The best summer schools for teens around the world. Choosing the right summer school for teenagers can be transformative. Whether your child wants to explore a career interest, build confidence, develop practical skills or simply have an unforgettable summer, the right programme can ignite passions that last far beyond the holidays. Around the world, there are brilliant options that go far beyond the usual choices — hands-on culinary courses, tech bootcamps, outdoor leadership expeditions and creative academies that give teens the space to grow.
Below, you’ll find our list of some exceptional summer schools ideal for older children and teens. Each one offers meaningful experiences, expert guidance and the kind of real-world learning that simply doesn’t happen in a classroom.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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CampusNYC – Culinary & Baking Summer Camp, New York City, USA
This professional-level summer cooking camp is ideal for teens (aged about 12–17) who love food. Students work in “real” kitchens under experienced chefs, learning knife skills, savoury cooking, pastry and baking. From making pasta or sushi to crafting tarts, cakes and other treats — it’s hands-on, creative and immersive. Sessions typically run weekly across the summer; both day and residential (sleep-away) options exist, and campers from all skill levels are accepted. It’s a great option for a teenager seriously interested in culinary arts, hospitality or just wanting a fun, hands-on summer learning something useful.
Find out more here.
Oxford Summer Courses – Medicine Summer School (UK) – summer schools for teenagers
For teens interested in biology, medicine or health sciences, Oxford Summer Courses offers a “Medicine” summer programme for ages roughly 13–15 (and older depending on track). Students explore anatomy, physiology, medical ethics and pathology, and work through real-life-style medical case studies — excellent for giving a taste of what studying medicine might involve. This course takes place in historic Oxford college surroundings, blends academic learning with critical thinking and discussion, and attracts peers with similar interests globally — a strong option for aspiring med-school hopefuls or anyone curious about the human body and healthcare.
Find out more here.
UAL International Summer School – Art & Design Course, London, UK
For creative teens aged ~16–18, UAL (University of the Arts London) offers short-course summer programmes in art, design, fashion and creative processes. It’s immersive, experimental, and gives a taste of art-school life. Students can build portfolios, try out diverse media and work collaboratively — great for those considering art or design at higher education level. Classes combine practical projects with exposure to London’s cultural diversity, making it ideal for young creatives who want to push boundaries and meet like-minded peers.
Find out more here.
Research Science Institute (RSI) – STEM Research Summer School, MIT, USA – summer schools for teens
If your teen loves science and is ready for challenge, RSI — hosted at MIT — is top tier. It is internationally recognised and brings together gifted students from across the globe for six weeks of real scientific research, under expert mentorship. Projects span physics, chemistry, engineering, biology and more.
Successful applicants work long hours, use lab equipment, and present research results — an extraordinary opportunity for anyone considering a science or engineering career path, or wanting to experience university-level research early.
Find out more here.
Space Camp Spain (and similar European Space/Astronomy Camps) — STEM & Space Exploration for Teens
For curious teens interested in astronomy, physics and space exploration, programmes like Space Camp Spain (and other European Space-themed camps) offer immersive summer experiences in space science, engineering basics, simulations and team projects. Great if your teen dreams of working in aerospace, astrophysics or just loves space.
Find out more here.
CampusNYC Baking Camp — Specialized Baking / Pastry Summer School, New York City, USA – summer schools for teenagers
As a sibling to their general culinary camp, CampusNYC’s Baking Camp focuses specifically on pastry, baking and dessert-making: tarts, cakes, cookies, pastry techniques, decorative work and more — ideal for teens who lean more toward baking than full savoury cooking. Creative, technically demanding and a lot of fun for sweet-lovers and aspiring pâtissiers. CampusNYC+1
Programmes for specific interests
- Culinary / Baking: CampusNYC, Young Chefs Academy, CampusNYC Baking Camp — from serious training to fun camps.
- Medicine / Health Science: Oxford Summer Courses’ Medicine Programme — anatomy, physiology, medical ethics and exposure to pre-medical knowledge.
- Art & Design: UAL International Summer School, Summer Scholars Programme (London) — for fine art, design, humanities & cultural exposure.
- STEM / Research / Science: RSI (MIT), LIYSF, Space-/physics-oriented camps — from high-end research to exploratory science.
- Global / Cultural / Broad programmes: MEI Academy, Summer Scholars — for flexible, global exposure, cross-disciplinary learning or cultural immersion.
What to check when choosing a summer schools for teenagers
- Focus & Intensity: Decide if your teen wants a deep, specialist experience (research labs, baking intensives, medical school-style classes) or a lighter, exploratory summer (arts, humanities, general camps).
- Age & Entry Requirements: Some are competitive (RSI, Oxford Medicine), others accept all skill/interest levels (cooking camps, art courses).
- Commitment: Some are a week long, others 3–6 weeks. Match that to your teen’s energy and summer plans.
- Cost & Logistics: Residential vs day camps, travel visas (if abroad), accommodation, meals — all vary widely.
- Balance of Learning & Fun: For a summer to be memorable but not overwhelming, consider a mix of structured learning and downtime.
We hope these summer schools for teenagers help to inspire your teen for some fun this year.
