MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROGRAMS & SERVIC ES
Ignite Your Curiosity This Summer
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies advances the education of academically motivated and intellectually curious pre-college students. Our programs cover advanced subjects rarely taught in high school, o ering students a chance to challenge themselves by diving deep into cutting-edge topics.
PRESENTING THE 2025 GUIDE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
GOT QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
Email me at mschwartz@teenlife.com
Summertime is a magical time — a chance to “escape” the classroom and dive into new adventures. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new while having fun.
While older students might be focused on college prep or internships, middle schoolers have a unique chance to explore a range of interests without pressure. Think hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and creative projects that get you moving, exploring, and analyzing.
Summer programs offer a fantastic way to try different hobbies and activities to see what sparks your interest. You’ll build confidence by learning new skills, meeting new friends, and stepping out of your comfort zone. And you’ll start preparing for the future by developing important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Marie Schwartz Founder, TeenLife Media
PUBLISHER
Founder - Marie Schwartz, mschwartz@teenlife.com
EDITOR
Editor-in-Chief - Nancy Li, nancy@teenlife.com
Managing Editor - Jodi Ireland, jodi@teenlife.com
Associate Editor - Stefanie Tedards, stedards@joincollegeadvisor.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Director of Sales - Brenda Boos, brenda@teenlife.com
Sales Account Manager - Jen Fisher, jen@teenlife.com
Sales & Support Associate - Regan Beiermann, regan@teenlife.com
Digital Marketing Strategist - Dustin Silvaer, dustin@teenlife.com
Kathy Tilton, kbtilton@gmail.com
To Download a PDF of this Guide, go to: www.teenlife.com/middle-school-guide
COMMON CHALLENGES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS and How Summer Programs Can Help These Middle Schoolers Thrive
BY JODI IRELAND
s anyone who has survived 6th-8th grade can attest, the middle school years are tough. Transitioning from being the big fish in an elementary school pond to the little fish in a big middle school pond creates challenges for incoming 6th graders.
These tweens must juggle higher academic expectations, evolving social circles, a different school, and other changes. Is it any wonder that students would rather burrow under a blanket until it’s time for high school?
Understanding these challenges is the first step for parents to help their students thrive during middle school. Other resources empower students to do more than “survive” until high school, too.
Summer programs offer opportunities to develop leadership and social skills, independence, and self-confidence, find mentors and role models, and connect with likeminded peers.
NAVIGATING NEW SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM FORMATS
Most elementary schools are located in the neighborhoods where the students live. Everyone knows each other in this self-contained community. In some school districts, several elementary schools may feed into a single middle school.
Suddenly, the dynamics change. Now there are more people your student doesn’t know in a bigger school. Your student must travel to different classrooms throughout the day. With multiple teachers come different expectations, room arrangements, and classroom management styles. Those new expectations can make anyone feel a little nervous!
MASTERING ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
A fragmented school structure ups the ante with organizational skills. Students must coordinate moving between classes and stopping by their lockers to switch books or materials. They’re expected to juggle multiple subjects with homework and project assignments due at different times. Add extracurricular activities like sports or clubs; some kids may throw up their hands in despair of ever getting (and keeping) organized.
No wonder some may struggle to self-regulate their behaviors and emotions, which (coupled with puberty) can tip them over the edge. Although students’ elementary teachers have been preparing them to manage middle school’s higher expectations, good executive function doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some kids may always struggle, even into adulthood.
GETTING USED TO MULTIPLE SUBJECT TEACHERS
One of the most significant hurdles middle schoolers face is adapting to a different learning environment. Unlike elementary school, where they stay with the same teacher all day, middle school introduces a more complex structure similar to high school.
Each subject has a different teacher, which means learning to get along with various personalities. Students may have to navigate a larger campus, moving between classes in various rooms and adjusting to more teachers.
ALLEVIATING THE STRESS OF ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
By 8th grade, academic expectations increase as teachers prepare students for high school. Middle schoolers see
heavier workloads, including longer assignments, complex projects, and more frequent assignments, compared to elementary school.
These tasks come from multiple teachers, each with unique expectations and deadlines. This heavier workload can feel overwhelming for students struggling with time management, planning, and organizational skills.
Middle school transitions students from a more teacherdirected approach to a greater emphasis on independent learning. Tweens and young teens are expected to take more responsibility for their learning, including researching information, analyzing data, and solving problems independently. Now, developing effective study habits, note-taking strategies, and time-management skills becomes critical.
LEARNING TO MANAGE DIFFERENT SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS
Social upheaval often accompanies moving to middle school, and many incoming 6th graders may feel insecure
and anxious about fitting in. Those feelings don’t necessarily dissipate in 7th or 8th grade. Students must navigate the social landscape, grappling with cliques, bullying, and peer pressure. A desire for fitting in and acceptance often leads to heightened self-consciousness and fear of rejection.
However, there’s a lot to look forward to, too. A larger school environment offers opportunities for expanded social circles in classes, clubs, and other activities. New friendships blossom as students discover shared interests and connect with like-minded peers.
SUMMER PROGRAMS HELP MIDDLE SCHOOLERS PROSPER IN SCHOOL
Participating in a summer program can set your child up for success in the next school year and beyond. Here are some benefits:
• Summer programs offer a powerful antidote to the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students can lose academic ground during extended school breaks.
WHERE
STEM camps focused on coding or robotics or immersive programs like Model UN or marine biology help middle schoolers keep their minds sharp for the next school year.
• Summer programs allow students to develop and refine their social skills. Students learn to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and build friendships by interacting with new peers in a completely different environment.
• Traditional classroom learning is ok but expected. Summer programs involve different environments — a theater, a music studio, a lab, the ocean, a neighborhood garden, or a museum — for learning, exploring, and growing. Stepping outside the typical classroom walls mixes things up, giving students opportunities to try something new in a unique setting.
• Summer programs invite students to develop essential life skills like independence and self-reliance. Spending time away from home at a sleepaway camp or participating in a day program challenges students to manage their time, make decisions, and solve problems independently. This newfound freedom may feel
DIVE INTO MARINE SCIENCE
exciting and intimidating for students, but it’s an essential step in their journey toward high school and beyond.
• Activities like overnight camping trips, team-building exercises, and independent projects encourage students to learn to rely on themselves and their peers and develop a sense of self-efficacy.
While tweens yearn for greater independence, they often become subject to increased structure and controls. Middle schools can inadvertently treat students as younger children rather than empowering them to take on responsibility and make decisions. Conversely, some schools may push students too quickly, treating them like miniature high schoolers and discouraging risk-taking. Factor in social dynamics, the rapid pace of social change and the pressure to conform, and you have a recipe for feelings of isolation and insecurity.
While summer programs aren’t a panacea for middle school woes, their benefits are irrefutable. They offer academic enrichment, social growth, and a fun, engaging way for students to spend their summer vacation.
SUMMER PROGRAMS AND CAMPS THAT APPEAL TO MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
BY JODI IRELAND
any parents, tweens, and teens might think that high school is soon enough to add academic and extracurricular activities to strengthen college applications and explore potential career paths.
Yet starting those activities earlier (like middle school) can significantly impact a student’s future. Engagement in youth programs, community service, and specialized summer learning can help students discover passions, develop skills, and gain a competitive advantage in college admissions.
These pre-high school experiences empower students to explore their interests outside the standard classroom setting, potentially influencing their academic journey long before choosing a college and major.
TYPES OF SUMMER PROGRAMS
Discover the perfect summer experience that sparks curiosity, builds skills, and creates memories. From academic enrichment to adventure-based programs, middle schoolers have a range of summer programs and camp options.
STEM PROGRAMS AND INNOVATION CAMPS
These programs are great for students curious about careers in science, technology, engineering, or math. Participants can explore different interests in robotics, engineering, and cutting-edge tech experiences while developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical abilities beyond traditional classroom learning. These early experiences can help shape their academic profile and show proactive learning.
PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS
From theater-intensive workshops in Shakespeare, production, dance, and music to studio art and photography camps, performing and visual arts programs empower students to develop and express their artistic talents.
These programs provide safe spaces for students to explore personal creativity, experiment with different art forms, and develop authentic self-expression. Performing and displaying art teaches students to overcome stage fright, handle constructive criticism, and celebrate their unique voices.
Students collaborate on productions, publications, and group art projects to develop teamwork and communication skills. Many programs culminate in a showcase — a theatrical performance, art exhibition, published anthology, or musical performance — giving students a tangible sense of accomplishment.
LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMS
Parlez-vous français? ¿Hablas español? Students who want to deepen their knowledge of a second language can enroll in a language immersion program to:
• Develop authentic language skills through real-world communication
• Build cross-cultural understanding and a global perspective
• Enhance their critical thinking skills
• Gain confidence through navigating new linguistic environments
Many options exist, from local language centers and cultural exchange programs to short-term study abroad programs, language villages, and international youth exchange initiatives. Beyond language acquisition, these programs invite middle schoolers on a journey of self-discovery, cultural appreciation, and global connectivity.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Leadership programs geared toward middle school students help them develop important life skills by providing structured opportunities for personal growth focused on communication, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Students learn to navigate complex social dynamics, make strategic decisions, and understand the importance of empathy and collaboration. Leadership programs invite
students to step outside their comfort zones through problem-solving workshops and real-world project simulations.
Different leadership programs cater to diverse interests, from STEM leadership and environmental advocacy to social entrepreneurship and community engagement. Students practice skills like public speaking and conflict resolution while cultivating emotional intelligence and deepening their understanding of their strengths and potential.
CHOOSING A SUMMER PROGRAM
As you and your student evaluate your summer program options, remember that the ideal choice will align with your student’s interests and learning style — and your family logistics — while providing opportunities for growth and exploration. After all, the main purpose of a summer program or camp is to have a fun, enjoyable experience while learning something new! Keep the following factors in mind.
FOCUS AND INTERESTS
Summer programs and camps should spark curiosity and invite your student to try something new or dig deeper into something that excites them. Look for programs offering diverse, hands-on and engaging activities encouraging the discovery of hidden talents. The program’s curriculum should be flexible enough to accommodate your student’s interests.
FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
Consider the program’s delivery — Is it a sleepaway camp? An in-person day program? Online? — and time commitment. Sleepaway camps last a week or longer and help students develop independence and improve their social skills. Virtual programs offer flexibility, ranging from a few hours each day to asynchronous learning over several weeks or even months. In-person programs provide direct interaction and immersive experiences. Some may even include field trips.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Assess the program’s size, staff-to-student ratio, and communication platforms. Smaller programs may offer more personalized attention, while larger programs may have a broader range of activities — and more chances to network and meet more people. Check the camp’s communication policies, especially for younger participants, to ensure you stay informed about your student’s experience.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Summer program costs vary widely from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Research possible scholarships, financial assistance options, and any additional fees. Compare programs not just on price but on the value and quality of experience they provide.
REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Before committing, read testimonials and seek recommendations from other parents and participants. These insights can reveal a program’s strengths, potential challenges, and effectiveness in delivering an outstanding experience.
You can find reviews on each program’s website and social media pages, like Facebook and Instagram, plus other platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, Reddit forums, and Common Sense Media. Still stumped? Ask your school’s guidance counselor or an educational consultant. Parent-teacher association networks, local parenting forums, and specialized websites like the American Camps Association, as well as this guide and the TeenLife summer program blogs and summer program testimonials, are another good place to start.
BENEFITS TO MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
Summer programs for middle school students open doors to transformative experiences beyond traditional classroom learning. They foster environments for students to develop personal and social skills, build self-confidence, practice independence, and interact with diverse peer groups.
These programs can help combat summer learning loss by maintaining students’ academic engagement, introducing advanced learning concepts, offering specialized enrichment, and previewing high school and college environments.
Summer programs help students overcome learning challenges, uncover hidden talents, build social connections, develop resilience, and gain exposure to different learning settings. While middle school is still relatively early in a student’s academic career, it’s never too soon to explore possible career paths, strengthen college applications, enhance personal development, and take advantage of memorable learning experiences.
What options are out there? The sky’s the limit! There’s something for everyone, from academic- and career-focused programs and remedial learning opportunities to sports, fitness, or adventure camps and college preview experiences. By thoughtfully selecting summer programs, parents can provide their students invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and personal discovery.
Stressed about
Planning for College?
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Prepare for an unforgettable summer. These listings are the key to unlocking a world of exciting adventures and learning opportunities beyond the classroom. From thrilling adventures to creative arts workshops, there's something for everyone. Explore new passions, make lasting friendships, build confidence –and have a blast doing it!
ACADEMIC
COLLEGEADVISOR.COM
collegeadvisor.com
Location(s): Online
CollegeAdvisor is turning college dreams into reality! With a team of 300+ former admissions officers and admissions experts from elite universities, CollegeAdvisor helps students with every step of the admissions process: essays, scholarship applications, interviews, and more. Each student works with CollegeAdvisor's Admissions Experts to create a personalized application strategy dedicated to their individual strengths. Through one-on-one video sessions, students and families can get answers to their questions about the toughest parts of the admissions process. Learn More »
EXPLO MIDDLE SCHOOL (AGES 12-14): MEET THE FUTURE YOU AT WELLESLEY COLLEGE (MA) explo.org
Location(s): Boston, MA
EXPLO’s summer programs for middle schoolers invites you to find your spark. Designed specifically for ages 12-14, EXPLO’s two-week residential or day prehigh school summer program hosted at Wellesley College offers limitless ways to explore, make new connections, and experience a world of possibility. Custom-build your summer fun through our immersive workshops and electives while choosing your daily activities, evening events, and weekend trips. Be you. Learn More »
SUMMER DISCOVERY: MIDDLE SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
summerdiscovery.com/lp/teenlife
Location(s): US & UK
Summer Discovery's middle school programs transcend the traditional classroom, offering a dynamic learning experience empowering students to explore their passions and discover new talents. Choose courses that spark your curiosity, from the intricacies of law and government to the mysteries of forensic science. Your summer experience will include immersive academic courses, daily workshops in arts, health, and sports, and fun off-campus activities and excursions. Applications for Summer 2025 are open. Space is limited. Apply today! Learn More »
STANFORD PRE-COLLEGIATE SUMMER INSTITUTES
summerinstitutes.spcs.stanford.edu
Location(s): Stanford, CA
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies academic enrichment programs allow intellectually curious students to explore advanced topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. Students engage in an interactive exploration of material with a global community of peers. Online and residential courses are available in mathematics, bioscience, humanities, business, writing, and more. Learn More »
SUMMER SPRINGBOARD
summerspringboard.com
Location(s): San Diego, CA; Berkeley, CA; Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Our one-week programs combine academic courses, interactive labs and recreational activities to give middle school students a supportive, fun and enriching summer experience. Middle schoolers can choose from three top university campus locations — Berkeley, Georgetown University, and UC San Diego — as they explore academic majors and career tracks of interest. Learn More »
www.teenlife.com/request-msp
UNCW MARINEQUEST SUMMER PROGRAMS
uncw.edu/marinequest
Location(s): Wilmington, NC
For 45 years, UNCW MarineQuest has provided enriching academic opportunities for the pre-K-12 community to explore, discover, and appreciate our marine habitats and encourage these students to develop into environmentally responsible adults. Our programs are designed with a 4th to 8th-grade curriculum with a focus on marine science, research-based investigations, and field exploration. Commuter and optional overnight options available. Learn More »
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY: SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR TALENTED YOUTH
pty.vanderbilt.edu/for-students
Location(s): Nashville, TN
VSA is an intentionally designed, accelerated residential program for academically advanced 7th to 12thgrade students offered through Vanderbilt University’s highly regarded Programs for Talented Youth. VSA offers one- and two-week summer courses grounded in academic rigor and scholarly exploration while also focused on fostering community and friendship. At VSA, students join peers from around the world to stretch their intellectual boundaries. Learn More »
To connect with these programs, scan this QR code or go to teenlife.com/request-msp.
WORLD SCHOLARS ACADEMY | WORLD-CLASS ACADEMICS
worldscholarsacademy.com
Location(s): Exclusively online
World Scholars Academy offers worldclass academic programs for middle school students taught live online by instructors from elite universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Advance your future career with our immersive courses in business, medicine, law, engineering, computer science, and career exploration. All programs provide individual attention and personalized academic guidance from your instructor in our exclusive small-group classes (max six students). Limited summer 2025 places are available for aspiring scholars ages 12-14. Learn More »
Global Global Leadership Leadership Adventures Adventures
Middle School Programs
ARTS
INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP interlochen.org/summer-artscamp
Location(s): Interlochen, MI
Interlochen Arts Camp is a worldrenowned summer arts program offering more than 100 different artistic programs, making it easy to find a program that fits your age, skill level, and summer schedule. Focused and fast-paced high school programs are ideal for students ready to take their skills to the next level. Enriching classes, regular guest artist visits, and one-on-one coaching prepare students for endof-session showcases — and their next chapter. Learn More »
CAREER EXPLORATION & LEADERSHIP
ENVISION BY WORLDSTRIDES
envisionexperience.com
Location(s): Multiple U.S. locations
Envision is a leader in career exploration and experiential learning for students, providing them with valuable leadership skills and real-world experiences. Our programs are taught by subject-matter experts on campuses of top colleges across the country and built on modern, 21st-century learning principles. From performing surgery using virtual reality, to conducting a mock trial in an actual courtroom, to learning how to create a grassroots organization to affect positive change, these programs provide practical, hands-on learning experiences that students call “amazing” and parents call “transformative.” Learn More »
STEM
CAMP INTEGEM: AI ROBOT, HOLOGRAPHIC AR CODING, GAME DESIGN, ART, ANIMATION & 3D DESIGN camp.integem.com
Location(s): Multiple in-person locations & online
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (UNCSA) SUMMER PROGRAMS: SUMMER INTENSIVES
uncsa.edu/summer
Location(s): Winston-Salem, NC
Transform your artistic dreams into reality at UNCSA's Summer Intensives! Join talented young artists for hands-on training in animation, dance, drama, filmmaking, music and visual arts. Learn from professional artists, perform on stage, and make lifelong friends in a safe, supportive environment. Choose from residential or commuter options. Have questions about campus life? Contact Cameron MacManus (macmanusc@uncsa.edu) or call 336-817-5027. Learn More »
NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (NSLC) SUMMER PROGRAMS
nslcleaders.org
Location(s): Multiple Locations
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) is an immersive precollege experience for students to explore their interests, discover their passions, and cultivate their leadership skills. Since 1989, NSLC has helped students test-run their futures through interactive programs hosted at some of the nation's and world’s most prestigious universities. In each program, students get to engage in handson education across different fields of study — from aerospace engineering to music production — and gain authentic college experiences that prepare them for their futures. Learn More »
Enroll in the #1 AI & AR Program! Explore AI robotics, holographic AR coding, 3D game design, digital art, 2D/3D animation, AI space drones, stratosphere launches, and more. Experience your holographic AR creations, program AI robots and drones, and try DIY space launches. Beginner to advanced levels. Earn school credits with our ACS WASCaccredited K-12 & Pre-college programs. Receive an official NVIDIA AI Certificate. Level up your future school applications. Since 2018, we have empowered students from 20+ countries. Limited spots available. Learn More »
TRAVEL & CULTURAL IMMERSION
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES
experiencegla.com/ programs/#middle-school
Location(s): San Diego, CA
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Global Leadership Adventures designed for curious middle schoolers. Travel to exciting places, dive into local cultures, and make a real difference by helping communities through fun, hands-on projects. Middle schoolers come home with new friends, fresh confidence, and the skills to make the world a better place. Our mission is simple: to inspire young leaders like you to see your potential and take your first steps toward creating positive change — one adventure at a time. Learn More »
Explore A Major. Discover a Career Path. Enjoy College Life.
Berkeley Georgetown University
Architecture
Astronomy: Space
Explorers
Business &
Entrepreneurship
Medicine
Psychology &
Neuroscience
Business & Entrepreneurship
Medicine
STEM: Exploring
Engineering & Clean Energy
Trial Law
UC
Business & Entrepreneurship
Marine Biology
Medicine
Psychology & Neuroscience
Trial Law
Zoology
Our one-week programs combine academic courses, interactive labs and recreational activities to give middle school students a supportive, fun and enriching summer experience. Middle schoolers can choose from three top university campus locations as they explore academic majors and career tracks of interest. 858-780-5660
