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Committee approves 2026 MPS Summer Academy plan, confirms dates and literacy focus
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Summary
The committee approved the 2026 Summer Academy plan outlining July 6–30 half‑day sessions (8 a.m.–12 p.m.) at roughly 15 city sites, continued literacy interventions under Act 20, free participation for Milwaukee residents and wraparound services at selected sites.
The Milwaukee Public Schools committee approved the district’s 2026 Summer Academy plan after a staff presentation and board questions about access, curriculum and statutory limits on mandating attendance.
"Students will attend summer academy July 6 through July 30 from 8 to 12," Natalie Anderson, manager of extended learning opportunities, said while describing scheduling and program logistics.
Presenters described a program that provides direct instruction from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by Milwaukee Recreation wraparound programming starting around 12:30 p.m. Staff said elementary students rotate through 3 eighty‑minute blocks for literacy, math and an alternating science/social studies schedule, and that high school students have two blocks (8–10 and 10–12) for credit recovery and acceleration. The plan anticipates programming at about 15 sites across Milwaukee, with breakfast and lunch served at each site. Staff reported typical participation around 5,500 students, with roughly 2,500 high schoolers.
Board members asked whether attendance can be required for students not at grade level; presenters said the district cannot mandate attendance and identified that limitation as a state statute. Committee members also discussed implementation of Act 20 literacy requirements; staff said the summer program will provide an 80‑minute literacy block and will align instruction to the HMH version‑3 curriculum under adoption planning.
Director Reza moved to approve the plan; roll call recorded ayes from Director Ferguson, Director Reza and Chair Benoit, and the motion passed.
Staff said they will publish an enrollment guide in late January and continue outreach to families, including online registration and support at schools and central offices.
