Summer opportunities abound for students at Mesa Public Schools. Starting June 1, district students in kindergarten through 12th grade can participate in a variety of exciting learning and enrichment activities.
Many opportunities will be available free or at a reduced cost thanks to federal coronavirus relief (ESSER) funds. Programming includes site-based opportunities at every school, music camp, Xplore, online learning, and more.
Eisenhower Center for Innovation Principal Robby Meldau is excited for the summer program and says his teachers have committed to providing rich learning opportunities that are also fun. “We want this summer school to look and feel different than years past,” Robby said. “This experience is about restoring a relationship to school and learning for our students.”
Poston Junior High Principal Michael Rapier says summer academies are a wonderful opportunity for students entering junior high to launch their on-campus experience in a smaller group. “Students will be able to walk from class to class, see where the cafeteria is located and build their confidence,” Michael shares. “Teachers are looking forward to building relationships with students, and we can support and remove any anxieties they may be experiencing.”
Summer Academy Opportunities
Free school-based programming for students in grades K to 8 is available June 1 to June 18 For students in grades 9 to 12, free school-based programming runs June 1 through July 9 at all senior high sites except Skyline High, which will offer programming June 1 to June 30. Transportation and meals will be provided at school-based programs.
Mesa Digital Learning Program (MDLP) will provide free online learning for enrolled students in grades 5 to 12.
All courses are self-paced and taught by appropriately certified teachers.
Shepherd Junior High hosts free summer music camp for students in grades 3 to 8 from June 1 to June 18. Classes include band, orchestra, ukulele, music composition, and guitar. Students are grouped by ability level based on their years of experience.
The community education department will offer free senior high summer school for enrolled students in grades 9 to 12. The program runs June 1 to June 18 and June 21 to July 9 at Dobson and Red Mountain high schools.
Summer Xplore is a full-day instructional and recreational program available five days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The program is offered June 1 through July 28 at Franklin at Brimhall, Hermosa Vista, Mesa Center for Success at Jordan, and SHARP. Additional locations may be added. Reduced fees are $82.50/week with a one-time $12.50 material fee.
Learn more at mpsaz.org/summer.