![Students interacting during a presentation.](/sites/default/files/styles/column_hero_870x490_xsmall_1x/public/2023-10/img_programs-academic-year.png.webp?itok=5f_kVpgL)
Academic Year
Make the most of the school year with on-campus or online courses, including weekend options. The academic year begins in September and extends through May.
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/img_ayw.png.webp?itok=5lYJ1wvv)
Academic Year Weekend
Learn from experts and make lifelong connections virtually with exploratory online coursework and community activities over ten weekends.
Learn more
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/img_ce-ay.png.webp?itok=ci8l5bnf)
College Edge: Academic Year
Get an edge on the college experience by taking courses alongside CU undergraduate students on our Morningside campus—and earn college credit.
Learn more
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/img_cwa.png.webp?itok=A1cTfpEk)
Columbia Writing Academy: Fall
The Columbia Writing Academy, "Writing the College Admissions Essay," was created by Dr. Nancy Sommers. This intensive 2-week course is designed to help students craft and perfect their college application essays.
Learn more
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/img_ayw-courses.png.webp?itok=Sux3gZDU)
Columbia Writing Academy: Spring
The Columbia Writing Academy, "Writing for College Success," is an intensive 2-week online course designed for high school students who want to develop their own personal voice and expand their writing skills before starting college.
Learn more
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/IMG_0630.jpg.webp?itok=QSqbfkl-)
CSPA Spring Convention
The CSPA welcomes middle and high school students and their advisers from around the country each year for this three-day event. Delegates may choose from more than 240 sessions in areas such as editing, writing, broadcast media, AI in the newsroom, and law and ethics.
Learn more
![](https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-12/fav-bySirinSamman-1714.jpg.webp?itok=K1ROaKcH)
CSPA Fall Conference
Presented by CSPA and hosted by Columbia University, this annual event is a one-day regional scholastic media conference that offers sequences focused on writing, editing, management, design, photography, and digital media.
Learn more