Discover the Transformative Summer Experience That’s Right for You
Harvard Summer School offers immersive summer programs and asynchronous exploration-focused programs for high school students that build academic confidence, college readiness, and meaningful connections.
There are options for both credit and non-credit study, on campus and online programs, and self-paced learning that give you the opportunity to challenge yourself in college-level academics.
You’ll meet new friends and build important life skills that can make your future college experience a success — all while strengthening your college application.
Applications for Summer 2027 open on Tuesday, December 1.
Which Harvard High School Program is Right for You?
Compare the opportunities presented by each high school program and select the one that best matches your goals.
Harvard Digital Discovery offers online asynchronous non-credit courses. Discover what excites you most.
With over 17 faculty-led courses and 25 workshops and lectures, choose as many as you’d like to take throughout the year. Learn online, at your own pace, and explore future interests on your schedule.
From rigorous non-credit or college-credit courses to college-readiness skill based workshops, you will challenge yourself academically, expand your horizons, strengthen your college application and build life skills to be successful in college and beyond.
2,800+ High School Students
300+ Courses Offered
53 U.S. States and Territories Represented
71 Countries Represented
Get an inside look at the Harvard Summer School experience as students from around the world share how the Secondary School and Pre-College Programs helped them grow academically, socially, and personally.
Secondary School Program
Experience what it’s like to be a college student for 4 or 7 transformative weeks.
The Secondary School Program provides high school students an opportunity to earn college credit, get a true feel for college life, and learn alongside high school students, college students, and adults from numerous countries.
Envision how a topic of interest can translate into a college major or future career in small classes.
Balance responsibility with independence and gain the confidence to do well in college.
Connect with a diverse group of peers.
Choose from Residential, Online, and Commuting options.
The Secondary School Program is suitable for mature, academically motivated high school students ready to excel in college courses for college credit.
Residential Life in the Secondary School Program
See what it’s like to live and learn at Harvard as Secondary School Program students describe their courses, mentors, and on-campus experience.
Pre-College Program
An academically rigorous on-campus program for exceptional high school students.
The Pre-College Program is a non-credit two-week residential program designed to give high school students a glimpse of college life on the Harvard campus. Students take college-level courses alongside peers from around the world.
Test your intellect without the pressure of letter grades.
Live a balanced (college) life.
Enjoy a range of co-curricular activities with academically-minded students.
This program is suitable for mature, academically motivated high school students interested in exploring a potential major or finding out what college is really like.
A Day in the Harvard Pre-College Program
Follow a Pre-College student through a typical day on campus, from morning classes to evening activities, to see what life in Harvard’s immersive two-week program is really like.
Harvard Digital Discovery
Explore Harvard faculty-led courses asynchronously online at your own pace.
Harvard Digital Discovery is an online, asynchronous program for high school students invites you to explore courses taught by Harvard faculty — all from the comfort of home.
Get year-round access to a catalog of asynchronous courses.
Build a stronger sense of the subjects, ideas, and opportunities available in college.
Earn digital badges after completing individual courses.
This program is suitable for students who are not able to fit a residential program into their schedule.
Benefits of Taking a Harvard High School Program
Harvard’s programs for high school students will help prepare you for success in college.
Whether you participate in the Secondary School or Pre-College program, you will have the opportunity to build core life skills like time management, career planning, and living on your own.
Participating in either program will also help you expand your academic skills at the college level and to thrive outside your comfort zone.
Harvard’s Summer programs afford you the opportunity to learn from and be among top students from numerous countries — making connections and memories that will last a lifetime.
Not ready for a residential summer experience? Harvard Digital Discovery allows students to explore subjects, build skills, and learn from Harvard faculty year-round at their own pace from anywhere in the world.
After only two weeks of classes, I feel much more knowledgeable and open to critical thinking. Through assigned readings, discussions, and projects, I got to taste what the college experience would look like.
Kristina N.
Pre-College Program Student
I truly enjoyed having classes in a seminar style that encouraged asking questions to learn. I formed such a deep bond with those in my class through our shared passion for the topic as well as our learning journey that we shared.
Noor H.
Secondary School Program Student
Costs
Tuition, deposits, and fees for Harvard Summer School differ based on program and format.
What grades in high school can attend summer school programs at Harvard?
For Summer 2026, students who will graduate from high school and enter college in 2027 or 2028 can apply to the 2-week, non-credit Pre-College Program; students who will graduate from high school and enter college in 2026, 2027, or 2028 can apply to the 4-week and 7-week, college-credit Secondary School Program.
How will these summer programs help me get into college?
Participating in both the Secondary School and Pre-College summer programs at Harvard demonstrates your ability to succeed in a rigorous college course to admissions committees.
Both programs also give you the tools to navigate the college admissions process:
The Secondary Summer Program gives you the opportunity to meet admissions officers from a number of colleges and universities as well as to work on your admissions essays and application responses in in-person and online activities.
The Pre-College Program includes activities like workshops on writing your college admissions essay, seminars on the financial aid process, and panels on choosing the right college.
Which Harvard high school program is right for me?
The program you choose will depend largely on the course load and experience you’re looking for.
While all Harvard Summer School courses are college-level, the 2-week Pre-College program and Digital Discovery do not offer college credit, so you don’t have the pressure of grades. However, the Pre-College program offers an official transcript, while Digital Discovery offers course-specific digital badges.
The length of the program may also impact your decision, depending on how much time you are able to commit. The Pre-College Summer Program is only 2 weeks while the Secondary School Summer Program has 4- and 7-week options. During the 7-week option you may take two, full-term courses. Digital Discovery is an asynchronous program, and you have access to the courses for 12 months from the time you sign up.
What does a typical day look like in each program?
Daily schedules vary between the Secondary School and Pre-College Programs, but students can expect a mix of classroom learning, structured activities, free time with peers, and opportunities to explore Harvard’s campus.
Pre-College students follow a more structured 2-week schedule, while Secondary School students manage college-level coursework with greater independence.
Digital Discovery is an asynchronous program, which means you set your own pace for learning.
What kind of support and supervision do students receive?
Both the Pre-College and Secondary School programs include around-the-clock residential staff, proctors, and program coordinators who support student wellbeing, assist with academic questions, and help students navigate life on campus.
Yes. Both the Secondary School and Pre-College Programs welcome students from around the world. International students may need to satisfy additional requirements such as obtaining a visa for residential participation.
There is no application for the Digital Discovery program and international students are welcome to enroll.
What extracurricular and social opportunities are available?
Students in the Pre-College and Secondary School Programs can participate in organized social events, workshops, college readiness activities, and weekend excursions. Both programs offer opportunities to meet peers from around the world and build lasting friendships.
There are no organized extracurricular or social events for the Digital Discovery Program.
How competitive is admission to Harvard’s high school programs?
Admission to the Pre-College or Secondary School program is selective and based on your academic record, interest in learning, and ability to benefit from a rigorous program. Students should be prepared to demonstrate maturity, motivation, and readiness for a pre-college experience.
There is no admissions process for Digital Discovery; it is an open enrollment program.
What safety measures are in place on campus?
Harvard Summer School maintains comprehensive safety protocols, including supervised dorms, secure campus buildings, trained residential staff, and access to Harvard University Health Services. Students also complete required orientation sessions covering campus safety and wellbeing resources.
