Best Summer Programs in Orlando for High School Students – 2026

March 17, 2026

One of the most visited cities on the planet, Orlando draws millions of tourists every single year. Other than Miami, NYC, and Los Angeles it is the top destination spot for travelers in the US, thanks to attractions like Disney World and Universal. Of course, if you live in or around Orlando, these magical draws are just part of your everyday life. That being said, while you might know where to go for entertainment, educational summer programming for your teen may be more of a mystery. That’s where our expertise comes in! Below you will find College Transitions’ list of the best summer programs in Orlando for high school students.

For a full look at our searchable database of the best 2026 summer programs, click the button below. Here, you will be able to sort summer programs by discipline and location and can view important data points such as tuition costs, deadlines, course listings, and more!

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Best Summer Programs in Orlando for High School Students – 2026

1) Future Physicians America

Instructional Method: In-person (residential) / online (Cardiology and Resuscitation)
Program Length: 1 week (8 sessions offered)
Cost: $1,700-$2,900 + housing ($450 per week)
Eligibility: Students ages 12-18
Application Deadline: Rolling

FPA offers eight weeks of summer programming. The Trauma & Surgical Skills, Cardiology & Resuscitation, Neurology, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynecology courses can each be taken as stand-alone courses. In order to take the Medical Writing & Publishing course, students must take 3 out of 5 clinical courses (Trauma & Surgical Skills, Cardiology & Resuscitation, Neurology, Psychiatry, or Dermatology & Plastic surgery). In order to participate in the Clinical Research Program, students must take four out of five of the clinical courses.

The program is taught by board-certified practicing physicians, who are medical school faculty. What’ s more, students in the Clinical Research and Medical Writing courses publish in PubMed indexed medical journals as first authors. In other words, these are the same journals read by academic physicians, not a high school journal. Participants present their research at the Annual SE Society of Academic Emergency Medicine meeting, alongside residents, medical students and faculty.

Future Physicians America also offers options for younger students in grades 4-8.

2) Competitive Programming Overview

Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $2,750
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (ages 15+)
Application Deadline: Rolling (application opens in February)

The Competitive Programming Summer Institute at UCF is an intensive, two-week residential program for high school students who already have some computer science background and want to level up. This means you spend your time learning key algorithms and data structures, competing in mock contests, and reviewing problems with expert coaches from UCF’s top programming team. Overall, it’s very hands-on and designed to prepare you for competitions like USACO, Codeforces, and even ICPC. Beyond coding, you also meet like-minded peers, build friendships, and get a real taste of what competitive programming is all about. (Note: this program is on hiatus in 2026.)

3) Summer Institute in Computer Science

Instructional Method: In-person (commuter)
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: $1,250
Eligibility: Rising 8th graders, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 13+)
Application Deadline: March (early application deadline)

The Summer Institute in Computer Science at UCF is a three-week program where students learn coding through hands-on projects and interactive lessons. It offers three levels based on experience. Level 1 focuses on beginner Python and game design, teaching basics like variables and simple programs, while level 2 is for students with some coding background and dives into object-oriented programming using PyGame to build more complex games. Finally, level 3 introduces competitive programming, where students practice problem-solving and algorithms used in coding competitions. Overall, the program lets students learn at their own level while building real skills and meeting others interested in tech.

4) Camp Connect

Instructional Method: In-person (commuter)
Program Length: 1 week
Cost: $200 (Camp Connect I and II) / $300 (Camp Connect Advanced)
Eligibility: Rising 8th-11th-graders
Application Deadline: Rolling

Camp Connect is a week-long day camp at the University of Central Florida that gives middle and high school students a fun introduction to engineering and computer science. Through hands-on activities, lab tours, and presentations, students explore different STEM fields and meet faculty and college students. What’s more, there are multiple levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs, so participants can keep building their skills. Campers also work on team projects and develop problem-solving and collaboration skills, making it a great way to experience college-level STEM in an engaging, supportive environment.

5) Summer Performing Arts with Julliard

Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter)
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $5,090 (commuter) / $7,050 (residential)
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
Application Deadline: February

Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard is a two-week (or four-week) summer program for students ages 12–18 who are serious about music, dance, or drama. Held in Orlando, it’s a pretty immersive experience where you spend your days in classes, rehearsals, and workshops led by Juilliard faculty and guest artists. Students focus on a main discipline like voice, piano, or musical theater while also trying other areas. Overall, it’s designed to feel like college-level training but in a supportive, fun environment, helping you grow as a performer, build confidence, and connect with other creative students from around the world.

Additional Resources – Best Orlando Summer Programs for High School Students

Looking for summer programs in your area? Consider checking out the following:

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Michael Trivette

A former admissions professional and adjunct faculty member, Michael knows firsthand what students need in order to be successful on a college campus. His experience in college admissions, enrollment management, intercollegiate athletics, student support services, student life and other areas, allows him to help students transition smoothly into the best good-fit colleges.