Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about applying, schedules, tuition and financial aid.

Who can apply?

The Academies are for high school students in grades 9 through 12. No prior experience in the subject is needed. Every program starts from the fundamentals and builds from there.

What's the difference between On-Campus and Virtual Academies?

On-Campus Academies run Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, in Harvard classrooms, taught and mentored by Harvard undergraduates. Virtual Academies run live on Zoom, 12pm to 4pm ET Monday through Friday, for 20 hours of instruction. The subject matter is the same in both formats, so choose whichever fits your summer.

How long is each Academy?

Each Academy is one week. You can enroll in more than one, either in different subjects or to build a longer stretch of the summer.

When are the Summer 2027 sessions?

On-Campus Academies begin May 31 and run through the week of August 9. Virtual Academies run through the week of August 16. Each program has its own dates, listed on its page under On-Campus or Virtual in the menu. There are no classes the week of July 5 because of the Independence Day holiday.

Which programs do you offer?

Business, Pre-Med, Intro to AI (Python-based), Government, Finance, Intro to Engineering, and English & Humanities, among others. Browse the full list from the On-Campus and Virtual menus.

How much does it cost?

Apply by November 15, 2026 at 11:59pm ET for reduced tuition: $1,600 for On-Campus and $529 for Virtual. After that date, tuition is $1,800 for On-Campus and $679 for Virtual.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. Financial aid is need-based, and more than 80% of our students receive some assistance. Applying for aid has no effect on admission. Details and the aid form are on our Financial Aid page.

How do I apply?

Click Apply at the top of any page, or go straight to apply.academies.hsa.net. Choose your program and week and submit the application. It takes a few minutes.