Program Guide

Contents.
Find Yourself at Stanford Stanford Artificial Intelligence
Laboratory’s Outreach
Welcome to Stanford Summer Program (SAILORS)....................... 16
Pre-Collegiate Studies.................................. 5
Stanford Sports Business Academy............. 17
Residential Summer
Enrichment Circles
Enrichment Programs
Stanford Math Circle........................................ 20
Stanford Pre-Collegiate
Summer Institutes........................................ ..8 Stanford Science Circle................................... 20

Stanford Summer Stanford Humanities Circle............................ 21

Humanities Institute..................................... 12
Stanford Summer Arts Institute.................... 13 Take College Classes Online
Stanford University Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level
Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)....................... 14 Online Math & Physics.................................. 22
Stanford Medical Youth
Science Program (SMYSP)........................... 15
Cover Photo: Micaela Go

2  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Conference Which Program is Right for You?
Discovering Medicine @ Stanford................. 23 Programs-at-a-Glance Chart.......................... 34
Application & Contact Information............... 35
International Collaborations
Stanford Pre-Collegiate
International Institutes................................ 24
Stanford Honors Academies.......................... 25

Be a Stanford Student
Stanford Summer Session.............................. 26 Financial Aid
Scholarships Available
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is
Come to Our School pleased to offer limited financial aid to
high-achieving, low-income students.
Stanford Online High School......................... 30 Aid is available to both U.S. and
international students.

spcs.stanford.edu  3
Photo: Karl Nielsen
Welcome to Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies!
With participation from every state and over 80 countries, our offerings attract bright,
intellectually adventurous, and passionate students who are eager to come together to
explore advanced topics, build lasting friendships, and gain new insights into themselves.

Through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, students can attend the nationally recognized
Stanford Online High School or engage in more than a dozen Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
programs over the summer and throughout the academic year. Stanford also provides the
opportunity for qualified high school students to enroll in college-credit courses through
Stanford Summer Session.

Our instructional teams are experts in their fields and eager to share their enthusiasm for their
subjects and their love of teaching. Building on themes of collaboration, critical thinking, and
engaging classrooms, we create a magic formula of curriculum, students, and instructors,
producing vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environments.

Rick Sommer, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Find yourself at Stanford.

spcs.stanford.edu 5
Photo: Micaela Go
 Explore Your Passions.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a summer residential program
held on the Stanford campus that provides students with intensive study in a
single course. Students live in residence halls for three weeks and get to know
peers from around the world.

Over the years, we have Immerse Yourself

welcomed students from Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes provides a taste of the Stanford classroom

50
States
experience and challenges students with advanced content that is not typically found in
the high-school curriculum.
Our courses develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, expose students to
80
Countries
current research directions, and offer a challenging and rewarding academic experience
in an environment with others who share a passion for learning.

8  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

  Grades 8–11  50+  100%
Courses Offered Of Students Live
Each Summer on Campus

Photo: Micaela Go spcs.stanford.edu 9

 Our Courses
Not for credit or grade, our courses provide in-depth and interactive exploration
of advanced topics. Our instructors design custom courses that provide a
deep dive into their areas of expertise and highlight new areas of research. Our
courses feature content more typically found in a college curriculum. Instructors
are assisted by undergraduate and graduate student mentors who serve a dual
role of Residential Counselor and Teaching Assistant.

Hands-On Course Highlights

Experience
• Artificial Intelligence • Computer Simulations • Engineering
“The other students were just as
driven and motivated as I am. The • Astrochemistry & Interactive Media • International Relations
teacher was really knowledgeable • Bioscience • Cosmology • Legal Studies
and passionate about the subject. He & Biotechnology • Creative • Quantum Mechanics
focused on a lot of hands-on experience & Expository Writing
• Business • Sociology
and real-life application.”
& Entrepreneurship • Cryptography • Theory of Relativity

10  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Student Life & Community
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes integrates academics and social
activities into every aspect of the program. Students live in residence with
classmates attending the same course and interact daily with other students
who share their interests and academic passions.
The program includes outdoor recreational activities that offer students the
opportunity to exercise, socialize, make friends, and have fun. Activities are
designed for a variety of interests. Weekend excursions take students to points Global Focus
of cultural, historical, or recreational interest in the San Francisco Bay area. Real Connections
Bright peers and engaged mentors
“I had an overall amazing experience. I really loved how inviting and inclusive
from around the world, expert
all of the people here were and I’ll never forget my experience. I was pushed out instructional and residential staff,
of my comfort zone in all the best ways. I honestly think this program will have a and the beautiful Stanford University
life-long impact on my confidence, my perspective, and my life in general.” campus create a truly special and
unforgettable experience.
—Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes Student, 2016

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 Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
In this three-week residential program, rising high school juniors and seniors
explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by
distinguished Stanford professors.

 Grades 10–11

Students spend the first two weeks intensively studying and researching a topic in
history, literature, or philosophy; attending daily lectures by the faculty members;
and participating in group discussions and activities in the afternoon. During their
third week, students work closely with professors, graduate teaching associates,
and writing mentors to produce original research projects.

Like-Minded
But Diverse Students
“Not only was I able to take an engaging
course taught by a college professor
and spend time on Stanford’s beautiful
campus, but I was able to meet the most
incredible people.”

12  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Stanford Summer Arts Institute
Students come together for a three-week intensive arts residential program
offering academically challenging, interdisciplinary courses in
architecture, visual design, and music.

 Grades 9–11

Immerse yourself in interdisciplinary study at the intersection of art and

academia in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Stanford Summer Arts Institute
offers four courses that emphasize the essential connections between the
arts and other areas of study, such as neuroscience, history, engineering, and
product design.

Experience
Arts at Stanford
The Arts are alive at Stanford!
The Bing Concert Hall, Cantor Arts
Center, Anderson Collection, and
McMurtry building form the newly
expanded arts district at Stanford.

spcs.stanford.edu  13
 Stanford University Mathematics Camp
Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) welcomes an elite group
of talented rising high school juniors and seniors from around the world for
intensive study in advanced mathematics.

 Grades 10–11

The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) leads students on a journey

in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem
solving. In a social environment centered on mathematics, students explore
current lines of mathematical research, the historical development of important
areas of mathematics, and applications across scientific disciplines.

Meet Professor
Olga Russakovsky
“SUMaC jump-started my career.
I majored in Math at Stanford, got a
Ph.D. in Computer Science and became a
professor in AI. I even started my own
pre-collegiate program (SAILORS).”

14  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) offers a five-week
biomedical enrichment program for academically talented, low-income,
and underrepresented minority students.

 Grades 10–11

High school sophomores and juniors from select Northern and Central California
counties are invited to apply. The twenty-four students admitted annually
work closely with Stanford faculty, researchers, students, and health care
professionals. Students intern at Stanford Hospital, take an anatomy course at
Stanford School of Medicine, and work in teams on a health-research project.

Community
Engaged Learning
“Not only has SMYSP given me
a better idea of what I wish to pursue
in the future, it has also offered a
welcoming and safe environment for
all the participants.”

spcs.stanford.edu  15
 Stanford Artificial Intelligence
Laboratory Outreach Summer Program
The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory partners with Stanford
Pre-Collegiate Studies, to offer a three-week summer residential
program aimed at increasing the number of women in science.  Grade 9

The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory’s Outreach Summer Program

(SAILORS) exposes students to the field of Artificial Intelligence. Students learn
about cutting-edge research, work as teams to develop novel applications,
and explore the social impact of AI. Preference is given to underrepresented
populations in computer science.

Who Will Change

Artificial Intelligence?
This year, students watched a live
Hexacopter demo, took a trip to Google,
interacted with haptic touch robots,
met the Stanford self-driving car,
and interacted with professionals from
a wide range of AI companies.

16  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Stanford Sports Business Academy
A summer two-week residential program that explores the exciting
intersection of sports and business. The Stanford Sports Business Academy
provides a glimpse into professional sports in the Bay Area.

 Grades 10–11

The Stanford Sports Business Academy gives students an overview of careers

in the sports and entertainment industries, with a focus on management, law,
negotiation, marketing, and leadership. Students receive instruction from
Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty and staff, Stanford Athletics staff,
and Bay Area professionals from sports and entertainment industries.

Building Confidence
Expanding Horizons
"I met great people and had
the opportunity to learn from them.
You see people going off and doing
incredible things. It’s cool thinking, that
can be me one day."

spcs.stanford.edu  17
Photo: Micaela Go

You are
e here.
 Enrichment Circles.
Stanford Stanford
Math Circle Science Circle
Stanford Math Circle teaches elementary, middle, Stanford Science Circle offers middle and high
and high school students to learn how to think like a school students the opportunity to explore the vast
mathematician through working on problems involving and exciting world of science. The classes promote
complex and advanced mathematical topics. Math science interest through engaging lectures and
Circles are guided by mathematicians, educators, and hands-on activities. Students learn directly from
scholars from the Stanford community. faculty, researchers, and graduate students from
the Stanford community. Each quarter focuses on
a different area of science.

20  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Grades 1–12  Circles  Located On
Meet Weekly Stanford Campus

Stanford
Humanities Circle
Stanford Humanities Circle invites middle and
high school students interested in exploring the big
questions at the heart of humanistic study. These
discussion-based classes allow students to engage
with each other and with Stanford graduate students About Stanford
and faculty to hone their writing and critical thinking Enrichment Circles
skills. Each quarter focuses on a theme such as creative The Circles are quarter-long,
writing, philosophy, or ethics. after-school programs for Bay Area
elementary, middle, and high school
students interested in math, science,
or humanities. Circle sessions are held
weekly on the Stanford campus.
Self-contained classes require
little to no homework, making them
compatible with students’ other
school commitments.

spcs.stanford.edu  21
 Take College Classes Online.
University-Level Online Math & Physics
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics courses
are offered throughout the year and give students the opportunity to take
a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in
secondary schools all while earning Stanford Continuing Studies credit.

Course Highlights
These online courses allow high school students to work through advanced material
at their own pace with the support of expert instructors in live online sessions.
Earn Stanford Continuing • Complex Analysis • Linear Algebra • Multivariable
Studies Credit • Elementary Theory • Modern Algebra Integral Calculus
of Numbers • Modern Physics • Partial
• Intermediate Mechanics • Multivariable Differential Equations
 Grades 9–12 • Light and Heat Differential Calculus • Real Analysis

22  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Conference.
Discovering Medicine @ Stanford
Discovering Medicine @ Stanford offers an interactive three-day experience
for high school students entering grades 11th and 12th. Students are
able to explore new and emerging topics in medicine alongside
peers and experts in the field.

Get a Glimpse of Medicine at Stanford

The program takes place each year, and includes interactive, small-group workshops and
direct engagement with a variety of health professionals. Students have the opportunity
to learn from professionals, faculty, staff, and students from Stanford Hospital, Stanford
School of Medicine, and the broader Stanford community. The program fosters students’
Three-Day Conference interest in science and medicine, regardless of academic and socioeconomic status.
on Stanford Campus

 Grades 10–11
spcs.stanford.edu  23
 International Collaborations.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate International Institutes
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate International Institutes offers an exciting
opportunity for schools and organizations from around the world to bring
academically talented high school students to Stanford University for an
engaging educational and multicultural experience.

Bringing the World to Stanford

20+ Motivated pre-college students who attend the Stanford Pre-Collegiate International
Institutes will be challenged intellectually and will develop skills in problem solving,
Countries critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Students will participate in
Represented workshops on multiple topics, taught by expert instructors with a passion for teaching.
The program provides an American college-life experience and builds global community
 Grades 9–11 through an academic, multinational, team-based Global Solutions Project and a fun-filled
Multicultural Exhibition from each participating organization.

24  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Sample Academic Offerings
• Anthropology • Digital Anatomy Lab • Mathematical Logic
• Artificial Intelligence • Expository Writing & Problem Solving
• Bioscience Exploration • Environmental Science • Neuroscience
• Business • Software Engineering • Persuasive
& Entrepreneurship & Game Design Communication
• Creative Writing • Global Business • Presentation Skills
• Cross-Cultural • International Relations • Robotics
Communication • Social Innovation
Honors Academies
• Leadership We Come to You
• Design Thinking • Legal Studies Stanford Honors Academies are
two-week intensive courses on advanced
“My favorite parts of the program include the college experience, informative topics for academically talented middle
classes, and the opportunity to meet people from other parts of the world. and high school students in select
It is an experience I will never forget.” international locations. Courses are
taught by experts in their field.
—International Institutes Student, 2016

spcs.stanford.edu 25
 Be a Stanford Student.
Stanford Summer Session
Stanford Summer Session provides high-achieving students,
ages 16–19, the opportunity to enroll in Stanford’s Summer Quarter and
take the same courses as fully matriculated Stanford students and other
visiting undergraduates.

Explore. Learn. Connect.

This eight-week program provides academic, social, and intellectual opportunities not
found at high school, and allows students to gain unparalleled insights into what is
required to succeed as an undergraduate. Stanford Summer Session provides a vast array
of academic support including advising and tutoring. Students have ample opportunity
to explore the recreational activities available on campus and in the culturally rich San

16 Average
Class Size
Francisco Bay Area. The program creates an inclusive community of learning where
students are challenged to reach their fullest potential—while at Stanford and beyond.

26  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

  Ages 16–19  Earn  Take Up To
College Credit 5 Courses

Photo: Karl Nielsen (left and top right), Tamer Shabani (bottom right) spcs.stanford.edu 27
 Why Stanford Summer Session?
73%
Of Students
27%
Of Students
 Earn college credit and receive an official Stanford University transcript

Live on Campus Commute  Choose from 145 different courses in over 30 departments

 Dive deeply into a subject you are passionate about with a Stanford Summer
30%
Of Students are
50
Countries
Intensive Study Certificate
International Represented  Live on the Stanford campus, attend as a commuter, or take one of our
specially selected courses online

Department Highlights
• Anthropology • Computational • Mathematics
• Art & Art History & Mathematical • Music
• Athletics, Physical Engineering • Philosophy
Education, & Recreation • Economics • Physics
• Biology • Electrical Engineering • Political Science
• Center for Teaching • Engineering • Program in Writing
& Learning • English & Rhetoric
Get Ready • Chemistry • Geological &
For College • Psychology
• Civil & Environmental Environmental Science • Religious Studies
Take courses designed to help you have
a successful transition to college, such as Engineering • History • Sociology
“Writing Well: An Introduction to College • Classics • International Relations • Statistics
Writing” and “Working Smarter.” • Communication • Languages • Theater
• Comparative Literature • Management Science & Performance Studies
• Computer Science & Engineering

28  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Campus Life
Residential students live in undergraduate residence halls that are organized
into houses, each with its own lounge and common area. Students eat meals
together in a nearby dining commons, and have access to Stanford’s world-
renowned libraries, exercise facilities, and health services.
Carefully chosen Stanford undergraduates serve as mentors in each house and
provide guidance, supervision, and plan extracurricular activities including field
trips, informal discussions with Stanford faculty, outreach projects, intramural Make Friends
sports, residence hall activities, and more. From Around the World
Students who live in the area or have an adult to stay with for the summer “The people in my dorm feel like family.
I’ve gotten to know so many interesting,
may attend as commuting students. Commuting students select from the
amazing, and talented people from
same courses, have access to on-campus facilities, and can participate in all across the globe.”
extracurricular activities. In addition, for students who are unable make it to
campus, we offer select online courses.

spcs.stanford.edu  29
 Come to Our School.
Stanford Online High School
Stanford Online High School (OHS) creates a worldwide learning community
of diverse, intellectually passionate students and teachers. Through vibrant
seminars, the rigorous curriculum challenges students in grades 7–12 to
reason analytically, think creatively, and argue persuasively.

Expect the Extraordinary

750 from
around
the Beyond the classroom, collaborative extracurricular activities cultivate lasting
students globe relationships among students and teachers. The school’s supportive environment fosters
independence, strength of character, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
11% ofinternational
students are

“The quality of instruction, engaging class environment, rigorous curriculum, enriching

social activities, and creative approach make Stanford OHS a truly peerless school.”
46 32
States Countries —Christine (Class of 2019)
Represented Represented

30  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

  Grades 7–12  An Independent School 2006
WASC Accredited Year Founded

Photo: Micaela Go spcs.stanford.edu 31

 Academics
 Online, real-time, seminar classes bring together students and instructors
for highly engaging discussions

 College-style course schedule meets the needs of students everywhere and

fosters time-management skills

 65% of instructors hold Ph.D. degrees in their fields, and work closely with
Our Classroom students in and outside of class
Real-Time, Online  Full-time, part-time, and single course enrollment options meet each
“Contrary to the typical online school student’s goals
stereotype, the seminar-style, live
discussions are immersively interactive,  25 Post-AP and University-Level courses and 16 AP Courses—with 80% of
as a huge emphasis is placed on student
students receiving a score of 4 or 5 in the 2016-17 academic year
participation and engagement.”
— Ally (Class of 2018)  8–10 weekly hours of work per class (including class time)

32  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Community
Beyond academics, students engage in a rich array of extracurricular student-
run clubs (including Art Club, Chemistry Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Ethics Bowl,
Film Club, Gay Straight Alliance, Robotics Club, Student Service Board, and
more), homeroom, and assemblies. An optional two-week intensive residential
summer program on Stanford’s campus offers students further opportunities to
connect with each other and their instructors.
Our community support is augmented by counseling, academic advising, Global Perspectives
writing labs, and college counseling. Students thrive in this supportive, engaging An Instructor’s View
environment and receive individualized attention. “I love the way Stanford OHS brings
together students living such different
“Although students are separated by space and time, I have developed unique everyday lives into the same classroom
bonds with fellow classmates and friends that I have met through clubs and at the same time, to learn from each
assemblies, at Summer @ Stanford, or at local meetups.” other and form lasting bonds.”
—Meg Lamont, Ph.D.
-Luke (Class of 2017)

Enrollment
About Breakdown
Stanford OHS 48% Full-Time

65% 15%
4-5 Courses

of instructors of students receive

14% Part-Time
2-3 Courses
hold Ph.D.’s financial assistance

12
Average 38% Single Course
Class Size 1 Course

spcs.stanford.edu 33
 Programs-at-a-Glance

Certificate/No-Credit
Global Student Body
High School  10 – 12

Cont. Studies Credit

Middle School  6 – 7

Local Student Body

High School Credit

High School  8 – 9

Number of Weeks
Elementary  1 – 5

Academic Year
Which program is right for you?

College Credit

Residential

Commuter
Use our online program finder at:

Summer

Online
spcs.stanford.edu/programs
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes    3   
Stanford Summer Humanities Institute   3   
Stanford Summer Arts Institute    3   
Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)   4   
Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)   5   
Stanford Artificial Intelligence Program (SAILORS)   3   
Stanford Sports Business Academy

  2   
Stanford Math Circle        
Stanford Science Circle       
Stanford Humanities Circle       
Stanford University-Level Online Math & Physics       
Discovering Medicine @ Stanford     
Stanford Pre-Collegiate International Institutes    2   
Stanford Honors Academies     2   
Stanford Summer Session   8     
Stanford Online High School       
Stanford Sports Business Academy is for U.S. students only.


34  Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

 Apply Today!
Admission for most Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs is competitive.
Each program has different application requirements and deadlines.
Test scores are required for some but not all programs. Please refer to
program websites for more detailed information.

We Want to Hear From You

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Enrichment Circles International Collaborations
 precollegiate@stanford.edu  precollegiate@stanford.edu  internationalinstitutes@stanford.edu
 650-721-2947  650-721-2947
Summer Residential
 mathcircle.stanford.edu  internationalinstitutes.stanford.edu
Enrichment Programs
 sciencecircle.stanford.edu  internationalinstitutes.stanford.edu/
 precollegiate@stanford.edu
 summerhumanities.stanford.edu/ honors-academies
 650-721-9325
humanities-circle
 summerinstitutes.stanford.edu Stanford Summer Session
 summerhumanities.stanford.edu University-Level Online Math & Physics  summersession@stanford.edu
 summerartsinstitute.stanford.edu  ulo.stanford.edu  650-497-7290
 sumac.stanford.edu  summer.stanford.edu
Discovering Medicine @ Stanford
 smysp.stanford.edu
 precollegiate@stanford.edu Stanford Online High School
 sailors.stanford.edu
 650-721-2947  ohsadmissions@stanford.edu
 sportsbusinessacademy.stanford.edu
 dmats.stanford.edu  650-721-9422
 ohs.stanford.edu
Office of Science Outreach (  oso.stanford.edu)
The Office of Science Outreach (OSO) encourages and assists Stanford faculty and students to engage in 
Math Circle and Science Circle are filled via
science outreach on and off campus. Families can check the website for a comprehensive listing of K–12
science and engineering programs at Stanford. lottery. Space is limited.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
Ventura Hall, 220 Panama Street
Stanford, CA 94305-4101

Connect with Us
 precollegiate@stanford.edu
 stanford.precollegiate