What exactly are Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Studies?

I recently stumbled upon something called 'Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies' on Stanford's website. I'm kinda confused about what these are and who they're for. Are they just for high school students? Any thoughts or insights would be much appreciated.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is a collection of programs offered by Stanford University that aim to provide academic opportunities outside of the traditional school year to academically talented and motivated students. They include a variety of programs designed for students at different stages of their academic journey, typically ranging from middle school to high school.

Programs under the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies umbrella include online courses, summer institutes, and academic year courses in a wide range of fields, such as arts, humanities, science, and math. High school students can either attend these programs during the summer or during the academic year depending on the program. From studies in humanities and arts to science and math, there are courses that cater to a broad range of academic interests.

These programs are not like traditional school classes. Instead, they expose students to university level topics and style of instruction, often involving interactive engagement, such as discussions, problem-solving, and hands-on activities. It's a great way for students to explore potential areas of interest more deeply, engage with like-minded peers from over 50 different countries, and often gain a good understanding of what college course work might be like.

Participation in these programs, however, does not guarantee or imply future admission into Stanford University for undergraduate study. They are separate from the University's undergraduate admissions process. Essentially, it's a way to enrich your academic experience during your high school years, rather than a stepping stone towards admission.

Do remember that participation fee for these programs can be quite high, but financial aid is available for domestic students in need, to ensure access for all academically talented students irrespective of their financial circumstances.

In essence, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer an engaging and enriching academic experience, but they should be undertaken due to genuine interest in the subject matter and not solely as a means to boost your college application.