On April 7, the School District of Philadelphia opened registration for its 2022 summer program opportunities. Through partnerships with the City and local organizations, these opportunities will combine project-based learning with extra-curricular programming, providing a fun and safe environment for students to continue learning during the summer months.

Summer programming begins on June 27 and runs through August 5. Programs will take place in-person at 31 schools across the city for students entering grades one through 12, and can serve more than 9,500 students.

“Providing high-quality summer learning programs that mix academic and enrichment activities play a huge role in engaging students with academic standards and can have positive effects on student achievement,” said William R. Hite, Jr. Ed.D., superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “While these opportunities help students achieve learning gains, they go beyond just providing academic supports. The District’s summer learning program provides a safe place for students to explore their passions and talents, while also supporting students’ social and emotional learning.”

Program options include:

• Rising Kindergarten virtual transition program to provide instruction for the earliest learners and help families and children feel confident about starting school in the fall.
• Rising grades 1 to 7 for additional ELA/Math skills and project-based learning, art, music and physical education.
• Extended School Year (ESY) will serve students who require special education supports and services to maintain progress and meet their most critical goals, as determined by the student’s IEP.
• Newcomer Summer Program for students at the earliest stages of English Language Development, focusing on building language concepts and skills in both English Language Arts and Math Instruction for English Learners.
• Summer Bridge for rising students in grades 8 and 9, reinforcing their math and English skills, while learning about career pathways.
• Summer School (formerly Credit Recovery) for students who have failed a previous course and want to earn the grades and credit that they need to stay on-track for graduation.
• StartUP EDU for students entering grades 10 and12 who are interested in becoming an entrepreneur.
• The University of Pennsylvania Rising Senior Summer Academy or Open RSSA for students entering grade 12 and want to earn an elective credit or stipend over the summer.

In 2021, the District expanded its programming to offer something for students at every grade level as a result of a partnership with the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families (OCF). This district-wide initiative was about a $12M investment in District students and was a pivotal step forward to creating a stronger summer program.

“Now, more than ever, our students are seeking educational opportunities to experiment with their passions, build essential college and career readiness skills, connect with their peers and engage in hands-on learning,” said Malika Savoy-Brooks, Ed.D., chief of academic support at the School District of Philadelphia.

Extra-curricular activities for students entering grades 1 through 7 will be provided by Out-of-School Time (OST) programs funded by OCF.

“These activities center around literacy and career exposure,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Prevention Services, City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families. “Of course, our providers are awesome at making these activities fun and engaging. All afternoon programming will be infused with STEM, creative and performing arts, or athletic activities. At the Office of Children and Families, we are excited to serve the City’s young people and keep them engaged in this summer of learning.”

The number of students able to enroll in specific programming may be limited and based on staffing levels. Filling out the application is not a guarantee of placement – families will be notified if they have been accepted to participate into the program no later than May 20.

For more information and to register for these summer programs, visit philasd.org/summer2022.