Finding the Best Online Summer Class: How to Pick the Perfect Summer Learning Experience

Ah, the sweet exhale of summer, where days unfold at a slower pace, inviting your soul to finally catch its breath. Summer also offers opportunities for you to explore other interests, stretch your mind, and get a head start on the next year’s academics. Quality online summer classes have transformed the traditional summer break, offering access to engaging, brain-friendly, interesting programs in a flexible format.

Online summer class

As academic expectations rise and subjects grow more diverse, parents and students are seeking enrichment opportunities that blend academics with creativity, critical thinking, and social connection. With hundreds of subjects available, including literature, STEM, visual arts, and world languages, every student can find an online summer course to fit their goals and interests. 

But how do you find the best online summer class? The key? Looking for immersive, supportive, and motivating ones that combine hands-on learning with professional instruction, offer opportunities for peer interaction, and prioritize student engagement through real-world projects. 

This article will help you discover what makes an online summer class exceptional, introduce you to some of our favorite websites for online learning, and provide tips for choosing the perfect summer program for you.

Making the most of your summer

If you’re planning to take an online summer class or two, remember that it’s all about balance — make time for fun and relaxation, too. Academics are important, but a healthy mix of learning and chilling will keep you motivated and energized throughout your program. Staying focused (and allowing for a little fun procrastination now and then) will help make your online summer class productive and enjoyable.

5 reasons to take an online summer class

While we all welcome a break from learning, summertime offers the perfect opportunity to learn on our own terms. Still unconvinced? Here are five good reasons to enroll in an online summer class.

1. You’ll stay academically engaged and prevent summer learning loss by keeping your brain active, reinforcing important skills or reviewing challenging material so you return to school confident and prepared.
2. You can explore new interests and subjects, like specialty STEM, arts, or language classes not offered at your school. You might even discover potential college majors or career pathways by trying out new subjects in a low-pressure environment.
3. You’ll enjoy flexibility and convenience, since you can take an online summer class anywhere, anytime (especially if it’s asynchronous or self-paced).
4. You can get ahead in an honors or AP course, catch up on graduation requirements, improve your GPA, or lighten your upcoming course load.
5. You’ll build self-motivation and time management skills, and get comfortable with digital tools and virtual collaboration, which are increasingly important in the professional world.

Taking a summer course or two doesn’t mean you have to spend hours of break buried in studies, but if you have an interest in a topic you don’t have time to pursue during the school year (or you want to learn more about a topic you couldn’t explore in-depth before), an online summer class might be just the ticket! 

How to take online classes during the summer

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of websites offering online learning opportunities. But not all education online is created equal. So how do you pick the right one? Start by choosing the right course and format. An online summer course should align with your goals, so pick one that helps you:

• Meet graduation requirements
• Prepare for next year
• Learn about something that interests you

Confirm whether the course is synchronous (live sessions at set times) or asynchronous (work at your own pace), and choose which fits your learning style and other summer plans. If you’re taking an asynchronous online summer course, create a routine, blocking out specific times each day for coursework, assignments, and breaks. Consistency can help you avoid procrastinating and stay organized and on track. Be sure to find a quiet, comfortable place with reliable internet and minimal distractions so you can focus. 

Choosing the best online summer class for you

Is it hard to find quality education online? With all the options available, it can be challenging to select an online summer course that keeps teens engaged — helping them get ahead, recover credits, or discover new interests — all while accommodating busy family schedules. Here are a few recommendations for finding the best-fit online summer class.

1. Set your summer goals.
   Do you want to boost your GPA, catch up on credits, strengthen core skills, or try something completely new? Choose programs that fit those objectives, whether it’s academic enrichment, skill-building, or exploring a passion area.
2. Ensure accreditation and credit transfer.
   If you’re targeting education online that results in earning credit through an online summer course, confirm that a respected educational organization accredits the program. Talk to your school counselor to verify that the credits will transfer before you enroll.
3. Check the course schedule and format.
   Review whether the classes are synchronous or asynchronous, and choose the online summer class that best suits your summer plans, vacations, or job commitments. Read the course description to determine the required number of hours per week so you can balance other commitments.
4. Look at the instructor’s qualifications and student support.
   Choose an online summer class taught by a qualified teacher with a strong background in the subject and who has experience teaching in a virtual environment. Not all instructors may be comfortable with education online. Ask about available support; tutoring, tech help, and virtual office hours make a big difference if you need extra assistance or guidance.
5. Personalization and learning styles matter.
   Choose programs that let you learn in a style that suits you best — visual projects, hands-on applications, or discussion-based seminars, for example. If you have special learning needs or preferences, ask if courses offer individual adjustments or one-on-one support.
6. Explore extracurricular choices.
   Check the course catalog to find an online summer class at the right level and in subjects you really want to learn about. Read the online summer course descriptions carefully or check if there are sample lessons available for review.
7. Read student and parent reviews.
   Check to see what other students (and their parents) have said about the class. Honest reviews provide valuable insights into quality and what to expect.
8. Confirm you have the right technology for education online.
   Make sure your computer, internet, and required software are up to date so you don’t run into problems. See whether the provider offers tech support and an orientation to help you get started with online learning tools.
9. Compare costs and value.
   Weigh the course fees and what’s included (like materials, live instruction, credits). Choose a high-quality online program that meets your budget, and if you find an online summer class you love but can’t quite afford, ask about scholarship or discount options. Some programs offer (but don’t advertise) these price breaks.

Explore 10 top online summer classes

The following websites for online learning consistently earn high reviews from past participants seeking education online. 

• Camp Integem: AI Robotics, Holographic AR Coding, AI Space Drones, 3D Game Design & Animation
  Camp Integem offers engaging online summer classes that focus on STEM subjects for students in grades K-12. Its virtual component allows students from over 20 countries to participate remotely while learning to program AI robots, design holographic AR worlds, and develop 3D games using various platforms.

• Cornell University Summer/Winter Online Program
  The Cornell University Summer/Winter Online Program offers high school students an Ivy League opportunity to take Cornell classes online, earn college credits, and receive an official Cornell transcript. Students can explore topics in architecture, business, health, international relations, science, and veterinary medicine while working closely with Cornell instructors. These online summer classes are offered synchronously and asynchronously. Students can earn 3 to 12 credits in condensed three- and six-week sessions.

• Dwight Global Online: Summer School
  Dwight Global Online Summer School offers rigorous, full-credit online summer classes for students in grades 7-12. Designed to accommodate busy summer schedules, most classes are delivered asynchronously with weekly deadlines, providing flexibility for students to supplement their transcripts or pursue credit recovery. While most of the coursework is self-paced, World Language classes include a weekly live meeting component for practical application and review. The online summer courses run from June 12 to September 3.

• iD Tech
  iD Tech offers a comprehensive suite of virtual programs in different STEM fields for students aged 7-19. The program includes one-on-one private lessons, virtual tech camps, and online teen academies. Students can take 3D game design, AI, animation, coding (Java, Python, Scratch), cybersecurity, robotics, and more. Virtual camps offer small-group classes, combining live instruction with self-paced projects to develop STEM skills and connect like-minded students with peers from around the world.

• Georgetown University’s Hoya Summer High School Sessions
  Georgetown University offers a diversity of summer programs designed to provide immersive academic experiences for teens. The summer college offers select eight-week online courses in anthropology, art, biology, chemistry, computer science, history, and more. These courses are delivered virtually during the Summer College 3 online session from early June to the end of July.

• Harvard Summer School
  Harvard University’s Secondary School summer program offers a seven-week online format open to U.S. and international students. Students can choose one or two college-level courses from a catalog of 200+ offerings and earn college credit upon successful completion. Online summer classes include 50 different topics in the humanities and STEM disciplines.

• Northwestern Pre-College Online Summer Program
  The Northwestern Pre-College Online Summer Program is designed for students ages 13 and older. Students can choose from topics about law, medical research, psychology, business, engineering, medicine, sports, physiology, and finance. Choose from 2- or 4-week sessions, delivered asynchronously to accommodate your schedule.

• Notre Dame Pre-College Online Summer Program
  The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Summer Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore various fields, including business, biology, finance, law, and psychology. Each online summer class allows students the flexibility to study at their own pace from anywhere, with the guidance of mentors. After successful completion, participants earn a Certificate of Completion from the university. Sessions run two or four weeks.

• Summer@Brown Online
  Brown University offers this online summer course for students interested in experiencing college-level academics without the pressure of grades or credit. Teens can choose from over 50 courses inspired by Brown’s Open Curriculum and choose asynchronous, mostly asynchronous, or blended formats via Canvas, Brown’s learning management system. Sessions run for two to six weeks, and upon successful completion, students receive a Digital Certificate of Completion. Participants enrolled in sessions of three weeks or longer also receive a Course Performance Report.

• Teach Me Wall Street: Finance Programs for Teens
  The Teach Me Wall Street programs for teens offer virtual boot camps for high school students. Led by professionals with real Wall Street backgrounds, these live, synchronous classes introduce teens to investing, trading, and budgeting as they grow their financial literacy skills.

More online summer class options

Looking for another type of online summer class? Check out these online summer courses. 

• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
  The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers a range of online programs for academically advanced students in grades K-12. Options include over 170 online courses spanning topics in STEM and the humanities. Choose from 3-week LIVE courses or 4-, 10-, and 12-week asynchronous session-based courses.

• Kids4Coding
  Preteens and tweens can take a hands-on STEAM course in AI, architecture, coding, creative design, and robotics offered by Kids4Coding. This Atlanta-based company keeps class sizes small and recruits instructors from top universities like UGA and Georgia Tech.

• New York Film Academy
  Take one of New York Film Academy’s online summer classes, designed for aspiring filmmakers and artists. These hands-on programs include workshops and instruction in filmmaking, acting, and 3D animation.

• Northwestern CTD Summer Online Programs
  The Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers multiple online summer classes for students in grades 3-12. Choose from a 9-week Core Essentials course (grades 3-8) for in-depth subject mastery, 6-week Online Enrichment courses (grades 3-8), and 9- to 11-week Accelerated Summer Online (ASO) options for honors and AP-level coursework (grades 9-12).

• Polygence Summer Research Program
  Insatiably curious students with a passion project who want to go deeper into a subject than what school allows can try the Polygence Summer Research Program, which provides one-on-one mentorship with PhD candidates from leading universities. Participants can work toward various goals, including publishing a college-level research paper, developing an app, launching a podcast, or anything else they can dream of.

Can you take summer school classes online?

The short answer? Absolutely.  

And even if you have to take a summer course because you struggled in a class during the school year, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Some students find that online learning is easier (and less stressful) than traditional brick-and-mortar classes because the information is presented differently and may just “click” better based on their learning style.

But credit recovery isn’t the only reason to take an online summer class. Education online opens up other opportunities to gain new credits or certifications. It’s a super convenient option that works around your schedule, such as planned vacations and responsibilities like a part-time job or helping care for younger family members. Since it’s virtual, you can travel, work, and keep your other plans while accessing the class from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. 

So, whether you need to catch up on education credits to graduate, need one-on-one, individualized support, want a head start on an honors or AP class, or want to knock off a challenging class with fewer distractions, you’ve got options!

Best online summer class tips

So! You’ve opted for education online and have chosen an online summer course or two. Congratulations! We’re sending you off with some of our tried and true tips to make the most of your online learning.

• Schedule specific times to learn, especially if you’re taking an asynchronous class.
• Make sure you have a dedicated place to study, whether it’s your bedroom, a spot in the living room or den, or a corner of the dining room table. (Or maybe, you prefer to head to your local coffee shop with your laptop and headphones to enjoy a cold brew while you learn).
• Find ways to stay motivated, especially if your education online is challenging or you find yourself slumping because the pool is more appealing than the computer.
• Set daily and weekly goals (for longer courses) to work toward. 
• Stay connected with your instructor and fellow students by taking advantage of office hours, discussion boards, email, and attending live sessions.
• If you’re taking summer school to catch up on your education online, try to maintain a positive mindset and use a mantra to help you through the challenges, such as “I’ve got this” or “I can do this.”
• If you’re a visual learner, check out this video, which includes eight tips for taking summer courses.