Summer offers students a chance to rest, explore new interests, and continue building the skills they need for success. Whether your child is attending summer school, participating in camps, or enjoying a well-deserved break, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and community partners offer a wide range of free and low-cost resources to support academic growth, mental and physical wellness, and family needs throughout the summer.

Summer Learning Opportunities

Summer Learning Academy

The MSCS Summer Learning Academy (SLA) provides rising K-9 students with a free, four-week program featuring reading and math instruction, enrichment activities, field trips, transportation, and free meals. SLA takes place from June 1 to June 29 at multiple locations across the district. Before- and after-care is also available at select sites.

Summer School

Students in grades K-12 may qualify for summer school to recover credits, strengthen academic skills, and stay on track for promotion and graduation. Summer School takes place from June 2 to June 30 at multiple locations across the district.

College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) Camps

Students can explore high-demand career pathways through hands-on camps in agriculture, aviation, cosmetology, healthcare, and more.

Summer Camps and Enrichment

The MSCS Summer Camp website features dozens of free camps for elementary, middle, and high school students, including:

• STEM and robotics
• Athletics and sports
• Fine arts
• JROTC
• Advanced Placement preparation
• CLUE enrichment for gifted students
• Workforce development opportunities

These programs help students discover new passions while building skills and confidence.

Mental and Physical Health Resources

MSCS offers resources that students and families can access year-round, ensuring care and guidance continue beyond the school year and throughout the summer months. MSCS offers year-round mental health support, including:

• Camp Treetops, a therapeutic resilience-building camp
• School-based mental health services and family resources

Families are encouraged to maintain healthy routines, spend time outdoors, stay active, and seek support when needed.

Food and Nutrition Support

Summer should be a time of fun and exploration, but for many families, the end of the school year can also mean a loss of access to the nutritious breakfasts and lunches students receive each day at school. Memphis-Shelby County Schools is committed to ensuring that children continue to have access to healthy meals all summer long.

Through the MSCS Summer Meals Program, participating sites across Memphis and Shelby County will provide open meal service to all eligible children and teens ages 18 and younger during designated meal service times. Eligible participants with disabilities who are over age 18 and enrolled in a school program may also receive meals.

Families are encouraged to share this resource with anyone who may benefit. No registration is required; however, meals must be consumed on-site at participating locations.

Families can quickly locate nearby meal sites by:

• Calling 1-866-348-6479
• Texting “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744
• Visiting the MSCS Summer Meals webpage for a complete list of locations and serving schedules.

The Summer Meals Program is part of MSCS Nutrition Services’ ongoing effort to support student health and well-being beyond the classroom. In 2025, the district served more than 500,000 free meals to children throughout the community during the summer months.

In addition to district-operated meal sites, Tennessee families may also benefit from expanded summer food assistance programs that help eligible households purchase groceries while school is out.

Community Activities and Summer Camps

In addition to MSCS programs, families can explore a variety of free and low-cost summer opportunities offered throughout the community. The City of Memphis offers youth camps, recreation programs, sports leagues, fitness activities, and family-friendly events through Memphis Parks and its network of community centers across the city. Summer programming includes day camps, teen camps, arts and cultural activities, athletics, outdoor recreation, and special events designed to keep children active, engaged, and connected throughout the summer months.

Families can also stay updated on upcoming events and activities by visiting the Memphis Parks Facebook page, where the city regularly shares information about camps, wellness programs, concerts, community events, and seasonal activities happening throughout Memphis.

Preparing for the New School Year

As summer progresses, families can help students prepare for a strong return to school by:

• Reading for at least 20 minutes each day
• Practicing math and writing
• Establishing healthy sleep routines
• Updating registration information
• Setting goals for the upcoming year

Summer is a season of discovery, growth, and opportunity. By taking advantage of the many academic, enrichment, wellness, and nutrition resources available, families can help students stay engaged, supported, and ready to thrive when the new school year begins.