FAQ: Programs
More Than a Middle School Summer Camp
Have questions about EXPLO? Wondering why we’re more than a middle school summer camp program? We’ve collected a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) about our programs. See how we’re part middle school academic summer program, part adventure.
How is EXPLO different?
We build more than lessons. We build worlds. Unlike traditional middle school academic summer camps, your child can be a surgeon in the OR, a designer pitching their fashion line, and a diplomat negotiating a high-stakes treaty. They have more fun—and deeper learning—when their new skills are forged in the fire of immersive worlds and stories.
Unlike middle school summer camp programs, EXPLO programs are designed to help your child find their spark. How does it work? They can choose from a huge menu of activities across any subject to experiment with who they are, what they like, and who they can become. In the EXPLO 360° program, students can take courses in law, engineering, culinary arts, and more. They don’t have to pick a track that predefines who they can be. They can also explore different paths within a topic of interest through dedicated Medical Rotations and Veterinary Science focus programs.
What ages/grades can attend EXPLO?
Like most middle school summer programs, EXPLO programs are for tweens and teens age 12-14 (rising grades 7-9).
Should I choose the Overnight or Day program?
The Residential/Overnight Option is an immersive, phone-free experience for connection and growth. In two weeks, your child's confidence and maturity soar. It also readies them for high school and beyond as they manage schedules, balance academics and friendships, and adapt to campus life. Includes room, board, academics, staff check-ins, evening events, and weekend trips. The Day Option runs 8:30am-5:30pm. It includes academic programming, lunch on campus, clubs, sports, and activities. There are additional flexible options for Day students, who can choose to stay later, enjoy dinner, and participate in the evening events on campus.
Need more help choosing between EXPLO’s two-week Residential or Day program? Or want more insights into how your tween or teen’s experience will be different from a traditional summer camp for middle school students? Learn More:
A Day in the Life at EXPLO
Residential vs. Day Programs
Where are EXPLO programs located?
EXPLO has dedicated space on Wellesley College’s gorgeous 500-acre campus in Wellesley, MA, just 30 minutes west of downtown Boston. Picture lakeside lawns, a botanical garden, art museum, and more. On-site evening events and carnivals pair with off-campus foodie tours, harbor cruises, Red Sox games, and Boston’s endless culture. The EXPLO experience is so much more than a summer camp for middle school.
What are the 2026 session dates?
Session 1 Overnight: 6/28 - 7/11
Session 1 Day: 6/29 - 7/10
Session 2 Overnight: 7/12 - 7/25
Session 2 Day: 7/13 - 7/24
What is the application deadline?
We accept applications on a rolling basis until programs have reached capacity. It is recommended applying as soon as possible to ensure your child's spot in their chosen program and classes, as we enroll first-come-first-serve. Enroll by Dec 31st to qualify for the Early Bird discount.
What kinds of programs and classes are offered through EXPLO?
You can’t get the EXPLO experience in a typical summer camp for middle school:
EXPLO 360° lets students design a custom program—choosing two workshops and two electives from 50-plus options spanning everything from aeronautical engineering to comedy.
Medical Rotations drops aspiring clinicians into a real-world scenarios where they place IVs, read X-rays, intubate, suture, and more, with input from medical professionals. They also visit the STRATUS Simulation Lab used by medical students from Harvard and physicians at the Brigham and Women's Hospital to use high fidelity training equipment like robotic bodies.
Veterinary Science moves the action to the animal world: students check vitals, diagnose illnesses, splint fractures, perform CPR, and learn behavior “reads,” with visits from veterinarians and technicians. Your future veterinarian will get an inside look at an equine center and zoo.
How is instruction delivered? What is Experiential Learning?
Unlike middle school academic summer camps, instruction at EXPLO starts with world building. We stage every classroom just as you would for a play or television show. The learning environment is immersive and happens in hands-on, project-based workshops. Students build, test, debate, diagnose, and create in small collaborative groups—instead of sitting through lectures.
That’s experiential learning—learning by doing. This way, you actively imagine, feel, and practice the work of scientists, designers, medics, and more.
What are typical class sizes at EXPLO?
We pride ourselves on our 1 : 7 staff-to-student ratio and our small class sizes (16 students or fewer for EXPLO 360° programs). Instruction and support is personal at EXPLO. This allows us to take a more custom approach than a summer camp for middle school.
Where can I find course information?
There isn’t much room for personalization in traditional middle school summer camp programs. EXPLO programs allow your teen to build a unique experience made just for them. EXPLO courses can be found here:
Is EXPLO more of a “fun camp” or serious academic enrichment?
Great question. EXPLO is an academic enrichment program. You get a bit of both. Unlike most middle school summer camp programs, EXPLO programs are built around scientific research: tweens and teens learn more when they get to experience the topics rather than just hear about them. (Adults learn better this way too!) By engaging your middle schooler’s imagination and curiosity, we see true learning and growth. Sparks fly! Many of our courses involve staged “sets” and realistic scenarios to amplify this effect.
Does EXPLO provide reports regarding student performance?
At the end of the program, students receive a certificate of completion. They do not receive a grade or written report. Our program is deliberately exploratory. Students learn by doing real-world projects and simulations rather than taking tests. Progress is shown through what they create, the skills they practice, the interests they develop, and the reflections they bring home. You’ll be surprised by how much they have to say after these two action-packed weeks!
What is your organization's history?
Founded in 1976 as a nonprofit startup out of MIT, EXPLO has brought together 90,000+ young people from 101 countries. Our alumni have founded startups like Instagram and nonprofits for climate resilience, won Grammy and Tony awards, become NASA scientists, and more. We’ve been inspiring 12-14 year-olds for decades, growing into a Middle States–accredited leader in summer enrichment.
Is EXPLO affiliated with a university, political party, or government organization?
No. EXPLO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We’ve been running our programs on the Wellesley College campus for roughly 50 years, but we’re not owned, operated, or funded by any university, political party, or government entity. Our programming, admissions, and curriculum decisions remain entirely non-sectarian and non-partisan.
Learn More About EXPLO
What are the eligibility requirements for EXPLO?
EXPLO programs are for tweens and teens age 12-14 (rising grades 7-9). We accept students from all 50 states and across the world.
Can you make an age exception?
We specialize in middle schoolers aged 12-14. If your child is entering grades 7-9 in the fall but is one year outside of the age range, please contact us at summer@explo.org.
Can international students attend EXPLO?
Yes! EXPLO accepts students from around the world. Visit our webpage for international students to learn more.
What are the English language requirements to attend EXPLO?
To enroll, you must be able to speak and understand English at an advanced intermediate to fluent level. International students who do not attend a school with an English language-based curriculum may need to interview with EXPLO so that we can confirm their English abilities. Once you’ve submitted an application and deposit, we’ll contact you about scheduling an interview.
In the case that we ascertain your student’s English abilities are not quite strong enough, we will refund your deposit.
We don't teach English and are not an English language immersion program. Your tween or teen will likely become more comfortable interacting in and speaking English full time, but EXPLO is meant to be a cultural immersion experience.
Visit our webpage for international students to learn more.
What type of visa is required to attend EXPLO? Why isn't a student visa required?
Most students enter on a visitor visa (B-2)—or via the Visa Waiver/ESTA program, if their country is eligible. EXPLO’s summer sessions are short, non-credit enrichment courses, so EXPLO participants attend on tourist visas that cover short recreational and cultural study.
After you enroll and pay your balance, EXPLO will provide a support letter you can attach to your B-2 or ESTA application if the consular officer requests confirmation of purpose of travel.
How many international students attend EXPLO?
Roughly one-third of EXPLO students come from outside the United States each summer. This gives EXPLO a truly global mix. In total, we’ve welcomed 90,000-plus students from 101 countries since 1977. Your child will meet peers from around the world. Our international traditions run deeper than most middle school summer camp programs.
How do I apply to EXPLO and/or log in to my application?
Apply online in three quick steps.
- Click Enroll Now to fill out basic information about the student and guardian.
- Once you’ve submitted, you’ll be directed to the secure application portal where you’ll pick your program and pay the deposit to hold a seat.
- You can then use the Login link to finish the application or upload required forms.
What are the deadlines to apply?
We accept applications on a rolling basis until programs have reached capacity. It is recommended applying as soon as possible to ensure your child's spot in their chosen program and classes, as we enroll first-come-first-serve. Enroll by Dec 31st to qualify for the Early Bird discount.
Are all students accepted?
Because of the immersive approach of our programs, we keep class sizes small (capped at 16 for EXPLO 360° programs) so every student can play an active role. This means that we can’t accept everyone who applies. Here are some steps that help determine admittance:
- Interests & maturity: Students submit a teacher recommendation, and Focus-program applicants (Medical Rotations or Veterinary Science) add a short personal essay. This information helps us assess if a student is likely to thrive at the program.
- Language ability: Because our programs are delivered in English, we confirm that students speak English well enough to fully participate in discussion, follow directions, and easily connect with other students.
- Fit & capacity: Because the program’s mix of structure and independence isn’t right for every learner—and spaces fill quickly—some applicants may be wait-listed or advised to reapply the following year.
Please apply by the priority deadline (Feb 15th, 2026) to support your admittance to the program.
How long does it take to be accepted into the program?
As soon as you finish the online application and pay the tuition deposit, EXPLO conditionally holds a seat for you and issues a confirmation email—usually within minutes, always within a business day. Once any required teacher recommendation / essay forms arrive, your enrollment is reviewed and an admission confirmation is made. Most families hear back from us 1-3 days after submitting final supporting documents.
What does it mean if I am waitlisted?
If you’re waitlisted, it means the spots for the upcoming session are full. However, we add you to the waitlist and continue to evaluate your application in case confirmed students have to change their plans. Your application is reviewed, and a final admission decision is made. Waitlisted students who meet all criteria and are deemed a good fit for the program are offered spots that open up in order of application.
When do I choose classes?
As soon as you submit your application and pay the deposit, all necessary enrollment forms will immediately open up, including the Workshops + Electives form (for EXPLO 360°) or the Focus Essay (for Vet Science or Med Rotations). Complete these as soon as you can—classes are first-come, first-served and tend to fill by spring. You will also need to complete the Teacher Recommendation form and English Language Interview (as relevant). As soon as we receive, review, and approve your submitted forms, your enrollment in the program will be finalized, and your final schedule will be shared.
Can I change courses after the program begins?
On the first day of classes, there is an add/drop period where students can change workshops if the course isn't what they expected, as long as there is space in their new course of interest.
I'm enrolled to attend the program. What happens next?
Congratulations! You’re ready to complete the final steps of the process. As soon as you submit your application and pay the deposit, all necessary forms will immediately open up, including the Workshops + Electives form (for 360°) or the Focus Essay (for Vet Science or Med Rotations). Complete these as soon as you can—classes are first-come, first-served and tend to fill by spring. You will also need to complete the Teacher Recommendation form and English Language Interview (as relevant). As soon as we receive, review, and approve your submitted forms, your enrollment in the program will be finalized and your final schedule will be shared.
Here’s an outline of the entire application and enrollment process:
- Submit application + deposit (you're conditionally enrolled now)
- Submit teacher recommendation, Focus essay if applicable, English language interview (for international students), and workshop + elective form
- Once all documents are submitted and reviewed, your student is fully enrolled and sent an email confirmation (and class schedule EXPLO 360°).
- Then you’ll fill out pre-summer forms and payment in the lead up to the April deadline.
Who works at EXPLO?
EXPLO has a team of dedicated staff members to dream up creative workshops, connect with program collaborators and advisors, set exciting events and trips, and be a guiding and supportive presence for your child while they’re on the EXPLO campus. All staff complete rigorous background checks and pre-summer training. A 24/7 health-center team includes registered nurses. With a 1 : 7 staff-to-student ratio and live-in advisors on every dorm floor, guidance and safety stay personal.
Example Program Collaborators
American Red Cross, Animal Rescue League, Biogen, Boston Celtics, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Karp Lab, state-level Supreme Court members, ESPN, Foreign Affairs, Council on Foreign Relations, Google, HBO, Illumina Biotechnology, JetBlue, Major League Soccer, NASA, Attorney General offices, Reebok, and more
Who teaches at EXPLO and what are their qualifications?
EXPLO faculty are professional teachers and practitioners who love engaging the middle school mind in their areas of expertise. They are scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, activists, lawyers, doctors, actors, and more from every industry and institutions from around the country—and world.
All faculty pass rigorous background checks and pre-summer training. We also have full-time professional instructional coaches staffing our summer Office of Teaching and Learning. We take the quality of teaching so seriously that we visit every class, and all teachers—regardless of how long they have been teaching—make a commitment to improve their craft while teaching here.
How do I apply to work at EXPLO?
Visit our hiring page to see what positions are available. We hire a range of roles, from student advisors to professional instructors. You can then complete an application to work at EXPLO.
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