Elementary Summer Acceleration Academy [Registration Required]

Eligible students: Current DCPS K-5th grade students 
Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Out of School Time Programming (OSTP): 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Available only to students scheduled in Summer Academic Acceleration and ES ELSAP.) 

This six-week, full-day program is a unique opportunity for elementary students to engage in hands-on, enriching academic instruction each morning and fun summer activities each afternoon. Last year, students who participated in Summer Acceleration formed new friendships, strengthened their literacy and math skills, and had fun learning and growing with their peers.

Sample Daily Schedule

Important Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Daily Schedule

Important Dates

• January 22: Priority invitations are sent to families. 
• January 26 – February 1: Priority students may register anytime during this window.  Please keep in mind that there are no guaranteed seats.   
• February 1: At 11:59 p.m., the priority registration window is closed, and no additional registrations will be accepted until open enrollment.  
• February 2: Summer School Open Enrollment begins for all families. 
• June 22: First Day of Elementary Summer Acceleration Academy. 
• July 3: No programming for Summer Acceleration Academy. 
• July 31: Final Day of Summer Acceleration Academy. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Elementary Families

How are students considered for priority summer enrollment?  

Based on a comprehensive review of data, including assessment results, test scores, and attendance records from this year, we are offering opportunity for early registration to students who DCPS has identified to benefit the most from participating in Summer Acceleration (January 26, 2026). Registration for all families will open on February 2, 2026.  

Does a spot on the priority list guarantee a seat in the program?  

No. Placement on the priority list offers the earliest opportunity to enroll. However, due to limited seats, we cannot offer a guaranteed seat to any student.  

One of my children was invited for priority enrollment, but not the other. I want them both to attend. Can I register both children now?  

Students were identified for early registration based on a comprehensive review of this year’s data. We encourage you to register your other child(ren) for programming when enrollment opens for all students on February 2. We are unable to offer sibling preference. 

I am not sure about my summer plans yet. Should I sign my child up now or wait?  

Whenever possible, we encourage you to sign up your child now and try to arrange summer plans so that your child can attend the entire Summer Academic Acceleration program. If your plans change and you need to cancel your registration, please contact extendedlearningteam@k12.dc.gov.  

I want my child to attend, but they will need to miss a couple of days – is that allowed?  

We encourage attendance for the entire program to maximize your child’s academic benefit. We understand that conflicts arise, but we also want to ensure that families are taking advantage of this enriching opportunity, especially when there is a waitlist increase.  

What if my child qualifies for an invitation-only DCPS summer program such as English Learner Summer Academic Program (ELSAP) or Extended School Year (ESY) later this spring?  

If your child qualifies for ELSAP (based on their English proficiency) or ESY (based on their Individualized Education Plan) later this spring, we will work with you and the ESY or ESLAP teams to determine the best summer programming for your child. We can help you adjust your summer program registration if needed. Please contact extendedlearningteam@k12.dc.gov. 

Your letter said my child is invited to participate in programming at one school, but I want them to attend a different school. Can they switch?  

Students are clustered for summer academic acceleration based on the school they attend during the year. This helps ensure they will be with students and staff who they know and with whom they can further develop relationships. In rare cases, pending seat availability, students may be able to attend summer programming at a different location for summer. Please contact extendedlearningteam@k12.dc.gov to discuss this possibility.  

Your letter said that programming is from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I need longer hours. Is there before- or aftercare?  

Summer Academic Acceleration (SAA) is scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Students registered for and attending SAA and ES ESLAP are eligible for OSTP programming from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  

Who is teaching Summer Acceleration? Can my child have their teacher for this year/next year?  

A combination of DCPS staff and trusted partner organizations will provide instruction and teach Summer Acceleration. Students and staff are grouped based on the school they attend during the school year. This familiarity helps support relationships during the summer program; however, we cannot guarantee that your child will be taught by their school year teacher.  

What content is taught during Summer Academic Acceleration? Does my child need this content to be ready for next year?  

During the morning of Summer Academic Acceleration, students will engage in hands-on learning that reinforces key academic concepts from the prior school year and introduces new concepts for the upcoming year. Students will engage with familiar lessons in new ways and practice emerging skills. Unless students are flagged for retention by their home school Principal, they are not required to participate in Summer Academic Acceleration to prepare for next year. However, this an opportunity for students to be better prepared for SY 2026-2027.  

My child is in a self-contained classroom setting during the school year. Can I still register?  

Yes. However, this program is not Extended School Year (ESY), nor is it designed to provide the level of instruction or support contained in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This program is designed to allow your child to engage with their peers in a fun and interactive environment. If your child qualifies for ESY based on their IEP later this spring, we will work with you and the ESY team to determine the best summer programming for your child.  

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