Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

What to Expect During SMSSP

Summer: July 11 - July 22, 2022

On Wednesday, July 6 (4:30-5:30PM PDT) and Thursday, July 7 (4:00-5:00PM PDT), students are required to attend an orientation that will include an overview of the summer course, student life activities, and technology platforms. Parents/legal guardians are invited to attend orientation. All other summer class meetings, office hours, and online synchronous events are reserved for students.

During your summer course, you will meet each day (Monday–Friday) for a live, virtual Zoom classroom discussion led by your course instructor. Active participation in class discussion is key to creating an online community of engaged learners, and we expect all participants to attend class every day.

Not only will SMSSP provide you with an enriching academic experience, but we also want to have some fun along the way! Our online program incorporates optional student life activities that build community, promote social and academic growth, and inspire lifelong learning beyond the classroom. Each week, participants will have the opportunity to attend virtual cafes, group discussions on shared interests, and our Talent Show.

During your summer course, you will also be required to attend sessions hosted by Stanford Online High School’s Writing and Tutoring Center and the Tech Support Team.

Academic Year: August 17, 2022 - March 31, 2023

Prior to your academic year cohort meetings, students are required to attend an additional orientation that will cover the Adobe Connect platform and include an overview of the program’s schedule.

During the academic year, you will meet once a week with your classroom instructor using the Adobe Connect platform, where you will have the opportunity to build an online community with your peers and develop academic skills across a range of topics, such as reading and writing, critical thinking, and time management.

As a part of your weekly meeting, guest speakers from Stanford Online High School will offer focused workshops. Meetings open to parents and legal guardians are noted here. All other meetings are reserved for students.
Writing and Tutoring Center Workshop Series (students)
Our Writing and Tutoring Center will join us for a series of workshops designed to build writing skills and confidence. Students will learn how to develop personal statements, find their literary voice, and create an E-Portfolio.
Stanford Online High School Admissions (parents/legal guardians and students)
Our OHS Admissions team will cover application tips, personal essay writing, video essays and other information to provide support in the high school application process.
Proactive Communications Circles (students)
OHS Counseling will join us for a short series of semi-structured workshops designed to come together as a group and provide an opportunity to hear and learn about each other's perspectives.
College Application Information Session (parents/legal guardians and students)
OHS College Counseling Office will provide a grade level-appropriate overview of the college application process, a timeline for students, and an opportunity for students and parents/legal guardians to ask questions they may have about the process.
Four Sessions of Stanford Math Circles (students)
Math Circles connect students to math as mathematicians see it; not as a set of drills but as a rich field with a wide range of methods, concepts and applications that reward creativity.