Harvard offers two enriching college programs that allow advanced high school students to live and learn like a college student, make deep friendships with students from around the globe, gain independence, and strengthen their college application.
Harvard’s College Programs for High School Students
Our 2-week, non-credit Pre-College Program offers exceptional high school students an opportunity to live on Harvard’s campus for an intensive two-week college level course and engage in a variety of co-curricular events including academic exploration and college success workshops, trips and social activities.
Our 7-Week, for-credit Secondary School Program gives students the choice to fully experience college life by taking courses for-credit while living on Harvard’s campus, commuting from home, or being fully online.
Please note: Students may only apply to one program each year.
What to do if Your Student is Admitted
Our programs require high-level academic performance as well as social maturity, and are structured to empower students to be independent. Harvard’s Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) and Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit) are highly selective programs. If your student has been accepted, you should feel proud of their accomplishment.
We look forward to welcoming them this summer, and as a Harvard Summer School student, they will be treated like college students. This is your opportunity to help them build independence and support them as young adults. Below are resources to help you guide your student, but please know that the student is the one responsible for taking the required steps.
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Residential
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a residential student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.
Residential Student Orientation: Orientation for students will be held the night of June 18 after students have moved in. Refer to our admitted students page for planning your student’s move-in.
Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
- Admitted Students page
- Important dates and deadlines
- Secondary School Program FAQ
- View what courses are offered
- Accessibility Services – May 15 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
- Preparation and Arrival Guide
- Campus Safety
- Contact us during the summer
- SSP Office, M-F 9am-5pm ET: 617-495-3192
- Program Director, Bill Holinger: 24-7: (O) 617-998-8515; (H) 617-277-0970
- HUPD, 24-7: 617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Online
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as an online student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.
Online Orientation for Students and Families: An online Student Orientation will be scheduled for the week of June 12.
Online classes are in Eastern Time, so depending on your time zone, your student may have to join class very early or late. Having a private space and headphones may help reduce disturbance to the rest of the household, and reminding your student to adjust their sleep schedule can help them build a healthy routine.
Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
- Admitted Students page
- Important dates and deadlines
- Secondary School Program FAQ
- View what courses are offered
- Accessibility Services – Deadline for your student to request accommodations is May 15
- Technology requirements for classes
- Contact us during the summer
- SSP Office, M-F 9am-5pm ET: 617-495-3192
- Program Director, Bill Holinger: 24-7: (O) 617-998-8515; (H) 617-277-0970
- HUPD, 24-7: 617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Commuting
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a commuting student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.
Orientation for Students and Families: an in-person orientation will be offered on Saturday, June 17 at 3pm, location TBD. The SSP office will be open and students can pick up their ID card at this time.
Your student must attend all classes, so make sure they have reliable transportation to come to campus and know their plan for commuting.
Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
- Admitted Students page
- Important dates and deadlines
- Secondary School Program FAQ
- View what courses are offered
- Accessibility Services – Deadline for your student to request accommodations is May 15
- Campus Safety
- Technology requirements if taking an online class
- Contact us during the summer
- SSP Office, M-F 9am-5pm ET: 617-495-3192
- Program Director, Bill Holinger: 24-7: (O) 617-998-8515; (H) 617-277-0970
- HUPD, 24-7: 617-495-1212
Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit)
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page for important information on accepting their admission to the program and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.
Pre-College Student and Family Orientation will be held on zoom and recorded for all sessions on Wednesday, June 15 from 6:30 – 7:30pm ET. You can join live, or watch the recording later.
Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
- Admitted Students page
- Important dates and deadlines
- Pre-College Program FAQ
- View what courses are offered
- Accessibility Services – May 15 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
- Moving In and Out of Housing
- Getting to Campus
- Campus Safety
- Contact us during the summer: (617) 495-4024 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time or email precollege@summer.harvard.edu.
