Grades 5-8 Summer Learning Programs

Summer Quest is a middle school summer program where students belong, learn, explore and grow. Each day blends rigorous, relevant academics in literacy, math, and more with hands-on, student-driven learning that keeps curiosity alive. Students stay active with movement, outdoor time, and joyful experiences, while enrichment opportunities help them discover new interests and build confidence. With a focus on leadership, personal growth, and skill-building, Summer Quest prepares students for the transition to middle and high school and helps them envision pathways toward future success.

Students experience hands-on activities and field trips with a focus on environmental science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Classes and activities include engineering, coding, construction, sports, environmental studies, cooking and working with computers. This program is sponsored by 3M.

Students engage with real-world design and engineering challenges led by SPPS teachers and university professors on the University of Minnesota campus. Students are called to be leaders, innovators and disruptors in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Students create and build their own scientific designs using tools in university labs. 

The Freedom Schools program strengthens literacy skills through a research-based Integrated Reading Curriculum that features books, materials and projects that represent the heritages and experiences of our scholars. Essential features include Hero Elementary K-2; science, technology, engineering, arts and math instruction; parent and family empowerment events; community engagement; pathways to careers; health and wellness; social action and field trips. Scholars see themselves in our high-quality Servant Leader Educators and community leader mentors/role models.