This article enumerates the top ten philosophy summer courses for high school students. These courses might provide opportunities to pique your intellectual curiosity and stand out in college applications. These programmes will also help develop your critical thinking and collaboration skills, which can be stated in your resume and statement of purpose.
1. Stanford University Summer Session
Location: Stanford University
Program Dates: June 23–August 17, 2025
Cost: $4,341
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising juniors/seniors), undergraduates, graduates
Deadline: June 23, 2025
Stanford’s Summer Session welcomes students to experience college life and rigorous academics. Philosophy courses, such as Introduction to Philosophy of Science, invite students to tackle foundational questions about science, truth, and reality. Classes are taught by Stanford faculty, and participants enjoy access to campus events, workshops, and resources.
2. Secondary School Program at Harvard University
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts and Remote
Program Dates:
4-week: June 22–July 18, 2025
7-week: June 22–August 9, 2025
Cost: $4,050 - $8,650
4-week residential: $8,650
7-week residential: $14,950
7-week online/commuter: $4,050–$7,900
(plus $75 application fee; financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students graduating in 2025, 2026, or 2027; must be 16 by June 21, 2025
Deadline:
4-week: February 12, 2025
7-week: April 9, 2025, or until full
Harvard’s Secondary School Program offers high school students the chance to take real college courses, including philosophy, alongside undergraduates and adults. Philosophy courses fall under “Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History” and are taught by Harvard faculty.
3. University of Chicago: Pre-college Summer Session
Location: University of Chicago and Remote
Program Dates: Programs can be 1 week in length and can go up to 8 weeks; exact dates vary according to the programme.
Cost: $8,350
Eligibility: Students in grade 9-11
Deadline: 2025 Applications closed on April 15 and rolling admissions on May 15
This programme offers high school students an opportunity to engage with various academic subjects, including that of philosophy. Students will get to learn from University of Chicago’s renowned faculty and connect with like-minded peers while taking their first step into the world of philosophy.
4. Summer Camp in Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Program Dates: June 24–28, 2025
Cost: $125
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 in the 2024–25 school year
Deadline: Rolling admissions until all spots are filled
VCU’s Summer Camp in Philosophy invites high school students to a week of discussion, creative activities, and deep exploration into the subject. Led by VCU Philosophy faculty, campers engage in games, theatrical dialogues, scavenger hunts, and group projects—all designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking.
5. Ethics in the Digital Age at the University of Chicago’s Summer Session
Location: Online on Zoom
Program Dates: July tentatively, based on previous years
Cost: $4500
Eligibility: Grades 11 and 12
Deadline: Close by spring
“Ethics in the Digital Age” focuses on issues lying between technology, society, and philosophy. Students study real-life cases, philosophise about them, and create solutions for ethical decision-making. This course suits a high school student interested in philosophy, computer science, or social impact.
6. The Dialectic: Philosophy Summer Camp at Arizona State University
Location: Arizona State University
Program Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Cost: $400
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Deadline: 2025 applications closed on May 1st
ASU’s Dialectic: Philosophy Summer Camp is designed for high school students eager to become better critical thinkers. This camp blends discussions, activities, and guest lectures from ASU faculty and graduate students. The 2025 theme, “Everyday Ethics and The Good”, invites campers to examine how ethics shape our day-to-day life.
7. Brown University Pre-College Programs
Location: Brown University and Remote
Program Dates: June 16–July 25, 2025 (various 1-, 2-, and 3-week sessions)
Cost: $3,584 - $5,534
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9–12 (ages 14–18 by June 15, 2025)
Deadline: Priority applications ended in early April 2025; rolling until programs are full
Brown’s Pre-College Programs let high school students immerse themselves in college-level courses—including philosophy—on campus or online. With a diverse selection of courses, including those exploring happiness, scepticism, and fundamental moral questions in philosophy, the programmes allow participants to immerse themselves in intellectual inquiry and personal growth.
8. Zephyr Philosophy Camp at the Zephyr Institute
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Program Dates: June 23–27, 2025
Cost: $465
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college freshmen
Deadline: 2025 Applications closed on April 15.
Guided by Dr Molly Oshatz, participants of Zephyr Philosophy Camp delve into classic and contemporary philosophy—Aristotle, Descartes, and the ethics of AI—through lively discussion and readings.
9. Philosophy Camp at Oakland University
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Program Dates: June 23–27, 2025
Cost: $650
Eligibility: High school students
Deadline: Rolling applications until full
Oakland University’s Philosophy Camp is a weeklong, fully residential experience for high school students passionate about big ideas. The 2025 theme, “The Shape of Freedom”, invites campers to explore concepts of liberty and captivity through lectures, discussions, and activities.
10. Philosophy Summer Camp at Portland State University
Location: Online on Zoom
Program Dates: Two weeks in August
Cost: $220
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year
Deadline: TBA; check website for 2025 updates
Portland State University’s Philosophy Summer Camp offers high school juniors and seniors a unique exploration of philosophy. The camp covers topics like political philosophy, ethics, philosophy of science, and more, culminating in a major project.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!