Summer 101
The 2024–25 school year ends Thursday, June 26, but that doesn't mean NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) are closed for the summer. Find out what's happening from June to August and take advantage of educational and enriching activities.
Before the Last Day of School
With the last day of school coming up on June 26, it's a good idea for students and families to take care of certain important tasks sooner rather than later! Once summer programming starts, schools and staff members may not be available to respond to these requests.
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Working papers
Also known as "Employment Certification," all students between 14–17 years of age must have working papers to participate in paid work in New York State.
While it may be possible to obtain working papers from a superintendent's office during the summer season, office schedules and locations may not be as convenient for your family. Learn more at Working Papers.
Students seeking jobs this summer should:
- Complete the Working Papers - Employment of Minors application available on the New York State Education (NYSED) site.
- Print the application.
- Bring the application to school and submit to the designated person (usually a counselor or advisor).
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Student transcripts
Many summer programs and paid work opportunities require applicants to submit copies of their student transcripts, or official student records, as proof of their enrollment in City schools. We recommend that students planning on applying for internships, jobs, and other learning/earning opportunities this summer speak with their guidance counselors and obtain their official transcripts before the end of the school year.
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Letters of recommendation
Many scholarships, college applications, and other opportunities require letters of recommendation from teachers and other trusted staff members–students who have yet to request these recommendations from their teachers should do so immediately!
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Check the lost and found
Throughout the school year, students of all ages misplace their personal belongings. Stop by your school's designated "Lost & Found" area before the last day of school to see whether any of your items happen to be there!
Summer Meals
When school is out, students can still enjoy free breakfast and lunch!
The NYCPS Summer Meals program offers free meals across New York City to anyone 18 years or younger at select NYC public schools, community pool centers, parks, and libraries.
You don't need to sign up in advance or provide identification. Just head to a Summer Meals site and enjoy a meal!
Learn more about Summer Meals
Dates and Times
No service on Friday, July 4, 2025
Summer Rising
Ends
Friday, August 15 Grades K - 5
Friday, August 8 Grades 6 - 8
Summer Rising will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025 for Independence Day.
Monday to Friday
8 AM to 6 PM
Stay updated on Summer Rising
Summer School
Each May and June, teachers assess students' progress to determine if they are ready for the next grade level. Families of students who have not yet made sufficient progress will be notified via letter in mid-June.
If your student is in grade 3–8 and is not promoted in June, they will be required to attend summer school.
If your student did not receive a Summer Rising seat, then they will attend the academic portion only.
Detailed instructions on dates and times will be in the letter. At the end of summer school, schools will make a final decision about students' grade levels for next year.
Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Summer Programs
This summer, NYCPS students entering grades 9–12 in the fall of 2025 can register for the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) High School Summer Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Program! Participants will enjoy free athletic training, sports-specific skill development, and recreation activities at select sites across the five boroughs.
Students may register at any PSAL summer site, regardless of where they are enrolled during the regular school year. However, students should select only one site and program per session.
Session 2
Starts
Wednesday, July 30
Monday to Thursday
3 to 6 PM
Summer Reading / NYC Reads
Reading is like any skill: it takes practice! Over the summer, we encourage students to spend at least a few minutes reading each day. This daily routine will help your child continue developing their literacy skills and prevent learning loss while they're away from the classroom. This year, we have plenty of resources available to get started on your family's summer reading journey.
Check out helpful tips and book recommendations for students of all ages that will keep them engaged and excited to read while school is out.
Work on building students reading skills all year round with flashcards, fun games, book lists, and more.
NYCPS students can access thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks in multiple languages for free with Sora! Simply log in with your NYCPS credentials to start reading today!
NYC's three public library systems offer free programs and events for kids and teens all summer long! Visit any of their 200+ locations across all five boroughs to join in on the fun.
Remember to check with your school about any additional lists of recommended or required summer reading. Happy reading!
Leave the Surfing to the Beaches, Not the Subways
Stay safe while traveling by subway this summer! Subway surfing is a dangerous, viral challenge that has been on the rise among young people in NYC. In recent years, fatalities and critical injuries have increased—including among NYCPS students—as more people take part in this life-threatening trend. That's why it's so important to talk to your child today about the serious dangers involved: it could save their life.
To combat this issue, NYCPS students have teamed up with the City and the MTA on the "Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive" campaign. They've created graphics, posters, and social media content to raise awareness among their peers.
Don't assume that your child knows the risks! Learn more about keeping your family safe this summer by visiting Keeping Kids Safe in Our Subways.
Stay cool this summer
Keep yourself cool and safe during periods of extreme heat this summer by going to the City's designated cooling centers. The City opens cooling centers when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory with a forecasted heat index of:
- 95 degrees or higher for two or more days, or
- 100 degrees for any period of time
If you have no access to air conditioning, you can visit cooling centers in libraries, community centers, senior centers, NYCHA facilities, and other facilities across the city.
Find a cooling center near you.