CONTINUING EDUCATION
Hofstra Youth Programs
Hofstra Youth Programs provide year-round academic and enrichment courses for kids and teens across Long Island. Our classes help students build confidence, explore interests, and develop new skills — from early elementary learning to advanced enrichment and precollegiate preparation for college-bound teens.
Hofstra’s Four Seasons of Learning
Winter
A great time for skill refreshers and enrichment in academics, STEM, and creative subjects.
Spring
Build momentum with courses that support academic growth and encourage exploration.
Summer
Dive into hands-on learning experiences through academic review and creative projects.
Fall
Start strong with programs that reinforce key skills and introduce new learning pathways.
Youth Academy
Youth Academy offers year-round academic and enrichment programs for students in grades Pre-K–12. Classes are taught by New York State–certified teachers and experienced professionals who create a supportive, hands-on learning environment. Programs complement school learning while helping students build confidence, strengthen skills, and explore new areas of interest.
Program Highlights
- Academic enrichment in reading, writing, math, and study skills
- STEM, digital media, and technology-based classes
- Creative arts, cartooning, and world languages
- Speech, debate, and communication skills
- Engaging fall, winter, spring, and summer offerings
- Small class sizes & individualized attention
Youth Academy Programs by Subject
Reading & Writing
Interactive literacy programs that strengthen reading comprehension, grammar, writing structure, and expressive language.
View Classes
Math Skills & Problem-Solving
Build confidence in core math skills, number sense, and logical reasoning through engaging, supportive instruction.
View Classes
STEM / STEAM
Hands-on programs exploring science, engineering, robotics, coding, and maker challenges that build creativity and innovation.
View Classes
Digital Media & Technology
Courses in video game development, Scratch programming, Minecraft coding, 3D design, and other digital skills for future-ready learners.
View Classes
Art, Cartooning & Creative Expression
Drawing, cartooning, painting, and visual storytelling programs that encourage creativity and artistic confidence.
View Classes
World Languages
Fun introductions to Spanish, French, ASL, or other languages that build vocabulary, cultural understanding, and conversational skills.
View Classes
Speech, Debate & Communication
Programs designed to help students build persuasive speaking skills, confidence, and effective communication strategies.
View Classes
Drama, Theatre & Performance
Creative performance programs that develop confidence, collaboration, and expressive communication.
View Classes
Study Skills & Academic Strategy
Instruction in organization, note-taking, test preparation, and time management to support academic independence.
View Classes
View Classes By Grade Level and Enroll
About the Gifted Academy
Hofstra University’s Gifted Academy provides advanced, fast-paced academic and enrichment programs for high-ability learners in grades K through 8. Designed to nurture intellectual curiosity and accelerate academic growth, our programs support gifted students with rigorous instruction, small class sizes, and opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning. Our gifted programs run year-round—including fall, spring, and summer—and offer both school-year enrichment classes and an immersive gifted summer camp on Long Island.
Application Process
A $50 nonrefundable application fee applies.
Applicants must submit:
- Gifted Academy Application — Online Form
- Test scores or IQ scores (optional if teacher recommendations are submitted)
- Two Teacher Recommendations — Online Form
Once reviewed, eligible students will be notified of acceptance and may enroll in either school-year gifted classes or our summer gifted camp.
School-Year Programming
(Youth Academy Gifted Track)
Accelerated weekend enrichment for high-ability learners who want deeper academic challenge during the school year.
- Grades K-8
- 8-week fall & spring sessions
- Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Students take three one-hour classes each Saturday
- Students choose courses each time block
- Course offerings vary by semester
- Application required
Summer Programming
(Gifted Camp)
An immersive two-week summer experience combining accelerated academics, hands-on projects, and enrichment activities.
- Grades 2-8
- Two-week sessions
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Campers choose two academic areas
- 45 minutes per day in each academic area
- Lunch, recreation, swim, and special activities included
- Application required
Precollegiate Programs
Hofstra’s Precollegiate Programs provide motivated high school students with advanced academic enrichment, hands-on learning, and early exposure to college-level expectations. Through year-round courses and our immersive Summer Academy, students explore academic pathways, discover potential majors, and build the skills needed for future success. Explore year-round courses and our intensive summer academy below.
Precollegiate at a Glance
| Program Type | When Offered | Format | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precollegiate Programs — Year-Round | Fall, Winter, Spring | 6–8 week courses; Saturdays / weekday evenings | 9–12 |
| Precollegiate Summer Academy (Summer Camps) | Summer | 1–2 week full-day programs | 9–12 |
Program Highlights
- Career exploration across law, business, engineering, medicine, and media
- College-level skills: writing, research, communication, and critical thinking
- Hands-on STEM labs, coding, digital media, and applied projects
- Guidance from university faculty and industry professionals
- Small classes that build confidence and college readiness
Summer Schedule
- One-week intensives combining academic rigor with hands-on learning
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- In-depth themed academic tracks
- Guest speakers, lab experiences, and field visits
- Integrated recreation, lunch, and campus activities
- Designed as an immersive “preview” of college life
Precollegiate Program Areas
Early Registration Discount — Save 10%
Register at least two weeks before the start of classes to receive a 10% discount on fall, winter, and spring Precollegiate courses.
An engaging program introducing students to college life, time management, history, psychology, social sciences, and basic science.
Help students understand how to align personal goals with meaningful career options through self-assessment activities, exploration of diverse career fields, and personalized career planning.
An immersive summer program that invites high school students to step into the world of multisensory creativity.
Learn the fundamentals of starting and running a business in this 5-day program.
This program is designed to give precollegiate students an overview of the world of finance and investment decisions.
Join our Introduction to Law course for an immersive overview of the legal system, key legal concepts, and career pathways in law.
Students develop leadership skills, public speaking confidence, and presentation abilities through interactive activities, collaborative projects, and real-world leadership scenarios.
MedPathways is an immersive summer camp program designed for high school students who are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in medicine.
Discover your future in this Signature Program designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare you for college success!
Step into a dynamic literary experience where language, style, and storytelling converge!
Our hands-on curriculum centers around teaching the fundamental skills needed for the sports journalism and broadcasting industry.
Explore diverse teaching pathways across elementary, secondary, and specialized education programs while learning effective instructional methods and connecting with Hofstra education faculty.
An introductory TESOL program offering an inside look into teaching English to multilingual learners. Learn foundational teaching methods, classroom strategies, and project-based learning techniques.