Summer Programs Frequently Asked Questions
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Application
Application FAQs
- How do I apply?
- What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Summer Programs?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- When is the Application Deadline?
- When will I receive an Admission decision?
- If I am only interested in Test Prep, do I have to submit a full application?
- I participated in Choate Summer Programs 2025. How do I apply?
- I participated in Choate Summer Programs PRIOR TO 2025. How do I apply?
- I am a current Choate academic year student. How do I apply?
- I am applying for both Choate Summer Programs and the Choate academic year. What do I need to do?
- What if I need to change information in my Student Account Portal?
- Do I need a B1-Visa if I’m an international student?
How do I apply?
See instructions on how to apply or register.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Summer Programs?
How do I apply for financial aid?
Summer Programs Financial Aid is available for Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program students.
The priority deadline to submit a completed Summer Programs Financial Aid application form with accompanying IRS documentation is January 31, 2026. The Financial Aid application form is available in the Summer Programs Student Account Portal after the application is submitted.
After the priority deadline, it is still possible to submit the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid application form and upload IRS documents for consideration of any remaining funds that are available.
Please note that financial aid helps cover on-campus program fees, but does not cover transportation costs or health insurance and is not available for Test Prep, Young Artist, or English Language Institute. Because of limited funds, financial aid is primarily available to U.S. residents filing IRS income tax returns.
Financial information provided to the Choate Admission Office by current Choate students and applicants for the academic year is not shared with Summer Programs.
Current Choate students who receive aid during the school year and academic year applicants still need to complete the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid application form and upload supporting IRS documentation.
When is the Application Deadline?
We have a rolling admission process from mid-November through early June, while space remains.
Applicants whose admission materials are complete are typically notified of a decision within two to four weeks.
Registration for Academic Enrichment courses and programs begins in early February for students who have accepted our offer of admission, signed the Enrollment Contract, and paid the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit.
When will I receive an Admission decision?
Admission Decisions
Once the Summer Programs application is submitted and all required materials received, the admission committee reviews the file and releases a decision in the Summer Programs Account Portal. Students will be notified via email when a decision is posted.
To claim their spot, accepted students must:
- Submit the Admission Decision Reply Form;
- Upload the Enrollment Contract signed by all parents with legal guardianship/legal guardians;
- Pay the non-refundable deposit, as applicable.
These steps must be completed within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program. Choate Summer Programs courses and programs fill quickly, so we encourage students to apply and enroll early while spaces remain.
Financial Aid Decisions
Financial Aid decisions are released following the January 31, 2026 priority deadline. Information on financial aid decisions is included in the acceptance letter and, as applicable, on the Course Registration Form.
Waitlisted Students
Students who are offered a place on the Waitlist receive a link to the Waitlist Reply Form in their decision letter. Those who choose to remain on the Waitlist are notified of any opportunities to enroll as spaces become available. If students are offered a place on the Waitist because the program they applied to is full, they are welcome to change their program choice to one of our offerings which still has space.
If I am only interested in Test Prep, do I have to submit a full application?
Students who only intend to enroll in Test Prep are not required to submit transcripts current grades, or recommendations. The Summer Programs Application form and application fee are still required.
Please contact the Summer Programs Office by phone at (203) 697-2365 or by email at choatesummer@choate.edu to waive the materials not required.
I participated in Choate Summer Programs 2025. How do I apply?
Applicants who completed our 2025 Academic Program have a simplified application process and are only required to:
1. Verify the 2025 information prepopulated on the application form and fill in any other updates.
2. Indicate which 2026 courses and programs are of interest
3. Upload transcript/report card (with Current Grades or program of study)
4. Pay the $100 Application Fee, if applying after January 5, 2026.
The fee is waived for students who completed the 2025 Academic Enrichment Program and who submit their 2025 application by January 5, 2025.
5. If applying for financial aid, 2025 Academic Program participants must complete the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid application form and upload supporting IRS documentation. The priority deadline is January 31, 2026.
I participated in Choate Summer Programs PRIOR TO 2025. How do I apply?
Applicants who participated in Summer Programs prior to 2025 are required to:
- Complete the application
- Pay the application fee
- Request two recommendations:
- Principal/Counselor Recommendation (inclusive of official transcripts and current grades)
- Teacher Recommendation
- Upload unofficial copy of transcripts and current grades
Past participants do not need to submit Supplemental Recommendations or upload additional information. If applying for financial aid, past participants must complete the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid form and upload supporting IRS documentation. The priority deadline is January 31, 2026.
I am a current Choate academic year student. How do I apply?
Current Choate students applying for Summer Programs admission are only required to submit the Summer Programs application (they do not need to pay an application fee, request recommendations, or upload transcripts).
If applying for Summer Programs Financial Aid, current Choate students need to complete the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid application form and upload supporting IRS documentation to the Summer Programs Student Account Portal.
Note: Matriculating and current Choate students who wish to take an eligible course to fulfill an academic year Choate diploma requirement, or a prerequisite for the academic year, are encouraged to notify the Registrar, registrar@choate.edu, as part of the application and enrollment process for Summer Programs, and must then comply with all attendance and course expectations. The Registrar will determine final eligibility, as applicable, for diploma credit and prerequisite fulfillment based upon the student’s successful completion of the course.
I am applying for both Choate Summer Programs and the Choate academic year. What do I need to do?
Summer Programs applicants who are also applying to Choate for the academic year need to submit the Summer Programs Application but do not need to submit recommendations, transcripts, and current grades (we can obtain those materials from the Admission Office).
If also applying for Summer Programs Financial Aid, the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid form must be completed and supporting IRS documentation uploaded to the Summer Programs Application Portal (financial information is not shared between the two offices).
What if I need to change information in my Student Account Portal?
For any changes to biographical information, duplicate accounts, email addresses, etc., please contact the Summer Programs Office at 203-697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu.
Do I need a B1-Visa if I’m an international student?
Please check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the requirements to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa (tourist visa) to enter the U.S. for our program. You do not need an I-20 or an F1-Visa (student visa) to attend Choate Summer Programs. If you have ESTA, please see the official ESTA website below.
We recommend starting the B-1/B-2 Visa process before, or at the same time, you start the application for our program.
The State Department has changed scheduling policies for tourist visas. If you require a visa to enter the United States of America, please schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Here are some helpful resources:
Enrollment & Tuition
Enrollment and Tuition Payment FAQ
- How do admitted students enroll?
- When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
- What are the vaccination requirements?
- How are tuition refunds processed?
How do admitted students enroll?
Applicants receive an email prompting them to view their decision on their Summer Programs Account Portal.
Admitted applicants for on-campus programming are asked to:
- Use the Admission Decision Reply Form to accept the admission offer.
- Have all parents/guardians with legal guardianship sign the Enrollment Contract, upload the contract back to the Summer Programs Student Account Portal, and pay a non-refundable $2000 deposit within two weeks of acceptance.
*Flywire student id #P000099999.
- Refer to the Summer Programs Student Account Portal checklists for required paperwork and forms.
- Register for courses using the Course Registration Form posted in the Registration Checklist on the Summer Programs Student Account Portal. Tuition can be paid in full at the time of registration, with all balances due no later than May 1, 2026. If registering for courses after May 1, tuition payment needs to be paid in full at the time course selection is made. *If the tuition bill or other fees or charges are not paid when due, Choate may assess as a penalty a monthly late fee at the rate of 1.0% per month, or the highest rate permitted by law, until the bill is paid.
Admitted applicants for Test Prep only are asked to:
- Use the Admission Decision Reply Form to accept the admission offer.
- Have all parents with legal guardianship/legal guardians sign the Enrollment Contract, upload the contract back to the portal status page, and pay the non-refundable tuition within two weeks of acceptance.
When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
Health forms must be received by Choate Health Services by April 15, 2026, for all students enrolled in on-campus programs. If enrolling after April 15, 2026, health forms must be submitted ASAP. Instructions will be in the Summer Student Account Portal once admitted. To contact Health Services with any questions, call (203) 697-2203 or email healthservices@choate.edu.
What are the vaccination requirements?
Vaccinations
Choate follows Connecticut Department of Public Health guidelines and state laws on required vaccinations for students. In Connecticut, there are no religious or non-medical exemptions granted. Religious and other non-medical vaccine exemptions from other states cannot be transferred while your student is attending school in Connecticut. As of January 2024 and per the Department of Public Health, required vaccines in Connecticut include: Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B, Tdap and Dtap, Polio, MMR, Varicella, and Meningococcal ACWY. These vaccines are available worldwide.
Catch-Up Schedule
For students who need vaccines while at Choate to comply with state requirements, the Health Center will determine an appropriate catch-up schedule to ensure compliance with state law. This catch-up schedule will be personalized to the student and informed by the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines on catch-up immunizations. Up to four catch-up immunizations will be administered on one day, and immunizations will be administered at a maximum of three days apart. The catch-up schedule must be started before arriving on campus.
Why does my student need another Meningitis ACWY Dose?
Vaccine effectiveness wanes after 5 years and meningitis can flourish in a boarding school setting, so another dose is required.
Why does my student need a Tdap booster?
To meet Connecticut requirements, children need a booster of Tdap even if they completed the Tdap series in childhood and have had one Td booster. Tdap is not the same as Td.
Can my child get required vaccines at Choate’s Health Center
While the health center does have some vaccines available for students, we do not have a supply that would meet all student needs. We recommend getting the required vaccines from your doctor or pharmacist, or scheduling an appointment at any U.S. pharmacy before coming to campus.
How are tuition refunds processed?
As part of the process of enrolling, students and families read and sign our Enrollment Contract and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure their spot in the program. Tuition payments can be paid at any time after being admitted, and accounts must be paid in full by May 1, 2026. Please refer to your 2026 Enrollment Contract for details regarding the refund policy.
Programs & Courses
Program and Course FAQ
- What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program?
- What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
- Can I enroll in more than one 2-week Workshop?
- What is the typical class size?
- How quickly do courses fill?
- What is the attendance policy?
- Do I need a laptop or tablet for this program?
- Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program on campus or Test Prep?
- Can I take Test Prep if I am also taking courses on campus?
- What does a typical class day look like?
- What are the homework guidelines?
- How do grades work and when do students receive grade reports?
- Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
- How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
- What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
- How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program?
What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
Can I enroll in more than one 2-week Workshop?
What is the typical class size?
How quickly do courses fill?
What is the attendance policy?
Students are required to attend all classes, meetings, and afternoon weekday activities, and they are required to honor other commitments such as individual appointments with teachers, adviser, deans, and members of the Summer Programs Office.
Faculty and staff are asked to report all absences and tardies, the Deans’ Office keeps track of attendance, and deans follow up with students who accumulate absences. Though students are not required to participate in weekend trips and activities sponsored by the Student Activities Center, they are encouraged to take advantage of the full array of fun and informative recreational programming provided each summer.
Do I need a laptop or tablet for this program?
Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program on campus or Test Prep?
Yes! You can apply to and enroll in more than one age-appropriate program as long as the class periods and/or the dates of the programs do not overlap.
If you received your Summer Programs admission acceptance for the on-campus program and wish to enroll in an additional program, please contact the Choate Summer Programs Office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu.
Can I take Test Prep if I am also taking courses on campus?
Yes! Students who are enrolled in on-campus programs as boarders or day students can also enroll in SSAT or SAT Test Prep.
Test Prep is a 4-week course for all participants whether online or on campus. Students in 4- or 5-week programs on campus take Test Prep courses in person. Students in 2-week programs on campus take Test Prep online (for continuity of instruction when not on campus). This means that students taking Test Prep online who are also in a Session I workshop continue with Test Prep for two weeks after leaving campus at the end of their workshop, and students taking Test Prep online who are also in a Session II workshop begin Test Prep two weeks prior to arriving on campus for their workshop.
What does a typical class day look like?
Check out the Campus Life page for examples of class day schedules and more.
What are the homework guidelines?
Middle School Programs
In general, the guideline for homework for middle school is 60 minutes per night per course. Students enrolled in workshops and multi-class programs which meet for more than one period can expect a comparable amount of homework, based on how many hours their workshop or program meets during the day. Test Prep courses average 60-90 minutes of additional out of class work per week (including 30 minutes of daily Test Prep work leading up to each of the two practice tests). Making good use of nightly Study Hours and daytime Free Periods will enable students to complete their assignments and be prepared for class.
High School Programs
In general, the guideline for homework for high school is 60 minutes per night per course. Students enrolled in workshops and multi-class programs which meet for more than one period can expect a comparable amount of homework, based on how many hours their workshop or program meets during the day. Test Prep courses average 60-90 minutes of additional out of class work per week. Making good use of nightly Study Hours, daytime Study Halls, and Free Periods will enable students to complete their assignments and be prepared for class.
Matriculating and current Choate students who sign up for courses that are eligible for Choate diploma credit or which have the potential to satisfy academic year prerequisites may be assigned additional work. This extra requirement ensures that any course taken for the purpose of credit or placement will closely reflect the academic year version of these courses.
How do grades work and when do students receive grade reports?
H = Honors
HP = High Pass
P = Pass
LP = Low Pass
F = Fail
Note: Students in Immersion Geometry receive a traditional letter grade which will be included on the Summer Transcript for current and matriculating Choate students.
Students who are only enrolled in Session I workshops will receive reports by July 17, 2026.
Students who are enrolled in the following courses and programs will receive reports by August 7, 2026:
-
4-week and 5-week courses and programs
-
Session II 2-week workshops
-
Both Session I and Session II workshops, i.e., enrolled in 4 weeks of programming on campus
Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
Students who exhibit exemplary integrity, respect, and compassion are recognized with a Citizenship Award.
This award honors students who foster social relationships and a love of learning which inspire peers and teachers, and whose contributions serve as a model for others while enriching the experience of everyone involved with Choate Summer Programs.
How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
Once students are enrolled and have been assigned a Choate Summer email account, they will have access to the Summer Student Portal which contains the Student Handbook, dates to remember, school resources, and program highlights.
What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
Each student will need to purchase an Arduino robot starter kit prior to the start of the program. Information on ordering the kit will be provided by the Summer Programs Robotics faculty. No other advanced materials are needed, but a list of recommended supplies will be sent out prior to the start of the course (scissors, glue, tape, rubber bands, scrap cardboard, popsicle sticks, etc).
How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
Once a student is enrolled, parents will be notified of a password to access the Summer Parent Portal on our website. This is where parents and families can find important additional information about our program, including virtual events, dates to remember, and program highlights.
The Summer Parent Portal is available to parents of students in the Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program, Young Artist Program, and Summer Music Festival.
General (On Campus)
General (On Campus) FAQ
- When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
- How do I access the Summer Parents Portal?
- How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
Health forms must be received by Choate Health Services by April 15, 2026, for all students enrolled in on-campus programs. If enrolling after April 15, 2026, health forms must be submitted ASAP. Instructions will be in the Summer Student Account Portal once admitted. To contact Health Services with any questions, call (203) 697-2203 or email healthservices@choate.edu.
How do I access the Summer Parents Portal?
Soon after students enroll, parents receive access to the Summer Parents Portal where they can find additional information, including:
- Important Announcements
- Parent Calendar
- Student Handbook
- Health Forms
- Virtual Events
- Program Highlights
- Airport Ground Transportation
- What to Bring
- Laundry and Linen Rental
- Music Practice Room Requests
- And more!
The Summer Parents Portal is available to parents of students in the Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program, and Young Artist Program.
How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
Test Prep
Test Prep FAQ
- Which Test Prep courses are offered?
- Which weeks do Test Prep courses meet?
- What are the Test Prep options if I enroll in programs on campus?
- Can I add a Test Prep class after I'm already enrolled in programs on campus?
- Can I take Test Prep if I am not enrolled in courses on campus?
- Will I need specific equipment or software to participate in Online Test Prep courses?
- Are Online Test Prep classes synchronous or asynchronous?
- Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers in Online Test Prep courses?
- How do I access my Online Test Prep classes?
Which Test Prep courses are offered?
Which weeks do Test Prep courses meet?
What are the Test Prep options if I enroll in programs on campus?
Test Prep courses meet twice a week for 4 weeks—June 29 to July 24, 2026—plus 2 opportunities to take a practice test with the option to self-proctor.
All times are Eastern
|
Course Location |
Course Type & Grade |
Dates & Times |
Enrollment in One of These |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Person |
High School SAT & SSAT |
Mon & Thu, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET |
|
|
Middle School SSAT |
Tue & Wed, 6:15-7:15 p.m. ET |
||
|
Online |
High School SAT |
Mon & Thu, 6:30-7:30 p.m ET |
|
|
High School & Middle School SSAT |
Tue & Wed, 6:15-7:15 p.m. ET |
Can I add a Test Prep class after I'm already enrolled in programs on campus?
Yes! If you are already enrolled in a program on campus, you can add a 4-week Test Prep course through a link on in the Student Account Portal. If you do not see a link to add Test Prep, please contact our office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu.
Can I take Test Prep if I am not enrolled in courses on campus?
Yes! Students who are not enrolled in other programs on campus can enroll in 4-week Online Test Prep
Test Prep courses meet twice a week for 4 weeks—June 29 to July 24, 2026—plus 2 opportunities to take a practice test with the option to self-proctor.
All times are Eastern
|
Course Location |
Course Type & Grade |
Dates & Times |
|---|---|---|
|
In-Person |
SAT, High School |
Mon & Thu, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET |
|
SSAT, High School & Middle School (combined class) |
Tue & Wed, 6:15-7:15 p.m. ET |
|
|
Online |
SSAT, High School & Middle School (combined class) |
One of the following:
|
| Online SAT High School | Period 6: Monday/Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET |
Will I need specific equipment or software to participate in Online Test Prep courses?
To participate in online Test Prep courses, students need an internet connection and a device that supports live video and audio communications. The minimum requirement for a device is a computer, iPad, or Chromebook equipped with a web camera as well as speakers and microphone/headphones. We provide access to the following software: Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Teams, and Canvas.
It is important for students to have reliable internet access and to be mindful of data charges if planning to participate via devices that are not on Wi-Fi.