15 Educational Online Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 21
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 11
If you’re a middle schooler looking for some advanced academics outside the classroom, consider an online program!
Online educational programs are one of the best ways to open doors to advanced academics, new skills, and a strong network. These programs give you a chance to dive deeper into subjects you love, whether it’s computer science, creative writing, or entrepreneurship. Some also include hands-on projects and direct mentorship that build critical thinking and collaboration skills early on. Because these experiences are fully online, they’re accessible from anywhere and often far more affordable (or even fully funded) than residential camps.
They can also be a valuable confidence booster, letting you explore topics beyond the standard school curriculum and even present your work in professional-style showcases. We’ve carefully curated this list of the top educational online programs for middle school students, focusing on offerings that are rigorous, selective, or come from prestigious institutions. Many of these programs also feature strong mentorship, alumni networks, and opportunities to build portfolios.
15 Educational Online Programs for Middle School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter)
Application Deadline: Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6 – 8) with a strong academic interest
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a research-based learning experience that allows middle school students to explore subjects like biology, medicine, and public health under the one-on-one mentorship of PhD researchers from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. You’ll design an independent research project centered around your personal interests, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills along the way. The program also helps prepare you for academic competitions and future high school research opportunities by emphasizing rigorous research structure and scientific communication. With hands-on guidance and tailored project development, JEP offers a standout foundation for ambitious middle schoolers looking to dive into STEM at an advanced level.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,050
Dates: Session One: June 16 – 27, Session Two: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 11
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer a rigorous academic experience where students can explore a single subject in depth within a small, interactive virtual classroom. With more than 70 courses, you can study specialized STEM fields such as data science, human-computer interaction, engineering, logic and problem solving, biosciences, or programming. The courses are intentionally ungraded and not for credit, providing a space for pure intellectual exploration without the stress of exams. Small seminar-style classes encourage lively discussion, collaboration, and direct engagement with instructors.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Dates: Spring Cohort: 25 hours over 10 weekends, Summer Cohort: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays only)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohorts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8 (no prior experience required)
The Veritas AI Trailblazers Program is a beginner-friendly online opportunity that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you’ll dive into Python programming, data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and even explore AI ethics. A 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio ensures personalized support as you work on interactive projects like creating music classification models or designing AI-powered recommendation systems. Trailblazers emphasizes both technical skill-building and creativity, making it an excellent choice for younger students eager to explore how AI shapes the world around them. You can apply here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual / In-person TBD
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Female-identifying students in grades 6 – 12
The WASH SRI is a tuition-free program designed to support female-identifying middle and high school students who want to dive into academic research across STEM and humanities disciplines. You’ll choose from three specialized research tracks. Introduction to Number Theory, Computational Neuroscience, or Demystifying Deep Learning. You will spend six weeks working under the guidance of university faculty and graduate mentors. Weekly 2 – 3 hour workshops develop your subject expertise, introduce publication opportunities, and help prepare you for future research pathways.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate intake
Location: Online
Cost: From $2,129 (early enrollment discounts available)
Dates: Core Program: July 14 – August 1, Additional AI modules extend to August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Ages 12 – 14 and 15 – 18. Prior Python experience recommended but not requiredThe Berkeley Coding Academy offers online summer courses that introduce students ages 12–18 to key areas of computer science, including programming, game development, web design, and robotics.
You’ll build coding skills in Python and Java through hands-on, project-based assignments, including virtual exercises using simulated lab environments or modeling tools, that emphasize creativity, teamwork, and practical problem-solving. The curriculum integrates real-world tech applications and prepares you for advanced study or careers in computer science and engineering. With additional AI modules available, the program helps deepen your understanding of machine learning concepts while encouraging you to design independent tech projects.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive with high school students
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200
Dates: Virtual camps run throughout the year on Saturdays
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in AP Biology
Hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences at UT Dallas, these virtual biology camps provide a structured way for middle and high school students to deepen their understanding of AP Biology and related topics. You’ll participate in weekly Saturday sessions that focus on rigorous academic content, helping you prepare for advanced coursework and standardized exams. The program integrates virtual hands-on exercises and critical thinking activities that simulate lab environments, giving you practical experience in biological concepts. It’s an excellent choice if you’re already taking or planning to take AP Biology and want to strengthen your foundation in a flexible, accessible format.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Online (via edX)
Cost: Free, paid certification available
Dates: 8 weeks - self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Learners interested in data science and R programming
Offered by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health through edX, Data Science: R Basics is an introductory course designed to teach fundamental data science skills using R programming. You’ll explore data wrangling, visualization, and basic analytics by working with a real-world dataset on crime in the United States, learning to answer critical analytical questions. The program serves as the first step in Harvard’s Professional Certificate in Data Science, making it a strong entry point for students aiming to build a foundation before tackling probability, regression, or machine learning. Its self-paced structure makes it particularly flexible, so motivated middle school students ready for more advanced technical challenges can explore it alongside older learners.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Virtual (via edX)
Cost: Free, $49 with a certificate
Dates: 3 weeks - self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Brown University’s online course on edX offers a broad look at the world of engineering and the design process, introducing key concepts across biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, materials, and mechanical engineering. Over three weeks, you’ll learn directly from industry experts as they discuss real-world engineering challenges and applications. The highlight of the course is a hands-on design challenge where you’ll design, build, and test a prototype aimed at solving an actual engineering problem. This self-paced program is an accessible way for advanced middle schoolers or early high school students to get a structured introduction to engineering disciplines before pursuing deeper studies.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for qualified students; placement depends on SCAT or equivalent test scores
Location: Virtual
Cost: $550 – $2,127 depending on course format; financial aid available
Dates: Courses offered year-round; next start dates July 14 – Sept 10
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines; apply at least two weeks before desired start date
Eligibility: Typically grades 5 – 8; CTY or advanced-level test score qualifications required for most courses
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers an expansive set of online mathematics courses that allow gifted middle school students to explore advanced topics far beyond their current grade level. You can choose from courses like Cryptology, Logic and Proofs, Game Theory, or High School Competitive Mathematics, with each designed to develop rigorous analytical problem-solving and proof-writing skills. With live, session-based, and individually paced options, CTY makes it easy to align your learning with your schedule and goals. Expert instructors guide you through challenging concepts while preparing you for math competitions and higher-level studies. This flexibility, combined with the program’s intellectual depth, makes CTY a standout choice for ambitious middle school mathematicians.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Virtual (via edX)
Cost: Free, $149 with a certificate
Dates: May 28 - July 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions once open
Eligibility: Open to all; requires high school algebra and a reasonable aptitude for math. Students without prior programming experience may need longer to complete.
Offered through edX by MIT’s top faculty, this introductory course teaches you how to use computation to solve real-world problems using Python 3.5. You’ll build short programs that explore key computer science topics like algorithms, data structures, and programming principles, developing strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills along the way. Unlike narrowly focused programming classes, this course takes a broad approach, exposing you to the many ways computation impacts various industries and research fields. It’s an intensive experience best suited to advanced middle schoolers who are confident in algebra and eager for a serious introduction to computer science.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective enrollment; spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Location: Virtual
Cost: $495 per quarter; financial aid not publicly listed
Dates: April 1 – June 5
Application Deadline: Registration opens 1 – 2 months before each quarter; early registration strongly encouraged
Eligibility: Grades 7 – 8; must register for grade-appropriate sections and commit to live attendance
The Stanford Middle School Math Circle is designed for students eager to explore the deeper, more elegant side of mathematics beyond typical classroom lessons. Each week, you’ll join live online sessions led by Stanford-affiliated mathematicians and seasoned educators, diving into advanced topics through discussion, problem-solving, and collaborative exploration. The program emphasizes logical reasoning and abstract thinking, steering away from rote memorization in favor of uncovering mathematical patterns and structures. With a small cohort of similarly passionate peers and occasional guest lectures by professionals in mathematics, you’ll build both intellectual depth and a supportive community of fellow math enthusiasts.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Ongoing — usually 1 hour, but can be extended if self-paced
Application Deadline: None; rolling sign-ups
Eligibility: Middle school students; requires participation through an educator who will sign up for the program
The Hour of Engineering by Siemens is a flexible online program that introduces middle school students to the real-world practice of engineering. Through interactive activities, you’ll explore how engineers tackle problems, collaborate in teams, and navigate ethical decisions. The program emphasizes the engineering design process guiding you to define problems, brainstorm and prototype solutions, test ideas, and refine your designs. It also highlights how ethical considerations like safety, sustainability, and societal impact shape engineering choices. Designed to clear up common misconceptions about the field, this program is ideal for middle schoolers seeking an accessible first step into the world of engineering, all under the guidance of an educator.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Approximately $1,000 per course; discounts for early or multiple registrations; no direct financial aid
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: Typically ages 12 – 18; strong performance on math contests or an admissions test required
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is an intensive online experience tailored for students aiming to excel in competitive mathematics. Over three weeks, you’ll engage in daily live lectures and problem-solving sessions that cover advanced topics like algebra, combinatorics, number theory, and geometry, all guided by Olympiad-level instructors. The program emphasizes consistent practice, with regular homework assignments, detailed feedback, and weekly assessments to monitor your growth. Beyond academics, it builds a vibrant community through social activities and optional office hours where you can discuss strategies and deepen your understanding.
14. Kode With Klossy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, varies by cohort
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – June 13, July 7 – July 18, July 21 – August 1, August 4 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens aged 13 – 18
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week online coding camp designed to empower students from traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. You can choose from specialized tracks like web development, mobile app creation, or artificial intelligence and machine learning, each offering hands-on projects that culminate in a showcase of your work. If you opt for web development, you’ll build and deploy websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; the mobile app track guides you through designing and coding a complete app; and in the AI/ML track, you’ll learn to train models and explore data sets using Python. With a strong focus on community and mentorship, this program provides an inspiring environment to develop tech skills alongside peers who share your curiosity.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; based on qualifying test scores or Young Scholar status
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,500 per course; financial aid available for Davidson Young Scholars
Dates: Full academic year; exact dates vary
Application Deadline: Fall
Eligibility: Ages 9 – 13, U.S. or Canadian residents; requires qualifying test score and teacher recommendation for non-Young Scholars
Davidson Explore is a rigorous, year-long online program specifically designed for profoundly gifted students ages 9 – 13. You’ll participate in live Zoom sessions, complete asynchronous assignments, and collaborate with bright peers on challenging math material that’s matched to your readiness—not just your grade. Courses are taught by instructors from Davidson Academy Online, ensuring advanced content delivery and a supportive learning environment. Whether you’re a Davidson Young Scholar or applying with qualifying scores and recommendations, Explore helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and time management skills while connecting with an academic peer group that understands your pace and curiosity.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! To learn more, you can reach out to our Director, Dhruva, at dhruva.bhat@lumiere.education, or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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