Summer Academic Programs

We are excited to welcome students entering grades K -12 to summer programming.

About Summer Programs

Welcome students and families to the home page for Summer Programs. Here you will find relevant information related to many of our programs hosted in SDP schools throughout the summer. Check back in spring 2025 for updates and further details.

The District is committed to delivering a comprehensive program that is community-centered, based on students’ needs, and ensures that all students and families have access to a fun, academically and socially enriching, and meaningful summer experience.

We are excited to welcome students entering grades K -12 to summer programming beginning in June 2025.

Which summer programs were offered in 2024?

Summer Kindergarten Transition Program (Kindergarten) – Appropriate for students entering Kindergarten in fall 2024, this virtual program will prepare and increase the confidence of rising kindergarteners and their families. Families who have completed registration for Kindergarten will receive an email invitation with program information and a link to apply.

Summer Achievers (Grades 1-8) – Appropriate for students entering 1st through 8th grade in Fall 2024, this full-day, free and fun enrichment program offers the traditional summer camp experience plus support in math and reading, to prepare students to start the next school year strong.

CTE Summer Camps (Grades 7-8) – Appropriate for students who are entering 7th and 8th grade, and interested in exploring CTE options. They will participate in a week-long summer camp program that prepares them for instruction related to a variety of areas associated with Career and Technical Education in our high schools.

Summer Drumline (Grades 6-12) – Appropriate for students entering 6th through 12th grade in Fall 2024, Summer Drumline is a five-week, hands-on program that teaches the fundamentals of drumline percussion. Students will perform in an ensemble and receive supplemental music instruction.

All City Orchestra Summer Academy (Grades 6-12) – Appropriate for students who will be entering 6th through 12th grade in Fall 2024, this partnership with the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Project 440, provides high-quality orchestra and jazz training experience, at zero cost.

Young Entrepreneurs (Grade 9) – Appropriate for students entering 9th grade in Fall 2024, students will spend five weeks gaining real world, practical experience while learning how to start a business.

StartUp EDU (Grades 10-12) – Appropriate for students entering 10th through 12th grade in Fall 2024, students will spend five weeks gaining an entrepreneurial mindset, as well as the skills needed to start a business.

Senior Year Only Program (Grade 12) – Appropriate for students entering 12th grade in Fall 2024, students enroll in S.Y.O.P classes on the campus of Community College of Philadelphia or Temple University.

CareerPrep Externships/Paid Internships (Grades 9-12) – Appropriate for students who are currently in high school, students will be provided meaningful work-based learning and academic enrichment experiences designed to build upon their high school classes.

Summer School (Credit Recovery)/Act 158 (Grades 9-12) – Appropriate for current 9th through 12th grade students who have failed a previous course or seniors who did not complete ACT 158 requirements. Summer School/Act 158 provides an opportunity to earn the grades, credits and requirements needed to remain on track for graduation.

CTE Summer Employment Programs (Grades 9-12) – Appropriate for current Career and Technical Education students, who will be provided meaningful work-based learning and academic enrichment experiences designed to build upon technical skills mastered in their respective CTE classes.

Newcomer Program (English Learners in Grades 1-12) – This invite-only program is appropriate for English Learner students entering 1st through 12th grade who enrolled in the District after January 1, 2023 and have a current English Proficiency Level of 1.0-1.5. It is available for students entering grades 1-7 at Elementary sites and grades 8-12 at High School sites.

Extended School Year (Grades 1-12) – ESY provides special education services for eligible students beyond the regular 180-day school year. Student eligibility is determined by the IEP team.

Why do summers matter?

Summer learning programs are proven to maintain and advance students’ academic and social growth. This gives students the opportunity to engage in learning every day, rather than forgetting what they learned during the school year. An academic summer program that incorporates enrichment experiences is the perfect way to engage students and make sure they don’t forget the critical skills they have already learned, especially given the school year’s unique nature.

Which of our students is a good fit for summer programming?

All current School District of Philadelphia students entering grades K-12 are eligible and encouraged to participate! Summer learning programs are proven to reinforce and build new skills, sending young people back to school in September ready to learn. Additionally, summer youth employment programs engage older youth in meaningful activities that help them cultivate new skills, prepare for college, improve grades, and earn money.

When exploring summer programming, families should see the information related to the grade their child WILL BE IN when entering school this coming fall. And contact us with any questions.

How do I get started?

You can use the options listed in the blue boxes to get a sense of which programs may be available in Summer 2025.  All the important details, including how to register, will be updated in Spring 2025.

  • The District will do its best to match interested students with available space and teachers. Completing a registration form does not guarantee admission.
  • Interested applicants may be honored on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on available spots at locations within each program.
  • You will be able to see application details for specific programs in individual program sections.

Summer 2024 Program Flyers (2025 Coming Soon!)

How can I support my student at home over the summer?

Use this Summer Toolkit for Math, to reinforce math concepts while having fun!

Use our 2024 Summer Reading list to find age-appropriate reading options for your student!

Looking for additional after-school & Summer experiences, outside of what the District is offering?

Visit the City of Philadelphia's program locator to find Out-of-School Time activities for children in grades pre-K through 12.

Learn More

Map of Locations

2025 Summer Program Locations

An updated map of Summer Program Locations will be released soon!

Summer Kindergarten Transition

Summer Kindergarten Transition Program (A Virtual Program)

Incoming District Kindergarteners

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!!**

Focused on making sure that incoming children and their families feel confident about starting Kindergarten in the fall.

  • Who is eligible? Any family who has completed the Kindergarten registration process for their child at a School District of Philadelphia school is eligible to participate!
  • This program will be operated 100% virtually.
  • Incoming Kindergarten students and their primary caregiver will participate together in approximately 90 minutes of introductory digital instruction and support for two days each week, either Monday and Tuesday OR Wednesday and Thursday, facilitated by a teacher.
  • Optional asynchronous (learning on your own time!) activities will be offered at various other times during the summer. A calendar of those optional activities will be provided.

Contact

Questions regarding the Summer Kindergarten Transition Program for students who will be Kindergarten in September 2025 should be sent to ksummerprograms@philasd.org.

Families who have registered for Kindergarten at a District-operated school for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year will receive an email link to the online summer application form.

For your child to be eligible for the summer program, click here to register for kindergarten.

Grades 1-8 Summer Achievers

Summer Achievers

Students Entering Grades 1-8

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming!!**

Full-day, free and fun school-meets-camp experience that includes academic support in Math and English Language Arts and fun field trips! This program is offered as a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

  • Engaging lessons in English Language Arts and Math skills that prepare students for the upcoming school year, taught by educators from the School District of Philadelphia
  • Enriching, fun summer programs in the afternoons and Fridays, led by qualified Out-of-School-Time professionals with experience in positive youth development
  • Music, Art, STEM and sports
  • Career awareness and exploration
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Weekly field trips and fun summer camp activities

Families of students enrolled in the Summer Achievers program will be contacted by the OST staff during the month of June to learn more about program details and activities at the assigned site.

Contact

Questions regarding the Summer Achievers program should be directed to the City’s Summer Program. Call 215.709.5366 or email ostphl@phila.gov

Grades 7-8 CTE Summer Camps

CTE Summer Camp

Students Entering Grades 7 & 8

 
**Updated information including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon**

Middle-grade students who are entering grades 7-8 will participate in a week-long summer camp that exposes them to and prepares them for a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program in high school. This summer camp is completely free for School District of Philadelphia middle school students. Programs may include:

  • Agriculture
  • Animal Sciences
  • Culinary Arts
  • Electrical & Power Transmission
  • Film & Video Production
  • Food & Natural Resources
  • Graphic Design
  • Health-Related Technology
  • Horticulture
  • Plumbing
  • Welding

Need more help?
Email rkmoton@philasd.org

Grades 6-12 Summer Drumline

Summer Drumline

Students Entering Grades 6-12

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!**

Learn the fundamentals of drumline percussion and perform in an ensemble, along with supplemental music instruction.

  • Programs will be facilitated by certified District Music teachers with support from teaching artists from various partner organizations.
  • The program will be supported by summer employment opportunities.

Contact

Questions regarding the Summer Drumline program for students who will be in grades 6th through 12th in September 2024 should be sent to arts@philasd.org.

Grades 6-12 All City Orchestra

All City Orchestra Summer Academy

Students Entering Grades 6-12

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!**

All City Orchestra Summer Academy (ACOSA) is a FREE music training camp for Philadelphia youth instrumentalists offered at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the School District of Philadelphia, and Project 440.

ACOSA is:

  • provided free of cost
  • designed to provide a growth opportunity, guiding students to work on technical playing skills throughout the summer
  • a three week camp with two different programs:
    • weeks one and two are traditional full orchestra weeks
    • week three focuses on jazz music
    • students may choose one or both of the two options

Contact

Questions regarding the All City Orchestra should be sent to arts@philasd.org.

Grade 9 Young Entrepreneurs

Young Entrepreneurs

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!**

For students entering grade 9 in Fall 2025 (current 8th grade students), the Young Entrepreneurs program will:

  • Provide real world, practical application while developing Math and English Language Arts skills
  • Help students gain skills needed to start a business by learning the integral skills needed when becoming an entrepreneur.
  • Provide externship hours that may be used for high school graduation (Act 158 Graduation artifacts for Pathways 4 & 5)

Contact

Questions regarding the Young Entrepreneurs program for students who will be in grades 9 in September 2024 should be emailed HERE

Grades 10-12 StartUp EDU

Startup EDU

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!**

Students will gain an entrepreneurial mindset in this five-week program. They will gain the skills needed to start a business by learning the integral skills needed when becoming an entrepreneur.

NOTE Students will need a Chromebook for this program.

Students will learn concepts such as:

  • Presentation skills
  • Targeting a market
  • Finances
  • Budgeting
  • Entrepreneurship Skills
  • and more!

Contact

Questions regarding the StartUp EDU program should be sent  HERE

Grs. 6-12 CareerPrep Intern/Externships

CareerPrep Summer Internship/Paid Externship Experiences

Students Entering Grades 6-12

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming soon!**

The Office of Pathways to Graduation and its partners will offer several CareerPrep Internships, Externships, and Service Learning opportunities this summer. The goal of the District’s career preparation programming is to provide students with the opportunity to connect academic and technical skills to real-world settings.

All of the experiences vary in requirements. The majority of the experiences are available for students in grades 9 – 12. However, there are many opportunities for students ages 12 and up.

Contact

Questions regarding the CareerPrep Summer Internships/Externship Experiences should be sent HERE.

Grade 12 Senior Year Only (SYOP)

Senior Year Only Program (SYOP)

**The information below reflects the program from Summer 2024. Updated information, including possible changes to curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming, in Spring of 2025**

 

The Senior Year Only Program seeks to prepare high school seniors for both college AND career by connecting classroom learning with real-world applications in the workplace. Students enrolled in S.Y.O.P. will either take classes on campus at Community College of Philadelphia or Temple University. These opportunities give students a jump-start on a college career and provide exposure to more rigorous coursework in preparation for academic success.

Advanced Senior Year (ASY) at CCP

Students in the ASY Program will have the ability to earn their high school diploma as well as up to 24 college credits towards an Associate degree with a Liberal Arts focus.

Education Scholars at Temple (TES)

This program is designed for students who are interested in going into the Education field. Students will attend their high school in the morning and take college courses in the afternoon. Students can earn college credits in Temple’s College of Education.

For additional non-S.Y.O.P dual enrollment summer opportunities, please contact dualenrollment@philasd.org

Program & Registration Details

For information about dates, times, locations, and applications, please visit the Postsecondary Readiness page!

For information about dates, times, locations, and applications, please visit the Postsecondary Readiness page.

Still have questions?
Email syop@philasd.org

Grades 10-12 CTE Summer Employment

CTE Summer Employment Programs

Students Entering Grades 10-12

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information, coming soon!**

The School District of Philadelphia, through the Office of Career & Technical Education (CTE), is offering summer employment and enrichment opportunities for School District of Philadelphia CTE students. This program is an extension of the CTE curriculum. Students in this program will gain valuable work experience and develop practical skills that can be used in their future careers.

Contact

Questions regarding the CTE Summer Programs should be sent to cte@philasd.org.

Grades 9-12 Summer School

Summer School (Credit Recovery)/Act 158

Students Currently in Grades 9-12

**The information below reflects the program from Summer 2024. Updated information, including possible changes to curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming, in Spring of 2025**

 

  • Students in grades 9-12 who have failed a previous course have an opportunity to earn the grades and credits that they need to stay on track for graduation.
  • Students are able to earn up to two credits that they need towards PA State requirements for graduation.
  • Seniors eligible to graduate will also be able to complete Act 158/Pathway 5 evidence during this time.

We encourage families and students to work with their counselor or roster chair to confirm which courses the student should complete in Summer School.

Dates & Daily Schedule

Program Dates: June 25, 2024 – July 25, 2024

Program Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:15 am – 1:30 pm

Eligibility & Registration Information

  • The student’s eligibility for summer school will be determined by the school team based on credit attainment and needs.
  • Schools will register eligible students and coordinate location/course information with families between May 1 – June 7, 2024.
  • Final confirmation will be sent from the Office of Postsecondary Readiness via email during the week of June 10th, 2024.

Please review the Summer School Attendance policy here.

Locations

  • Bartram, John High School
  • Benjamin Franklin High School
  • Clemente, Roberto Middle School
  • High School of the Future
  • Northeast High School

Meals, Chromebooks & Transportation

  • Students will receive breakfast and lunch.
  • All students will be eligible for a Septa fare card for transportation.
  • Students are not required to bring a Chromebook for participation.

Contact

Questions regarding the Summer School program should be sent HERE.

Summer school is a credit recovery option for high school students who have failed a previous course.

Schools will register eligible students individually. Contact your counselor or roster chair if you think you are eligible.

Grades 1-12 Newcomer (English Learners)

Newcomer Program (English Learners)

Students entering 1-7, & 8-12

**The information below reflects the program from Summer 2024. Updated information, including possible changes to curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming, in Spring of 2025**

This program is invite-only and is provided for all English Learners entering grades 1-7 and entering grades 8-12 who a) enrolled after January 1st, 2023, and who b) have a current English Proficiency Level of 1.0-1.5.

  • The focus will be on building English language development and content knowledge in both English Language Arts and Math.
  • All grades will participate in academic activities during the school day, and grades 1-7 will have the opportunity to participate in Out of School Time (OST) extracurriculars such as art, physical education, and music.
  • The OST component is run by the City of Philadelphia. Due to this program’s unique partnership, registering for Summer Programming means that families must complete the OST consent forms for students to participate in Summer Learning Programs. This is required for students to participate in the summer program.
  • Families who have eligible students will receive an email notification to register for the program. The Newcomer Summer Program registration form is available in thirteen different languages.
  • EL Points will receive a list of eligible students so that they can support families with the registration process.

Dates, Daily Schedule & Locations

Students entering 1st-7th grades:

Dates: June 25 – August 2
Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 8:30am  – 5:00pm OST

Locations

Mayfair School
John H. Taggart School
Louis H. Farrell School
Southwark School
Solomon Solis-Cohen School

Students entering 8th-12th grades:

Dates: June 25 – July 25
Days: Monday – Thursday
Hours: 8:15am – 1:30pm

Locations 

Benjamin Franklin High School
Northeast High School

Registration Information

Families who have eligible students will receive a direct invite to apply via email. The link to the registration form will be included in this email.

Materials & Supplies

Students will receive the materials and supplies needed to support their instructional programs at home.

Meals, Chromebooks & Transportation

  • Students will be assigned to locations based on your requested location preference.
  • All students will receive a Septa fare card for travel to and from the program.
  • Daily Septa day passes will be made available for a family member to accompany younger students upon request.
  • Any additional information about transportation will be communicated to families after enrollment is confirmed.
  • All students participating in District programming will receive breakfast and lunch if attending on site. They will also receive the supplies, books, and materials they need to participate in programming.
  • No Chromebooks will be required.

Contact

Questions about the Newcomer Summer Program should be directed to multilingual@philasd.org.

By Invitation Only

Families who have eligible students will receive a direct invite to apply via email by April 5th.

Grades 1-12 Extended School Year (ESY)

Extended School Year (ESY)

Students Entering Grades 1-12

**Updated information, including curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information, comin soon!!**

Extended School Year (ESY) services are free special education services provided to students who require special education support and services beyond the regular 180-day school year. It is offered to ensure all eligible students receive a free appropriate public education.  The primary purpose of ESY is to maintain the progress the student made on their most critical goals and objectives during the regular school year. The ESY program is based on the student’s individual needs and typically does not include every goal and objective in the student’s IEP.

  • Student’s participation in Extended School Year is determined by the IEP team; parent/guardian registration is not required.
  • ESY services will generally be provided 4 days per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a five-week period during the summer. However, there is no fixed amount, type, or duration of ESY services; each student is entitled to receive the services necessary to ensure they receive an appropriate education based on their needs.
  • During the IEP Team meeting to determine eligibility and services for ESY, fewer, more, or alternative services may be discussed. Please be sure to raise your concerns or questions with your child’s IEP team.

How are ESY eligibility and services determined?

The student’s eligibility for ESY and which ESY services the student requires must be discussed at the student’s IEP Team meeting. The amount, type, and duration of services provided during ESY will depend on the student’s individual needs and are determined by the IEP Team based on data collected on the student’s skills and behaviors. ESY may include not only specially designed instruction but may also include related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and transportation.

Contact

Click Here to contact a Special Education Director, if you have questions during Extended School Year (ESY).

For additional information and updates, click here or email esy@philasd.org.

Student's participation in Extended School Year is determined by the IEP team.

Eligibility, and which ESY services the student requires will be discussed at the student’s IEP Team Meeting

Freedom Schools Literacy Academy

Center for Black Educator Development: Freedoms Schools Literacy Academy

Registration open now!

**The information below reflects the program from Summer 2024. Updated information, including possible changes to curriculum, dates, locations, times and registration information coming, in Spring of 2025**

The Center for Black Educator Development’s Freedoms Schools Literacy Academy (FSLA) is a FREE summer program for rising 1st through 3rd grade scholars to help them not only develop their literacy skills but also grow in confidence and pride. Then enroll your child in the Center for Black Educator Development’s Freedom Schools Literacy Academy today. The program is being hosted at three District locations – Bethune, Duckrey and W.D. Kelley – and any SDP student is welcome to join at any site. Click the links at right to enroll at the site of your choice.

Register for FSLA Now!

Click the school of your choice below.

Bethune
Kelley
Duckrey

FAQs & Tech Support

Chromebooks & Tech Support

Please check with your specific summer program for Chromebook and other material requirements. See the links below for resources.

Internet Options
Chromebooks
Tech Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Summer Programs?

Summer Programs are opportunities for students at every grade level to enroll in a free, high-quality summer learning program that combines academic and enrichment activities. Research shows that summer learning programs have positive effects on student achievement, help students achieve learning gains, and provide students with social and emotional support.

What is the District offering?

The District is offering multiple summer opportunities for rising SDP K-12 students, varying in time frame and daily activities. There are various programs based on age and credentials, which is included in each program description.

Are all children eligible to participate?

All School District of Philadelphia public school students entering in grades K – 12 are eligible to participate in programming. ESY is being offered to all students who are eligible for participation.

Charter, Parochial and private school students should check with their schools for available summer programs or search for an available summer program here.

Eligibility for specific programs varies by student need and interest. Families and school teams will receive information regarding each program in order to determine the program that best fits their student needs.

Can my student participate in multiple summer program options each summer?

The schedule for each of the programs only allows students to participate in one option at a time.

Are there opportunities for staff to apply to work in Summer Programs?

Yes. Opportunities will be shared early in spring 2025.

Contact Us

Staffing: contact us HERE

ESY: Contact your Child’s special education teacher and/or SPECM

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