Elementary Summer Acceleration Academy [Registration Required]
Summer School (Elementary)Eligible students: Current DCPS K-4th grade students
Dates: June 30 – August 1, 2025; There is no programming July 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This five-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 (games, crafts, and more) 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
| Time | Instructional Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 AM* | Student Arrival & Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Morning Meeting and Community Building |
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Science Instruction |
| 10:15 – 11:15 AM | Math Instruction |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Reading Instruction |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch and Recess |
| 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Enrichment Activities – Three 1-hour blocks |
| 4:00 PM | Dismissal |
Important Dates
- January 8: Priority invitations are sent to families.
- January 13 – January 22: Priority students may register anytime during this window. Please keep in mind that there are no guaranteed seats.
- January 22: At 5:00 p.m., the priority registration window is closed, and no additional registrations will be accepted until open enrollment.
- January 27: Summer School Open Enrollment begins for all families.
- June 30: First Day of Elementary Summer Acceleration Academy.
- July 4: No programming for Summer Acceleration Academy.
- August 1: 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 a first round of enrollment opportunities to students who we believe would benefit the most from participating in Summer Acceleration. All families can request to enroll their child(ren) beginning on January 27.
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 the first round of enrollment 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 January 27. 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 your child up now and try to arrange summer plans so that your child can attend the entire Summer Acceleration program. If your plans change and you need to cancel your registration, please contact k-5.dcps.summer@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 benefit. If your child is absent for a few days, that is acceptable. However, please do not sign up for participation if you anticipate your child will miss more than 5 days of the program. Our data suggests that a minimum of 15 days is needed to be impactful. If students attend 20+ days, the academic benefits 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 to determine the best summer programming for your child. We can help you adjust your summer program registration if needed. Please contact k-5.dcps.summer@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 programming 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 deepen relationships. In rare cases, students may be able to attend summer programming at a different location for summer – please reach out to k-5.dcps.summer@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?
We are pleased to be able to offer a full day of summer programming for students. There is no additional before or aftercare for summer programming.
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 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, but we cannot guarantee that your child will be taught by their school year teacher.
What content is taught during Summer Acceleration? Does my child need this content to be ready for next year?
During the morning of Summer 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. Students are not required to participate in Summer Acceleration to be ready for next year, although it will help them enter School Year 2025-2026 better prepared!
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) and is NOT 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 to determine the best summer programming for your child.
