Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recently welcomed families to its annual Summer Experience Expo, a showcase of diverse camps, internships, and academic opportunities available to students this summer.
The event brought representatives from programs across the city to one location, allowing parents and students to speak directly with staff, ask questions, and register for offerings on-site.
Valencia Payne, whose daughter Yvonna Payne is a kindergartener at Wesleyan International Academy, attended the event to explore academic offerings that were aligned with her child’s curiosity, specifically computer games like her favorite, ClassDojo.
Wesleyan International Academy parent, Valencia Payne, chats with a vendor at the Summer Experience Expo. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
“I’m looking for something STEM-related to keep her engaged during the summer,” Payne said. “She loves school, so I just want to keep her interested.”
With over 20 vendors present, Payne and the parents in attendance had a plethora of opportunities to choose from, including the district’s official summer learning program, APS Power Up Summer.
Open to all APS students attending traditional schools, Power Up summer programs offer both academic and enrichment opportunities to close learning gaps and support for credit recovery.
“Extending beyond the classroom, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of learning activities,” said Sedric Smith, APS Director of After-School and Summer Programs. “From STEM projects to artistic endeavors and outdoor adventures, there is something for every scholar to keep them engaged and excited about learning.”
Word of the district’s summer programming has already made an impact, with over 5,000 students enrolled. APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson is confident that the number will continue to grow, setting an impressive goal of 10,000 students enrolled by the May 15 deadline.
“We are excited to provide this summer learning option for our students,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our focus is on providing an experience that extends learning in fun yet meaningful ways. We want our students to leave with a sense of accomplishment, curious about learning, and prepared for the upcoming school year.”
APS Summer Experience Expo. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Programming for elementary and middle school students will center on academic intervention while incorporating social-emotional learning components. Students will also have access to “Power Up” extended learning activities, which will provide additional opportunities in areas such as science, the arts, and outdoor exploration.
High school students will focus primarily on credit recovery to support on-time graduation.
Additionally, APS provides free transportation, breakfast, and lunch to students. After-school care is also offered for elementary students at a cost to parents.
Registration for summer programs is now open, with class instruction running from June 2 to June 27, 2025. All students interested in a summer of fun, learning, and discovery are encouraged to secure their spot today by visiting the Power Up Summer 2025 website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/summeraps
For more information, families are encouraged to contact Sedric Smith at powerupsummer@atlanta.k12.ga.us.
Please take a moment to view the list of programs below.
| Program | Grade-level | Program Dates | Description | Registration |
| Kinder Camp | Rising Kindergarteners | June 2 – 6, 2025 | Kinder Camp provides an opportunity for children eligible to attend APS Kindergarten in the fall (those who are 5 years old by September 1) to learn routines, feel comfortable in a school environment, socialize with peers, and develop skills to be ready for Day One (August 1). Program Administrator: Adrienne Hall, adhall@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Register |
| Xanadu | Rising 1st – 8th Graders | Xanadu is designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities to gifted and high-achieving students offered by the APS Office of Gifted and Talented Education. Academic content is implemented via fun and engaging experiences for students. Program Administrator: Mona Haygood, mhaygood@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Registration is currently closed. | |
| APS Power Up Summer Program | Current 1st – 5th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | Elementary school students will focus on academic intervention that integrates social-emotional learning. The students will also have the option to participate in extended learning activities through Power Up programming. Program Administrator: Sedric Smith, powerupsummer@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Register |
| Power Up DLI Español | Rising 1st – 8th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | Power Up DLI Español is an opportunity for rising 1st – 8th grade students currently enrolled in the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program to engage in hands-on science in Spanish during the Power Up portion of the day at the locations serving elementary school DLI programs. Program Administrator: Margaret McKenzie, mamckenzie@atlanta.k12.ga.us | This is available for DLI students at Jackson Elementary School, Toomer Elementary School, and Sutton Middle School attending the APS Power Up Summer Program. |
| Summer Bridge Rising 6th Grade | Rising 5th Graders | TBD | The Summer Bridge Rising 6th Grade program is a summer transition program developed to address the unique needs of rising 6th-grade students and outline teacher and administrator expectations at the middle school level. The program is intended to cultivate communication and build a sense of community among students, teachers, and staff, which will be the foundation for a strong middle school experience. | Please contact the administrative office of your potential middle school. |
| APS Power Up Summer Program | Current 6th – 8th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | Middle school students will focus on academic intervention that integrates social-emotional learning. The students will also have the option to participate in extended learning activities. Program Administrator: Sedric Smith, powerupsummer@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Register |
| ACCA Career Exposure Camp | Current 6th – 8th Graders | June 9 – 13, 2025 | The ACCA Career Exposure Camp is a week-long enrichment program in which students gain exposure to high-demand/high-wage careers in the Metro-Atlanta area and a general understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term success. Lunch and transportation will be provided. Program Administrator: Kenya Gilliard, gilliardk@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Registration is currently closed. |
| Level Up Summer Math Academy | Rising 7th – 8th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | Level Up Summer Math Academy is a summer program specially designed for high-achieving and highly motivated students in mathematics. The four-week, intensive program will provide students with an opportunity to master essential standards taught in enhanced and accelerated math courses by distinguished math teachers. Students across the district will be given an opportunity to make lasting connections with peers and share innovative ideas and diverse perspectives around mathematics. Program Administrator: Ashley Garner, ashley.garner@atlanta.k12.ga.us | By invitation only. Please contact your middle school counselor to be considered for next year’s program. |
| Summer Bridge Rising 9th Grade | Rising 9th Graders | TBD | A summer transition program that is developed to address the unique needs of the rising 9th grade students and outlines teacher and administrator expectations at the high school level. The program is intended to foster communication and build a sense of community among students, teachers, and staff, which will be the foundation for a strong high school experience. | Please contact the administrative office of your potential high school. |
| Science and Math Summer Enrichment Academy (SMSEA) | Rising 9th – 12th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | SMSEA is designed to provide students with additional flexibility in their secondary experience as they can complete one math or science course for a full high school credit during the summer. This allows room in their schedule during the school year for higher-level coursework and Advanced Placement classes in their program of study. Program Administrator: Joseph Marutollo, joseph.marutollo@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Register |
| APS Power Up Summer Program | Current 9th – 12th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | High school students will focus on credit recovery and graduation. Program Administrator: Sedric Smith, powerupsummer@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Please contact your high school counselor. |
| Fine Arts Camp | Current 9th – 12th Graders | June 2 – 14, 2025 | The Power Up with the Arts program is designed to provide high school students with a two-week immersive arts experience that culminates in a presentation in the Juneteenth parade. Program Administrator: Sara Erickson, sarah.erickson@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Register |
| WINGS @ Phoenix Academy | Current Phoenix Academy 12th Graders | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | Wings @ Phoenix will continue to prioritize credit recovery for seniors on target for summer graduation. | Please contact a Phoenix Academy counselor. |
| Extended School Year (ESY) + Power Up | Students with Disabilities | June 2 – June 27, 2025 | APS must provide Extended School Year (ESY) services to all students with disabilities (SWD) in order for them to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). ESY provides services beyond the typical school day and/or year and is not limited to just the summer months. The school-based IEP Team determines whether a student requires ESY and if so, what specific services and when those services will be provided. Program Administrator: Samantha Fitts, sfitts@atlanta.k12.ga.us | Please contact your school counselor. |
