When it comes to summer rising, whether it’s your child’s first summer or you’re sending a seasoned veteran to camp this year, we know that parents have questions. It’s only natural and, as an agency dedicated to serving NYC families, we want to do our best to answer them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Summer Rising:
1. “Is Summer Rising 2026 still accepting applications?“
The Summer Rising 2026 application closed on March 27, 2026. Families who did not receive an offer can join the waitlist through the NYC MySchools portal. CASW offers free summer programming in the Bronx and upper Manhattan. Contact caswkids.org or call (718) 542-9343 to learn more.
2. “My child is on the Summer Rising waitlist. What do I do now?“
Being on the waitlist means a seat is not guaranteed. CASW provides free summer day camp and enrichment programs at multiple locations in the Bronx and Washington Heights for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Contact CASW to find available programs near you.
3. “What time does Summer Rising run every day?“
Summer Rising 2026 runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., including academic instruction in the mornings and enrichment activities in the afternoons.
4. “Is Summer Rising really free? What about lunch and transportation?”
Yes. Summer Rising is completely free. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided to all students at no cost. Transportation to the program site is the family’s responsibility. If you need help with transportation.
5. “Does my child with an IEP or disability qualify for Summer Rising?”
Yes. Students with 12-month IEPs, including District 75, Extended School Year and Autism programs, are eligible for Summer Rising and can also opt into DYCD-led extended day enrichment until 6 p.m. Families should apply through the MySchools portal and may also contact accessibleadmissions@schools.nyc.gov for questions about accessible sites. CASW’s programs also welcome youth with disabilities across all sites.
6. “Will my child have to do schoolwork all summer in Summer Rising?”
Mornings in Summer Rising include teacher-led instruction in English Language Arts and math. This is designed to help students strengthen skills and return to school ready to learn. Afternoons are fully enrichment-based: arts, sports, STEM and field trips. It is not a full day of schoolwork.
7. “What do kids actually do in the afternoons at Summer Rising?”
Afternoons are led by community-based organizations contracted by DYCD. Activities include visual arts, performing arts, outdoor recreation, STEM projects and field trips. CASW is one of those CBO partners. At CASW sites, youth engage in arts and science workshops, leadership activities and community projects rooted in the neighborhoods we serve.
8. “My child got into Summer Rising but doesn’t want to go. Do I have to send them?”
Summer Rising is optional for most students unless a child has been mandated to attend for academic promotion reasons. Families who received an offer should accept or decline by May 5, 2026. If your child does not plan to attend, declining early helps move another family off the waitlist. CASW also has free summer programs that may be a better fit for your child’s interests.
9. “Why did my child get placed at a Summer Rising site far from home?”
Summer Rising placement is based on seat availability and equity priorities set by NYC Public Schools. Not all neighborhoods have equal seat distribution. If the assigned site is too far, families can contact the school or try the waitlist for a closer location. CASW operates free summer programming at multiple sites in the Bronx and upper Manhattan that may be closer to your home.
