About

Cornell University’s Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) High School Courses offer immersive, college-level marine science education on Appledore Island, a remote field station in the Isles of Shoals. Jointly operated by Cornell and the University of New Hampshire, these residential programs combine fieldwork, laboratory investigation, and classroom instruction in marine biology, ecology, and conservation. High school participants earn Cornell University credits while living in a close-knit island community.

Each summer, SML offers one- to two-week courses for students who have completed grades 10, 11, or 12 and have finished at least two year-long high school science courses with a B- or better. Courses include Marine Environmental Science (4 credits), Introduction to the Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays (2 credits), and Introduction to Scientific Illustration (2 credits). Students deploy oceanographic equipment, analyze biological samples, and explore rocky intertidal zones and seabird colonies.

Shoals programs emphasize experiential learning with small class sizes. Coursework integrates independent and group research, turning the island into a living laboratory. For 2026, tuition is $1,940 per credit, plus a $234 per night room and board fee and a $410 program fee per course.

Admission is selective and rolling, with applications opening on February 4, 2026. Applicants must provide academic records, and while international students are eligible, SML cannot support F-1 student visas for these courses. Need-based and merit-based scholarships are available, with SML guaranteeing need-based aid to all who qualify. Students live and work on Appledore Island for the duration of their course, fostering a deep connection with marine science through an entirely residential experience. For students eager to learn about or pursue marine science, SML offers a memorable opportunity to do so in the natural world.