Pre-College Programs

Ready to get a head start on your academic and career journey? Our pre-college programs offer motivated high school students the opportunity to explore new fields, develop valuable skills, and experience college life—all before graduation. Whether you're looking to dive into advanced coursework, explore your passions, or get a taste of university culture, our programs provide a supportive environment for growth, discovery, and preparation for the next step in your educational path. Start building your future today with our dynamic pre-college opportunities! Please note that Script & Story Workshop, Young Writer's Retreat and 3D Animation camps are non-residential.

  • Young Writers Retreat

    This two-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors helps students improve their writing skills for college while nurturing their love of the craft. Participants will work on standout essays, enhance creativity, and deepen their passion for writing through workshops with writers and industry professionals. They'll also explore Washington D.C.'s vibrant literary scene. The program aims to strengthen writing skills, inspire creative expression, and encourage college level writing.

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  • Participants at group study

    Script & Story Workshop

    The Script & Story Workshop is a summer program for high schoolers to explore TV, film, and playwriting while sharpening their storytelling skills. Through hands-on workshops led by industry professionals, students will learn scriptwriting, storyboarding, character development, and plot crafting. They’ll also explore Washington, D.C., visiting theaters and iconic landmarks. By the end, participants will have a portfolio of work and the chance to see their scripts brought to life. Spend your summer at CUA!

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  • Get Your Game On: Intro to 3D Modeling and Animation

    A dynamic two-week summer arts camp in Washington, DC, where young artists will dive into gaming design, explore iconic museums, engage with guest artist lectures, and develop a strong portfolio showcasing their diverse talents. This immersive experience is designed to inspire creativity and foster artistic growth in a vibrant cultural setting and help create an artistic portfolio ready for college.

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  • Architecture Summer Program

    The Experiences in Architecture program at The Catholic University of America is an intense three-week, pre-college workshop for students interested in architecture or other design-related fields. 

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  • Dual Enrollment For Eligible High School Students

    Catholic University offers dual enrollment courses to eligible high school students, allowing students to earn Catholic University credits before the official start of their undergraduate studies. Availability will be determined after the University’s students complete their registration process.

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  • Engineering Summer Programs

    Calling all future engineers! We are excited to offer two engineering summer institutes: the Engineering New Frontiers Institute, which offers content in each of the engineering disciplines; and the Computational Biosciences Institute.

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  • High School Drama Institute

    Catholic University's High School Drama Institute is a residential program for students who wish to pursue intensive summer training in the performing arts. Study voice, movement, and acting with experts in the field!

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  • Nursing Pre-College Program

    The Conway School of Nursing Camp is a one-week program designed to aid students in understanding the essence of nursing practice and explore nursing as a career and profession. 

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