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Milwaukee Public Schools Logo: High-quality school options for 3-year-olds to high school seniors
 
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Summer Academy

A world of adventure starts here!


Learn more about our SAFE and FREE summer programming for K5–grade 12 city of Milwaukee residents!


 
 
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High school program highlights:

Summer Graduation

  • Offerings include credit recovery and acceleration in core courses.
  • Summer Academy offers a variety of speciality classes for students in grades 3–12 in all interest areas. 
  • Summer Academy gives high school students and rising freshmen the opportunity to take high school speciality credit-acceleration courses.  
  • College 101 exposes students to dual enrollment courses at Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to earn both high school and college credits. 
  • GED Option #2 and competency-based programs are for students who currently participate in the program and have two or fewer requirements for graduation. 
  • The Virtual Summer Night School Program is offered for qualifying students in grades 11 and 12 who are working or attending pre-college programs during the day.
  • Extended school year (ESY) services are offered for qualifying students during the summer as mandated in their individualized education programs (IEPs).
  • The School-to-Work Transition Program prepares students with special education needs for the transition from school to the world of employment.
  • Summer internships are offered.
  • WisGo cards (formerly M•Cards) are provided.
  • Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Elementary and middle school program highlights:

Summer adventures

  • Summer Academy offers a variety of speciality classes for students grades 3–8 in all interest areas. 
  • Summer Academy Exploration Camp combines academics in an acceleration model for an engaging five-week experience for K5–grade 8 students. The Summer Academy curriculum will be a camp-based experience paired with hands-on activities, field trips, and special programs with community partners. Programming is provided in the areas of bilingual, English as a second language, Montessori, and arts with summer adventures offered at various grade levels. 
  • Career exploration programs for middle/high schools showcase specialized programs for middle school students.
  • Extended school year (ESY) services are offered for qualifying students during the summer as mandated in their individualized education programs (IEPs).
  • The Grade 8 Promotional Program ensures that students gain necessary skills to be successful in their high school transition through skill-building camps. It is for recommended MPS students who require academic intervention to enable transition to high school. Students must meet criteria for this program and must be recommended by the school administrator. Please contact your child's school about participation in this program. 
  • Science of Design takes place through academic skill/career-building camps with an academic and career planning focus. Students in grades 6–8 can participate in project-based programs over five weeks in areas of high interest.
  • Extended learning adventures are held to give students to exposure to new subjects, encourage curiosity, and further their learning through community partners. Students identify new areas of interests and abilities. Adventures are designed to help students gain real-world experiences and prepare them for future success. More information can be found on the MPS Extended Learning Adventures page. 
  • Breakfast and lunch are provided.
  • Child Care Camps, Community Learning Centers, and Safe Places are available for before- and after-program care (fees may apply); visit MilwaukeeRecreation.net for more information.

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  Where and when is Summer Academy?

Sites and dates for this summer program are typically announced each spring. 

  How does a student register for Summer Academy programming?

Elementary: Registration begins in March. Families will register online. 

Grades 9–12 high school credit recovery and acceleration: Registration begins in March. Families will register online. High school students not currently enrolled in MPS  must attach to the summer registration form  a copy of a current transcript and a letter of course requests on school letterhead.  Please work with your school counselor to complete this step. A summer registration form cannot be submitted without this documentation.

Grade 8 Promotional Program: Principals must recommend  MPS students for the Grade 8 Promotional Program. Each student's current school must submit the required retention documentation. This program is for MPS students only.

Extended School Year (ESY): Students with special education needs should be enrolled only if the individualized education program (IEP) team decides that the student needs summer placement to maintain skills gained during the year.

Community Assessment Training Program (CATP) and On-the-Job Training (OJT): Students with special education needs should be enrolled only if the IEP team decides that the student needs summer placement to maintain skills gained during the year or if the student was not able to be involved in job training due to scheduling conflicts during the school year.

  Is there a deadline for registration?

Yes. The deadlines usually are approximately two weeks before the sessions begin.

  When do students register?

Registration begins in March. Families will register online. Seats are limited. For the deadlines dates for each program, see "Is there a deadline for registration?" just above.

  Who should go to Summer Academy programming?

Elementary: All city of Milwaukee residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Grades 9–12 high school credit recovery and acceleration: Students may enroll in the credit recovery program if they have previously failed a course required for graduation. Selected credit acceleration opportunities are available for students who want or need to take a course for the first time. MPS students receive priority registration. 

Grade 8 Promotional Program: This promotional program is designed for current MPS grade 8 students who have missed proficiency in one or two content areas. Students must be recommended by their MPS school and submit all required documentation.

ESY: Students with special needs are enrolled if their IEP mandates extended school year services.

CATP/OJT: Students with special needs should be enrolled only if the IEP team decides that the student needs summer placement to maintain skills gained during the year or if the student was not able to be involved in job training due to scheduling conflicts during the school year.

  Is there a graduation ceremony for high school seniors during summer?

Summer Academy holds a graduation ceremony for any qualifying seniors. 

Diplomas are awarded by the student's home school. Students must maintain a home school enrollment separate from Summer Academy. Credits earned are provided to the home school to be added to the student transcript. Home schools verify that all requirements are met and issue diplomas.

  Cost?

There is no cost for any Summer Academy program for students living in the city of Milwaukee. Non–city of Milwaukee residents must pay tuition costs of $500.00 at the time of registration. Costs may be incurred by ESY students who move at the end of the school year to a new school district. Additionally, the afternoon wraparound and recreation programs through Milwaukee Recreation may require a program fee. Parents are encouraged to contact Milwaukee Recreation at 414-475-8180 for more information regarding afternoon programming.

  Transportation?

Grade 8 Promotional Program or high school Summer Academy students enrolled in the programs will receive a Milwaukee County Transit System WisGo card (formerly M•Card). Parents/guardians must provide transportation to the Summer Academy site on the student's first day of attendance.

Most students enrolled in the ESY program will be provided with door-to-door transportation. This includes a morning pickup and a midday departure from the school location.

Most CATP/OJT students in the food service program are expected to provide their own transportation to and from their job site. City bus tickets may be provided to those students until they receive their first paycheck. Some CATP/OJT students may receive transportation to and from their job site if they are receiving vocational assessment. Detailed transportation information will be provided once students are placed.

  Are students with special needs eligible for Summer Academy?

All students with special needs are welcome in the regular Summer Academy programs. Some students with special needs may be eligible for the ESY program if it is mandated in the student's IEP. Parents should contact their school's special education supervisor for their child's special education program.

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