Knox County Schools
Knox County Schools is pleased to offer free summer learning opportunities for eligible students!
The Elementary (rising K-5), Middle School (rising 6-8), and Bridge (rising 9) Summer Learning Camp is a 4-week program that will be held June 2 through June 24, 2026.
Families of students who meet certain eligibility criteria will receive an enrollment application on Friday, March 20, 2026, through ParentSquare.
Because we are limited in space due to state guidance and funding, some students may be placed on a waitlist. Families of students who are accepted into the program will be notified by early May.
Knox County Schools values the success of every student. Summer Learning Camp is designed to reinforce skills in reading and math to help students return to the classroom with confidence and self-assurance to excel in the upcoming year. Additionally, this program provides a promotion pathway for rising fourth-grade students.
Elementary
General Information
The Elementary Summer Learning Camp is a free 4-week program that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. This camp will include 7 hours of daily, in-person programming from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:
- Instruction in English Language Arts and math
- Encore programming focused on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math
- Reading and math intervention
- Recess
In accordance with recent state legislation, some rising 4th-grade students will be required to attend camp to be promoted to 4th grade. Because of that requirement, KCS will be prioritizing available seats to rising 4th graders.
Additional Benefits
The Summer Learning Program will be provided at no cost to families, and will include the following:
- Bus transportation (families who choose to attend a site other than their zoned or assigned location will be required to provide their own transportation.)
- Free breakfast and lunch meals;
- Post-camp testing to measure student progress
Questions
For more information, please contact your base school.
FAQs
What is the KCS Elementary Summer Learning Camp?
The Elementary Summer Learning Camp is a free 4-week program that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. This camp will include 7 hours of daily, in-person programming from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:
- Instruction in English Language Arts and math
- Encore programming focused on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math
- Reading and math intervention
- Recess
Who is eligible for this program?
Families of eligible students received an enrollment application message on March 20, 2026 via ParentSquare.
Are students required to attend this program?
This program is voluntary for rising K, 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd- and 5th-grade students.
However, in accordance with recent state legislation, some rising 4th-grade students will be required to attend camp to be promoted to 4th grade. Because of that requirement, KCS will be prioritizing available seats to rising 4th graders.
This requirement is based on TCAP scores, and our district expects to receive those scores on May 20. Schools will communicate the pathways that are available to allow students to move on to 4th grade, including free summer school and/or tutoring support.
My student gets good grades. Why are they eligible for this program?
Some students are eligible because they are struggling academically, but other students are eligible because of factors including the overall academic performance at their base school or economic challenges facing their family.
Why is this program being offered?
In January, 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act to support students whose learning was interrupted by COVID-19. As part of this initiative, Tennessee school districts are required to offer learning loss remediation and acceleration programs for eligible students.
My student will be unavailable during a portion of the 4-week camp period. Are they still able to enroll?
Students will receive the greatest academic benefits by attending the full 4-week camp. However, students who will be unavailable for a limited number of days may still enroll in the program. Rising 4th-grade students will be allowed to miss no more than two days of Elementary Summer Learning Camp to be eligible for promotion. Rising 4th grade students who miss two or three days will be required to make up missed days on June 25 and June 26, 2026.
Will bus transportation be provided?
Yes, Knox County Schools will provide bus transportation for the Elementary Summer Learning Camp to the student’s zoned/assigned school. Students who attend an SLC site other than their zoned or assigned school will be required to provide their own transportation.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, free breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to all attendees.
Will students get credit for this program?
We believe the Summer Learning Camp is an important tool to help students prepare for their next grade level. However, participation in this camp will not affect a student’s grades from the spring semester and will not provide credit for classes in the fall semester.
How do I sign up?
Eligible families will receive an enrollment application on March 20, 2026. Applications must be submitted by April 22, 2026 to be considered for the program.
Is this program available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
During Summer Learning Camp, the full scope of Special Education services may not be available, and programming will not be intended to address IEP goals. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What is the status of additional programming for students with IEPs?
Determinations regarding traditional Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) services will be made as they have been in the past by IEP teams.
Will students with 504 plans receive supports?
Students with 504 plans who are eligible to attend Summer Learning Camp will be provided supports to access the curriculum.
Will English Language Learner (ELL) services be available?
During Summer Learning Camp the full scope of ELL services may not be available. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with school staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What level of health services will be provided?
We provide basic health support managed by trained site staff. Please note that a dedicated nurse will not be stationed at every site. Instead, our staff is equipped to handle day-to-day health needs and emergency responses.
Locations
The district has identified 22 elementary schools that will host programming for our Summer Learning Camp.
If your student’s school is not hosting Summer Learning Camp, they will attend programming at one of the host schools. A list of host schools and attendance designations are listed below.
Host Schools
Region 1
- Blue Grass Elementary - hosting A.L. Lotts Elementary and Northshore Elementary students
- Farragut Intermediate - hosting Farragut Primary students
- Sequoyah Elementary* - hosting Pond Gap Elementary and West View Elementary students
- West Hills Elementary* - hosting Bearden Elementary and Rocky Hill Elementary students
Region 2
- Ball Camp Elementary* - hosting Cedar Bluff Elementary students
- Hardin Valley Elementary - hosting Mill Creek Elementary
- Karns Elementary* - hosting Amherst Elementary students
- Powell Elementary* - hosting Copper Ridge Elementary students
- West Haven Elementary - hosting Pleasant Ridge Elementary students
Region 3
- Carter Elementary* - hosting Chilhowee Intermediate, East Knox Elementary, and Sunnyview Primary students
- Dogwood Elementary* - hosting South Knox Elementary students
- Mooreland Heights Elementary
- Mount Olive Elementary - hosting Bonny Kate Elementary, Gap Creek Elementary, and New Hopewell Elementary students
Region 4
- Adrian Burnett Elementary - hosting Fountain City Elementary and Sterchi Elementary students
- Brickey-McCloud Elementary - hosting Halls Elementary and students
- Gibbs Elementary* - hosting Corryton Elementary students
- Inskip Elementary* - hosting Norwood Elementary students
- Ritta Elementary - hosting Shannondale Elementary students
Region 5
- Belle Morris Elementary - hosting Christenberry Elementary students
- Green Magnet Academy
- Lonsdale Elementary* - hosting Beaumont Magnet Academy and Maynard Elementary students
- Spring Hill Elementary* - hosting Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy students
*Rising kindergarten classes are available at these sites.
Middle
General Information
For eligible students who are entering Grades 6-8 in the fall, Knox County Schools will be offering a 4-week Learning Loss Summer Bridge Camp that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. This camp will include 6 hours of daily, in-person programming from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:
- Instruction in English Language Arts and math
- Intervention
- Recess
Additional Benefits
The Summer Bridge Camp will be provided at no cost to families, and will include the following:
- Bus transportation
- Free breakfast and lunch meals
Questions
For more information, please contact your base school.
FAQs
What is the Middle School Learning Loss Summer Camp?
Middle School Summer Camp is a free, 4-week program that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. This camp will include 6 hours of daily, in-person programming from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:
- Instruction in English Language Arts and math;
- Intervention; and
- Recess.
Who is eligible for this program?
Families of eligible students received an enrollment application message on March 20, 2026 via ParentSquare.
Eligibility for this program is based on factors including:
- Individual student performance on state reading and math assessments
- A student’s fall semester grades in math or reading/language arts
- Economic challenges facing families
Can you tell me more about the factors that KCS considered?
KCS looked at approximately six data points and if your student did not perform well on at least one of these points, they may have been identified as a student that could benefit from Middle School Summer Camp. A few of the data points that KCS examined were:
- State TCAP data
- Academic screener results
- Benchmark data
- Grades from the fall semester
In addition, students whose families are facing economic challenges were also eligible for this program.
Why is this program being offered?
In January 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act to support students whose learning was interrupted by COVID-19. As part of this initiative, Tennessee school districts are again required to offer learning loss remediation and acceleration programs for eligible students.
Is this program mandatory?
The Middle School Summer Camp is optional, and students are not required to attend.
My student will be unavailable during a portion of the 4-week camp period. Are they still able to enroll?
Students will receive the greatest academic benefits by attending the full 4-week camp. However, students who will be unavailable for a limited number of days may still enroll in the program.
Will the Middle School Summer Camp be held at my student’s school?
Please see the 'Locations' tab for the sites that will be used this year. **South Doyle Middle School students will attend at South Doyle High School.
Will bus transportation be provided?
Yes, Knox County Schools will provide bus transportation for the Middle School Summer Learning Camp to the student’s zoned/assigned school. Students who attend an SLC site other than their zoned or assigned school will be required to provide their own transportation.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, free breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to all attendees.
Will students get credit for this program?
We believe the Middle School Summer Camp is an important tool to help students prepare for their next grade level. However, participation in this camp will not affect a student’s grades from the spring semester, and will not provide credit for classes in the fall semester.
How do I sign up?
Eligible families will receive an enrollment application on March 20, 2026. Applications must be submitted by April 22, 2026 to be considered for the program.
Is this program available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
During Summer Camp, the full scope of Special Education services may not be available and programming will not be intended to address IEP goals. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What is the status of additional programming for students with IEPs?
Determinations regarding traditional Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) services will be made as they have been in the past by IEP teams.
Will students with 504 plans receive supports?
Students with 504 plans who are eligible to attend Summer Bridge Camp will be provided supports to access the curriculum.
Will English Language Learner (ELL) services be available?
During Summer Camp the full scope of ELL services may not be available. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with school staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What level of health services will be provided?
We provide basic health support managed by trained site staff. Please note that a dedicated nurse will not be stationed at every site. Instead, our staff is equipped to handle day-to-day health needs and emergency responses.
Locations
The district has identified 14 middle schools that will host programming for our Summer Learning Camp.
If your student’s school is not hosting Summer Learning Camp, they will attend programming at one of the host schools. A list of host schools and attendance designations are listed below.
Host Schools - Rising 6-8
Region 1
- Bearden Middle
- Farragut Middle
- West Valley Middle
Region 2
- Cedar Bluff Middle
- Hardin Valley Middle
- Karns Middle
- Northwest Middle
- Powell Middle
Region 3
- Carter Middle - hosting Carter High
- South-Doyle Middle - see South-Doyle High
Region 4
- Gibbs Middle - hosting Halls MIddle
- Gresham Middle
Region 5
- Holston Middle - hosting Vine Middle
- Whittle Springs Middle
High
General Info
For rising 9th grade students, Knox County Schools will be offering a Summer Bridge Program that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. Enrollment for students is optional. Transportation and food services will mirror the middle school programming. The district expects that most high schools will host summer Bridge Camp programming. If your student's school is not selected, another nearby location will be assigned.
All students are expected to attend Summer Credit Recovery Program for the first 10 days. After that, the school will determine whether or not students can complete the remainder of the course at home.
Enrollment
Counselors will contact students/families to offer credit recovery to potential students. Once a commitment from the student/families is in place, students will be enrolled in the needed course.
Questions
For more information, please contact your base school.
FAQs
What is the Bridge Summer learning Camp?
Bridge Summer Learning Camp is a free, 4-week program that will begin on June 2 and will run through June 24, 2026. This camp will include 6 hours of daily, in-person programming from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:
- Instruction in English Language Arts and math
- Intervention
Who is eligible for this program?
Families of eligible students received an enrollment application message on March 20, 2026 via ParentSquare.
Eligibility for this program is based on factors including:
- Individual student performance on state reading and math assessments
- A student’s fall semester grades in math or reading/language arts
- Economic challenges facing families
Can you tell me more about the factors that KCS considered?
KCS looked at approximately six data points and if your student did not perform well on at least one of these points, they may have been identified as a student that could benefit from Bridge Summer Learning Camp. A few of the data points that KCS examined were:
- State TCAP data
- Academic screener results
- Benchmark data
- Grades from the fall semester
In addition, students whose families are facing economic challenges were also eligible for this program.
Why is this program being offered?
In January 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act to support students whose learning was interrupted by COVID-19. As part of this initiative, Tennessee school districts are again required to offer learning loss remediation and acceleration programs for eligible students.
Is this program mandatory?
The Bridge Summer Learning Camp is optional, and students are not required to attend.
My student will be unavailable during a portion of the 4-week camp period. Are they still able to enroll?
Students will receive the greatest academic benefits by attending the full 4-week camp. However, students who will be unavailable for a limited number of days may still enroll in the program.
Will the Bridge Summer learning Camp be held at my student’s school?
Please see the 'Locations' tab for the sites that will be used this year. **South Doyle Middle School students will attend at South Doyle High School.
Will bus transportation be provided?
Yes, Knox County Schools will provide bus transportation for the Bridge Summer Learning Camp to the student’s zoned/assigned school. Students who attend an SLC site other than their zoned or assigned school will be required to provide their own transportation.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, free breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to all attendees.
Will students get credit for this program?
We believe the Bridge Summer Learning Camp is an important tool to help students prepare for their next grade level. However, participation in this camp will not affect a student’s grades from the spring semester, and will not provide credit for classes in the fall semester.
How do I sign up?
Eligible families will receive an enrollment application on March 20, 2026. Applications must be submitted by April 22, 2026 to be considered for the program.
Is this program available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
During the Bridge Summer Learning Camp, the full scope of Special Education services may not be available and programming will not be intended to address IEP goals. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What is the status of additional programming for students with IEPs?
Determinations regarding traditional Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) services will be made as they have been in the past by IEP teams.
Will students with 504 plans receive supports?
Students with 504 plans who are eligible to attend Bridge Summer Learning Camp will be provided supports to access the curriculum.
Will English Language Learner (ELL) services be available?
During the Bridge Summer Learning Camp the full scope of ELL services may not be available. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with school staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.
What level of health services will be provided?
We provide basic health support managed by trained site staff. Please note that a dedicated nurse will not be stationed at every site. Instead, our staff is equipped to handle day-to-day health needs and emergency responses.
Locations
The district has identified nine high schools that will host programming for our Bridge Summer Learning Camp.
If your student’s school is not hosting Bridge Summer Learning Camp, they will attend programming at one of the host schools. A list of host schools and attendance designations are listed below.
Host Schools- Rising 9
Region 1
- Bearden High - hosting West High students
Region 2
- Karns High - hosting Farragut High and Hardin Valley Academy students
- Powell High
Region 3
- Carter High - see Carter Middle
- South-Doyle High - hosting South-Doyle Middle
Region 4
- Central High
- Gibbs High - hosting Halls High
Region 5
- Austin-East High
- Fulton High