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PREVENT THE SUMMER SLIDE

Upper Room Programs

Summer Academic Program

The story of our Summer Academic Program begins in 1999, as the result of a large focus group consisting of the predominant heads of household in the communities we support: single mothers.

In the program’s first summer, 250 students applied for our 90 available spots, indicating an immediate need to grow. Since then, we’ve expanded the program to serve over 1,500 students annually in partnership with the schools, community centers, and churches that serve as our sites.

Developed in accordance with Missouri Learning Standards, our Summer Academic Program is ideal for K-8 students and offers 11 hours per day of free programming for six weeks. Every site runs from 7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, and has directors that provide curriculum oversight and manage operations.

For more information about enrolling your student in our Summer Academic Program please review our summer program FAQ.

We provide educational continuity and prevent the dreaded Summer Slide.

Our certified teachers provide a precursor to the skills, strategies, and content students will explore during the next academic school year.

We support academic engagement in a fun environment.

Along with our academic curriculum, we give our students access to enrichment activities that include field trips, lessons in art, music, and more.

We are accessible to working and low-income families alike.

With support from the state and partner schools, all Upper Room KC’s after-school programs are either free, subsidized, or low cost.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The 2025 Summer Program will run from June 2, 2025 through July 25, 2025.

Here is a list of available sites for the 2025 Summer Academic Program by location and grade. Students may only enroll at ONE site, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Calvary Temple Baptist Church (Grades: 6-8) -- 2940 Holmes


Covenant Presbyterian Church (Grades: K-5) -- 5931 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130


Garrison Community Center (Grades: K-8) -- 1124 E. 5th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106


Gregg Klice Community Center (Grades: K-5) -- 1600 John Buck O’Neil Way, Kansas City, MO 64108


Holy Cross (Grades: K-8) -- 121 N. Quincy, Kansas City, MO 64123


Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy (Grades: K-8) -- 5000 E. 17th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127


Mary Williams Neal Community Center (Grades: K-5) -- 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64130


Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (Grades: K-6) -- 2310 E. Linwood, Kansas City, MO 64109


The Mount Christian Worship Center (Grades: K-5) -- 1800 E. 79th Street, Kansas City, MO 64132


Palestine Missionary Baptist Church (Grades: K-6) -- 3619 E. 35th Street, Kansas City, MO 64128


St. James Church (Grades: K-5) -- 5540 Wayne, Kansas City, MO 64110


The program runs from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Your child must be 5 years old by August 31, 2025, to be eligible for enrollment. Any child who does not meet this age requirement will be withdrawn from the program.

The Summer Academic Program is completely free for eligible families.

Transportation is not provided. However, sites are located throughout the Greater Kansas City area for your convenience.

English Language Arts (ELA): Certified teachers focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.


Mathematics: Students engage daily with a curriculum tailored to their grade level.


Fine Arts: All students participate in arts programming during the summer.


Nutrition and Wellness: Afternoon recreational activities promote physical health and wellness.


Field Trips: These are scheduled in the afternoon as a reward for academic achievements and offer fun, educational experiences around the city.

Please visit our FAQ page for complete program details.
Upper Room KC FAQ

2025 Summer Program Enrollment is OPEN!

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