Program Overview

Students standing at a board solving a math problem.

Duke Pre-College Program

The Duke Pre-College Program provides advanced academic opportunities and an introduction to the college experience to students currently in grades 6 - 11. Our courses are created to give students access to cutting-edge curriculum and technology beyond the average classroom while connecting them with transcendent peers from around the world and influential professionals in their future field. In addition to accessing university facilities and labs, our students interact and learn from renowned faculty and researchers. Participants gain valuable experiences that prepare them not only for their college curriculum and careers to follow, but also their futures as empowered, influential leaders.

 

2023 Residential and Commuter Programs

Middle and High School Options

Live and learn at Duke University. During Pre-College’s 2023 Residential Program, you will enjoy an unforgettable two-week residential and academic experience. Live in campus residence halls, eat in world-class dining facilities, and visit significant locations throughout campus and the surrounding area.

2023 Dates:

Session 1

  • June 20 - 30 (Tuesday arrival)
  • June 30 (Friday departure)

Session 2

  • July 5 -15 (Wednesday arrival)
  • July 15 (Saturday departure)

Session 3

  • July 18 - 28 (Tuesday arrival)
  • July 28 (Friday departure)

Cost:

$4,900 (Residential including daily meals, lodging and tours)

$3,200 (Commuter including lunch during class days and tours)

 

2023 Lab Week

High School Options

Enjoy a first-hand look at Duke University’s cutting-edge facilities and hear from leading experts in Duke Pre-College’s Lab Week. Study a topic through active, hands-on learning while living on Duke University’s beautiful campus during an intensive week of discovery and innovation. 

2023 Dates:

Lab Week (High School Only)

  • July 9 - 14 (Sunday arrival)
  • July 14 (Friday departure)

Cost:

$2,900 (including daily meals, lodging and tours)

Sample Schedule - Residential Sessions 1, 2 and 3 and Lab Week
7-9 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m.-12 p.m.  Class
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-4 p.m. Class (labs, tours, guest speakers)
4:30-5:30 p.m. College Connections
College Connections afternoon sessions are designed to help high school students prepare for their college experience. Coupled with their academic work, the College Connection program will help students to understand and prioritize what to look for and what to expect from a college and their first-year experience.
6-7 p.m. Dinner
7:30-9:30 p.m. Nightly events
There will be optional activities available to students during this time, such as movie screening, sports activities, gaming, and clubs.
10-10:30 p.m. Report to residential halls and Nightly News
11 p.m. Students must be in residence halls (weekdays)
12 a.m. Students must be in residence halls (weekends)

 
On weekends, a full day of activities and community service will be planned based on course choice.

 

2023 Online Options

High School Options

Enjoy the Duke experience from home through Duke Pre-College’s Online Program. Study a topic of interest and connect with a global network of peers. Daily lessons will include both synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Experience live Zoom meetings with your instructors and like-minded students. Take part in active small and whole group activities while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.

2023 Dates:

  • Online (High School Only) - July 17 - 28

Cost:

$2,100 (including access to Duke University online learning management system)

Online courses are divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) to accommodate varying time zones. 
Group A - required, daily synchronous meetings from 9:00-10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. ET. 
Group B - two required, daily synchronous meetings from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. and 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ET. 
Asynchronous learning activities and assignments will be assigned daily. 
 

2023 College credit Options

High School Options

Qualified current 10th or 11th grade students (2022-2023 school year) may take Duke University undergraduate courses in the summer for credit as a commuter or through online courses. More information is available on the Duke Summer Session website.