Chesapeake outlines summer school dates, sites and program focus for 2025

Chesapeake Public Schools staff presented the division's planned summer 2025 learning programs, which will emphasize accelerated learning and literacy supports, targeted interventions for exceptional and English learners, and a mix of in-person and virtual high-school options.

Kim McGrath, director of academic support, told the board the division plans to serve approximately 3,500 students through a combination of elementary, middle and high school offerings. Elementary summer school is scheduled June 30 to July 31, Monday through Thursday, from 7:35 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. at five elementary sites; staff said each elementary site will have two reading specialists providing targeted small-group instruction and enrichment, and rising fifth graders will access career and technical education (CTE) offerings.

Middle school summer programs are scheduled for June 30 to July 31 and will run as two nine-day sessions, 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; McGrath said middle-level instruction will focus on reading and will provide two reading specialists per site and specialized services for English learners and exceptional learners. High school summer learning will offer both in-person and virtual options: in-person instruction is planned for credit recovery, SOL quick review, and courses for initial credit when possible; Chesapeake Virtual Academy will also offer online credit-bearing courses. Staff said Chesapeake Virtual Academy charges $300 per course, with a reduced rate available for students who receive free or reduced-price lunch or who enroll in required academy courses.

Program design: staff described a condensed schedule for secondary students due to the June 17 last day of school and a teacher work day on June 18; to preserve instructional time the division will lengthen secondary school days by 30 minutes so middle school students can complete two nine-day sessions and high school students can access sufficient in-person instruction for credit recovery and SOL review. The division also plans enrichment offerings including a CTE academy, IB Academy and STEM camp.

Board Q&A: Dr. Britney Walker asked whether summer opportunities are open to all students or by invitation; McGrath said enrollment is "based on data" and that criteria are used to identify students for reading and math interventions; she confirmed that enrichment slots and exceptional learner placements follow set criteria.

Why it matters: summer programming is positioned to address learning gaps and provide recovery and credit opportunities that affect students' progression and graduation timelines.