Summer Learning and Fun

Published on Feb 28, 2025
summer learning collage

Are you looking for highly engaging learning activities for your kids and family this summer? Bloomington Public Schools and Community Education have a robust selection of summer 2025 academic and enrichment programs, offering childcare and camps for kids and classes for all ages.

From summer preschool and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes to Summer SLAM activities, childcare for elementary-aged children, aquatics, driver’s education, high school credit recovery, adult enrichment, music lessons and more, families are sure to find a class or activity to try.

Registration opens for many programs March 12. You can view the Community Education Summer Catalog by clicking here. If programs are full, registrants will be placed on a waiting list.

Para obtener ayuda con el registro en español, llame 952-681-6412.
Hadii aad u baahan tahay caawinaad ruux ku hadla afka Somaliga ee xaga diiwaangalinta, fadlan soo wac 952-681-6412.

Early Childhood Programs

  • ECFE Summer Classes: 1 and 1.5 hour classes meet once a week on Tuesdays. Classes this year are Music and More, and ECFE Friends. Both classes are mixed ages with a sliding fee scale.
  • Early Head Start for toddlers.
  • Extended School Year (ESY) ECSE: Monday - Thursday, June 9-26, from 9-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-noon. ESY is a special education service providing instruction beyond the regular school year for qualifying students with disabilities based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Located at Southwood Early Childhood Center.
  • Ready, Set, Kindergarten!: Four-week program held June 9 - July 3, Monday through Thursday mornings for students starting BPS kindergarten in the fall. Sliding fee scale, transportation available, breakfast included.

Elementary and Middle School Programs

  • SLAM (Summer of Laughs, Adventures and More): Community Education’s 4-day fee-based sports, enrichment and recreation camps and classes. Meets Monday - Thursday.
  • Bloomington Youth Enrichment and Music Lessons (other than SLAM programs)
  • Elementary Summer Quest: Four-week summer school experience for eligible students.
  • Camp SAFARI June 11 - Aug. 15: Full-day, fee-based childcare for kindergarten to grade 4 with themed programming and weekly field trips. Includes breakfast and snack daily.
  • Summer Middle School Musical: June 16-27 and July 7-19 at Oak Grove Middle School. Limited to 90 participants; register by May 30.
  • Summit SAFARI June 11 - Aug. 15: Full-day, fee-based childcare for grades 5-6, with themed programming and weekly field trips. Includes breakfast, lunch and snack daily.
  • Super SAFARI Aug. 18-20: Full-day, fee-based childcare for grades K-6. Includes breakfast and snack daily.

Middle and High School Programs

  • Summer Galaxy: Fee-based youth program that includes service learning projects, weekly field trips and other daily activities. Breakfast and lunch provided daily. Transportation not included. June 16-Aug. 1.
  • Summer Musical: Fee-based opportunity for youth. Auditions in May, performances held July 25-28.
  • Driver’s Education: Classroom Instruction and behind-the-wheel package includes two-week classes of 30 hours of classroom instruction. The behind-the-wheel training includes three two-hour sessions.
  • Choice Academy Summer Program: Open to 12th grade students needing to complete their diploma requirements.
  • BEACON Alternative Learning Program Credit Recovery: Credit make-up for Jefferson and Kennedy students. Mandatory attendance, free breakfast and lunch.
  • ESY, Bloomington Transition Center Work Experience: Enrichment opportunities for students receiving special education services. Work experience internships for students working on building employment skills, advocacy and independence. Referral only.

Community Programs

  • Bloomington Community Education Aquatics: Fee-based swimming lessons, open/lap swim, aqua Zumba and water fitness classes, water safety instructor classes and lifeguard training. Ages 6 months to adult.
  • Bloomington Adult Enrichment: Adult Enrichment classes for adults ages 18 and older.
  • Youth Enrichment: Ages Pre-K to 18. Classes offered weekdays and evenings, including dance and sports for children; drivers education and pickleball for adolescents and teens.
  • GRASP (Correspondence Course): Nine-week correspondence program for grades K-8 that helps students maintain reading and math skills during summer vacation. Visit the GRASP website to register and receive materials.
    Registration for this program is no longer handled directly through Bloomington Community Education.