SMSSP Student

Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program prepares students for a rigorous high school education with a three-week online summer course, and weekly online after-school meetings during fall. The program serves low-income students in grades 6 or 7 who reside in and attend school in the United States.

Building the Bridge to Stanford Online High School

When students become Stanford Middle School Scholars they develop skills to apply to and thrive at Stanford Online High School (OHS), and other academically rigorous high schools. Students engage with different academic disciplines and build community with instructors and Scholars from across the United States.

Summer Course and Fall Semester Meetings
Scholars enroll in one three-week summer course in July. From mid-August through December, Scholars meet weekly for instructor-led course discussions and focused workshops covering topics such as exploring options for high school, academic writing, math enrichment, and growth mindset.
Live Online Classes
Scholars thrive as a result of their real-time interactions with instructors and other students. The SMSSP virtual classroom brings scholars together across the United States in lively discussions.
Instructors
65% of Stanford OHS instructors hold Ph.D.’s in their fields. Stanford OHS instructors work closely with Scholars to help them reach their full academic potential. Instructors introduce them to the skills needed to excel in academic subjects.
Tuition-Free
Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is tuition-free. We aim to increase access and opportunity for aspiring low-income students.
Community
The program’s summer courses and fall semester meetings will have approximately 12 students. Our engaging learning community fosters connection with like-minded peers, instructors, and guest speakers.
Supporting Your Scholar
Collaboration between program staff, instructors, and families is essential to students' success. Parents and legal guardians attend at least one conference with program staff, and are invited to attend parent and legal guardian outreach events.

Application Now Closed

Our application for the 2024 Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is now closed. To learn about future opportunities, please join our mailing list.

2024 Program Dates

Summer Program:
July 8 - 26, 2024
9am - 12pm Pacific Time, weekdays

Fall Semester Meetings:
August 26, 2024 - December 13, 2024
Wednesdays, 4:15pm-5:15pm Pacific Time
Application Deadline
March 29, 2024
Admissions Notification
Mid-May 2024
When your admissions decision is ready, you will receive an email notification.

In the time that I’ve been in this course, I’ve learned many new and great things. I’ve met new people with different backgrounds and I’ve participated in many of the student life activities.

Arnaldo

2022 Stanford Middle School Scholar