Summer programs support students' continued learning, growth, and achievement over summer break. Browse our program catalog below and use our program search to find opportunities near you. For information about registering for specific programs, contact your school directly.
Summer Program Search
Find detailed information about summer programs on our searchable map. Search by program type, location, grade level and more.
What to Know This Year
- Introducing a new way to find programs: Finding summer programs is easier than ever with our new programs search. Filter our searchable map by neighborhood, program type, grade level and more.
- How to register: For information about registering for specific summer programs, contact your school directly. Not all programs are open to all students. Some students will receive or may have already received a letter about mandatory summer program participation. Please follow the directions in that letter to access the appropriate program.
- Prioritizing safety: All programs will be offered in-person and schools will be required to follow all established health protocols outlined in the District’s current COVID-19 mitigation strategies. To learn more, review our COVID-19 Safety Guidance.
- Charter and contract schools: Charter and Contract schools are responsible for operating their own summer programming and credit recovery. Students enrolled in these schools are unable to attend summer programming at district-managed schools. For information about summer programming at charter and contract schools, contact your school directly. For additional questions, contact the Office of Innovation and Incubation at contactiandi@cps.edu.
- Options schools: Options schools are responsible for operating their own summer programming and credit recovery. Summer program hours and term length vary by operator. For more information about summer programming at options schools, contact your school directly. For additional questions, contact the Options Network at optionsnetwork@cps.edu.
- Questions? For any additional questions about summer program offerings, please contact your local school.
Academic Programs
Designed to provide students with extra academic support in core subjects.
Students in grades 3rd, 6th, and 8th who do not meet the minimum promotion criteria are required to attend Summer Bridge. The Summer Bridge program is located at select sites and provides customized, intensive instruction to meet students' individual needs in reading and mathematics using an online curriculum. At the conclusion of the program, students who successfully meet promotion criteria will advance to the next grade.
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Summer Credit Recovery allows high school students to retake courses they previously failed. Current Seniors are able to take courses they need to graduate over the summer. School counselors will reach out to eligible students for registration at an available site.
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EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR
ESY programming provides additional academic support to pre-k–12 students as indicated in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for four to six weeks during the summer. Families of students that are eligible for ESY will receive a letter from their school in June.
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OLCE NEWCOMER SUMMER SUPPORT
OLCE Newcomer Summer Support targets ELs who are newcomers and provides ESL instruction with the goals of improving academic outcomes and increasing student's English language development. Families of students that are eligible for OLCE Newcomer Summer Support should have received an invitation from their school.
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KICK-OFF TO KINDERGARTEN
Kick-Off to Kindergarten (KOTK) provides developmentally appropriate academic and social-emotional learning experiences for students entering kindergarten in the fall. The program is designed for CPS preschool students who have demonstrated a need for additional academic or social emotional support, or who would benefit from PK-K transitional programming. The program is also open to students who will be new to CPS. KOTK is offered at select schools. Students must be enrolled in CPS Kindergarten in order to attend.
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HS ESL CREDIT ATTAINMENT
English as a Second Language (ESL) Credit Attainment allows English Learners (ELs) in grades 11 and 12 to earn the ESL credits they need to graduate. Please note: Students who have failing grades in ESL courses do not qualify for ESL Credit Attainment. Families of students that are eligible for HS ESL Credit Attainment will receive notification from their school.
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SUMMER TASSEL TRUANCY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
The Tassel Truancy Intervention Program is an online program for rising fifth-year seniors who are 0.5 to 1.5 credits away from graduating high school and have barriers that prevent them from attending in-person credit recovery/obtainment. Students that are eligible for Summer Tassel Truancy Intervention will receive notification from their school.
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SUMMER OF ALGEBRA
Summer of Algebra offers rising high school freshmen the opportunity to engage in a rigorous, inquiry-based algebra program and prepare them for advanced math pathways. Students are eligible if they have taken the Algebra for Middle Grades, or equivalent course in 8th grade. Ideal candidates have shown some mastery of Algebra but have not passed the Algebra Exit Exam. Participating students are eligible to earn the algebra competency and enter into geometry directly.
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CBE SUMMER MASTERY
Competency-Based Education (CBE) Summer Mastery provides additional instruction at participating CBE schools for students who did not meet proficiency by the end of the traditional school year.
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CBE SUMMER ACCELERATION
Competency-Based Education (CBE) Summer Acceleration is an opportunity for students across CBE schools to earn credits and develop academic and technical skills.
Enrichment Programs
Designed to challenge students to think critically and work collaboratively through project- and inquiry-based learning approaches, as well as nurture their creativity and curiosity through exposure to the arts, technology, world culture, and beyond.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE (CSI) SUMMER OF LEARNING
CSI Summer of Learning offers students educational field trips and enrichment opportunities that are centered on science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. CSI Summer of Learning also provides adult education workshops and community programming.
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OUT OF SCHOOL TIME
OST summer programming offers academic support, enrichment activities, and mentorship designed to engage students, build community and connectedness to school, expose students to new opportunities and learning, and meet students’ needs and interests.
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CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) SUMMER CAMPS
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Camps provide an opportunity for 6-9th grade students to explore career-oriented fields, from engineering to aviation to culinary arts and more. Students will be trained by industry professionals, work on interactive projects, hear from industry partners, and take career-related field trips. Camps are held in state-of-the-art labs housed within local high schools.
Transition Programs
Designed to support purposeful academic transitions for students and their families by equipping them with resources, guidance, and peer connections.
PREVIEW TO PREK
The Preview to Pre-K program is designed to orient students to preschool and ease the transition from home to school for first-time preschool students. The daily activities include social-emotional learning and development, community building, and engaging enrichment activities for students to begin to feel safe in this new environment and to develop their love of school and learning. Preview to PK is offered at select schools. Students must be enrolled in CPS Preschool for fall 2023 in order to attend.
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Research strongly encourages Math, English, and team/SEL skill building to best support Freshman year success. Freshman Connection offers incoming ninth graders the opportunity to get acquainted with their new school before they start their freshman year, learn about graduation requirements and expectations, and get to know their classmates and school staff.
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ACCELERATION AT FRESHMAN CONNECTION HOST SCHOOLS
The Acceleration version of Freshman Connection allows students who are aging out of elementary school without meeting eighth grade promotion criteria to attend their high school’s Freshman Connection program and receive supplemental supports before starting ninth grade. Families of students required to attend Acceleration will receive a letter from their school before the end of the school year.
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ALUMNI SUCCESS INITIATIVE
Alumni Success Initiative provides graduates from the Classes of 2022 and 2023 and their families with resources and support to help them enter and persist in their postsecondary pathway. Support and advising will be provided by trusted Postsecondary Champions from their high school, Transitional Youth Leaders (near peer advisors on college campuses), and Family Transition Mentors.
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SUMMER START (APPLY HERE BY JUNE 12TH)
CPS graduates headed to a City Colleges of Chicago campus can earn up to $1,000 and 3 college credits through this 7-week summer program. Students get an introduction to college life, take a free college course, receive English and Math support, and build community with their peers. A special offering for English Language Learners is also available.
Athletic Programs
Provide students with the opportunity to engage in sports and physical activity in a safe, controlled, and positive environment that promotes teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.
Partner Programs
Browse more summer programs from our partner organizations.