Parents, Guardians and Families - Harvard Summer School
Source: https://summer.harvard.edu/parents-guardians-families-of-future-harvard-summer-school-students
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Parents, Guardians and Families - Harvard Summer School
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Parents, Guardians and Families
Harvard’s College Programs for High School Students
At Harvard Summer School, advanced high school students can enroll in our
enriching college programs lasting either 2-weeks, 4-weeks, or 7-weeks
to live and learn like a college student, make deep friendships with students from around the globe, gain independence, and strengthen their college application.
Our
7-week, college-credit Secondary School Program
gives students the choice to fully experience college life by taking one or two courses for-credit while living on Harvard’s campus, commuting from home, or being fully online.
View SSP application process
Our
4-week, college-credit Secondary School Program
condenses one for-credit college course into an immersive 4-weeks where students will learn more about a topic of interest and how it might apply to their future lives or career.
View SSP application process
Our
2-week, non-credit Pre-College Program
offers students an opportunity to live on Harvard’s campus for an intensive two-week college level course and engage in a variety of co-curricular and college prep events.
View Pre-College application process
Please note: Students may only apply to one program each year.
Join our email list for important updates!
What To Do if Your Student Is Admitted for 2026
Our programs require high-level academic performance as well as social maturity, and are structured to empower students to be independent. Harvard’s Secondary School Program (4- or 7-Week, For-Credit) and Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit) are highly selective programs. If your student has been accepted, you should feel proud of their accomplishment.
We look forward to welcoming them this summer, and as a Harvard Summer School student, they will be treated like college students. This is your opportunity to help them build independence and support them as young adults. Below are resources to help you guide your student, but please know that the student is the one responsible for taking the required steps.
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) — Residential
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a residential student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— ≈ (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
Preparation and Arrival Guide
Campus Safety
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Online
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as an online student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Online classes are in Eastern Time, so depending on your time zone, your student may have to join class very early or late. Having a private space and headphones may help reduce disturbance to the rest of the household, and reminding your student to adjust their sleep schedule can help them build a healthy routine.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Technology requirements for classes
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Commuting
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a commuting student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Your student must attend all classes, so make sure they have reliable transportation to come to campus and know their plan for commuting.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Campus Safety
Technology requirements
if taking an online class
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (4-Week, For-Credit) – Residential
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a commuting student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Online classes are in Eastern Time, so depending on your time zone, your student may have to join class very early or late. Having a private space and headphones may help reduce disturbance to the rest of the household, and reminding your student to adjust their sleep schedule can help them build a healthy routine.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Campus Safety
Technology requirements
if taking an online class
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit)
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the program and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Pre-College Student and Family Orientation will be held on zoom and recorded for all sessions on Wednesday, June 11 from 7–9 p.m. ET. You can join live, or watch the recording later.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Pre-College Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
Moving In and Out of Housing
Getting to Campus
Campus Safety
Contact us during the summer:
Pre-College Office: M–F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-4024
Email:
PreCollege@Summer.Harvard.edu
.
Get Info
Harvard Division of Continuing Education
The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.
Harvard Division of Continuing Education
Skip to content
Parents, Guardians and Families
Harvard’s College Programs for High School Students
At Harvard Summer School, advanced high school students can enroll in our
enriching college programs lasting either 2-weeks, 4-weeks, or 7-weeks
to live and learn like a college student, make deep friendships with students from around the globe, gain independence, and strengthen their college application.
Our
7-week, college-credit Secondary School Program
gives students the choice to fully experience college life by taking one or two courses for-credit while living on Harvard’s campus, commuting from home, or being fully online.
View SSP application process
Our
4-week, college-credit Secondary School Program
condenses one for-credit college course into an immersive 4-weeks where students will learn more about a topic of interest and how it might apply to their future lives or career.
View SSP application process
Our
2-week, non-credit Pre-College Program
offers students an opportunity to live on Harvard’s campus for an intensive two-week college level course and engage in a variety of co-curricular and college prep events.
View Pre-College application process
Please note: Students may only apply to one program each year.
Join our email list for important updates!
What To Do if Your Student Is Admitted for 2026
Our programs require high-level academic performance as well as social maturity, and are structured to empower students to be independent. Harvard’s Secondary School Program (4- or 7-Week, For-Credit) and Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit) are highly selective programs. If your student has been accepted, you should feel proud of their accomplishment.
We look forward to welcoming them this summer, and as a Harvard Summer School student, they will be treated like college students. This is your opportunity to help them build independence and support them as young adults. Below are resources to help you guide your student, but please know that the student is the one responsible for taking the required steps.
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) — Residential
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a residential student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— ≈ (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
Preparation and Arrival Guide
Campus Safety
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Online
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as an online student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Online classes are in Eastern Time, so depending on your time zone, your student may have to join class very early or late. Having a private space and headphones may help reduce disturbance to the rest of the household, and reminding your student to adjust their sleep schedule can help them build a healthy routine.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Technology requirements for classes
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (7-Week, For-Credit) – Commuting
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a commuting student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Your student must attend all classes, so make sure they have reliable transportation to come to campus and know their plan for commuting.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Campus Safety
Technology requirements
if taking an online class
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Secondary School Program (4-Week, For-Credit) – Residential
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the Secondary School Program as a commuting student and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Online classes are in Eastern Time, so depending on your time zone, your student may have to join class very early or late. Having a private space and headphones may help reduce disturbance to the rest of the household, and reminding your student to adjust their sleep schedule can help them build a healthy routine.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Secondary School Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations
Campus Safety
Technology requirements
if taking an online class
Contact us during the summer
SSP Office, M–F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-3192
HUPD, 24/7:
617-495-1212
Pre-College Program (2-Week, Non-Credit)
Critical Next Steps for Your Student
Read the admitted students page
for important information on accepting their admission to the program and required next steps.
What to Expect as a Parent, Guardian or Family Member
Your student will receive email communications on what they need to complete. Typically, our office does not communicate with parents/guardians so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed. Remind them to check their email regularly and keep track of what they need to complete.
Harvard Summer School follows
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
.
Pre-College Student and Family Orientation will be held on zoom and recorded for all sessions on Wednesday, June 11 from 7–9 p.m. ET. You can join live, or watch the recording later.
Read our blog
on advice for parents, guardians and family members.
Resources
Admitted Students page
Important dates and deadlines
Pre-College Program FAQ
View what courses are offered
Accessibility Services
— May 12 is the deadline for your student to request accommodations (including housing, food allergies, or class accommodations)
Moving In and Out of Housing
Getting to Campus
Campus Safety
Contact us during the summer:
Pre-College Office: M–F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET:
617-495-4024
Email:
PreCollege@Summer.Harvard.edu
.
Get Info
Harvard Division of Continuing Education
The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.
Harvard Division of Continuing Education