Academic Year Weekend
Seize the weekend.
Fall 2023: September 23–December 03, 2023
Spring 2024: January 20–March 24, 2024
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
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
College Preparation
Weekend Schedule
All courses during the Academic Year Weekend Program are offered on Fridays, 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 Friday and Saturday evenings (8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. ET). See individual courses for specific meeting times.
Spring 2024 dates are January 20–March 24, 2024.
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 Costs
Weekend Online Course Cost: $2,700 per course
The amount above covers the course itself; students will pay this amount per course. The non-refundable $500 deposit, due upon notification of acceptance to the program, is credited toward this cost.
Not included in the amount above are the activities fee, health services fee, technology fee, and application fee ($80), each paid once per term. Additional course-specific fees may apply. Students are advised to budget at least $50 toward course materials, such as textbooks and supplies; all required course materials will be listed in the relevant course.