Summer Academy

Due to COVID-19, Summer Academy programming will align with the Milwaukee Public Schools Roadmap to Readiness Plan. Program offerings are subject to change based on the instruction format (virtual or face-to-face).

Elementary: Registration links are above. Non-MPS students interested in attending virtually should have access to a device (laptop, Chromebook) to participate. 

Grades 9–12 high school credit recovery and acceleration: Registration links are above. High school students not currently enrolled in MPS  must have their school counselor email a current copy of their transcript and a letter of course requests — on school letterhead — to elo@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Non-MPS students interested in attending virtually should have access to a device (laptop, Chromebook) to participate. 

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.

Registration will close approximately two weeks before the start of each session. The registration deadlines are the following: 

• June middle/high school session: May 14, 2021
   
• July middle/high school session: June 18, 2021 
   
• Elementary/middle session: June 7, 2021 

Registration begins in early February. Seats are limited. Registration deadlines are approximately two weeks before the start of the program. 

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.

Elementary: Students will engage in academic activities daily Mondays–Fridays for four hours. 

Grades 9–12 high school credit recovery or acceleration: Students attend Mondays–Fridays for four hours. 

Grade 8 Promotional Program: Students attend Mondays–Fridays for four hours.

Elementary ESY: Students attend Mondays–Fridays for four hours. 

High school ESY: Students attend Mondays–Fridays for four hours. 

CATP/OJT: Students attend district and community work sites for four hours daily Mondays–Fridays.

Summer Academy holds a graduation ceremony for any qualifying seniors. The ceremony for the 2021 Summer Academy will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

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.

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.

Grade 8 Promotional Program or high school Summer Academy students enrolled in the programs will receive a county 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.

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.