2027 Summer Camps / Camp directory / Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Nashville, Tennessee

Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Explore university-level questions through intensive small-group study.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy, run by Programs for Talented Youth, combines accelerated academic study, residential life and community activities. Students select a course within their grade group; the themes below illustrate learning directions, with 2027 course selection available through an advisor.

University advanced academic program
Advanced academicsSTEMResearch thinkingResidential

CAMP-TN-002

VSA students collaborating around a computer in class
VSA students collaborating around a computer in class

Program organizer & learning outcomes

Organizer

Vanderbilt University Programs for Talented Youth

University / venue relationship

The university’s own Vanderbilt Summer Academy program

Credit / certificate

Written instructor evaluation and learning feedback; no college credit

Courses & activities

Astrophysics and computation

Related coursework uses Python models and real astronomy data to explore black holes, gravity and the physics behind science fiction.

Bioinformatics

Work with DNA, RNA and protein data to practice quality checks, pattern analysis and biological interpretation.

Psychological research design

Analyze evidence and experimental methods, then develop a research proposal around a question of interest.

Data and statistical communication

Develop a research question, visualize data, choose suitable statistical analyses and present results.

Camp features & life

Accelerated learning

Academic work can occupy about six hours a day, supported by subject experts and teaching assistants.

Written learning feedback

Instructors provide evaluations and feedback to help students reflect on their learning.

Structured residential life

Residence and community activities follow structured supervision, with small-group support.

Who might enjoy this camp?

  • Students who enjoy deep inquiry and a fast learning pace
  • Students comfortable discussing and writing about complex topics in English
  • Students comfortable with structured residential supervision and group activities

Applicants demonstrate readiness through test scores or a portfolio and meet course prerequisites. Courses do not award college credit. International students need English-proficiency evidence and health insurance, and international financial aid is not offered.

2027 dates & tuition

2027 rising grades 7–8

2027-06-13 to 2027-06-18Rising grades 7–8
6 days
US$2,150

Eligibility follows rising grade and course requirements; contact an advisor about places.

2027 rising grades 9–10

2027-06-20 to 2027-06-26Rising grades 9–10
7 days
US$2,850
2027-07-11 to 2027-07-16Rising grades 9–10
6 days
US$2,850
2027-07-18 to 2027-07-24Rising grades 9–10
7 days
US$2,850
Contact an advisorRising grades 9–10
Approximately 1 week
US$2,850

Eligibility follows rising grade and course requirements; contact an advisor about places.

2027 rising grades 11–12

2027-06-13 to 2027-06-19Rising grades 11–12
7 days
US$2,950
2027-06-20 to 2027-06-26Rising grades 11–12
7 days
US$2,950
2027-07-11 to 2027-07-16Rising grades 11–12
6 days
US$2,950
2027-07-18 to 2027-07-24Rising grades 11–12
7 days
US$2,950
Contact an advisorRising grades 11–12
Approximately 1 week
US$2,950

Eligibility follows rising grade and course requirements; contact an advisor about places.

Amounts are program tuition in USD; plan separately for flights, transfers, insurance and personal spending, and confirm inclusions.

A nonrefundable 20% deposit is normally due within one week of placement; ask about 2027 balance deadlines and cancellation terms.

Contact an advisor for additional sessions and course matching; dates may change.

Travel & participation

Choose sessions by rising grade; the portfolio route generally includes a transcript, educator recommendation and essay, with complete requirements available through an advisor.

Non-native English speakers need approved language evidence or an eligible waiver; non-English documents require certified translation.

Use the program’s airport-transfer arrangements; VSA cannot support airline unaccompanied-minor services, so check airline rules before booking.

Prepare required health insurance and course devices; confirm entry documents and individual visa requirements separately.

Campus, venue & activity photos

VSA students working with glass during a hands-on project
Students with laptops in a VSA classroom
Students pictured during a VSA community activity
Aerial view of Vanderbilt University’s Nashville campus

Enquiries & Applications

Discuss this camp and participation arrangements with an ASCWORLD education adviser.

Enquiries & Applications