14 English Summer Schools for 14 Year Olds
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 10 min read
An English summer school can be a strong way for you to build writing and communication skills before the pace of later high school picks up. These programs often bring together literature, debate, creative writing, or journalism with structured instructor feedback, giving you an early taste of college-style seminars and workshops. Along the way, you'll also get a chance to explore your academic interests more deeply than a typical classroom allows.
Why should 14-year-olds consider an academic summer program?
An academic summer program at this age can help build confidence in writing, critical thinking, and collaboration through mentorship and independent project work. Depending on the program you choose, you could attend a residential experience on a university campus or join a flexible virtual course from home. Whether you're looking for something intensive or more exploratory, you can find a program suited to your interests and comfort level.
To make your search easier, we've curated this list of 14 English summer schools for 14-year-olds.
If you’re looking for programs for high school freshmen, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span creative writing, journalism, debate, playwriting, and literary analysis, so 14-year-olds with a wide range of interests within English and communication can find a relevant summer program.
Several programs are free, including LA Times HS Insider Summer Internship (paid) and Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop, while others, such as Lumiere, Johns Hopkins CTY, and CSSSA, offer need-based financial aid.
Debate-focused programs make up a significant portion of this list, including Emory Debate Camps, Cornell International Debate Camp, Richmond Debate Institute, and University of the Pacific Debate Camp, giving students several options for building argumentation and public speaking skills.
Application deadlines vary widely, with early deadlines including Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop (October 19) and CSSSA (February 28), while several programs, such as Cornell Debate Camp, Richmond Debate Institute, and Bard College Simon's Rock, accept rolling applications.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. It pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Los Angeles Times, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free | A stipend is paid
Dates: 7 weeks (typically June to August)
Application deadline: Applications generally open in late January
Eligibility: High school students residing in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California
LA Times HS Insider Summer Internship offers a paid learning experience to high school students. You will explore fundamental journalism concepts, develop multimedia skills, and receive professional mentorship. The program will allow you to experience life as a professional in journalism and engage in a range of activities, including multimedia storytelling, breaking news coverage, and feature enterprise stories. The program spans seven weeks and allows you to write stories, produce videos, and work on podcasts.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, robotic arm building in engineering, or moot courts for law. Students can choose from over 20 subjects, including biology, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, they complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: Weekly Saturdays from January 31 through May 9
Application Deadline: October 19
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors | High school seniors are not eligible
The NYU Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop is a highly selective academic enrichment program that introduces high school students to dramatic writing across multiple media, including playwriting, screenwriting, and television writing. It provides you with undergraduate-level instruction from NYU faculty and industry professionals. Throughout the program, you explore dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, and storytelling techniques while participating in lectures, writing exercises, and peer discussions. The workshop encourages participants to think critically about how narratives are constructed for different media and helps them develop both creative and analytical writing skills.
Location: Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Baltimore, MD | Virtual options also available
Cost: Varies by course format and duration | Financial aid is available for eligible students
Dates: Vary by program and course | More information here
Application Deadline: Varies by course and session
Eligibility: Online: Grades 2-12 | Residential: Grades 5-12 | Virtual program open to international students | Some residential options might have specific eligibility criteria
Johns Hopkins CTY offers both virtual and residential learning opportunities to high school students. The program allows you to engage in intensive learning through a range of courses in English, Math, Physics, and more. Some of the English courses for high school students include the writing analysis and persuasion workshop, covering structure to style, logic, principles of reasoning, the writer's toolkit (grammar, style, and expression), and more. You will engage with critical and literary texts, understand the mechanics of English grammar, and develop skills in argumentation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition varies by enrollment option | More information here | Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: August–June (academic year)
Application Deadline: Typically early January for the following academic year
Eligibility: Grades 7th-12th students | Open to international students
Stanford University Online High School (Stanford OHS) offers an engaging learning experience to high school students. You will have the opportunity to explore around 40 college-level courses, engage in seminar-style discussions with peers from around the world, and gain knowledge from expert PhD instructors. The program gives you access to academic advisors, wellness counselors, and college counselors. Small class sizes and individualized academic support emphasize critical thinking, analytical writing, and interdisciplinary learning.
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Resident: $2,200 | Commuter: $1,850
Dates: May 31–June 13
Application deadline: Early bird: April 1 | Regular: May 15
Eligibility: High school students around the globe
Emory University High School Debate Camps is a two-week hands-on public speaking program for high school students. The program will allow you to learn from full-time debate coaches and develop valuable technical debate skills while engaging in sessions tailored to your level of experience. You will study the fundamentals of constructing arguments, conducting research, organizing speeches, and debating the upcoming high school policy resolution. For 14-year-olds interested in English, communication, or the humanities, the program provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen persuasive writing and oral advocacy skills in a college environment.
Location: Valencia, CA
Cost: CA State Residents: $5,174 | Out-of-State and International Students: $10,475 | Financial aid available
Dates: July 4–August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students | A limited number of out-of-state and international students are accepted
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Creative Writing Program is a four-week pre-professional summer program that introduces you to a range of writing disciplines, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and literary analysis. You participate in intensive workshops, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and attend talks by published authors, editors, and literary professionals. What makes CSSSA particularly valuable for 14-year-olds is its workshop-based approach and emphasis on experimentation across genres. The curriculum includes both core and elective classes, allowing students to refine their writing skills while exploring new creative techniques.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Early Bird: $2,050 | Regular: $2,250 | Scholarships available
Dates: July 13–24
Application Deadline: No application required for ages 12-14
Eligibility: High school students ages 12-18 | Open to international students
92NY Young Writers Workshop offers a creative and dynamic writing experience to 14-year-olds. It provides an intensive workshop where participants develop their writing through close reading, peer critiques, creative exercises, and faculty-led discussions. You also learn about the literary community and explore different writing styles and genres. You receive feedback from professional writers while developing a portfolio of original work and strengthening your analytical and communication skills. The program is particularly valuable for aspiring writers interested in creative writing and literary studies.
Location: University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg Campus, PA
Cost: $1,950 | Financial aid and scholarships available
Dates: July 15–26
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-19 | Open to international students
Alpha – The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers allows you to engage in an inclusive learning experience. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced authors, engage in writing exercises, and attend lectures. You will get to write an original horror, science fiction, or fantasy short story while learning to generate unique ideas and critically analyze your own work. The program will guide you to revise your work, share it in professional, paying markets, and explore a career in the field of writing.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Residential: $3,750 | Commuter: $1,000
Dates: Residential: July 25–August 3 | Commuter: July 26–August 2
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students, ages 12 and above | Open to international students
Cornell International Debate Camp offers an in-person summer learning opportunity to high school students. You will participate in tournament debates, learn from Cornell faculty, explore the latest political topics, learn debate techniques, and receive instructions in the World Schools Debate format, along with those relevant to all debate formats. You will attend lectures, practice debates, and gain knowledge from leading debate coaches. The World Schools Debate format includes 3 students vs 3 students, where you explore both impromptu and pre-prepared topics.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business, Richmond, VA
Cost: Day Camp: $450 | Overnight: $1,495
Dates: Day Camp: July 27–31 | Overnight Camp: July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students worldwide, ages 13 and above
The Richmond Debate Institute (RDI) High School Camp is a week-long academic program that focuses on speech, debate, public speaking, and research skills. You learn how to construct persuasive arguments, conduct evidence-based research, and communicate effectively through interactive lessons and practice debates. The curriculum covers debate formats such as Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum Debate while also introducing students to speech events and presentation techniques. You receive instruction from champion debate coaches and PhD lecturers while engaging in mock debates, case-writing workshops, and professionally judged competitions. The program is particularly valuable for students who enjoy discussing contemporary issues and strengthening their critical thinking abilities.
Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Cost: $3,800
Dates: Session 1: June 1–11 | Session 2: June 16-26
Application deadline: May 10 (Session 1) | May 24 (Session 2)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The University of the Pacific Debate Camp is a residential summer program designed to help students develop skills in debate, argumentation, and public speaking. You learn how to research complex topics, construct evidence-based arguments, and communicate ideas persuasively across different debate formats. The curriculum emphasizes both collaborative learning and practical application through debates, workshops, and instructional sessions. For 14-year-olds interested in literature, politics, journalism, or public speaking, the program provides a rigorous introduction to argument-driven academic work while fostering confidence and leadership skills.
Location: Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA
Cost: Approximately $3,500–$3,600 (limited financial assistance available)
Dates: Three-week summer residential program (dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade high school students | International students can apply
Bard College at Simon’s Rock – Young Writers Workshop is modeled on the Language and Thinking program by Bard College. You will explore a range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, essays, poems, and narratives. The program will allow you to develop and improve skills in writing, creative thinking, collaboration, and imagination. You engage in multiple daily writing sessions, experiment with different literary forms, and receive individualized feedback on your work throughout the program. The curriculum encourages students to think deeply about language, ideas, and storytelling while developing confidence as writers.
Frequently asked questions
What English summer schools are available for 14-year-olds?
Options include creative writing programs, such as CSSSA Writing Program, 92NY Young Writers Workshop, Alpha Workshop, and Bard College Simon's Rock, journalism programs, such as LA Times HS Insider Summer Internship, debate programs, such as Emory Debate Camps, Cornell International Debate Camp, and Richmond Debate Institute, and academic enrichment programs, such as Johns Hopkins CTY and Stanford OHS.
Are there free or paid English programs for 14-year-olds?
Yes, LA Times HS Insider Summer Internship is free and pays a stipend, and Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop is free. Several other programs, such as Lumiere, Johns Hopkins CTY, CSSSA, Alpha Workshop, and 92NY, offer need-based financial aid or scholarships to offset tuition costs.
Which programs are best for 14-year-olds interested in creative writing specifically?
Students interested in creative writing might consider CSSSA Writing Program for a four-week intensive across fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, 92NY Young Writers Workshop for peer critique and portfolio development, Alpha Workshop for genre-specific writing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and Bard College Simon's Rock for daily writing sessions across multiple literary forms.
When should I apply to English summer schools for 14-year-olds?
The earliest deadline is Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop (October 19), followed by CSSSA (February 28) and Alpha Workshop (March 1). Emory Debate Camps has an early bird deadline of April 1 and a regular deadline of May 15. Several programs, such as Cornell Debate Camp, Richmond Debate Institute, and Bard College Simon's Rock, accept rolling applications, so students should apply as early as possible to secure a spot.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.