Charles County Public Schools is offering two summer programs in July 2026 to support elementary students and the youngest learners in the county.
The invitation-only Summer Boost enrichment program targets students entering kindergarten through fifth grade in the 2026-2027 school year. The program runs from July 6 to July 23 at eight elementary school sites. Sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Summer Boost focuses on reducing educational gaps through instruction in language arts and math, along with social-emotional learning and special area rotations. Transportation, breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost. Before-care from 6 to 8 a.m. and after-care from noon to 5:30 p.m. are available for a fee.
Participating sites are Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary, Gale-Bailey Elementary, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary, Arthur Middleton Elementary, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary, J.C. Parks Elementary and J.P. Ryon Elementary.
Teachers and administrators select students for Summer Boost based on readiness needs. Families will receive invitations through mid-May.
Separately, the CCPS Office of Early Childhood is hosting free story hours in July for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. The bilingual sessions in English and Spanish include school readiness activities and a take-home copy of the featured book. Families are asked to attend only one group to allow broader access.
The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, 10-11 a.m., on July 7, 14, 21 and 28 at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, 1109 Copley Avenue in Waldorf.
- Wednesday, 10-11 a.m., on July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Early Learning Center in Waldorf, 3155 John Hanson Drive.
- Thursday, 10-11 a.m., on July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at the Early Learning Center in La Plata, 8730 Mitchell Road.
Registration is required for each story hour session. Links to register are available on the Charles County Public Schools website.
These programs form part of broader summer offerings in Charles County Public Schools, which serve more than 28,000 students across Southern Maryland. Summer Boost aims to provide targeted academic support during the break between the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.
The program operates at eight sites to reach students across the county while keeping group sizes manageable for effective instruction. The inclusion of social-emotional components and special area rotations helps create a balanced experience that supports the whole child.
Early childhood story hours promote literacy and school readiness in a fun, interactive setting. The bilingual format reflects the diversity of Charles County families and ensures accessibility for Spanish-speaking households.
Charles County Public Schools announced the programs on April 17, 2026, giving families several weeks to prepare. The story hours begin shortly after Independence Day, while Summer Boost starts the following week.
The eight Summer Boost sites are distributed to minimize travel for participating families. Locations include schools in Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head and other communities, providing convenient access for residents in different parts of the county.
Before- and after-care options give working parents flexibility. The fee-based service extends the supervised day without requiring families to arrange separate transportation for those hours.
Selection for Summer Boost remains invitation-only to focus resources on students who would benefit most from the enrichment. Principals and teachers identify candidates based on current performance and readiness indicators.
The story hour sessions run for one hour each week at fixed locations. Caregivers participate alongside children, learning strategies to support early literacy at home. Each child receives a book to build personal libraries.
Charles County Public Schools encourages families to register promptly for story hours since space is limited and the request to attend only one group maximizes availability.
These initiatives align with the district’s commitment to continuous learning and closing achievement gaps. Summer programs help prevent learning loss, particularly in language arts and mathematics, while fostering positive attitudes toward school.
Southern Maryland families in Charles County benefit from programs delivered close to home. The Waldorf and La Plata locations for story hours serve the county’s largest population centers.
The 2026-2027 school year begins in late August. Summer Boost participants will enter the new year with reinforced skills and greater confidence. Early learners attending story hours will gain exposure to books, routines and social interactions that ease the transition to prekindergarten or kindergarten.
Charles County Public Schools provides additional summer options, including credit recovery and enrichment camps, but Summer Boost and story hours specifically target elementary and pre-elementary age groups.
Registration details and exact links for story hours appear on the district website. Families needing assistance can contact their child’s school or the Office of Early Childhood.
With warmer weather arriving, these structured summer activities offer productive ways for children to stay engaged academically and socially while enjoying the break from regular classes.
The programs reflect ongoing efforts in Charles County to support student success from the earliest ages through elementary years. Participation can help build strong foundations for future achievement in Southern Maryland schools.
