Writers Week for Teens
An immersive week-long experience with creative writing and the performance arts. Participants can earn one transferable college credit. In-person and virtual sessions are available each summer.
Precollege Programs
Precollege Programs
Jump-Start Your College Experience
At Sarah Lawrence College, we believe in empowering curious, creative high school students to explore advanced ideas, deepen their voice, and get a real feel for college-level work, all while remaining supported and inspired.
Located in Bronxville, just north of New York City, Sarah Lawrence is renowned for our multi-disciplinary, student-centered, hands-on approach to the arts and sciences. Whether you are interested in creative writing, theatre, visual arts, or science, you will find a program designed to challenge you, help improve your college application, and surround you with a vibrant community of like-minded people.
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Precollege Programs
Upcoming Precollege Programs
Visual Arts
From Poetry to Painting is a multi-disciplinary intensive summer college art program for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school that features a college-level curriculum led by active artist–faculty in modern studio spaces. Students can earn 3 college credits.
Hudson River Ecology
This course is perfect for high school and undergraduate students interested in learning more about ecological science and the Hudson River. Students have the option of taking this course for one transferable college credit.
Musical Theater
In the Rising Artists Musical Theater program, students work with Sarah Lawrence faculty to develop and hone the necessary acting, music, and dance techniques to be successful in musical theater. Students can earn 3 college credits and will present a musical revue at the end of the program.
Young Writers Studio
Students choose one genre to focus on — poetry, memoir, fiction, or speculative fiction & fantasy — in an immersive workshop setting. The program includes a core genre class and workshop; elective in-depth craft talks on writing-related topics with guest authors; and one-on-one mentorship.
Science Research: Methods and Ethics
This course examines scientific research methodologies and ethical practices across the physical, social and natural sciences, while allowing for individualized professional development and directed work in a particular scientific discipline under the guidance of faculty mentors and undergraduate students who are active researchers in their respective disciplines.
Why Choose Sarah Lawrence College for Summer Precollege Programs?
Academic Rigor, Personalized Attention
- Courses are taught by Sarah Lawrence faculty, graduate students, and guest experts, using the seminar/small-group model the College is known for.
- Students engage in intensive, project-based, experiential learning — lectures, readings, labs, workshops, fieldwork, studio work, rehearsals, performances, group projects, and one-on-one mentoring.
- Because the programs are condensed, the pace is brisk and immersive, giving students a taste of real college expectations.
Credit & Non-Credit Options
- Most courses are offered for credit, enabling participants to earn transferable college credits, subject to agreement with their future colleges.
- Other courses are non-credit, focusing on enrichment rather than formal credentialing.
Residential and Non-Residential Options Available
- Students have the option of living on campus or commuting from home. Both options provide full access to their program's classes, workshops, faculty, facilities, and scheduled activities.
- Residential students have the opportunity to fully experience college life, taking part in scheduled activities, and developing greater independence within a structured and supportive environment.
- Local students can take part in an immersive college-level learning experience while maintaining their usual home routines and family commitments.
- Daily schedules incorporate transit time, lunch breaks, and access to campus facilities (library, studios, labs).
Community & Networking
- Participants join a cohort of like-minded peers from across the region and beyond.
- The program fosters connections with college faculty and staff, which can evolve into mentorship or recommendation opportunities.
Exploration & Self-Discovery
- Students have the freedom to explore fields beyond what their high school offers (e.g., science, visual arts, performing arts, creative writing).
- They can test out possible majors or career interests before committing to them in college.
- The experience helps build confidence in navigating complexity, balancing responsibilities, and self-direction.