15 Summer Academic Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 12
- 10 min read
As a middle school student who has a strong interest in academics, it might seem like coursework takes a back seat during summer break. But that does not always have to be the case.
Summer academic programs for middle school students are made for students who are curious, motivated, and eager to experience more than the standard school curriculum. Many of these programs also offer a taste of campus life, exposure to real-world applications of your favorite subjects, and the chance to build meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
If you are looking for an experience that makes your summer challenging yet enriching, we have rounded up a list of 15 summer academic programs for middle school students with accessible, competitive, and well-reputed options to choose from.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1:1 student-to-PhD-mentor ratio
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 (need-based financial aid is available)
Dates: 8-week program
Summer I: Typically starts in June
Summer II: Starts July 14
Application deadline:
Summer I: Typically in May
Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a selective, virtual summer academic program for middle school students interested in diving deep into subjects of interest, which can range from psychology and environmental sciences to astrophysics and economics. In 8 weeks, you will receive 1-on-1 mentorship from PhD scholars affiliated with top-tier institutions like Yale, MIT, and Stanford, and develop a research project based on your chosen topic. Co-founded by scholars from Harvard and Oxford, the experience challenges and empowers young learners who are ready for more than what their classroom offers.
You build advanced research and analytical skills while learning to tackle complex ideas independently and creatively. Financial aid is available if you demonstrate need; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, and you can check the website to view all cohorts and deadlines.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990 (need-based financial aid is available)
Dates: Cohort I: 25 hours over 10 weekends (June to August)
Cohort II: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays from June to July)
Application deadline: June 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
AI Trailblazers by Veritas AI is a virtual summer academic program for middle school students where you learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. You will spend 25 hours engaging in interactive lessons that cover key concepts, including data analysis, image classification, and the ethics of AI. The program also features hands-on learning, with a low student-to-mentor ratio (5:1) that allows for meaningful guidance from individuals affiliated with top global universities.
You will also work with others to apply what you’ve learned through projects linked to areas like healthcare and sports. The program culminates in the chance to present your work, sharpening your communication skills and giving you the confidence to explain technical ideas to an audience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students per cohort
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7-25
Application deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 and 7 from low-income families
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP) is a summer academic program for middle school students that is held online and is free of cost. It prepares you for rigorous high school academics through a structured curriculum. During the 3-week summer session, you participate in live virtual classes led by Stanford Online High School instructors. These sessions focus on developing critical academic skills, including academic writing and math enrichment. Additionally, students engage in workshops and student-life activities to build community and foster a growth mindset.
The program also includes a fall session, where you meet for hour-long weekly sessions from August to December. These sessions reinforce summer learning and guide you for high school preparation.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: The summer session is typically held in July
Application deadline: Typically in April for the summer session
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 who have an 80% or higher grade average, especially in math and science
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University is a free academic program that encourages you to opt for higher education and careers in fields such as medicine, math, technology, and more. Conducted at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the program offers challenging coursework, along with PSAT preparation and college readiness workshops.
You benefit from field trips and college tours, providing exposure to higher education environments and professional settings. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic skills essential for success in STEM. Moreover, S-PREP also runs an academic year session on Saturdays from November to May, where SAT preparation courses are offered.
5. MIT dynaMIT
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: There are 2 sessions:
Week 1: Rising 6-7 gradersFrom July 11 to TBA
Week 2: Rising 8-9 gradersTBA
Application deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising 6-9 grade students
The dynaMIT program provides you with a unique opportunity to explore STEM subjects through a learning experience at MIT’s campus in Cambridge. Geared especially toward students from underserved or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the program is free and aims to make STEM education more accessible and engaging. The week-long experience is organized and run by mentor MIT students, and emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and confidence-building through interactive experiments.
You will travel to and from the campus each day for the duration of the program. Since the program is highly selective and seats fill fast, keep an eye on the website for deadlines and program dates.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 to 24 students per cohort
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Application fee: $50 for domestic students and $90 for international students
Program cost: From $750 (need-based financial aid is available)
Dates: 4-6 weeks between June 16 - July 25 (meeting 2-3x per week)
Application deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-11 (students in 6th grade who have attended the program before can be considered for some courses if they submit a strong application)
The Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP) - Secondary Division is a selective summer initiative for students eager to take on college-level academic challenges across 20+ courses in disciplines such as the natural sciences, computer science, literature, and social sciences. The program brings together motivated students to engage in in-depth coursework led by experienced instructors at the UC Berkeley campus. You might also find yourself building websites, participating in mock trials, or exploring neuroscience through hands-on projects and presentations.
At ATDP, you can expect to be part of a focused and supportive learning environment amid a cohort size of 20 to 24 students per class. Admission is based on academic performance and teacher recommendations, and with a strong application, you may take up to 2 courses.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Application fee: $80 | California residents: $ 3,640, Others: $ 4,160.
Dates: June 9 - 20
Application deadline: Applicants are typically admitted on a rolling basis until early March.
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Middle School Entrepreneurship Program at UC Berkeley, offered through the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY), is a 2-week commuter summer academic program for middle school students. Hosted at the Haas School of Business, the program introduces you to core business concepts such as finance, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship.
You get to engage in hands-on projects, including creating and managing your own businesses. The curriculum, led by Berkeley faculty, PhD candidates, and undergraduate mentors, also equips you with the knowledge needed to conduct market research, prepare financial reports, and more. You also benefit from guest lectures by corporate professionals and receive a guided tour of the UC Berkeley campus.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Day camp: $1,960 | Extended day camp: $2,280 | Overnight camp: $2,755(Need-based financial assistance is available)
Dates: July 27 - August 1
Application deadline: Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 6-8 graders
A+ Summer Middle School is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among motivated students. The summer academic program for middle school students features interdisciplinary classes that enhance your skills in reading, writing, and science, encouraging you to apply these abilities in innovative ways. The program is themed and offers a stimulating learning environment, allowing you to explore your potential as an inventor, strategist, or even detective.
A+ Summer Middle School is part of a 3-tiered series that includes A+ High School and A+ PreCollege programs, providing a continuum of academic development. In addition to Stanford University, the program is offered at multiple other prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley and UCLA.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: From $990
Dates: 1 to 3 weeks between June 29 - August 8, depending on the course
Application deadline: 1 week before the start date of the selected course
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 (with options for elementary and high school students)
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers several summer academic camps for middle school students, providing rigorous and accelerated courses on its Evanston, Illinois campus. These camps allow you to delve deeply into specialized subjects, with options ranging from advanced enrichment to high school honors and credit-eligible courses. You can choose from a variety of subjects, including programming with Python or Java, algebra, biomedicine, and forensic science.
Most courses are designed to foster intellectual growth and may include hands-on projects and collaborative activities. Admission is selective, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Tuition varies by session and course type, ranging from $990 to $6,000.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12-18 students per class
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; more options listed here
Cost: From $3,149 (financial aid available)
Application fee: $55 (waived with financial aid) or $250 for international applicants
Dates: Typically between late June and early August
Application deadline: Students are admitted on a rolling basis until mid-May
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 (elementary and high school courses are also available)
Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers 3-week summer programs for academically advanced middle school students. You enroll in an intensive course, choosing from about 50 courses that include math, bioethics, psychology, writing, and more. These are taught by experienced instructors and are held at various prestigious campuses across the U.S., including Johns Hopkins University, Dickinson College, and Loyola Marymount University.
Beyond academics, CTY fosters a vibrant campus life where you participate in supervised activities, promoting social interaction and community building among peers with similar intellectual interests. Eligibility for the program is determined by performance on standardized assessments, which help determine your learning level.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7-11
Application deadline: Information unavailable
Eligibility: Rising 8-9 graders (another July session is available for rising 10-11 graders)
Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Summer Engineering Experience (SEE) is a free, week-long program for rising 8th and 9th graders with a strong interest in math and science. Held on CMU’s Pittsburgh campus, the program introduces you to various engineering disciplines and design concepts. You will also engage in 2 key projects: a structured group assignment that introduces essential engineering principles and an individual task that encourages innovation and creativity.
As a commuter program, it is best suited for students who can travel to campus each day. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program is free of charge.
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Commuter: From $1,830 | Residential: From $2,580
Dates: 1-week and 2-week options in July
Application deadline: While applications for the current year are closed, they typically open in December
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 (high school courses are also available)
The pre-college summer programs at Duke University are curated for students interested in subjects such as aerospace engineering, audio engineering, sports analytics, cryptography, creative writing, and more. Offered courses may vary with year, so check this information at the bottom of the program page before applying.
You will engage in practical learning experiences under the guidance of Duke faculty, PhD scholars, and industry experts. The program also cultivates critical thinking and collaboration, with opportunities to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. Experiencing life on Duke campus means you also gain early exposure to college life, enhancing your independence and social skills.
While there are no specific GPA requirements for middle school applicants, you are generally encouraged to have a GPA of 3.5 and readiness for advanced learning.
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: From $175 (scholarships available)
Dates: 1-week sessions between July 7-25, varying by course
Application deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 (with options for elementary and high school students)
Sally Ride Science Academy has several summer academic programs for middle school students across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. You can explore topics such as CAD and 3D printing, pharmacreations, creating a children’s book, entrepreneurship, and sustainable city design. Each course emphasizes practical application, allowing you to engage in projects that mirror real-world challenges and innovations. Workshops are led by experienced instructors who also serve as role models, often highlighting stories of professionals in various STEAM fields to inspire students. You will find both in-person and virtual sessions on offer, providing flexibility to accommodate your learning preferences.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Location: Multiple campus options between virtual, day, and overnight camps
Cost: From $495 (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple options from June to July
Application deadline: Applications are currently being accepted
Eligibility: Rising 7-9 graders
The Summer Accelerator program at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) offers rising 7-9 graders a week-long experience in STEM disciplines. Held at NCSSM’s Durham and Morganton campuses, as well as online, the program provides you the opportunity to enroll in challenging courses such as biotechnology, rocketry, digital design, game design, Greek mythology, and more. You will also have the option to attend non-residential programs at the North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies. If you are interested in joining more courses, you are welcome to choose a course each week.
The program also includes unique evening activities designed to support your social, physical, educational, and cultural development.
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14-21
Application deadline: Applications for the current year closed in April
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 with a recommendation from a STEM teacher
The Robotics Camp at San Diego State University (SDSU) is a free, week-long, non-residential STEM program hosted by the SMILE Lab and SDSU Talent Search, created for middle and high school learners. The camp focuses on coding fundamentals, starting with Scratch and Python, and also goes on to teach you how to fly drones.
You also benefit from lab and campus tours of SDSU engineering facilities and guest speaker sessions, which offer insight into real-world research and engineering careers. The program is fully funded, ensuring no cost to families, and includes snacks and lunch each day.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. 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.
Image source - Columbia University logo