why exploration

summer is a time for Exploration
Since 1977, Exploration Summer Programs has been an international leader in academic summer enrichment. We believe that summer is the perfect time for young people to expand their horizons, try something new, and learn in a pressure-free environment. Our Programs feature ungraded courses, activities, athletics, and trips, all geared towards helping students discover themselves and the joy of learning.

summer is a time for discovery
Our courses are ungraded, so students don’t feel pressured to produce — instead, they are free to learn about the things that they want to learn. We offer a broad array of academic options, and encourage students to discover exciting new subjects like forensic science, West African dance, and broadcast journalism.

summer is a time to get active and have fun
And Exploration doesn’t forget it! In addition to our courses and mini-courses, students engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, special evening events, and weekend trips. During the summer, the question students ask isn’t “what can I do today?”, it’s “what can’t I do today?”

summer is a time for choice
At Exploration, we think it’s important that our students have a say in how they spend their day. Not only do students get to choose between different activities and trips, but also, by making important decisions about their summer experience, students build self-confidence and gain independence.

summer is a time to be yourself
Students feel comfortable at Exploration, because everyone here is open to trying new things and meeting new people. There is a strong sense of community at Explo, and we pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive environment where students are accepted for who they are.

summer is a time to make friends from around the world
Exploration attracts students from more than 40 states and 40 countries. A big part of the Explo experience is living and learning in a community with students who have a diverse range of interests and backgrounds.

summer is a time to be inspired
Comprised of college students, graduate students, and professional educators, Exploration has one of the finest faculty and staff of any summer program in the country. Our staff members are mentors and role-models who believe that every moment of the day is a teaching moment. As such, our faculty are involved in every aspect of student life: they are teachers in the classroom, residential advisors in the dorm, and coaches in extracurricular activites.

summer is a time to be safe
The safety, security, and well being of our students has always been Exploration’s #1 priority. Our staff supervise students in all aspects of student life, and our staff to student ratio is 1:7 at the Senior Program, 1:6.5 at the Intermediate Program, and 1:5 at the Junior Proram. In addition, we work closely with our host institutions to ensure excellent campus security, have medical coverage at our Programs 24 hours a day, and have access to outstanding medical facilities.

our mission statement

Exploration Summer Programs creates a dynamic environment of intellectual inquiry, responsible decision making and spirited adventure.  Led by enthusiastic teachers, our students are encouraged to respect the differences that make us individuals and to find the common ground that makes us a community.  At its heart, Exploration inspires students to challenge themselves, discover the world of people and ideas, and experience the joy of learning.



Exploration Summer Programs is operated by Exploration School, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization. | Privacy Policy