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District outlines expanded summer learning, targets literacy and credit recovery
Summary
Chesapeake's academic support director presented the summer 2026 program: elementary and middle school sessions June 29'July 30 focused on literacy with two reading specialists per site; high school offerings include credit recovery, in-person and virtual courses (Chesapeake Virtual Academy) and a $300 fee for certain credit-bearing options with reduced rates for eligible students.
Mrs. Kimberly McGrath, the district's director of academic support, told the board the district is prioritizing accelerated academic growth, literacy, and targeted intervention in its summer 2026 offerings, and emphasized supports for exceptional and English learners.
"Tonight, I aim to provide you with a glimpse into the upcoming summer educational endeavor tailored for approximately 3,500 of our students," McGrath said, and she reviewed outcomes from the previous summer session, including more than 4,000 students served across PreK'12 and 615 high school initial credits earned through the district's virtual academy.
Elementary summer learning will run June 29 through July 30, Monday through Thursday (7:35'11:35 a.m.) at six elementary sites. Each elementary site will have two reading specialists to provide small-group targeted instruction, and the program will introduce rising fifth graders to CTE (career and technical education) options.
Middle school students may attend two nine-day sessions (8:45 a.m.'1:15 p.m.) at selected high school sites; each site will provide two reading specialists and specialized services for English and exceptional learners. High school programming includes in-person credit recovery and coursework, Chesapeake Virtual Academy online credit-bearing courses, and quick-review classes to support students retaking end-of-course tests.
McGrath also noted program partnerships, including a bridge-to-kindergarten effort with United Way, and said surveys showed high satisfaction with extended daily hours. Fees for some Chesapeake Virtual Academy offerings are $300, with reduced rates for students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch; the district said reduced rates or fee waivers are available where noted.
Board members asked how sites are chosen; McGrath said site selection is made by school leadership and school plans, accounting for prior usage, ongoing projects and a desire to "spread the wealth" so multiple communities have access to summer programming.
The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions and ongoing coordination through the Department of Academic Support.
