15 Social Studies Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 22
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you are a middle school student, social studies programs offer a great way to explore topics such as history, civics, economics, and global affairs in a hands-on, academically rigorous setting. These programs often combine interactive projects, real-world issues, and mentorship to help students build critical thinking, communication, and research skills early on.
Whether you're passionate about politics, law, international relations, or activism, social studies programs for middle school students can provide a meaningful introduction to these fields. Some offer chances to collaborate on public policy projects, simulate court cases, or present research on global challenges. To help you choose the right one, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 of the best options for middle schoolers in grades 6–8. We selected these programs based on their academic rigor, selectivity, access to funding, and partnerships with top universities and organizations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; rolling admissions
Location: Fully Virtual
Cost: Varies by cohort; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: 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 cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6–8
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!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–18 students per session
Location: Online
Cost: 38 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions throughout the year; join anytime
Application Deadline: Varies based on session
Eligibility: Grades 5–8
This engaging weekly seminar introduces middle school students to the foundations of Ancient Greek history, culture, and mythology. You will explore topics ranging from Athenian democracy and Spartan warfare to the Trojan War, Greek gods, and archaeological discoveries. The class meets once a week for 55-minute sessions, with each week covering a different, self-contained topic. You can join at any time, making this an accessible option for homeschoolers or those seeking enrichment in world history. Assignments are discussion-based and interactive, often incorporating mythology, architecture, and even Greek language basics. Optional readings include works by Homer, Herodotus, and Plato, and PDF excerpts are provided.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–10 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 50 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions; enroll anytime
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: Grades 4–7
This discussion-based seminar helps students understand today’s headlines through the lens of historical context. You will participate in weekly, live Socratic-style sessions that explore issues such as immigration, war, free speech, and public health, drawing connections to past events and legal cases. After initial sessions, you will take a more active role by researching and presenting current events of interest to the group. You’ll engage with foundational historical documents, landmark Supreme Court rulings, and primary source articles from outlets with varied perspectives. The class emphasizes respectful debate, media literacy, and critical thinking skills. While the format is flexible and student-driven, each session is led by a professor with a background in law and civics education.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2–13 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 24 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions; rolling admission throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: Grades 6–9
This introductory course offers a structured and engaging exploration of the foundations and functions of the U.S. government. You will study the Constitution, the three branches of government, the legislative process, and major civic landmarks, such as the White House and the National Archives. Each session lasts 30 minutes and includes interactive activities, visual aids, and class discussions to reinforce understanding. Weekly lessons are self-contained, allowing students to join at any point in the 24-week curriculum cycle. The course maintains a non-political tone, focusing strictly on historical and institutional content while avoiding partisan debates. Topics also include U.S. monuments, national parks, and the symbolism of the American flag.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–8 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 28 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Ages 8–13
This interactive class introduces students to the foundational myths of Ancient Greece in an accessible and creative way. You will explore stories like the Labors of Hercules, the tale of Persephone, and the legend of the Minotaur through live storytelling, quizzes, drawing activities, and games. Each week focuses on a different myth, encouraging discussion around moral lessons, cultural significance, and thematic connections. The class incorporates elements of critical thinking and creative expression, helping you analyze ancient stories while connecting them to modern ideas. With flexible scheduling and no prerequisites, this is a strong option for students looking to build cultural literacy and storytelling skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–7 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 24 credits weekly, or 864 credits for 36 classes; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: September 8 – May 12
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sections are full
Eligibility: Grades 5–8, recommended ages 10–15
This full-year course offers a global, interdisciplinary approach to world history through a student-friendly lens. You will explore major historical events and cultures, ranging from dinosaurs and Neanderthals to ancient medicine and space exploration, while developing historical thinking skills through engaging activities and group discussion. Weekly 30-minute sessions are supported by 1 hour of optional homework, and the class uses a variety of tools, including videos, games, and virtual museum content, to enhance learning. The curriculum is multidisciplinary, incorporating social, political, and economic perspectives along with connections to emotional intelligence and ethics. Students are encouraged to engage critically with the past while building a broader understanding of how history shapes the modern world.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–15 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 22 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions; fall cycle restarts September 17
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Grades 2–5
This ongoing course introduces students to pivotal people, movements, and historical events that have shaped African American history. You will explore key topics, including the Civil Rights Movement, Juneteenth, Jim Crow laws, and influential figures such as Carter G. Woodson, Ruby Bridges, and Angela Davis. Each session focuses on a different topic, encouraging interactive discussion and critical reflection in an age-appropriate format. The course promotes a thoughtful, honest approach to complex subjects, with space for students to ask questions and express their perspectives. Taught by an experienced educator with a background in African American studies and communication, this program supports both historical literacy and civic awareness.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–15 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 34 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Grades 2–5
This lively weekly club introduces middle-grade students to important people, places, and moments from world history in an interactive format. You will explore a new topic each week from Ancient Sparta to the Great Chicago Fire through storytelling, guided discussion, short videos, and creative games. The class is structured to encourage active participation and critical thinking, with students using doodle-guided note pages and interactive tools like Kahoot and Nearpod. The curriculum draws on both primary and secondary sources to present multiple viewpoints and deepen students’ understanding of key events. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to the subject, this club helps make social studies engaging and approachable through consistent exposure and hands-on activities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–11 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 36 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Grades 2–5
This creative geography-focused club introduces students to spatial thinking through hands-on cartography. You will design a new map each week, ranging from pirate treasure maps to fantasy kingdoms, while learning core mapping concepts like scale, symbols, and directional orientation. Each session starts with visual prompts and examples from real-world maps and infographics, followed by live instruction and guided drawing. The program emphasizes visual storytelling, helping you communicate complex ideas through effective layout, clear labels, and geographic features. It’s particularly suited for visual learners and students who enjoy both art and the social sciences. Skills developed include topographical interpretation, vocabulary building, and design-based problem solving.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–10 students per section
Location: Online
Cost: 20 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Grades 2–5
This geography and anthropology course introduces students to the cultural and environmental diversity of the Americas through hands-on mapmaking. You will explore a different country each week, focusing on its geography, plant and animal life, and historic landmarks, such as ancient ruins. After a short video introduction, you’ll create a visual map using pictograms and symbols to represent the country’s features. The class combines visual art and social studies, encouraging learners to think spatially and globally while building foundational skills in physical geography and cultural awareness. Topics include native species, human geography, and exploration routes, with light discussion and storytelling elements woven in.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Online
Cost: 2 credits monthly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Grades 7–10
This community-based program introduces students to global human rights topics through facilitated discussions and action-oriented dialogue. You will explore issues such as access to education, Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and equality through weekly prompts, guided posts, and peer conversations. Unlike a live class, this group offers a flexible chat-style platform moderated by a human rights lawyer, where you can share ideas, ask questions, and even collaborate on small advocacy actions, such as letter-writing campaigns or awareness projects. The club is designed to foster global awareness and critical thinking while providing a safe and respectful environment for diverse viewpoints. It’s a great option for students who want to explore civic engagement and international justice without committing to a live, scheduled format.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 10 learners per section
Location: Online
Cost: 34 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly 30-minute meetings; year-round with a loop schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: ages 11-16
This live, discussion-based class invites you to explore the true stories of outlaws, con-artists, and revolutionaries who shaped history through deception, rebellion, and resistance. You’ll examine infamous figures like Jesse James, Anne Bonny, Al Capone, and D.B. Cooper through a critical lens. Each weekly class focuses on a new topic, allowing you to drop in at any time without falling behind. You’ll analyze historical sources, engage in Socratic discussions, and draw your conclusions about ethics, power, and historical legacy. Taught by certified social studies educators, the class combines storytelling with critical thinking and encourages learners to challenge mainstream narratives. The program employs a looping curriculum to reinforce key concepts and is valuable for students curious about the gray areas of history.
13. World History
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3–10 learners per session
Location: Online
Cost: 50 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly 55-minute sessions; ongoing
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: ages 7-11
This dynamic, learner-led course introduces you to world history through weekly discussions shaped by student interests and engagement. Each session delves into a different topic—from ancient empires and global revolutions to figures such as Genghis Khan and Thomas Jefferson, offering fresh insights and engaging debates. You’ll have a say in what comes next by suggesting future topics, then analyzing them through primary sources, historical texts, and guided Socratic questioning. Taught by a law professor and historian, the class emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative inquiry, and respectful debate. With optional research activities and a student-centered approach, you’ll gain historical literacy and a firmer grasp of global affairs, all while having fun.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2–4 learners per section
Location: Online
Cost: 36 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly 55-minute sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: ages 7-12
This gamified world history course combines architectural design, cultural learning, and teamwork through Minecraft. Each week, you’ll recreate famous landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Parthenon, or the Sydney Opera House while learning about their historical significance. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll practice geometry, resource management, and spatial reasoning as you build iconic structures block by block. Whether you join the server or play solo, you'll gain insight into ancient civilizations and modern wonders alike, all while developing creativity and technical Minecraft skills. The course also fosters collaborative social interaction with classmates in a safe, structured environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4–15 learners per section
Location: Online
Cost: 30 credits weekly; you can buy credits with a pricing plan here
Dates: Weekly 45-minute sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: ages 10-14
This interactive geography course takes you on a global tour, introducing a new country each week through slideshows, videos, and discussion. You’ll explore each nation's culture, food, landmarks, history, and natural geography, ranging from volcanoes in New Zealand to glaciers in Canada. Every class includes a virtual exploration followed by a fun Kahoot quiz to reinforce what you’ve learned. You don’t need any prior knowledge to join, and you can start at any time, as each session is self-contained. Led by a certified geography educator, this program is a solid option for students curious about the world and eager to explore global diversity through structured yet lively virtual sessions.
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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