Contact: Taylor MacDonald, Director of Extended Academics & Enrichments Services 

In partnership with community organizations, Salem Public Schools hosts an array of lively summer programs for students of all ages with the emphasis on students having fun while learning. Students build upon their skills and knowledge from the school year through hands-on project-based learning, language-based learning, community engagement opportunities, exciting problem-solving and peer collaboration challenges, swimming and canoeing opportunities, as well as weekly field trips around the North Shore.

To learn more about our summer opportunities, contact your school’s City Connects Coordinators. 

View 2025 Summer Learning Requirements

YMCA Summer Academy & AVES

Rising 1st-5th graders

The YMCA Summer Academy and AVES program is a five-week academic/enrichment program for rising grades 1-5 students, run by the Salem YMCA in partnership with Salem Public Schools. Morning hours will be spent with teachers incorporating 21st Century programs focused on project-based learning and afternoons and Fridays with enrichment and camp activities.

AVES is a thematic program for dual language learners to develop English proficiency through a project and inquiry-based model.

Contacts:

English Language Summer Academy (ELSA) and Camp Fire

For rising 1st-5th graders

ELSA is a thematic program for multilingual learners to develop their English proficiency through a project and inquiry-based model.

Contact: Andre Fonseca | afonseca@salemk12.org | (978) 587-4937

Camp Fire is a four-week summer day camp afternoon program for rising 1st-5th graders, run by Camp Fire North Shore in partnership with the SPS ELSA program. Students will engage in theatre arts, sports, games, STEM projects, swimming, arts & crafts, and cooking.

Contacts:

Register Now

Expanding Horizons

For rising 6th-8th graders

Hosted by Leap for Education, Expanding Horizons is a five-week (Monday-Thursday) summer program for students entering grades 6-8. The program offers engaging project-based and enrichment experiences in the areas of STEM, social justice, environment/sustainability, service learning, creative and visual arts (such as art, photography, drama, culinary), and sports and fitness. Games and team-building challenges are included along with field trips.

Register Now

Contact:

  • Rebecca Field | rfield@leap4ed.org | (978) 219-9639

Summer Connects

For rising 9th graders

For rising freshmen to jumpstart their high school careers, students will receive 0.5 credits toward graduation. Summer Connect is designed to support students in feeling prepared and excited for high school. Specifically, we are committed to:

  • Introducing students to the high school building
  • Learning routines and academic expectations
  • Building strong relationships among students, teachers, counselors, and other school staff
  • Helping students discover their passions and build college and career aspirations

LEAP Summer Work

For rising 9th-12th graders

Six-week paid career exploration program for high school students with career mentorship, project-based learning, and soft skill development.

Register Now

Contact:

Not Yet Academy

For rising 10-12th graders

Not Yet Academy (NYA) is summer opportunity for students to complete their learning and meet the passing threshold (1.7 or higher) in the Math, English, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education.

Contact:

21C Summer Internship

For rising 9th-12th-graders

For high school students interested in the education field. The summer internship program will enable interns to gain valuable experience and provide additional support to K–8 students in current 21st CCLC schools/sites.

Contact:

Taylor MacDonald | tmacdonald@salemk12.org | (978) 778-8972