The world-renowned Great Books Summer Program gives middle school and high school students an exceptional pre-college experience on some of the most beautiful and prestigious campuses in the world. Students enjoy a challenging curriculum, arts and literature electives, and social activities in a welcoming, fun, and well-supervised environment. Rising grades 6-8, 9-12, and gap year. Residential, Day, and Online. One-week and multi-week programs.
– 7 campuses to choose from in the U.S. and abroad.
– Read, discuss, and learn with advanced peers.
– Led by distinguished professors and scholars.
– Serving families for 25 years.
On These Campuses in 2026:Amherst College, Amherst, MA;
Stanford University, Stanford, CA;
Haverford College, Haverford, PA;
Literary Travel Abroad in:
Oxford
Dublin
Athens
Verona & Venice
Great Books & Big IdeasBuild advanced critical thinking and powerful self-expression skills! Seminars and discussions are led by esteemed college professors and award-winning educators. Students are mentored and supervised by accomplished scholars who model critical thinking, analytical reading, and open inquiry. Imagine your child arriving at college with the confidence and experience to engage with professors and excel in the classroom! Rising grades 6-8, rising grades 9-12, & gap year.
Writer’s WorkshopsDevelop your voice as a writer! Writer’s Workshop is a welcoming space for beginners and advanced young writers alike. In both our On-Campus Writer’s Workshop and our Online Writer’s Workshop, students work with accomplished writers to hone their craft and explore their creativity. Students come away with new ideas, a brimming portfolio, and a refined sense of their own voice. Rising grades 6-8, rising grades 9-12, & gap year.
Literary TravelEngland, Ireland, Greece, and Italy
Explore culture and history in beautiful literary destinations around the world! We engage students in a challenging curriculum as we explore the richness of the host campus and surrounding city in the landscapes that inspired the country’s great authors and brilliant thinkers. Join us for an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Rising grades 9-12, & gap year.
2 Powerful Leadership ProgramsFor an aspiring leader, acquiring strong reasoning, persuasive, and strategic thinking skills can be a breakthrough in their current education, confidence levels, maturity, and life-preparation. Join us for these highly efficient immersive leadership programs on the campus of Haverford! Rising grades 9-12, & gap year.
We are educators, scholars, camp enthusiasts, and yes, we are parents too. We believe every student deserves an enriching summer experience full of challenge, fun, and friendship. We are invested in your child’s success.
Call: 203-612-9470
Email: info@greatbookssummer.com
Includes complete program details, schedules, and registration instructions.