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Summer 2025 applications will open in early December.

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Fall Academic Year Weekend Schedule Change

Please note that some classes end December 6th, December 7th or December 8th due to holidays. Learn More
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Academic Year Weekend

Seize the weekend.

Fall 2024: September 20–December 14, 2024

Spring 2025: January 18–March 23, 2025

Academic Year Weekend

Through Columbia's online interactive learning platform, students across the globe can engage with one another through rigorous curricular instruction, inclusive student life activities, and informative college success events.

Academics

I enjoyed the new knowledge I found about myself, my course, college life, academics, health, and wellness throughout the program. I feel my knowledge has increased significantly and I enjoyed the interactivity of the program that makes every student feel included."

– Madeline A. | El Paso, TX

Courses

Students can enroll in up to four courses offered in two-hour sessions on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Explore weekend courses

World-Class Instructors

Classes are taught by scholars and practitioners who are experts in their fields and have a passion for teaching. While some courses may be team-taught, most classes are taught in small, discrete sections led by individual instructors.
Learn more about our world-class instructors

Credentials

Upon successful completion, students will earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and evaluations written by their instructors to further set them apart in the college application process.

The Online Experience

For ten weekends, 9–12 grade students in the Academic Year Weekend Program will study their choice of over 20 courses in an engaging and lively virtual classroom. Before morning classes and during break, they can connect with peers from all over the world in activities designed to help them to be as prepared as possible for the college experience. 

Special opportunities create an even more enriching online experience. Students can participate in virtual clubs, for example, or get to know a core group of peers and receive mentoring support from a Student Life Intern by signing up for a Digital Community Group. 

Learning Online

While the virtual classroom offers more opportunity for flexibility, it is, of course, still a classroom. Understand what’s required in order to succeed: from equipment to expectations.
Find out more learning online

College Preparation

Students are invited to attend seminars, workshops, and lectures to prepare for the academic rigors of university life. Our faculty and staff will help you prepare—and succeed.­­
Learn more about college preparation

Weekend Schedule 

All courses during the Academic Year Weekend Program are offered on Saturdays or Sundays, during the morning, afternoon or evening. Students can choose up to four courses per term to pursue over ten weekends. We recommend that students take between one and three courses per term.

Classes are two hours long, often with a 10-minute break at the halfway point. Typically, a morning option (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET) and afternoon option (1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET) are available Saturdays or Sundays, with additional offerings on Saturday evenings (8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. ET). See individual courses for specific meeting times.

Activities and Events

Prior to the start of morning classes and during the one-hour break between morning and afternoon classes, students can eat, do homework, and participate in a variety of organized activities. Events include college prep and career exploration workshops, leadership seminars, and other topics of interest.

Program Policies

In order to provide an excellent and enjoyable experience for all our students, there are essential policies, standards, and requirements.

Program Costs

Program costs are subject to Board of Trustee approval and may change.  

Academic Year Weekend: $2,810 per session (single course registration)  

The amount above includes the fee for the course itself, along with activity, health services, and technology fees. Academic Year Weekend students are permitted to take more than one course. Each additional course costs $2,700. 

Students pay a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure a place in the program. The deposit is credited toward the program cost—it is not an additional fee. Not included are the application fee ($80). Students are advised to budget at least $50 toward course materials, such as textbooks and supplies.

View Cost Details

FAQ

Pondering the application process? Curious about commuting? Just wondering what to wear? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to find Many Helpful Answers.

Compare Programs

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which program is right for you. Narrow your search with customized filters to explore only the programs that match what you’re looking for.