets. With substantial financial aid available and a curriculum rooted in one of the world’s most respected science institutions, this program is a solid option if you’re eager to explore a variety of biology-related fields in an immersive setting.
Location: Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $500; limited full-tuition scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 24 students per session; selective, first-come, first-served
Program Dates: Session I: July 7–July 18, Session II: August 11–August 22
Deadline: Rolling until full; registration now closed for 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 or 8
Expedition: Bio is a two-week summer biology program designed by the Whitehead Institute to immerse rising 7th and 8th graders in real-world life sciences. You’ll explore major fields like ecology, genetics, chemistry, and bioengineering through hands-on lab work, interactive discussions with scientists, and outdoor investigations. The curriculum emphasizes curiosity-driven learning, encouraging you to ask questions, form hypotheses, and analyze biological systems through a scientific lens. Each session is capped at 24 students, making for small group instruction and active participation. The program includes lunch, field trips, and all necessary lab materials. If you're interested in deepening your understanding of how biology connects to the world around you, this program offers a focused and engaging experience.
Location: Seal Harbor, Maine
Cost: $3,300 for a two-week session; $600 non-refundable deposit required after March 1
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; open enrollment with limited space
Program Dates: June 28 – July 10 | August 9 – August 21
Deadline: Rolling admissions; registration opens mid-October
Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (ages 12–14)
The Intermediate Marine Science Camp hosted by the Acadia Institute of Oceanography is a two-week residential program for middle school students interested in exploring the natural and scientific aspects of marine ecosystems. You’ll get hands-on experience building a saltwater tank, identifying marine species, analyzing tidal zones, and testing water quality in Maine’s coastal environments. Classroom learning is blended with outdoor exploration, including field trips to beaches, bogs, and saltmarshes, as well as boat-based activities like fishing, whale watching, and oceanographic surveys. The program also includes recreational outings around Mount Desert Island and a family cookout at the end. If you’re eager to study marine biology in a mix of lab and field settings, this program offers a well-rounded introduction to ocean science.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; ages 13+
Program Dates: November 9 – December 7 | December 21 – January 4 | January 4 – February 1 | More options available
Deadline: Varies by session; e.g., November 2 for the November session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Georgetown’s Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries course offers a deep dive into the world of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine. Through an online platform, you’ll explore how treatments go from research questions to real-world applications, using methods like the PICO framework and biostatistics. You'll also examine ethical case studies, navigate research databases, and study how cancer research contributes to advancements in patient care. The course culminates in a capstone project where you’ll design and present a study on a topic like cancer diagnosis or treatment, using peer-reviewed articles to support your ideas. Mentors provide feedback and support throughout, and the flexible schedule allows you to complete 20–30 hours of content at your own pace. This program is a strong fit if you're interested in medicine, biology, or healthcare research and want to explore how scientific discoveries are made and applied.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $675 (non-refundable)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: First-come, first-served; 24 students per grade level
Program Dates: June 30 – July 10 (Monday to Thursday only)
Deadline: Rolling until full (first-come, first-served)
Eligibility: Students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
The Stony Brook Science Exploration Program offers middle school students an engaging, lab-centered introduction to real-world science. Each grade level explores different themes—7th graders develop general lab skills through experiments in physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. 8th graders tackle more advanced concepts like environmental chemistry and biotechnology through case studies on topics such as cholera, genetics, and bioremediation. For those entering 9th grade, the focus shifts toward building research and analytical skills through group projects in molecular biology and botany. Across the board, you’ll participate in collaborative lab work, research, and presentations that support critical thinking and problem-solving. The program is ideal if you're inquisitive, enjoy science, and are looking to build a strong foundation for high school science classes.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $1,465; optional residential add-on available for $1,255; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; sessions currently sold out
Program Dates: June 23–27, July 7–11, or July 21–25
Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9
The Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations program at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science introduces you to the tools and techniques used in biomedical science through interactive and inquiry-based learning. Throughout the week, you'll investigate how body systems function and what happens when they fail, using real diagnostic techniques to solve fictional medical cases. The program includes activities like dissecting a sheep heart, extracting DNA, studying human organ models, and engaging in Q&A sessions with practicing physicians. You’ll also tour research labs and hear from professionals in various STEM careers. The optional residential track adds evening activities and housing on the Berkeley campus. If you're curious about health science, engineering, and medicine, this program offers a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the field.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Free; meals and MTA transportation provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; preference given to NYC public school students
Program Dates: July 6 – July 31
Deadline: March 31 at 11:59 PM
Eligibility: Students entering 8th or 9th grade and currently enrolled in a NYC public school
The College and Career Lab (CCL) at NYU is a free four-week summer program designed to help middle school students explore future academic and career paths through hands-on workshops, lectures, and mentorship. If you're selected for the program, you’ll get to take biology classes on topics like neuroscience and health sciences, taught by NYU faculty from schools including Grossman School of Medicine. You’ll also meet professionals from various industries and participate in field trips across NYC. CCL runs during the school year as well, with monthly Practice Labs that support your long-term goals. This is a commuter program, and participants receive meals and transportation. If you're curious about college and want support in building your academic identity early on, this could be a strong fit.
Lydia is an alum from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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