Program Information
Learn more about the many programs offered as part of Summer Academy at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).
All Summer Academy programming is four weeks long and takes place from July 6–30, 2026.
Breakfast and lunch are provided for all Summer Academy attendees. High school students also receive WisGo cards for transportation.
Childcare camps, community learning centers, and Safe Places are available for before- and after-program care. Fees may apply; view the Summer 2026 Camp List and contact Milwaukee Recreation at (414) 475-8180 for more information.
Elementary and Middle School Programming
(Grades K5–8)
Students in K5–grade 4 who have Personal Reading Plans (PRPs) are strongly encouraged to attend Summer Academy. Note: Some locations offer bilingual, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Montessori programming.
Traditional Summer Academy Program
Get ready for an exciting summer of learning and creativity! Students in K5–grade 8 strengthen their skills and expand their knowledge through hands-on activities and special programs with community partners. The curriculum blends academic skill building in math, reading, social studies, and science with art, music, creative writing, physical education/health, technology, and library media studies.
Students rotate through three blocks each day, including intensive literacy stations. Each 80-minute interactive session is designed to boost skills, ignite curiosity, and make learning fun. The days are all packed with opportunities for discovery and collaboration, ensuring students stay engaged and excited about learning all summer long.
Summer Adventures
These activities span a wide range of topics, such as nature/ecology; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and much more. Adventures vary depending on grade level and location.
Eighth-Grade Promotional Program (MPS students only)
The Eighth-Grade Promotional Program ensures that students gain necessary skills to be successful in their high school transition. This program is intended to strengthen the academic and social skills of current eighth-grade students who will be starting ninth grade in the fall. The goals are to improve:
- Each student’s ability to meet the rigors of high school coursework
- The achievement levels of all students in the areas of reading, writing, English language arts, mathematics, and social studies
- Each student’s study and literacy skills in all content areas
Students participate in restorative practices to build connections, relationships, and a positive school community where everyone has a voice.
Eligibility
This program is designed for MPS eighth graders who have not achieved proficiency in one or two content areas. To qualify, students must meet program criteria according to the district retention policy AND must be recommended by their school administrator. Each student's current school must submit the required retention documentation as well. Please contact your child's school to learn more about participation in this program.
Specialty Courses
Specialty courses are available for students in grades 1–12 at select Summer Academy locations. Course offerings are based on student interests and staff talents. Some courses are credit-bearing.
Discover Courses for All Interests
High School Programs
MPS offers a variety of options for credit recovery, acceleration, and career skill building. Core and elective options are offered through in-person courses, Edgenuity, and Proximity Learning. Some bilingual and ESL sections are available. High school credit can also be earned for most specialty courses.
Credit Acceleration (Grades 7–12)
Summer is a great time to work on high school credit requirements!
Credit Recovery (Grades 9–12)
Students who have failed courses are able to catch up on credits during the summer. Those participating in GED Option #2 and competency-based programs can also participate with a referral from their program instructor.
Discover Options for Catching Up
Virtual Night School (Grades 11 and 12)
Rising juniors and seniors who have daytime commitments (such as work or pre-college programs) can still participate in Summer Academy! Students who are eligible can work independently and recover credits using an online platform.
Virtual Night School will take place Monday through Thursday. Virtual instructors will hold office hours on these days from 4 to 7 p.m. to provide academic support as needed. Students are required to take all tests and quizzes with their virtual instructor during their office hours. Tests and quizzes that are taken at other times and/or without the virtual instructor will not count toward a student's final grade.
Students enrolled in Virtual Night School must complete courses in their entirety to earn credit. Students may select up to two courses on the high school registration form, but they can only take one course at a time.
Special Education Programs
MPS provides Extended School Year (ESY) services for qualifying students as mandated in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Our School–to–Work Transition Program (SWTP) is also available during the summer to prepare students with special education needs for the transition from school to the world of employment.
Learn More About Special Education Programming