SPS Expanded Learning Department

Expanded Learning is the idea that educational opportunities exist beyond the scope of the traditional school day. These programs can complement classroom learning, provide more space for social emotional learning, include career exposure, utilize community partner resources, and offer a variety of enrichment activities. Currently, our team is focused on summer learning, but future bodies of work could include before and after school programming, and rethinking credit recovery.

The purpose of Expanded Learning is to contribute to positive student outcomes, support college and career readiness goals, and meet family-articulated needs of having safe, enriching afterschool and summer opportunities for students where they can thrive, be exposed to new and engaging ideas, and make meaning out of the learning they receive during the day.

Current academic and enrichment supports offered through Expanded Learning include:

• STEAM-based enrichment activities that get students excited about learning and attending school in the summer
• Exposure to a variety of career pathways
• Social emotional development and community building

Summer Learning

Seattle Public Schools’ Summer Learning program has undergone a comprehensive transformation to enhance the quality and effectiveness of summer education. Through evaluation, we have worked to ensure that every student has access to an enriching and supportive summer experience. One of our goals for Summer Learning is to ignite and foster joy and build confidence in all students. We do not remediate but support, ensuring that students feel a sense of belonging within their school community.

Our full-day summer program provides targeted academic support and enrichment five days a week. The program serves students scoring below the 60th percentile in both Math and Reading, based on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and teacher recommendations. To foster joy and confidence in learning, we maintain small classroom sizes, with a 20:2 student-to-adult ratio, ensuring individualized attention and support.

We believe in 200 Days of Excellence—a commitment to continuous learning and student success beyond the traditional school year.

2025 Summer Programs

Select grade levels from the links on the right to see applicable summer programs for 2025.

Special Education Extended School Year (ESY)

Extended School Year (ESY) are special education services beyond the normal school year. While ESY plays a role in the broader summer offerings, it is not managed by the Expanded Learning department, but rather Seattle Public Schools’ Special Education Department.

The purpose of Extended School Year (ESY) services is to provide special education services for eligible students beyond the dates of a normal school year when doing so is needed to support their progress on goals. The consideration for ESY services is a team decision, based on the individual needs of a student, and supported by data.

The program is offered at no cost to families. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participating students. More information is on the Special Education department webpages.