Parents, Guardians and Families

Harvard’s College Programs for High School Students

At Harvard Summer School, advanced high school students can enroll in our enriching college programs lasting either 2-weeks, 4-weeks, or 7-weeks to live and learn like a college student, make deep friendships with students from around the globe, gain independence, and strengthen their college application.

Our 7-week, college-credit Secondary School Program gives students the choice to fully experience college life by taking one or two courses for-credit while living on Harvard’s campus, commuting from home, or being fully online.

View SSP application process

Our 4-week, college-credit Secondary School Program condenses one for-credit college course into an immersive 4-weeks where students will learn more about a topic of interest and how it might apply to their future lives or career.

View SSP application process

Our 2-week, non-credit Pre-College Program offers 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 and college prep events.

View Pre-College application process

Please note: Students may only apply to one program each year.

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What To Do if Your Student Is Admitted for 2025

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 (4- or 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.

Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.

Resources

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 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

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.

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

Secondary School Program (4-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 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.

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

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 11 from 7–9 p.m. ET. You can join live, or watch the recording later.

Read our blog on advice for parents, guardians and family members.

Resources

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Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.