For students currently in grades 6–8
Eligible for 8th grade*
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8
Grades 7&8
Grades 6–8
Grades 7&8
Special programs & collaborations
Custom Programs

Looking to create a custom program or collaboration?

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Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Pre-College Programs

Experiential Learning &

Global Immersion

Putney Pre-College summer programs are designed for motivated high school students who are intellectually curious and passionate about the world around them. Based in exciting, vibrant locations, our programs combine pre-college enrichment and travel, taking you beyond the standard summer class model. Pursue a passion or discover new interests in an exciting atmosphere that encourages active involvement, creativity, a sense of community, exploration, adventure, and fun.

Choose a seminar and dive into your coursework through engaging discussions and hands-on projects. Frame your seminar concepts and key issues, and then take the learning beyond the classroom as you dig deeper through fieldwork, site visits, and meetings with local experts. In the process, gain a better understanding of the subject matter, as well as the research, interview, and analytical tools you need to tackle any academic challenge.

The Putney Pre-College experience prepares you academically and socially for taking the important next step into college. Expand your worldview through travel, meet new people from all over the globe, test-drive potential major fields of study in real-world environments, and explore new interests amid a tight-knit community of like-minded peers and supportive instructors. Emerge from the program with lasting friendships and a new perspective of life beyond high school. 

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Gain Perspective

Expand your worldview through travel, meet new people from all over the globe, test-drive potential majors in real-world environments, and explore new interests amid a tight-knit community of supportive peers and instructors.

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Go Beyond the Classroom

Putney students benefit from our novel combination of experiential learning and global immersion. Our programs are intentionally designed not to be like school, where learning is prescribed, classroom-centered, and text heavy.

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Choose Your Campus

From marketing, business, and economics to anime, Spanish language, and architecture, Putney students learn their chosen subjects in exciting and relevant locations around the world. 

“She benefitted so much from interaction in a small class setting with hands-on seminars that resulted in tangible projects within her favorite areas of academic interest.”

— Julie & Stewart B., Arlington, VA

Summer 2025

Pre-College Programs

Exploration
Service
Eligible for 8th grade*​
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8​
Grades 7&8​
Grades 6–8
Grades 7&8​

Why Choose Putney?

Putney has been the leader in student travel and educational summers for more than 70 years. As a family-run organization, our decades of experience, our dedication to quality programs, and the personal service you receive are unmatched.

We invite you to subscribe to hear about new programs and upcoming events, and start your path to the summer of a lifetime.