15 Programs for Middle School Students in Nevada
- Stephen Turban
- 7 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you sign up for a program in middle school, you can test out your interests through structured activities and lessons. You will see what advanced classes feel like, develop practical skills, and even get exposure to different industries. A middle school program can connect you with mentors who can guide your future academic path and help you figure out your academic interests before you start high school.
What programs are available for middle schoolers in Nevada?
Nevada has a range of programs for middle schoolers offered through its universities, outdoor spaces, and community groups. You might spend time in a lab, take part in a technology project, or join an environmental effort. Choosing something local also keeps costs low and lets you focus on learning rather than travel arrangements.
To help you start, we have compiled a list of the 15 best programs for middle school students in Nevada!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; capacity varies
Location: Odyssey Charter Schools, Las Vegas, NV (blended online + weekly on-campus sessions)
Cost: Tuition-free public charter program; students must have a computer/tablet and internet access
Program Dates: Follows the traditional academic-year calendar
Application Deadline: Enrollment follows annual school admission cycles
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8
Odyssey Charter Schools’ blended learning program combines structured weekly on-campus instruction with online coursework that students complete from home. Each week, you attend a three-hour session where teachers lead instruction, science experiments, guided practice, and small-group work that supports the online curriculum. The online component allows you to work independently on core content areas while receiving digital support from teachers through email, phone, chats, and scheduled office hours. If you need additional academic help, you may attend the Middle School learning lab, where licensed teachers provide supervision and targeted support.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies. Full financial aid is available
Program Dates: 8 weeks (rolling cohorts throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Varies across different cohorts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8; open to motivated students globally interested in exploring academic research or writing.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program pairs middle school students with Ph.D. mentors from universities such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Princeton to explore academic subjects and develop a written project. Across eight weeks, you’ll learn to read and interpret academic literature, build research questions, and create outputs such as a high school-level research paper or case study. You’ll receive individualized feedback through eight mentor sessions and two writing-coach sessions, ensuring you master both analytical and writing fundamentals. Research topics range from gene editing to behavioral economics.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; capacity differs across tracks
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Costs differ by track; some programs are free, while others are fee-based
Program Dates: Most programs offer summer sessions; some run fall or spring weekends
Application Deadline: Varies by program (rolling or program-specific)
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8; some programs extend to grades 5–9)
UNLV’s STEM and research programs provide exposure to fields like engineering, astronomy, data science, mathematics, and scientific inquiry. Camps such as Camp Cosmos introduce you to astronomical concepts through experiments, telescope access, and tours of UNLV facilities, while the SPARK research program develops foundational research design, hypothesis testing, and data analysis skills. Programs like Saturday STEM and UNLV STEM Camp emphasize model-building, engineering challenges, coding, and robotics through guided workshops facilitated by university instructors. If you participate in the Southern Nevada Regional Science Fair or Nevada Science Olympiad, you’ll engage in competitive STEM events that encourage experimentation, problem-solving, and scientific communication.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment for CCSD students; capacity varies
Location: Online statewide, Nevada Learning Academy at CCSD, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Tuition-free for full-time CCSD students; fees may apply for part-time enrollment
Program Dates: Semester-based courses aligned with the CCSD academic calendar
Application Deadline: Enrollment opens at the start of each semester; rolling deadlines for part-time courses
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8; open to both CCSD and non-CCSD students
NVLA offers a full catalog of online middle school courses designed to build core academic skills while accommodating different learning needs. You will participate in teacher-led sessions through Canvas, where you’ll receive live instruction, project-based learning opportunities, and strategies for effective online study. The curriculum includes both general and accelerated tracks, with select high school courses available for advanced middle school learners. Full-time students follow a structured weekly schedule that blends live classes, focused instruction days, and independent study time. Teachers and counselors provide support through multiple channels like video, chat, email, and phone, ensuring you’re able to navigate online learning successfully.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; capacity varies
Location: Online statewide, Nevada Virtual Charter School, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Tuition-free public charter program
Program Dates: Follows the traditional academic-year calendar
Application Deadline: Enrollment follows school admission cycles; space may vary
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8
Nevada Virtual Charter School provides a fully online middle school program built on the ACCEL curriculum, which emphasizes research-based instruction and flexible pathways for diverse learners. You will engage in structured coursework across English language arts, math, science, history, and art, complemented by self-guided electives such as world languages and music. The online learning environment allows you to work independently while accessing teacher support, instructional resources, and regular progress monitoring. The program is designed to help you build foundational academic skills while developing strong digital learning habits.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; capacity differs across tracks
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Costs differ by track; most programs are fee-based
Program Dates: Most programs offer summer sessions; some run fall or spring workshops
Application Deadline: Varies by program (rolling or program-specific)
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8; some programs extend to grades 5–9)
UNLV’s humanities and communication-focused Young Rebels programs expose you to disciplines like leadership, debate, writing, philosophy, financial literacy, and museum studies. Activities across programs include seminar-style discussions, debate rounds, guided writing workshops, and collaborative projects that help you practice structured thinking and expression. Faculty-led sessions in programs such as Empowered Women, Empower Women, or Meaning of Life introduce concepts from the liberal arts while connecting them to everyday decision-making and leadership development. Programs like the Rebel Debate Institute and Model United Nations offer hands-on training in argumentation, research, public speaking, and policy analysis, culminating in debates or committee simulations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to selected CCSD middle schools; cohort size varies
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Free program (meals included through Three Square partnership)
Program Dates: Three-day clinics; dates vary by session
Application Deadline: Selection and recruitment occur through participating middle schools
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
The RUSH Program introduces middle school students to flag football through structured skill drills, coaching, and guided practice in rules, gameplay, and positional skills. You learn foundational athletic concepts such as throwing, catching, receiver routes, defensive coverage, agility, and field awareness in an environment designed to build confidence and reduce barriers to sports participation. The clinic combines physical activity with health education, including discussions about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and the role of physical activity in long-term well-being. Mental health professionals also engage with you to address stigma, teach coping strategies, and share resources for support.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; capacity varies by weekly session
Location: Nevada State University, Henderson, NV
Cost: $300–$400 per week
Program Dates: Week-long sessions; specific dates vary by camp
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions are full
Eligibility: Grades 3–8
Scorpion STEAM Academy offers project-based camps where you explore robotics, coding, environmental science, digital arts, nanotechnology, or 3D design, depending on your chosen track. Each course centers on hands-on skill development, such as working with circuits, experimenting with natural and physical sciences, modeling in 3D, or using digital creation tools. You get to engage in structured workshops led by instructors and guest experts who introduce you to real-world STEAM applications. Some sessions include field trips that take you behind the scenes at STEM-related organizations, giving a closer look at professional environments. By the end of the week, you typically complete a project that demonstrates your learning within your selected focus area.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; nearly 15,000 youth participate annually in Washoe County
Location: University of Nevada, Reno Extension – Washoe County 4-H, Reno, NV
Cost: Costs vary by club, camp, and activity; some programs may charge modest fees
Program Dates: Year-round clubs and afterschool programs; day camps and a week-long overnight camp offered during school breaks
Application Deadline: Enrollment in clubs and after-school programs is generally rolling; camp registration deadlines vary by session
Eligibility: Youth ages 5–19; middle school students typically in grades 6–8
Through Washoe County 4-H, you can join long-term clubs, afterschool programs, and seasonal camps that cover areas like STEM, aviation, gardening, livestock, horses, small animals, arts, cooking, sewing, and shooting sports. You work on project areas of your choice using research-based, inquiry-driven curricula, often combining hands-on activities with record books that track your goals, progress, and outcomes. Many clubs integrate leadership roles, community service, and public presentations, giving you practice in communication and responsibility alongside technical skills. After-school programs and school-break day camps frequently introduce topics such as robotics, rockets, animal science, energy, and nutrition in structured workshop formats. The Lake Tahoe 4-H camp and other events add immersive experiences where you learn in groups, build independence, and participate in outdoor or project-based activities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort of ~12 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: Free (tuition-free)
Program Dates: July 6–24 (summer course) + August 26–December 9 (weekly fall sessions)
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Current 6th or 7th graders in the U.S.; must attend both summer + fall sessions
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is a competitive enrichment experience designed to prepare motivated middle schoolers for advanced high school pathways, including Stanford Online High School. Over three weeks in July, you participate in a live, interactive online course taught by Stanford OHS instructors, 65% of whom hold PhDs, while working in a small cohort that encourages real-time academic discussion and collaboration. Weekly fall meetings deepen your preparation through sessions on academic writing, math enrichment, study skills, and exploring selective high school options. The program emphasizes building analytical thinking, confidence, and long-term academic habits, all within a supportive but rigorous virtual classroom.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The program is highly selective.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,250
Program Dates: February 5 – May 7
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Current 7th–8th grade students interested in advanced mathematics.
The NYU Math Program for Young Minds is a 13-week enrichment program designed for middle schoolers ready to engage with higher-level mathematics. You learn college-style topics such as number theory, topology, and geometry while building advanced problem-solving and abstract-reasoning skills. Weekly live classes with NYU faculty and teaching assistants keep the environment highly collaborative, with group problem-solving and interactive discussions at the core. The extended semester-long structure helps you develop mathematical maturity, sustained analytical thinking, and comfort with proofs and conceptual frameworks.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. Exact cohort size varies by course.
Location: Online
Cost: Typically $625–$1,500 depending on course; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Year-round sessions (varies by course)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines (varies by course)
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12; CTY-Level or Advanced CTY-Level qualification required for most courses
CTY’s Online Programs allow academically advanced middle school students to take university-style courses in areas such as mathematics, computer science, engineering, humanities, and competitive writing. You can choose between session-based, individually paced, and live online formats, each designed to build mastery, problem-solving skills, and subject-specific depth. CTY instructors, many with advanced degrees, provide detailed feedback and help you work through higher-level concepts independently. You also get exposure to specialized topics such as cryptology, astrophysics, advanced Python programming, creative writing craft, and more.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Exact cohort size not published.
Location: Online
Cost: $700; nonrefundable $50 quarterly registration fee.
Program Dates: March 31–May 28
Application Deadline: Registration open until seats are filled; refund deadline is March 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 with strong English proficiency.
This online writers’ workshop is designed for middle schoolers who want structured practice in creative writing through guided lessons, peer discussions, and live feedback sessions. You work across genres, including short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, learning how to read like writers, analyze mentor texts, and revise your drafts through constructive critique. The course emphasizes essential creative habits such as critical thinking, reflection, risk-taking, and persistence, supported by weekly writing prompts and instructor-led workshops. Because classes meet in real time on Zoom, you participate in a small community of young writers rather than working asynchronously. By the end of the program, you will produce a polished final piece and participate in a live showcase of student work.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is moderately selective
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895 (need-based scholarships available)
Program Dates: Multiple 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
This online program introduces middle school students to core journalism skills through structured modules on story selection, reporting techniques, interviewing, verification, and multimedia storytelling. You will explore how news is produced across digital platforms and complete guided assignments that strengthen your critical thinking, research habits, and ability to identify credible sources. You will work through practical exercises, analyze reporting examples, and gain familiarity with ethical considerations and digital media tools. The program culminates in a capstone project where you produce a story for print, social media, or video, applying the skills learned during the course.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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