20 Best Summer Programs in Richmond, VA for 2026

As a Higher Education Reform Expert based in the United States, I analyze summer programs across the country to identify ones that provide enriching and meaningful experiences for students. After extensive research, I have compiled this expert guide on the 20 best summer programs offered in Richmond, Virginia in 2024.

From academic camps at prestigious institutions to recreational programs focused on creativity and performing arts, this guide features an diverse range of options to match different interests, goals, and budgets. I evaluate these programs based on key criteria such as the quality of instruction, range of activities offered, strengths of facilities and resources, safety protocols and supervision, as well as cost and affordability.

The programs featured in this guide are innovative in their program offerings while also maintaining high educational standards. They aim to support the well-rounded development of participants by building their skills and knowledge while also fostering friendships, confidence, leadership abilities, and civic awareness.

As the needs and expectations of students and families evolve, these 20 Richmond organizations lead the way in developing summer opportunities that are enriching, empowering, and engaging. Their exceptional programs enable young people to make the most of their summer breaks.

1. University of Richmond Pre-Collegiate Program

The University of Richmond‘s Pre-Collegiate Program allows rising 8th to 12th graders to gain first-hand experiences of college life both in and outside the classroom. Participants live on campus, take courses of their choosing, and participate in social activities with students from over 15 states and 10 countries. With a 5:1 student-instructor ratio and advanced curriculum, it provides rigorous academic development. The program duration ranges from 1 to 6 weeks.

Key Info:

• Address: 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173
• Phone: (804) 289-8640
• Website: richmond.edu/prep
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

2. MathScience Innovation Center Summer Camps

The MathScience Innovation Center, located on the campus of Richmond Public Schools, offers over 20 specialized summer camps in STEM fields for elementary to high school students. With topics ranging from forensics to robotics to medicine, participants gain exposure to diverse disciplines via interactive lessons, experiments, competitions, and hands-on projects. All instructors are verified educators with particular expertise in their camp’s focal area.

Key Info:

• Address: 2204 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Phone: (804) 343-6534
• Website: msinnovation.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

3. Visual Arts Center of Richmond Summer Studios

With specialized studios for drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry making and more, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond provides immersive summer camps for creative kids ages 4-15. Experienced teaching artists guide students as they find their artistic voices and develop new skills through open-ended, process-based projects. Students exhibit their work on the last day.

Key Info:

• Address: 1812 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 353-0094
• Website: visarts.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

4. Children’s Museum of Richmond Summer Camps

At the Children’s Museum of Richmond‘s summer camps, kids entering 1st through 6th grades explore science, art, and literacy through interactive, hands-on programming. Each week focuses on a different theme, spanning topics like space exploration, fascinating physics, and habitats of the world. Campers also enjoy outdoor play, crafts, games, and waterplay in the museum‘s 2-acre backyard.

Key Info:

• Address: 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 474-7000
• Website: c-mor.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

5. MathScience Innovation Center‘s Girls STEM Academy

Designed to empower middle school girls in STEM, this 2-week residential program provides immersive experiences in various technical fields. Participants live on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus while taking interactive courses, visiting research labs, designing projects, shadowing professionals, and more. They form friendships and gain confidence in their STEM abilities.

Key Info:

• Phone: (804) 519-9548
• Website: vcu.edu
• Social Media: Instagram

6. Richmond Ballet Summer Intensive

This prestigious 4-week program draws advanced young dancers ages 13-21 seeking to refine their classical ballet technique and artistry. Under the guidance of the Richmond Ballet’s professional faculty, participants take classes in ballet, pointe, pas de deux, character, and more. Performances cap off the intensive training experience. Auditions are required for admission.

Key Info:

• Address: 407 E Canal St, Richmond, VA 23219
• Phone: (804) 344-0906 x224
• Website: richmondballet.com
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

7. MathScience Innovation Center‘s CodeRVA High School

CodeRVA High School offers a rigorous computer science-focused curriculum for rising 9th to 12th graders in the Richmond region. The extended year program includes a 6-week fundamentals-based summer academy focused on coding, cybersecurity, game design, and app development via student-centered, project-based learning. College credits can be earned.

Key Info:

• Address: 2204 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Phone: (804) 343-6534
• Website: coderva.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

8. Richmond Jazz Workshop

Middle and high school jazz enthusiasts can hone their musical talents at this acclaimed summer workshop hosted on Virginia Commonwealth University‘s campus. Participants work with passionate instructors and visiting artists across various jazz instrumentation tracks. The small-group learning environment allows for individual mentorship and growth in technique, theory, and style.

Key Info:

• Phone: (804) 330-9976
• Website: richmondjazzworkshop.com
• Social Media: Instagram

9. Richmond Rock Academy Summer Camps

Held at the Living Arts Collective in Manchester, the Richmond Rock Academy offers summer rock music camps tailored to varying age groups and experience levels from beginner to advanced. Professional musicians mentor campers ages 7 to 17 in instrumental instruction,band workshops, songwriting, recording arts, and stage confidence-building. Mini concerts let kids showcase their progress.

Key Info:

• Address: 203 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224
• Phone: (804) 232-3757 ex 3
• Website: richmondrockacademy.com
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram

10. Virginia Museum of History & Culture Summer Camps

At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture‘s themed camps for ages 5-12, young learners dive into topics spanning archaeology, colonial craftmaking, geology, Native American heritage, and more. Through object study, artmaking, drama, and gallery exploration with educators and curators, campers gain memorable introductions to Virginia’s history.

Key Info:

• Address: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 342-9663
• Website: VirginiaHistory.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

11. Stella Adler Studio‘s Theater Summer Camp

Students ages 10-18 can immerse themselves in the world of acting and theater production at this multi-week performing arts program. Held at the historic November Theater in downtown Richmond, the summer intensive includes master classes led by NYC instructors, elective workshops, technique training, rehearsals for fully staged plays, and final performances.

Key Info:

• Address: 1142 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (888) 673-5300
• Website: stellaadler.com
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

12. MathScience Innovation Center’s Summer Laureate Institute

Rising sophomores and juniors with talent in STEAM subject areas are selected via competitive application for this fully sponsored 4-week residential experience hosted at University of Richmond. Participants take interdisciplinary courses focused on innovation while also benefiting from research, mentorships, field trips to high tech firms, and teambuilding exercises to boost leadership abilities.

Key Info:

• Phone: (804) 343-6534
• Website: msinnovation.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

13. University of Richmond Summer Scholars

Academically gifted students can participate in this 3-week residential enrichment program geared towards rising juniors and seniors. Through college-level coursework, workshops, specialized tracks of study, and social events, Summer Scholars gain a preview of undergraduate life. Participants live in dorms and leverage UR‘s first-rate academic facilities and resources.

Key Info:

• Address: 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173
• Phone: (804) 287-6000
• Website: richmond.edu
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

14. Rosie‘s Theater Kids Richmond

This performing arts program founded by Rosie O’Donnell provides underserved Richmond public school students with free summer training in dance, vocal performance, and drama. Under the guidance of professional artists, participants develop creative expression and presentation skills. The program culminates in an original musical theater production. Camp spans 5 weeks from July 5 to August 4.

Key Info:

• Address: Altria Theater, 6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (212) 726-7002 ex 756
• Website: rosies theaterkids.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

15. MathScience Innovation Center Computer Science Summer Academy

Rising 9th through 12th graders gain exposure to many aspects of computer science at this 4-week summer academy hosted at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Students build coding skills in Python, Javascript, HTML/CSS while also tackling robotics challenges, creating video games, and exploring cybersecurity. College credits and internships may be available.

Key Info:

• Phone: (804) 643-6589
• Website: msinnovation.org
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

16. Higher Achievement Richmond

Created to help cultivate the next generation of community leaders, this 8-week academic mentoring program serves middle school students from underserved communities. Participants work one-on-one with college-aged mentors and attend enriching learning labs spanning STEM, robotics, entrepreneurship, college prep, and more to help unlock participants’ potential.

Key Info:

• Address: 601 Thalbro Street, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 230-7155
• Website: higherachievement.org
• Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

17. Richmond Jazz & Music Academy Combo Camp

Students dive into jazz theory and ensemble work at this small-group musical development camp for school band members entering grades 6-9. Held at Collegiate School‘s creative arts center, campers form a jazz combo and work collaboratively to select tunes, write arrangements, rehearse, and ultimately perform concerts that demonstrate their progress mastering improvisational jazz skills.

Key Info:

• Address: Chamberlayne Campus, 4133 Maple Ave, Richmond, VA 2322
• Phone: (804) 740-2662
• Website: richmondjazzacademy.com
• Social Media:

18. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School

Art students ages 5 to 18 can immerse themselves in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media at this leading fine arts institution. Offering summer arts intensives as day camps or workshops of varying lengths, participants build creativity and technical abilities under the guidance of professional teaching artists.

Key Info:

• Address: 200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 340-1518
• Website: VMFA.museum
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

19. MathScience Summer Innovation Programs at Maggie Walker Governor‘s School

Rising 6th through rising seniors can challenge themselves via on-campus summer courses in STEAM topics at this specialized institution for gifted learners in Richmond. With subjects like organic chemistry, genetics, computer science, and architecture offered, students fuel their passions while leveraging MWGS’s excellent facilities and learning resources.

Key Info:

• Address: 1000 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Phone: (804) 354-6800 x2145
• Website: maggiewalker.org
• Social Media: Facebook

20. Shady Grove Adventist Summer Camp

Kids ages 5 to 15 can take part in classic sleepaway camp activities like horseback riding, swimming, archery, hiking, campfires, arts & crafts, and worship services at Shady Grove Adventist Camp’s various summer programs. With 330 acres located by the James River to explore, campers make friends and memories while growing in independence.

Key Info:

• Address: 16160 Chappell Ln, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
• Phone: (804) 561-0068
• Website: ShadyGroveCamp.com
• Social Media: Facebook