Summer Rising

Summer Rising is New York City’s free, full-day summer program for students in grades K–8, designed to blend summer school and camp-style enrichment into one experience. Run as a partnership between NYC Public Schools and community-based organizations, it’s widely available across the city (though seats are not guaranteed). For parents, the biggest draw is accessibility: the program includes academics in the morning and enrichment in the afternoon, along with breakfast, lunch, and snacks included—making it a reliable, no-cost option for structured summer childcare.

A typical day is split into two parts. In the mornings, kids work with licensed teachers on reading, writing, math, and social-emotional learning, often in small-group or grade-level settings. Afternoons shift into a more camp-like environment led by community partners, with activities like arts and crafts, sports, outdoor play, and field trips. Programs run for about six weeks (with some additional enrichment weeks), and many sites offer extended-day options until early evening, which can be especially helpful for working families.

For NYC parents, Summer Rising sits somewhere between traditional summer school and day camp. It’s less specialized or polished than private camps, but it offers a valuable mix of structure, socialization, and enrichment—especially for families prioritizing affordability and convenience. Because each site is run by a combination of school leadership and local organizations, the day-to-day experience can vary, but the overall goal is consistent: to keep kids learning, active, and supported throughout the summer in a safe, community-based environment.

July 1 - August 14, 2026

Sites located within the NYC Public School system.

Free!

Application window open from March 3 - March 27, 2026, here.

718-935-2200, or 311 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) and let the operator know you have an education-related inquiry.

‍Contact Us Form

What Parents Like‍

• Families consistently appreciate that the program is free, full-day, and includes meals, making it one of the most accessible summer options in NYC.- Many parents say it provides reliable structure and childcare for working families, especially compared to patching together shorter or part-time programs. (1)
• Kids benefit from a balance of academics and fun, with mornings focused on learning and afternoons offering camp-style activities like sports and arts. (2)
• Some parents report that their children enjoy the social aspect and reconnecting with peers, especially after the school year. (1.5)
• When programs are well-run, families highlight engaged staff and strong community partners, creating a positive, camp-like environment. (2.5)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• The most consistent feedback is that quality varies significantly by site, depending on school leadership and the community-based organization running afternoons. (2)
• A few families note that activities can feel repetitive or limited, particularly if resources at a specific site are constrained. (1.5)

‍Our Take

‍Summer Rising is best understood as a high-value, citywide program that prioritizes access over polish. Parent feedback makes it clear that when a site is well-run, with strong staff and programming, it can feel like a solid mix of summer school and camp. But variability is real, and the experience can differ meaningfully from one school to another.

For NYC parents, the key is to approach Summer Rising as a dependable baseline option: it offers structure, socialization, and enrichment at no cost. If your child thrives with flexibility and community-based programming, it can be a great fit. If you’re looking for highly specialized activities or a premium camp feel, you may want to supplement with additional programs.