Summer English programs offer you the opportunity to go beyond standard classroom learning and engage deeply with language and literature. These programs are often designed to help you build essential skills in writing, critical reading, and analysis while also exposing you to college-level academics. You’ll also gain experience working with peers who share your interests, often under the guidance of experienced instructors or university faculty. If you are interested in improving your communication skills or preparing for competitive college applications, summer English programs can be especially valuable as they help you demonstrate intellectual curiosity, academic initiative, and the ability to engage with complex texts and ideas.
What students actually do and learn
In these programs, you’ll typically engage in activities such as the close reading of literature, academic essay writing, and discussions on themes across fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Many programs include workshops on argumentative writing, research skills, and public speaking, helping you express ideas clearly and persuasively. You may also work on independent or group projects, participate in seminars, and receive detailed feedback on your writing. Some programs simulate college-style coursework, requiring you to analyze texts, develop original interpretations, and present your ideas in structured formats. Overall, these experiences help you build confidence in communication, strengthen analytical thinking, and prepare for advanced academic work.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 15 summer English programs for high school students based on academic rigor, mentorship opportunities, and affiliation with reputable institutions.
You can also check out our guides on literature programs for high school students or winter programs for high school students.
Key Takeaways
- 15 summer English programs span creative writing workshops, academic composition courses, ESL and language immersion programs, and free self-paced online specializations, giving students a wide range of entry points depending on their goals and budget.
- Creative writing focused programs like the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, and the Yale Young Writers’ Workshop require a writing sample as part of the application and are generally more selective than broader academic English programs.
- Cost varies enormously across this list, from free self paced options like the Business English Communication Skills Specialization and Academic English: Writing Specialization, up to Yale Summer Session’s Intensive English Program at roughly $10,435 total.
- Several programs are specifically designed for non native English speakers or ESL learners rather than native speakers looking to sharpen writing skills. The University of Pennsylvania’s Academic English & University Readiness Academy, CISL USA English Camps, Georgetown Preparatory School’s Dream No Borders program, and Yale Summer Session’s Intensive English Program all fall into this category.
- College level rigor is common even outside the Ivy League options. Fordham’s Composition II and St. John’s College Summer Academy both mirror university coursework, with St. John’s using a discussion based Great Books curriculum rather than traditional lectures.
- Virtual and self paced formats make several programs accessible regardless of a student’s location or budget. Kenyon Review’s Summer Online workshop, Yale Young Writers’ Workshop’s virtual track, and the three University of Washington and UC Irvine specializations are all available remotely.
- English and writing programs are a strong way to build communication and analytical skills, but they are not the only path for a student who wants to produce original research. Students interested in that direction might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like political reporting, media studies, and data journalism.
1. Harvard Summer School – Introduction to Fiction Writing
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~15 students per class
Program Dates: July 12 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 7 (early), February 11 (regular), April 1 (late)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18)
The Introduction to Fiction Writing course at Harvard Summer School is a rigorous, college-level program where you’ll develop core creative writing skills in a workshop setting. You’ll focus on elements such as character development, plot structure, dialogue, and narrative style, while also studying works by established authors like James Baldwin and Jhumpa Lahiri. You’ll participate in small-group discussions and writing workshops, where you will analyze published fiction and receive detailed feedback on your own work. The course emphasizes both reading and writing, helping you understand how professional authors craft compelling stories and how you can apply those techniques in your own writing.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!
3. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio: 2-Week Summer Residential Program
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost: $2,500; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Session 1: June 14 – 27 | Session 2: July 12 – 25
Application Deadline: January 19 – February 1
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders
The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Summer Residential Program is an intensive creative writing experience where you’ll immerse yourself in fiction, poetry, or other forms of writing over two weeks. Hosted at the University of Iowa, home to the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, you will learn directly from experienced writers trained in top MFA programs. You’ll enroll in a single core course and spend your days participating in writing workshops, peer critiques, and guided exercises designed to refine your voice and technique. In addition to coursework, you will attend readings by published authors, take part in craft discussions, and collaborate on creative projects with other students.
4. University of Pennsylvania: Academic English & University Readiness Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $6,700; Scholarships available for select Philadelphia students
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 26 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders (non-native English speakers only); TOEFL/IELTS/DET is required
The Academic English & University Readiness Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is an intensive two-week program designed to help you strengthen your academic English skills while preparing for university-level study in the U.S. The program combines language development with exposure to themes like innovation, history, and technology. You’ll engage in college-style academic tasks, including reading complex texts, attending lectures, participating in discussions, and collaborating on research projects. The curriculum is highly interactive, incorporating field trips around Philadelphia, guest lectures, and a final capstone presentation where you reflect on your learning and experiences.
5. UPenn Pre-College Residential Program – Heartbreak, Death, and Sometimes a Rainbow: Young Adults and Literature
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Varies
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 2 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders
The Heartbreak, Death, and Sometimes a Rainbow: Young Adults and Literature course explores young adult literature through a rigorous, interdisciplinary lens, examining how themes of adolescence intersect with society, identity, and culture. You’ll engage with texts across genres and time periods, including novels, graphic literature, and modern media such as television and digital platforms. You’ll also participate in seminar-style discussions, critical readings, and analytical writing assignments. The course requires you to produce multiple short essays, deliver a presentation, and complete a final project that may be either a critical analysis or a creative interpretation of the material studied. This structure mirrors college-level humanities coursework.
6. Fordham University Pre-College: Composition II
Location: Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Cost: ~$3,402
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 30 – August 4
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Composition II course at Fordham University is a college-level writing program where you’ll develop advanced expository and argumentative writing skills. The course focuses on building strong logical reasoning, clear structure, and persuasive communication, all essential for academic success. You’ll engage in weekly writing assignments, research-based essays, and in-class discussions. The curriculum introduces you to academic research methods, including sourcing, citation practices, and ethical use of information. You’ll also analyze texts and construct well-supported arguments, mirroring university-level coursework.
7. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA): Writing Program
Location: California State Summer School for the Arts, Pomona, CA
Cost: Varies; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; ~70 students accepted
Program Dates: Summer (typically 4 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 (including graduating seniors); Writing sample required
The CSSSA Writing Program is an intensive four-week residential program designed for motivated high school writers who want to develop their craft across multiple genres. You’ll work closely with professional writers and educators in a highly immersive environment that emphasizes creativity, discipline, and self-expression. You’ll also participate in core workshops covering fiction, poetry, memoir, and dramatic writing, followed by focus classes where you specialize in a chosen genre. The program includes guest lectures by published authors, peer workshops, and regular opportunities to present your work. You’ll also contribute to a literary anthology, gaining experience in publishing and revision.
8. CISL USA English Camps for Teens
Location: Multiple U.S. campuses: Yale, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, Loyola Marymount, University of San Diego, Loyola Chicago
Cost: Varies by campus and duration
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective; ~8-10 students
Program Dates: Summer (multiple 2-4 week sessions; June – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling (early application recommended)
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17 (international students welcome)
CISL USA English Camps are immersive summer programs where you’ll study English while living on prestigious university campuses across the United States. The program combines structured language instruction with cultural exposure, allowing you to experience academic life at institutions like Yale and UC Berkeley. You’ll attend daily English classes focused on communication, followed by project-based activities such as debates, presentations, and collaborative assignments. The program also includes cultural workshops, excursions, and campus-based activities, helping you practice English in real-world and social settings.
9. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT + Virtual
Cost: $3,085 (with housing); $2,660 (without housing); $1,380 (virtual)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 21 – June 26
Application Deadline: January 16 – April 1
Eligibility: On-campus program: Rising high school seniors; Virtual program: Rising juniors and seniors; Must be between the ages of 16-18
The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop is an intensive creative writing program designed for high school students interested in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. During the workshop, you’ll participate in small-group writing seminars led by experienced instructors while developing original creative work through peer critiques, revision exercises, and guided discussions. The program emphasizes close reading, storytelling techniques, and constructive feedback, helping you strengthen both your creative voice and analytical writing skills. As an on-campus participant, you will also experience residential life at Yale and engage with a community of aspiring writers from different backgrounds. As part of the application process, you must submit a 500-word writing sample, a transcript, recommendation letters, and additional forms for residential participation.
10. Yale Summer Session: Intensive English Program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: ~$10,435 total; Financial aid limited
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; leveled cohorts based on placement test
Program Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: High school and international students preparing for academic English (individual application)
The Yale Summer Session Intensive English Program is an immersive academic program designed to help you build confidence in using English in both academic and real-world settings. The program focuses on developing core skills such as writing essays, delivering presentations, reading complex texts, and conducting research in English. You’ll begin with a placement test and be grouped with students of similar proficiency, ensuring targeted instruction. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in interactive classes, discussions, and collaborative activities that simulate university-level learning. Living on campus (optional) further enhances immersion, allowing you to practice English continuously with peers from around the world.
11. Georgetown Preparatory School: Dream No Borders Summer English Program
Location: Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, MD
Cost: $5,800 (day); $8,900 (boarding)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective; international cohorts
Program Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling (non-refundable $600 application fee)
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17 (all proficiency levels accepted)
The Dream No Borders Summer English Program at Georgetown Preparatory School is an immersive ESL program designed to help you develop strong communication skills in a residential academic setting. The program uses an audio-lingual approach to build fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, making it suitable for students with varying levels of English proficiency. You’ll attend structured English classes alongside a full schedule of extracurricular activities, including sports, social events, and cultural experiences. These activities are designed to reinforce classroom learning by giving you opportunities to practice English in real-world and social contexts with peers from different countries.
12. St. John’s College Summer Academy
Location: St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD, & Santa Fe, NM + Virtual
Cost: ~$1,400 per on-campus session; $240 (online)
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Program Dates: June – July (multiple week-long sessions)
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18 (on-campus) or 14-18 (online); International students are welcome
The St. John’s College Summer Academy is a discussion-based humanities program that introduces you to college-level learning through the “Great Books” curriculum. You’ll engage deeply with classic texts in literature, philosophy, history, and science, developing critical thinking and analytical skills through structured dialogue rather than lectures. You’ll also participate in seminar-style classes where you analyze works by authors such as Shakespeare, Plato, and Jane Austen, alongside interdisciplinary topics like mathematics, science, and ethics. The program emphasizes reading, discussion, and collaborative inquiry, encouraging you to question ideas, defend arguments, and engage intellectually with peers.
13. Business English Communication Skills Specialization
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to enroll (paid certificate available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 4 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Intermediate English learners with some prior experience
The Business English Communication Skills Specialization, offered by the University of Washington, is a professional English training program focused on workplace communication and business interactions. Across five courses, you’ll develop practical skills in networking, meetings, negotiations, presentations, and professional writing while expanding your business vocabulary and communication strategies. The program includes assignments and applied exercises related to emails, reports, telephone conversations, event planning, and presentations, helping you build confidence in both spoken and written English. You’ll also complete a capstone project that integrates the communication techniques covered throughout the specialization.
14. Speak English Professionally: In Person, Online & On the Phone
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to enroll (paid certificate available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 2 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Learners worldwide; Recommended for students and professionals seeking to improve spoken English skills
Speak English Professionally: In Person, Online & On the Phone is a communication-focused course designed to improve your professional English speaking abilities across workplace and social settings. Throughout the course, you’ll practice introductions, group discussions, interviews, phone conversations, and presentation techniques while developing fluency, pronunciation, and professional vocabulary. The curriculum also emphasizes intercultural communication, teaching you how tone, body language, and cultural expectations influence professional interactions. Through role-playing activities, quizzes, peer evaluations, and speaking exercises, you’ll build confidence in responding to requests, clarifying ideas, summarizing discussions, and delivering persuasive pitches.
15. Academic English: Writing Specialization
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to enroll (paid certificate available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 2 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly; No prior experience required
The Academic English: Writing Specialization, offered by the University of California, Irvine, is a structured writing program designed to prepare you for college-level academic work and research. Across five courses, you’ll develop core writing skills including grammar, essay organization, academic style, editing, proofreading, and persuasive communication. The program also introduces research methods, source integration, and academic argumentation, helping you learn how to construct clear and evidence-based essays. Throughout the specialization, you’ll complete writing assignments, peer reviews, and revision exercises that strengthen both critical thinking and written communication. In the final capstone project, you’ll apply the skills gained across the courses by producing a complete academic research paper on a topic of your choice, making the specialization particularly useful for students preparing for university coursework or research-intensive fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a writing sample to apply to these programs?
It depends on the program. Creative writing intensives like Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, Yale Young Writers’ Workshop, and the CSSSA Writing Program all require a writing sample as part of the application. Academic English and ESL focused programs, such as CISL USA English Camps and Georgetown Preparatory School’s Dream No Borders program, typically do not require one.
Which of these programs are best suited for non native English speakers?
The University of Pennsylvania’s Academic English & University Readiness Academy, CISL USA English Camps, Georgetown Preparatory School’s Dream No Borders program, and Yale Summer Session’s Intensive English Program are all designed specifically for students building academic or conversational English skills, with Georgetown Prep accepting students at all proficiency levels.
Are there any free options on this list?
Yes. The Business English Communication Skills Specialization, Speak English Professionally, and Academic English: Writing Specialization are all free to enroll in, with a paid certificate available if you want formal recognition of completion.
How selective are the creative writing workshops compared to the academic programs?
Creative writing programs like the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio and Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops tend to be more selective since they require a writing sample and often accept small cohorts, sometimes as few as 15 students per class at programs like Harvard Summer School. Academic English and ESL programs are generally more accessible, with eligibility based more on age or proficiency level than a competitive writing submission.
What if I want to build original research skills instead of focusing on writing craft or language proficiency?
These programs are centered on literature, composition, and communication skills, but students who want to develop and defend an original research question might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that has worked with over 1,000 high school students and offers 600+ specializations, including subjects like investigative journalism, political reporting, and the ethics of news and information.
Image source: The University of Iowa