Program Pillars
Top-tier academics
- Over 50 unique courses plus recreational activities to choose from
- Summer Discovery middle school offerings available at UCLA, Cornell and Georgetown, and Gifted Programs available at Cornell, Yale, UCLA, and Bryn Mawr
- Unique courses are taught by experienced instructors who provide exploratory, hands-on multi-disciplinary learning opportunities
- Immersive, tactile learning makes it fun in the classroom with age-appropriate activities and content
- Social-emotional development inside and outside the classroom builds confidence and maturity
Institute for the Gifted
- Gifted programs available at Yale, UCLA, Cornell or Bryn Mawr
- The Summer Discovery Institute for the Gifted Program is designed specifically for precocious young minds and accelerated learners and features proprietary academic curriculum for gifted students
- Proprietary Academic Curriculum designed and taught by experts who work with Gifted Students
- Fosters critical and creative thinking skills through hands-on multidisciplinary STEAM+ curriculum
- Challenges students to push the limits of their knowledge and lean into their passions
- Encourages students to embrace their individuality and thrive in an inclusive community of like-minded peers
- Students develop and refine interpersonal soft skills and build confidence
- Programming for the whole person – academics combined with social, cultural and recreational activities
Unforgettable experiences on and off campus
- Jam-packed on-campus programs include Silent Discos, Karaoke, Movie Nights, Trivia Contests, Pool Parties, and more
- Students can explore university facilities like the gym, dining halls, recreation centers, and more
- Off-campus trips vary based on location but often include trips to the beach, lake, city landmarks, theme parks, sporting events, local hot spots, and more
05Programs across UCLA, Georgetown, Cornell, Yale, and Bryn Mawr
24/7Summer Discovery campus staff & wellness Coordinators
Middle SchoolAcademic excellence meets social development
Our programs introduce middle school students to a wide range of subjects through hands-on learning, while building academic and interpersonal skills in a supportive and fun environment.
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Expand your creativity. Find your passion.
Students enjoy a blend of academic and recreational activity, exploring trips on and off campus. The result is a summer that fosters learning, friendship, and new life skills.
See it for yourself
Watch to take a closer look at our Middle School programs—from academic curiosity and hands-on learning to personal growth and fostering friendships.
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Our admissions process
Apply online and select your campus.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – the earlier you apply, the more choices you will have. Most decisions are made within 5 business days.
Once accepted, it's time to officially enroll and place your deposit to hold your spot.
Course registration typically opens in November, so make sure you are ready to go!
Final payment is due in April (or later if late enrollment), then get ready to countdown the days until Summer Discovery!
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Residential- Live in a secure residence hall
- Eat in university dining halls each day
- Daily supervised programs, trips, and events every afternoon and evening
Commuter- Get a taste of learning in a university setting
- Enjoy afternoon activities
- Eat lunch in the dining halls
SAFETY & SECURITY
Age appropriate supervision, prioritized wellbeing.
- Staff must clear thorough criminal background checks and complete specialized training for working with minors.
- Students may move about specific campus areas in groups of three or more at designated times.
- While students have a sense of freedom, staff constantly keep in close communication with students to ensure they are where they need to be.
- Teaching assistants monitor the dining hall.
- Wellness Coordinator lives on campus and is available 24 hours/day. No student is allowed off campus without supervision.
Student to Staff Ratios
MIDDLE SCHOOL8:1
HIGH SCHOOL10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Summer Discovery's staff and instructors? 
Our administrative staff on each campus holds an average of 14 years experience working at Summer Discovery. They include: Director, Associate Director, Academic Coordinator, Programs and Activities Coordinator, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Athletic Coordinator, Head Resident Counselor. Many are teachers, guidance counselors, or school administrators. Resident Counselors are great people to hang out with, talk to, learn from, help you with your classes, and get you involved in activities. Your Resident Counselor lives on your floor. Instructors are university instructors and distinguished visiting instructors. Enrichment courses are also taught by graduate students, area professionals, and top secondary school teachers.
Can I still have fun while taking classes?
Yes! You may choose from dozens of enrichment and/or college credit classes that are challenging, but not overwhelming. Most classes are small and emphasize interactive, innovative learning. The teachers are enthusiastic and supportive, which makes learning exciting and fun.
How are roommates selected?
You will submit a personal profile in the spring. This profile helps us learn about your likes and dislikes, personality traits, interests, and sleeping habits. As most students come alone, we use this information to match you with a roommate(s) with similar interests and age. Attending with a friend? All roommate requests must be noted on your personal profile. Only mutual requests will be honored.
Middle School Campus Offerings
Choose from a variety of top-tier universities. A new campus to discover, a new city to explore, a new college-ready version of yourself to emerge.
Yale University
Cornell University
UCLA
Georgetown University
Bryn Mawr College
Other Programs
We offer additional experiential and pre-college programs for high school students and gifted & talented students in grades 1-12.
High School
