Frequently Asked Questions
This page is updated frequently with additional information about Summer 2021.
Registration
How do I enroll?
Please visit www.scienceandartsacademy.org/summer and click the “Register” button which will direct you to our online registration site. We strongly recommend accessing the registration system on a computer, as there may be some compatibility issues on phones and tablets. Please email us if you need any assistance.
Please visit www.scienceandartsacademy.org/summer and click the “Register” button which will direct you to our online registration site. We strongly recommend accessing the registration system on a computer, as there may be some compatibility issues on phones and tablets. Please email us if you need any assistance.
When does registration open and close?
Priority registration is available March 30 - April 1 and registration opens to the public on April 1 at 12:00pm. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled and up until the first day of each session. We anticipate a limited number of spots this summer due to capacity restrictions and safety protocols, so more than ever before we encourage families to reserve a spot as soon as possible.
Priority registration is available March 30 - April 1 and registration opens to the public on April 1 at 12:00pm. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled and up until the first day of each session. We anticipate a limited number of spots this summer due to capacity restrictions and safety protocols, so more than ever before we encourage families to reserve a spot as soon as possible.
Are there any admission requirements?
Summer Adventures in Learning is open to the community, regardless of the school that your child attends during the academic year or their achievement level. The admission process involves receipt of the online registration, accompanying medical forms, necessary COVID-19 agreements/consents, and payment. Eligibility is based on the grade in which your child is entering in the fall.
Summer Adventures in Learning is open to the community, regardless of the school that your child attends during the academic year or their achievement level. The admission process involves receipt of the online registration, accompanying medical forms, necessary COVID-19 agreements/consents, and payment. Eligibility is based on the grade in which your child is entering in the fall.
What registration forms are required?
Most of the required enrollment information is collected during the online registration process. New families must also submit a copy of the child's annual physical examination report with up-to-date immunizations, completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. We may require additional documentation for campers with allergies and for campers who need medications administered at camp by the School Nurse.
Most of the required enrollment information is collected during the online registration process. New families must also submit a copy of the child's annual physical examination report with up-to-date immunizations, completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. We may require additional documentation for campers with allergies and for campers who need medications administered at camp by the School Nurse.
Can I register for an additional session after camp begins?
Yes, we accept registrations up until the start of the session. However, program options do fill on a first come, first served basis and many options do reach capacity. To register for an additional session, log into your online account and access your existing registration by clicking “View registration details” under the Summer Adventures in Learning 2021 heading. On the next screen, click “add sessions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Yes, we accept registrations up until the start of the session. However, program options do fill on a first come, first served basis and many options do reach capacity. To register for an additional session, log into your online account and access your existing registration by clicking “View registration details” under the Summer Adventures in Learning 2021 heading. On the next screen, click “add sessions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
When are payments due?
Final account balances for Summer 2021 are due by June 1st, 2021. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Final account balances for Summer 2021 are due by June 1st, 2021. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Do you require a deposit to hold a spot?
Yes, a $200 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration in order to reserve a spot in the program.
Yes, a $200 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration in order to reserve a spot in the program.
Do you offer any discounts?
We do! We offer early bird discounts, multi-session discounts, referral discounts, new family discounts, and discounts for current SAA students. All discounts can be combined and are applied after receipt of registration. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
We do! We offer early bird discounts, multi-session discounts, referral discounts, new family discounts, and discounts for current SAA students. All discounts can be combined and are applied after receipt of registration. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Do you offer financial assistance?
As of Summer 2021 there are limited need-based scholarship funds available on a first come, first served basis. Interested families must complete an application that can be accessed during the online registration process. We are also happy to work with families on interest-free payment plan options.
As of Summer 2021 there are limited need-based scholarship funds available on a first come, first served basis. Interested families must complete an application that can be accessed during the online registration process. We are also happy to work with families on interest-free payment plan options.
Camp Schedule
What are camp hours?
Camp programming begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm for half day campers and 3:00pm for full day campers.
Camp programming begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm for half day campers and 3:00pm for full day campers.
Is there an early drop off and late pick up option?
Yes, we offer daily childcare before and after the camp day for families who need it. Beforecare opens at 8:00am and Aftercare closes at 5:30pm. Before/Aftercare are available for an additional fee and registration is required.
Yes, we offer daily childcare before and after the camp day for families who need it. Beforecare opens at 8:00am and Aftercare closes at 5:30pm. Before/Aftercare are available for an additional fee and registration is required.
Do you offer lunch?
We do! Full-day campers (i.e. participants enrolled in the Full Day Young Learners Program or in the 1st-8th Recreation Program) may order in advance through our school lunch provider, Gourmet Gorilla. This summer all Gourmet Gorilla options will be individually packaged. Families receive ordering information prior to the summer.
We do! Full-day campers (i.e. participants enrolled in the Full Day Young Learners Program or in the 1st-8th Recreation Program) may order in advance through our school lunch provider, Gourmet Gorilla. This summer all Gourmet Gorilla options will be individually packaged. Families receive ordering information prior to the summer.
What is the Enrichment Showcase?
One of our traditions is to invite families and friends into the building on the last Friday morning of each session to see what campers have accomplished. Visitors shadow their camper through their regular morning schedule, and each class has a project showcase, demonstration, or opportunity to participate in classroom activities. Visitors to the Young Learners program are provided a specific window of time (typically an hour) in which to observe and participate in the classroom activities. We are determining the safest way to offer this experience in 2021 and will make every effort to allow campers the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments, whether in-person or virtually.
One of our traditions is to invite families and friends into the building on the last Friday morning of each session to see what campers have accomplished. Visitors shadow their camper through their regular morning schedule, and each class has a project showcase, demonstration, or opportunity to participate in classroom activities. Visitors to the Young Learners program are provided a specific window of time (typically an hour) in which to observe and participate in the classroom activities. We are determining the safest way to offer this experience in 2021 and will make every effort to allow campers the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments, whether in-person or virtually.
What days do campers go to the waterpark?
In a typical summer full day campers walk to Mystic Waters twice a week. A waterpark day schedule is provided to enrolled families prior to the start of the session. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer and receive a colored wristband based on their swimming level and ability to access certain areas of the waterpark. We are currently unsure of plans to return to Mystic Waters in 2021 and will provide updates to enrolled families as we get closer to the summer.
In a typical summer full day campers walk to Mystic Waters twice a week. A waterpark day schedule is provided to enrolled families prior to the start of the session. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer and receive a colored wristband based on their swimming level and ability to access certain areas of the waterpark. We are currently unsure of plans to return to Mystic Waters in 2021 and will provide updates to enrolled families as we get closer to the summer.
What if my child can only attend one week of a session?
Our camp is intentionally structured in two-week sessions to maximize learning opportunities while providing families with scheduling flexibility. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend partial attendance as it introduces challenges around having missed important expectations and material. Because each program day builds on the previous, the delivered value to the child is diminished with missed time. Additionally, due to the demand of our program, we must first allot spots to those who can attend an entire session. We handle partial attendance requests on a case by case basis, but please understand that we are typically not able to offer a proration.
Our camp is intentionally structured in two-week sessions to maximize learning opportunities while providing families with scheduling flexibility. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend partial attendance as it introduces challenges around having missed important expectations and material. Because each program day builds on the previous, the delivered value to the child is diminished with missed time. Additionally, due to the demand of our program, we must first allot spots to those who can attend an entire session. We handle partial attendance requests on a case by case basis, but please understand that we are typically not able to offer a proration.
Can my child enroll in the same class multiple times a summer?
We strongly encourage Young Learners campers to participate in as many sessions as possible as there is the opportunity to build upon their progress from the previous session. Additionally, certain 1st-8th grade enrichment classes are offered multiple times over the course of the summer and lend themselves to being repeated. If your child is interested in repeating a class and you would like some guidance, just email us and we'll help you out.
We strongly encourage Young Learners campers to participate in as many sessions as possible as there is the opportunity to build upon their progress from the previous session. Additionally, certain 1st-8th grade enrichment classes are offered multiple times over the course of the summer and lend themselves to being repeated. If your child is interested in repeating a class and you would like some guidance, just email us and we'll help you out.
Why don’t you offer more than three sessions?
In general, the model of three consecutive sessions from mid-June to end of July has been well received by our families and staff. In planning for the summer, we must take into account scheduling constraints, most importantly the time in between the academic year and summer camp. With limited time to transform the campus into our summer program site and perform maintenance before the school year, we’ve found a 6-week sweet spot that aligns with staff availability and facility needs.
In general, the model of three consecutive sessions from mid-June to end of July has been well received by our families and staff. In planning for the summer, we must take into account scheduling constraints, most importantly the time in between the academic year and summer camp. With limited time to transform the campus into our summer program site and perform maintenance before the school year, we’ve found a 6-week sweet spot that aligns with staff availability and facility needs.
Enrollment Changes and Cancellations
What happens if I go to register and a program option is full?
Because of our commitment to high quality programming and small class sizes, and the additional capacity restrictions due to COVID-19, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join a waitlist at no cost. When joining a waitlist, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup option.
Because of our commitment to high quality programming and small class sizes, and the additional capacity restrictions due to COVID-19, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join a waitlist at no cost. When joining a waitlist, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup option.
If I want to cancel, can I receive a refund?
Summer Adventures in Learning will continue to offer reasonable, flexible payment and refund policies for Summer 2021. At the same time, we ask that families understand the current financial challenges and risks associated with operating in 2021 and to notify us immediately about any anticipated changes to enrollment status. All refunds must be requested by emailing us and are granted on a case-by-case basis. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Summer Adventures in Learning will continue to offer reasonable, flexible payment and refund policies for Summer 2021. At the same time, we ask that families understand the current financial challenges and risks associated with operating in 2021 and to notify us immediately about any anticipated changes to enrollment status. All refunds must be requested by emailing us and are granted on a case-by-case basis. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Can I make changes to my enrollment?
Yes, but we must be notified in order to authorize any changes as the online registration portal does not allow users to make enrollment changes. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least three days prior to the session start date. A small administrative fee may be applied to changes requested within this time frame.
Yes, but we must be notified in order to authorize any changes as the online registration portal does not allow users to make enrollment changes. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least three days prior to the session start date. A small administrative fee may be applied to changes requested within this time frame.
Are programs ever cancelled due to low enrollment?
While we do everything possible to run all scheduled programs even with low enrollment, there are times when we are forced to cancel a program. If SAA must cancel a program, or a portion of a program, families will be notified as soon as possible. In these situations, families may switch to an alternative program with availability or be eligible for a full refund. Families will be eligible to receive a proportional refund for cancelled days of a program.
While we do everything possible to run all scheduled programs even with low enrollment, there are times when we are forced to cancel a program. If SAA must cancel a program, or a portion of a program, families will be notified as soon as possible. In these situations, families may switch to an alternative program with availability or be eligible for a full refund. Families will be eligible to receive a proportional refund for cancelled days of a program.
Operations and Safety
How is SAA creating a safe environment during COVID-19?
SAA implements specific health and safety measures as part of our multi-layered approach to reducing the exposure and spread of illness within our community. Summer Adventures in Learning offers an onsite Health Services Center staffed by a full-time nurse, as well as a Pandemic Safety Coordinator managing all COVID-19 preparations and case response protocols. All of our health and safety decisions are informed by the latest public health guidance for schools and camps. A list of some of our mitigation strategies for Summer 2021 are available on our main summer page and enrolled families will receive a comprehensive guide leading up to the summer.
SAA implements specific health and safety measures as part of our multi-layered approach to reducing the exposure and spread of illness within our community. Summer Adventures in Learning offers an onsite Health Services Center staffed by a full-time nurse, as well as a Pandemic Safety Coordinator managing all COVID-19 preparations and case response protocols. All of our health and safety decisions are informed by the latest public health guidance for schools and camps. A list of some of our mitigation strategies for Summer 2021 are available on our main summer page and enrolled families will receive a comprehensive guide leading up to the summer.
How does the drop-off and pick-up process work?
SAA uses a contactless carline system for camp drop-off and pick-up. Vehicles are directed to queue up in a line alongside the school building as staff assist campers in and out of the building. More details about carline and early drop-off and late pick-up are made available to enrolled families closer to the summer.
SAA uses a contactless carline system for camp drop-off and pick-up. Vehicles are directed to queue up in a line alongside the school building as staff assist campers in and out of the building. More details about carline and early drop-off and late pick-up are made available to enrolled families closer to the summer.
What if I need to pick up my child early one day?
We understand that doctor’s appointments, vacations, and other scheduling challenges arise during the summer, and we’re happy to accommodate early pick-ups. We request advance notice for all early pick-ups so that we can coordinate with our staff and your child. In the event of an early pickup during afternoon hours when a camper is off site, the school must be notified so that we can communicate your arrival to staff supervising at the offsite location. We typically do not have the staff capacity to escort children back to SAA for an early pick up.
We understand that doctor’s appointments, vacations, and other scheduling challenges arise during the summer, and we’re happy to accommodate early pick-ups. We request advance notice for all early pick-ups so that we can coordinate with our staff and your child. In the event of an early pickup during afternoon hours when a camper is off site, the school must be notified so that we can communicate your arrival to staff supervising at the offsite location. We typically do not have the staff capacity to escort children back to SAA for an early pick up.
Is transportation service offered?
At this time, we do not offer a transportation service for our summer program participants. However, we are happy to help coordinate carpools to make the commute to SAA more manageable. SAA is conveniently located three blocks east of the Des Plaines Metra Station which services Chicago and many northwest suburbs, and a Pace route 250 bus stop is adjacent to the school.
At this time, we do not offer a transportation service for our summer program participants. However, we are happy to help coordinate carpools to make the commute to SAA more manageable. SAA is conveniently located three blocks east of the Des Plaines Metra Station which services Chicago and many northwest suburbs, and a Pace route 250 bus stop is adjacent to the school.
What’s your sick policy?
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, s/he must be kept home. If your child becomes ill during camp and has a temperature of 100.4, we will require them to go home, and s/he will remain in the office until picked up. We have a 24-hour fever free policy, so your child may only return to camp after 24 hours without a fever or having taken fever reducing medication. Additional COVID-19 specific policies will be shared with enrolled families closer to the summer.
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, s/he must be kept home. If your child becomes ill during camp and has a temperature of 100.4, we will require them to go home, and s/he will remain in the office until picked up. We have a 24-hour fever free policy, so your child may only return to camp after 24 hours without a fever or having taken fever reducing medication. Additional COVID-19 specific policies will be shared with enrolled families closer to the summer.
How are families notified of an emergency?
In general, we have a “call-first” approach to dealing with any situation involving the health and safety of a child, so our immediate action is to notify parents and/or emergency contacts, followed by an Accident Report Form emailed to the family. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email enrolled families.
In general, we have a “call-first” approach to dealing with any situation involving the health and safety of a child, so our immediate action is to notify parents and/or emergency contacts, followed by an Accident Report Form emailed to the family. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email enrolled families.
Additional Information
What should my child bring to camp each day?
We recommend every child bring a small backpack or bag to hold personal items, including a water bottle, snack, and sunscreen to camp each day. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. A packing list and as well as prohibited items is shared with enrolled families closer to the summer.
We recommend every child bring a small backpack or bag to hold personal items, including a water bottle, snack, and sunscreen to camp each day. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. A packing list and as well as prohibited items is shared with enrolled families closer to the summer.
Can my child be grouped with friends?
Buddy requests may be submitted during the online registration process for 1st-8th grade participants in the Recreation Program. While we try our best to honor these requests, we’re unable to guarantee all requests will be granted.
Buddy requests may be submitted during the online registration process for 1st-8th grade participants in the Recreation Program. While we try our best to honor these requests, we’re unable to guarantee all requests will be granted.
Can children with special needs participate?
While Summer Adventures in Learning isn’t equipped to meet the special needs of every child, there are children with a wide range of special needs who participate and thrive. Please feel free to contact us and tell us more about your child to see if our summer program is the right fit for your family.
While Summer Adventures in Learning isn’t equipped to meet the special needs of every child, there are children with a wide range of special needs who participate and thrive. Please feel free to contact us and tell us more about your child to see if our summer program is the right fit for your family.
After 8th grade, where can my child have an enriching summer experience?
While rising 8th graders are the oldest eligible campers, there are several quality options in the area for high school aged children. Please contact us for a list of recommendations.
While rising 8th graders are the oldest eligible campers, there are several quality options in the area for high school aged children. Please contact us for a list of recommendations.
What’s your Tax ID number?
36.3838771
36.3838771
