Online registration begins on February 16, 2026. Seats are limited, and deadlines are approximately two weeks before the sessions begin.

All K5 through grade 12 students who reside in Milwaukee are welcome and encouraged to attend. Families will be able to register online on February 16, 2026.

There are some specific requirements for high school students:

• Credit Acceleration: Selected credit acceleration opportunities are available for students who want or need to take a course for the first time.
• Credit Recovery: Students may enroll if they have previously failed a course required for graduation.

MPS students receive priority registration. High school students who are not currently enrolled in MPS must complete the Summer Academy registration form and provide (1) a copy of their current transcript and (2) a letter listing course requests on school letterhead. Please work with your school counselor to complete this step, as you cannot register without this documentation.

Summer Academy sites are located throughout Milwaukee. Program offerings are subject to change. Discover the many Summer Academy locations.

There is no cost for any Summer Academy program for students living in the city of Milwaukee; non-Milwaukee residents must pay tuition costs of $500 at the time of registration. 

Afternoon wraparound and recreation programs through Milwaukee Recreation may require a program fee, and costs may be incurred by ESY students who move at the end of the school year to a new school district. 

Childcare will be available at most sites through Milwaukee Recreation and may require a fee. View the Summer 2026 Camp List to see which schools offer childcare. Please contact Milwaukee Rec at (414) 475-8180 if you have questions about afternoon programming.

Transportation to Summer Academy locations depends on a student’s age and circumstances: 

• Elementary/Middle School: Parents/guardians must provide transportation for students.
• High School: Parents/guardians must provide transportation on the student's first day of attendance. After that, high school students or Grade 8 Promotional Program participants will receive Milwaukee County Transit System WisGo cards to use for transportation.
• Community Assessment Training Program (CATP) and On-the-Job Training (OJT): Most 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 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.
• Extended School Year (ESY): 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.

Yes! All students are welcome to attend Summer Academy programs. A student with special needs may be eligible for the Extended School Year (ESY) program if it is mandated in their IEP. Parents/guardians should contact their school's special education supervisor for their child's special education program.

Summer Academy holds a graduation ceremony for any qualifying seniors. Students must maintain a home school enrollment separate from Summer Academy, and any credits earned are added to their transcript by their home school. Home schools verify that all requirements are met and issue diplomas.