Summer 2024 Programming and Resources Available to DC Public Charter School Students
The following types of academic programs are available to students via the school they are enrolled:
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Summer School
- Summer Enrichment
- Summer Bridge
- Credit Recovery
- Summer Camp
- Student Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Some programs have already started as of June 24, 2024. Programming start dates continue on through July 15.
Most summer programs offered by DC public charter schools are only available to their own students. However, a few programs are open to all students in the District. The following programs are generally available for a cost, but some negotiate pricing depending on families’ income.
District of Columbia International School (DCI PCS) is hosting “Summer at DCI” courses. Activities include sports camps for students in grades 5-8, including volleyball, basketball, soccer, and cheerleading. Students in grades 5-9 can join DCI’s half-day camps in Robotics or Cooking/Baking, and middle schoolers through grade 9 can join their Theater Camp. For more information on other program offers and registration, click here.
KIPP DC schools offer their “Camp KIPP” sleepaway program to students entering grades 4 to 9. Session one is currently underway, but session two begins on July 9, 2024. The camp offers athletics, arts, STEM, and outdoor adventure activities. You can learn more here. The school’s website lists other independently run programs centered around activities like dancing, karate, arts, and the sciences.
Apollo Summer Camps is hosting its five-week summer camp at Lee Montessori PCS’ Brookland campus. The camp is open to children ages 3 to 12, and each week has a unique theme that incorporates science, math, the arts, and physical exercise.
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DC DPR) has a BOOST camp alongside its summer camp, which is still open for registration. Boost camps are for students ages 11-13, and offer an intensive educational program on a specific study of interest like journalism or STEM. You can learn more here and register for available programs here.
Summer fun doesn’t just have to be for PK-12 students! The DC Library is hosting its “Discover Summer” program through August 31, with “celebrations of reading and learning” for people of all ages. Events include author talks, a free Go-Go music concert series, and documentary screenings. The library has also shared beach read recommendations and audiobooks perfect for long roadtrips.
FREE SUMMER RESOURCES
DC DPR also offers aquatics and sports programming, such as swimming lessons, tennis for adults and toddlers, and creative dance. Some programs are free.
The DC government recognizes that “hunger doesn’t take a summer break.” Families in need of assistance in caring for their childrens’ nutritional needs may qualify for “SUN Bucks,” or Summer Electronic Benefits, which provide a pre-loaded benefits card for eligible families to help buy groceries. Some families may have already been notified by the DC government that they are eligible in the form of a notification in the mail. Other interested families can apply here to see if they are eligible. In addition, the DC Youth Meals Program runs from June 26 through August 25 and provides youth 18 and younger with meals at no cost at over 100 sites across the city. Residents can walk up to the sites and receive a meal without an application or identification card. You can find sites across the District here, call 1-866-348-6479, or text “Comida” or “Food” to 304-304.