Frequently Asked Questions
When will I know if my child is accepted into our chosen Summer Scholars Academy? Within 10-14 days of submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation of acceptance. Please first look in your SPAM folder for both documents before emailing SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us.
When will we find out more details about our summer scholar program, such as transportation, meals, schedules, etc? Further information should be sent out the first couple weeks of May (program details in a welcome letter sent via School Messenger and/or in a welcome letter section of our summer website). Transportation information should be available during the week of June TBD (to be determined) (via robocall/text/email).
What does a typical day look like? GEMS-GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Academy helps students uncover the wonders of STEM fields in a four-week, all-day program. Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Knowledgeable staff help immerse students in high interest and rigorous STEM experiences designed to provide relevant, real-world connections and career exploration. Students have the options of participating in GEMS, GISE or STEM (combined gender groups). A typical day this summer will include all the above-mentioned opportunities, student engagement in outdoor learning spaces, active investigative discovery, and a half hour of recess for students daily. Students in grades 5-8 attending Sullivan/Anishinabe may also choose to attend our GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy which offeres an opportunity to choose between one to three weeks of programming, allowing families to have more flexibility with their summer.
My child doesn't attend a Minneapolis Public School (MPS)? Is my child allowed to attend? If your child attends a charter school or other district public school, and you reside in Minneapolis, your child may attend our in-person learning academies for grades 5-8. Additional documentation will be required from your child’s teacher, including a Continuous Learning Plan and possible a second (different) MPS Registration Form. Our summer team will reach out to begin this process.
My child attends a charter school but doesn't have any academic needs, may he/she still attend? As mentioned above, we do need feedback from your child’s teacher. If your child does not require academic assistance, there are other areas that will qualify (social/emotional needs), such as practicing perseverance, maintaining positive relationships, etc.
My child needs to miss some of the summer scholar program due to vacation (or other reason). Is this okay? Because of our project-based learning techniques, i.e. group work, we prefer that a student does not miss any time. We do understand, however, that things may come up (i.e. previously planned events). In this event, however, we do not want a child missing more than one week. Please notify your site when your child is absent.
Do I select an application based on my child's current grade or on their grade in the Fall of 2027? When choosing the appropriate application (especially important for current 4th graders), choose based on your child’s grade in the Fall of 2027. So, a current 4th grader will choose the 5-8 application. A current 8th grader will choose the Fast Track application. The exception is a current 4th grader who wants to attend the Anishinabe American Indian STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program or the Green Central Bilingual STEM program. They will complete a Grades 1-4 application, see that section.
May I make a request that my child be placed in a class with a friend? Yes, you may for up to three friends (we suggest you coordinate with the other parents/guardians). We will do our best to honor these requests, however, know that it is not a guarantee. Multiple factors may contribute to this decision, such as class size/availability, session time, etc.
How do I make a later request, or changed request, for transportation? You may email SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us . Please be sure to include your child’s name along with their pickup and drop off address. Please know that the deadline to get your application in for transportation for the first day of Summer Scholars is TBD. The application deadline for all transportation change dates is:
| Application Deadline |
Transportation Effective Date |
| TBD |
June 28th (First day) |
| TBD |
July 5th |
| TBD |
July 12th |
| TBD |
July 19th |
Will I be able to use My Ride this summer? My Ride is the newer parent app for families and caregivers to track their student’s yellow bus. Yes, you may use the My Ride app to view your student's bus info. Bus location may be viewed when the bus has their GPS turned on. My Ride K-12 website is a great resource for information and provides additional details.
Will a nurse be available at the summer academy sites? Yes, we will have a nurse on site during our summer academies.
My child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program). What does that mean for the Summer Scholars Academy? We employ social workers for our summer academies. Our social workers will review your child’s IEP and work with the summer academy location to determine implementation of those needs. In some cases, it may be determined that your child is best suited in one of our ESY (Extended School Year) summer locations. In the event of this, our team will reach out to you. If your child attends a charter school or non-MPS public district (and you live in Minnenapolis), please email your child’s IEP to:
SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us
Do students in the elementary program get to select their classes? They will not. Students will be scheduled for a variety of course offerings.
Are meals provided? Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided to summer scholars at no cost. Menus may found under "Summer Menus" @ Summer Menus
Is there a cost to participate? No, there is no cost to participate in our Summer Scholars Academy.
Who do I contact if student is going to be out? Please contact your summer location’s office to report absences.
