The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), the City of Madison and local partners are inviting the public to attend Summer Semester open houses on Wednesday, July 15, offering a firsthand look at how students are strengthening academic skills, building leadership and engaging in culturally responsive summer programming.
The open houses will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at four locations across Madison. Guests will have the opportunity to tour learning spaces, meet students and staff, and learn how MMSD and the City partner with youth-serving organizations to deliver summer programming directly within neighborhood community centers and affordable housing communities.
Unlike traditional summer school models, the Summer Semester community sites are embedded in the neighborhoods they serve, making high-quality academic enrichment more accessible for students and families while strengthening relationships with trusted community organizations.
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"Our Summer Semester community sites demonstrate what's possible when schools, families, community organizations and local government work together around a shared commitment to children," said Nicole Schaefer, MMSD's director of strategic programs. "By bringing learning directly into neighborhoods, we're able to remove barriers to participation while creating spaces where students grow academically, build confidence and experience the joy of learning alongside their peers."
The sites combine literacy instruction, leadership development, enrichment activities and social-emotional learning with opportunities for recreation, relationship building and cultural exploration.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will join district and city leaders in visiting one of the community sites to meet with students and educators and learn more about the collaborative approach that supports families throughout the summer.
"Providing our young people with opportunities to thrive is good for our entire community. The Summer Semester is an investment in Madison families: it builds stronger neighborhoods and it helps kids be even better scholars during the school year," said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. "I'm very proud of the partnerships between the City of Madison and MMSD. Together, we are advancing smart programs that make Madison a great city to raise a family."
This summer, Summer Semester community programming is offered at four sites, up from two last year:
- Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center, 1409 Theresa Terrace, Madison, 53711
- Bayview Foundation, 103 La Mariposa Lane, Madison, WI, 53715
- East Madison Community Center, 8 Straubel Court, Madison, WI 53704
- Northport Community Learning Center, 1740 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Summer Semester is part of MMSD's broader commitment to providing students with meaningful learning opportunities beyond the traditional school year. Through partnerships with the City of Madison and local organizations, the district continues to expand access to programs that support academic growth, foster leadership, and help students return to school ready to succeed.
