If you’re a high school student eager to build a strong skillset in computer science in an accessible and affordable way, consider an online CS program! Whether you want to deepen your understanding of programming, experiment with machine learning, or explore the ethical issues in tech, online CS programs provide structured learning guided by expert instructors. Many also offer mentorship, collaboration, and portfolio-building opportunities, helping you prepare for future academic and career opportunities in the tech industry.
Many also offer opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and portfolio-building, helping you prepare for future academic and career opportunities in the tech industry. In this blog, we’ve covered 11 online computer science programs for high school students!
1. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, created by Harvard graduate students, provides programs for high school students seeking to develop foundational skills in computer science. Participants learn key topics in data science and artificial intelligence, such as neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and Python programming.
The AI Scholars program includes group projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world settings. Veritas AI also offers financial aid options, covering up to 100% of the program cost. Additionally, the AI Fellowship offers 12–15 weeks of 1-on-1 mentorship with university experts, focusing on creating machine learning projects. These programs are tailored to students interested in hands-on learning and just starting in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in various fields, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. It is one of the few programs that allows students to choose between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
For those interested in computer science, Horizon provides courses such as ‘Algorithms, Data Structures, and Python,’ which cover basic algorithm design and Python programming. Additionally, ‘Data Science Approaches to Internet Security’ focuses on applying data science techniques to cybersecurity.
After selecting a subject track and research type, students are paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university who mentors them through the research process. The program culminates in a 20-page research paper that students may submit to academic journals. This program allows students to explore specialized fields with guidance from experienced scholars. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
4. GirlsWhoCode’s Summer Immersion Program
Girls Who Code offers programs to reduce the gender gap in technology by providing practical experience and opportunities for professional networking. Their summer offerings include a 2-week immersion program and a 6-week self-paced program. The 2-week program, designed for beginners and intermediate learners, covers core computer science concepts, the iterative design process, and basic UX design, while also introducing participants to the tech industry.
The 6-week self-paced program allows high school students to focus on either web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or on intermediate Python with applications in cybersecurity or data science. Both programs are free, with a $300 need-based grant available to eligible U.S. students.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; need-based $300 stipend available
Application Deadline: April 11
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – July 18
- Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 who identify as female or non-binary.
5. MIT PRIMES
MIT PRIMES is a year-long program for high school students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or biology. Participants engage in research projects, either individually or in groups, under the guidance of MIT graduate students or postdoctoral researchers. Admission to the program is selective, with applicants required to complete a set of problems in their chosen field.
The program is divided into four stages: advanced reading, active research, independent study, and final write-up. Students are expected to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to their research and study activities. You can see previous years’ problem sets here.
Location: Virtual and in-person at MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully-funded
Application deadline: November 18
Program dates: January – December
Eligibility: All high school students living within the Greater Boston area can apply.
6. Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Sessions
Columbia’s pre-college program offers a variety of computer science courses, available in both in-person and online formats, ranging from 1 to 3 weeks in duration. These courses cover foundational topics such as Java, C, Python, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.
No prior experience is necessary, making the program accessible to students interested in building their computer science skills. Course options include ‘Introduction to Programming with Java,’ which focuses on logical reasoning and programming using Java, and ‘Introduction to Programming with Python,’ which covers similar skills through Python.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (in-person residential and commuter options) and online
Cost: $2,700 — $12,154. Varies based on whether you choose to attend in-person (residential or commuter) or online.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on session
Program Dates: Various sessions between June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students who will be in grades 9–12 in Fall 2024 can apply.
7. Stanford University’s Pre-Collegiate Studies
Stanford University offers pre-college summer courses where students can engage in intensive classes on a range of subjects. With small class sizes and a highly competitive selection process, students interested in computer science can choose from courses such as ‘Introduction to Machine Learning,’ ‘Introduction to AI,’ ‘Introduction to C++,’ and ‘Human-Computer Interaction,’ all featuring group projects and presentations. The program includes project work, hands-on experience, collaboration, discussions, lectures, and social activities, providing a comprehensive learning experience while expanding students’ networks.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080, plus potential course-specific materials not exceeding $100. Financial aid is available based on demonstrated financial need
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 16 – June 27
- Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
8. NextGen Bootcamp – Computer Science Summer Program NYC
NextGen Bootcamp offers a 4-week course available both in-person for NYC residents and online for remote participants. The program is designed to teach essential software development skills through a combination of activities and projects, with students coding for the majority of each day.
Part 1, “Java and Computer Science,” focuses on the Java programming language, covering topics like object-oriented programming and recursion. This section also prepares students for the AP Computer Science Exam. Part 2, “Python and Data Science,” introduces Python programming, with an emphasis on mathematical computation and data science principles, including data visualization and analysis.
Location: On campus at 185 Madison Ave, NYC, or virtually.
Cost: $3,999 for the in-person program; $3,095 for the live online version
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 21 – August 14
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
9. Terp Young Scholars Online Program
Terp Young Scholars offers a 3-credit course titled Introduction to Computing, which meets daily from Monday to Friday for three hours each session. Students can access the full course syllabus online. As an online participant, you must attend classes, complete assignments, and independently participate in interactive virtual activities. Courses span various disciplines, including architecture, forensic, environmental, and computer science.
Course instructors, teaching assistants, and Terp Scholars mentors provide support throughout the program. Please note that a reliable high-speed internet connection and a distraction-free learning environment are essential for successful participation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,365
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and 3.0 if not all positions have been filled.
10. Oxford’s Computer Science Online Summer Course
This program focuses on developing practical skills in Python through independent coding projects, discussions, and research. Participants are required to attend a total of 10 sessions. The one-week program concludes after the fifth session, while the two-week program runs through all ten sessions.
The first session includes icebreaker activities to help students connect and provides an overview of the course. The one-week course covers fundamental topics such as basic coding, web development, complexity analysis, and an introduction to HTML. The two-week course expands on these topics, adding instruction in Python and JavaScript, game development, and artificial intelligence. Additional details about the classes can be found online.
Location: Virtual
Cost: £595 (1 week) and £995 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies. Apply here
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available between June and August
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15–18
11. Harvard University’s Computer Science Courses
Harvard University offers various online programs for high school students that cover a range of topics in computer science, including data structures, algorithms, programming, databases, and web development. Most programs can be audited for free, with an option to pay for a verified certificate.
These online courses are designed for flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace after enrollment. Participants can learn from experienced faculty members at a reduced cost. Some available courses include:
- Introduction to Data Science with Python
- Introduction to Databases with SQL
- Computer Science for Lawyers
- Machine Learning and AI with Python
- Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free. However, for certification, the costs vary based on the courses selected.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Variable based on the course
12. Kode with Klossy
Kode with Klossy aims to provide underrepresented students in STEM with access to technology education. Their camp offers instruction in web development using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, as well as improving website UI and UX. Participants will also explore machine learning topics, including algorithms, datasets, and natural language processing.
The program is designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of computer science. Each camp is staffed with licensed educators and assistants who provide support throughout the duration of the program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: Various 2 week sessions throughout the summer
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13–18 who identify as women, gender non-conforming, or trans.
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