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Badger Precollege Classes

Think like a Badger. Badger Precollege offers in-person and online programs in humanities, music, business, psychology, government, STEM, college prep and more — all designed to help students in grades 2–12 find their passion, meet new friends and explore their future.

Use the search filters to find the class, program or workshop that matches your interests.

If you are looking for information about sports camps, field trips and other youth programs offered by our UW–Madison partners — including Badger Sports Camps, Wisconsin 4-H, the Language Institute and others — view campus programs.

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Classes (75)

Themes in Literature: Bravery (Grades 5-6)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Explore written works centered on the theme of bravery. Expect a mix of essays, short stories, speeches, and stories to be discussed. Master literary analysis techniques to help reflect on and confidently articulate ideas on what it means to have courage and "be brave."

The Plant Kingdom (Grades 5-6)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

In-person

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Explore plant anatomy, ecology, and their vital roles in the environment. Plan to explore campus gardens and consider the role of agriculture, landscape architecture and other ways human and plant life interact. Gain skills to observe and understand the natural world.

A Class of Characters (Grades 5-8)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

In-person

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

In this course, we'll explore the process of how an actor can effectively portray a character. Through scene work exercises we'll dive into the motivation of a character and consider the best tactics an actor can use to communicate that to an audience. We'll unleash your creativity through improv exercises as you set your character loose, creating a story on the fly!

[Week 1 FULL] Introduction to Computer Science (Grades 5-8)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

In-person

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

July 21–25, 2025

In-person

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Learn about object-oriented programming, and how to write and execute code using the Java programming language, via the Greenfoot programming environment. Students will learn programming fundamentals while participating in authentic coding activities that place an emphasis on problem-solving and creativity. Explore coding by examining a set of interesting scenarios, solving coding problems and competing in a fun coding challenge. Then begin to design your own game or simulation!

[FULL] World Mythology (Grades 7 8)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

In-person

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Mythology means more than just Mount Olympus. In this course, you'll expand your horizons beyond Greece to explore the mythology of cultures from around the world. Join us as we travel from continent to continent to compare different types of mythologies and their influence on history, society and culture. Part literature and part geography, you'll be sure to enjoy this literary tour of the world!

[FULL] Finance Fundamentals (Grades 7 8)

Upcoming Dates

July 14–18, 2025

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Learn the lingo and acronyms of the financial world, the basics of economic forces and how a wide variety of factors from weather to wars influence money. Analyze market movements over time and participate in a market simulation activity.

Think STEM!

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

High school students will be taken on a journey of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) as they chart their own educational and career pathways to become the STEM superstars of the future. Students will investigate their own interests, values and skills, as well as explore the dynamic world of STEM careers and trends.

More Than Just a Game the Business of Sports

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

Delve into the relationships that sports media and business have in our society. Learn how sports impact community pride, express fashion trends through uniform designs, dovetail with entertainment and pop culture, and gender equity and social change.

[FULL] The Entrepreneur in You Business, Marketing, Management and Finance

Upcoming Dates

July 20–31, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

This course delves into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and business by exploring fundamental concepts and the transformative power of innovation. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to thrive as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

[FULL] Psychology of Learning and Motivation Exploring How We Learn and Thrive

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

This course delves into the fascinating psychology behind how we learn and what drives us to achieve. Through topics like motivation, memory, cognition, and perception, you'll explore how people process, interpret and act on information.

[FULL] Intersections of Governance: Political Science, Policy, and Law

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

This course provides a nuanced understanding of how Political Science, Public Policy, and Law interplay and shape societal governance. Students will delve into the foundational theories of political science, the intricate processes of policy formulation, and the framework of legal systems.

[FULL] Insights into Engineering Fields of Study

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

This course provides an engaging introduction to the diverse world of engineering, offering students a comprehensive overview of various engineering disciplines and career paths. The course aims to help students understand the fundamental principles and real-world applications of each discipline.

[FULL] BioFrontiers Exploring the Life Sciences Spectrum

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse career pathways within the biological sciences. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how biological science principles are applied in real-world contexts and how these fields contribute to solving global challenges.

[CLOSED] Writing Works

Upcoming Dates

July 20, 2025–Aug. 1, 2025

In-person

Tuition: 
Residential: $4,250
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,600

Application fee: $100

We will look at writing and ourselves as writers through various lenses. This class will delve into creative writing genres such as poetry and personal narrative, and will allow writers to engage with writing projects that might suit future career paths. 

The World of Insects (Grades 5-6)

Upcoming Dates

July 21–25, 2025

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

Have you heard the latest buzz? Insects are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the world around us! In this class, we'll explore the challenges with the bee population, monarch migration, insect defense mechanisms (ouch!) and the interdependence of all living things.

Tech Talk (Grades 7-8)

Upcoming Dates

July 21–25, 2025

Tuition: $600
Application fee: $50

This discussion-based class will teach critical thought and debate about how technology shapes our world and impacts our daily lives. Topics to explore will include the digital footprint, plagiarism, AI vs. creativity and equitable access.