About Us
Our Vision
Academic Preparation
College Readiness
Equity and Access
College Courses for High School Students
Courses at Tufts for high schoolers offer a stimulating and enriching academic experience tailored to the interests and ambitions of young learners. Drawing from the university's renowned curriculum, these courses cover a diverse array of subjects. Whether delving into advanced topics in mathematics, the intricacies of literature, or exploring cutting-edge research in science, high schoolers at Tufts find themselves immersed in a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for future academic success and personal growth, all while earning college credits.
Summer Intensives and Experiences
Tufts Pre-College offers an enriching and immersive experience designed to empower students. Located at one of the nation's most renowned research universities, these offerings provide a unique opportunity for high school students to delve deeply into a variety of subjects, developed and led by expert faculty and staff at Tufts. Our Pre-College offerings foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Whether students are delving into hands-on lab experiments, engaging in spirited debates, or honing their creative talents, they emerge with newfound skills, confidence, and a glimpse into the dynamic world of higher education.
Pre-College Student Life at Tufts
Pre-College students at Tufts become part of a vibrant community where learning and exploration are paramount. Students participating in these programs will engage in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities, from attending classes taught by expert faculty to participating in workshops and seminars that ignite intellectual curiosity to spending the day exploring the history and charm of Boston, Massachusetts. Beyond academics and adventures, they have the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, forming friendships and bonds that often extend beyond their time at Tufts.
Hear from Pre-College Students
Read "Student Voices," a blog written by Pre-College students.
Contact Us
Need more information about Pre-College offerings at Tufts, contact our team anytime. Our Program Administrators are standing by to answer all your questions, call or email today and get started on your lifelong education journey with Tufts.
- Phone: (617) 627-2926
- Email: precollege@tufts.edu
Meet the Team
Dan Doherty
Director, Pre-College Programs
Dan Doherty joined Tufts University College in the Spring of 2025 with nearly 15 years of experience in the education field. He began his career as a high school social studies teacher, and then later moved into more administrative roles, developing programs and partnerships within the higher education landscape. Dan has spent the majority of his career, to date, working in or partnering with the Boston Public School district. In his role, as the Director of Ventures and Early College at Fenway High School, he facilitated a workforce development and internship program before starting Fenway's inaugural early college program with Wentworth Institute of Technology. As Associate Director of Early College and New Skills at UMass Boston, Dan has helped to establish five Early College and two Innovation Pathway partnerships with high schools across the Boston Public School district. In addition he has served as a co-leader of the Students with Disabilities Early College working group, which has been run through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education since Spring 2024.
Dan graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a B.A. in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies. He later earned his Master's in Public Policy from Northeastern University. In his spare time, Dan loves to follow the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, New England Revolution, and Sunderland A.F.C. In addition to his love for local sports, Dan is an avid reader of history, enjoys going on walks around town and traveling with his wife and newborn son.
Tressa Janati
Associate Director, Pre-College Programs - University College
Tressa Janati joined the Pre-College Programs team at Tufts University in February 2023 as the Associate Director of Operations and Finance. Tressa's commitment to youth development began with her role at the East Boston Community Council, where she managed an after-school program for high school students. In subsequent roles with Boston Public Schools, she supported schools and central offices in making student-centered budget decisions and worked to improve coordination across departments. Tressa's passion for empowering youth and promoting immigrant advancement continues to guide her work today.
Tony Gao
Associate Director, Pre-College Programs - University College
Dr. Tony Gao has a background in biomedical engineering, specializing in cardiovascular biomechanics. Prior to joining the Mini Med School team, he was part of the TUSM Center for Science Education, where his postdoctoral work focused on the development of online graduate courses for high school biology educators. Dr. Gao is interested in the potential of educational gaming and other interactive media as equitable tools to improve engagement with topics such as health literacy and science communication, both within and outside the classroom.
Maggie Tiano
Assistant Director of Student Success, Pre-College Programs - University College Climate Resilience Institute
Maggie joined the Pre-College team in July 2022 as a Program Administrator. She has since continued her work in University College as the Assistant Director of Student Success. Prior to her role at Tufts, Maggie worked as a Program Manager in the Office of Global Services at Northeastern University. Maggie's work is driven in her passion for student success and engagement through at a higher education institution.
Marisa Doyle
Program Administrator, Pre-College Programs - University College
Marisa is originally from Connecticut and earned a BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, she relocated to Boston, where she joined the administration team at Eliot-Pearson Children's School, affiliated with the Department of Human Development and Child Studies at Tufts University, as the Enrichment Program Coordinator. She recently joined the University College Pre-College team as the Health Science Program Administrator and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health and Global Business Administration at Tufts University. Marisa is passionate about connecting students with opportunities to explore and engage in higher education, helping them develop collegiate skills and dynamics, and connecting them with like-minded peers.
Nathan Giacalone
Program Administrator, Pre-College Programs - University College
Joining Pre-College Programs in June 2024, Nathan supports multiple programs and focuses on process improvement and faculty affairs. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nathan is a lifelong resident of Greater Boston and is excited to help students from both near and far get the most out of their experience at Tufts. Prior to joining University College, Nathan worked for two years in Finance & Administration at the Fletcher School where he is currently a part-time MALD student.
