Frequently Asked Questions
This page is periodically updated with common questions from prospective and current families, so feel free to check back often!
Registration
How do I enroll?
Please visit www.scienceandartsacademy.org/summer and click the “Register Online” 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 contact us if you need any assistance.
Please visit www.scienceandartsacademy.org/summer and click the “Register Online” 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 contact us if you need any assistance.
When does registration open and close?
General registration for Summer 2020 opens on February 12, 2020 (following a 48-hour priority registration period for returning campers and SAA students). Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. Registrations are accepted up until the first day of the session, but new registrations submitted within 5 business days of the session start date may incur a small administrative fee.
General registration for Summer 2020 opens on February 12, 2020 (following a 48-hour priority registration period for returning campers and SAA students). Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. Registrations are accepted up until the first day of the session, but new registrations submitted within 5 business days of the session start date may incur a small administrative fee.
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, 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, 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 submit a copy of the child's Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination (or other proof of physical exam) with up to date immunizations, completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. We require proper documentation for campers with allergies that may need to be treated by camp staff - an Illinois Emergency Action Plan and an Individual Allergy Care Plan. Families who wish to store allergy or any other prescription or non-prescription medication at camp and be administered by a staff member if necessary must complete an Authorization of Medication Administration form.
Most of the required enrollment information is collected during the online registration process. New families must submit a copy of the child's Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination (or other proof of physical exam) with up to date immunizations, completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. We require proper documentation for campers with allergies that may need to be treated by camp staff - an Illinois Emergency Action Plan and an Individual Allergy Care Plan. Families who wish to store allergy or any other prescription or non-prescription medication at camp and be administered by a staff member if necessary must complete an Authorization of Medication Administration form.
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 2020 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 2020 heading. On the next screen, click “add sessions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
When are payments due?
Final account balances for Summer 2020 are due April 15, 2020. Please review the Dates and Rates section of the website for additional policies. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline.
Final account balances for Summer 2020 are due April 15, 2020. Please review the Dates and Rates section of the website for additional policies. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline.
Do you require a deposit to hold a spot?
Yes, a $200 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration (or within 7 business days if by check/cash) in order to secure their spot.
Yes, a $200 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration (or within 7 business days if by check/cash) in order to secure their spot.
Do you offer any discounts?
We do! There are several types of discounts described on the Dates and Rates section of the website. All eligible discounts are applied after receipt of registration, either as a refund or account credit.
We do! There are several types of discounts described on the Dates and Rates section of the website. All eligible discounts are applied after receipt of registration, either as a refund or account credit.
Do you offer financial assistance?
As of Summer 2020 there are limited need-based scholarship funds available on a first come, first served basis. Interested families must complete an application. We are also happy to work with families on interest free payment plan options.
As of Summer 2020 there are limited need-based scholarship funds available on a first come, first served basis. Interested families must complete an application. We are also happy to work with families on interest free payment plan options.
Camp Schedule
What are the general camp hours?
The camp day begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Half day campers are dismissed at 12:00pm. The summer office is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Camp is open Monday - Friday, with the exception of Friday, July 3.
The camp day begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Half day campers are dismissed at 12:00pm. The summer office is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Camp is open Monday - Friday, with the exception of Friday, July 3.
Can I drop off my child before the camp day begins or after it’s over?
Yes, we offer a Beforecare and Aftercare Program for the convenience of our families. Beforecare is available 7:30 - 9:00am and Aftercare is available from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Extended Day is a drop-in service, so there is no registration process. The program is adequately staffed and capable of accommodating any size group. We bill families after each session based on the amount of time the child attended. Please refer to the Dates and Rates section of the website for more details.
Yes, we offer a Beforecare and Aftercare Program for the convenience of our families. Beforecare is available 7:30 - 9:00am and Aftercare is available from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Extended Day is a drop-in service, so there is no registration process. The program is adequately staffed and capable of accommodating any size group. We bill families after each session based on the amount of time the child attended. Please refer to the Dates and Rates section of the website for more details.
What happens on the first day of each session?
We ask that campers arrive at 8:45am on the first day of each session, and all families are invited into the gymnasium for a brief welcome ceremony. On this day only, campers are dismissed to the classrooms from the gym. For the remainder of the session, campers will proceed to their classroom/activity space upon arrival.
We ask that campers arrive at 8:45am on the first day of each session, and all families are invited into the gymnasium for a brief welcome ceremony. On this day only, campers are dismissed to the classrooms from the gym. For the remainder of the session, campers will proceed to their classroom/activity space upon arrival.
Do you offer lunch?
We do! For an additional fee, families can order lunch through Gourmet Gorilla. Lunch is available for full day campers only. All lunches must be ordered ahead of time as there is no point of sale option. Additional information is released closer to the summer. Full day campers may also bring lunch from home. Microwaves are available to heat food.
We do! For an additional fee, families can order lunch through Gourmet Gorilla. Lunch is available for full day campers only. All lunches must be ordered ahead of time as there is no point of sale option. Additional information is released closer to the summer. Full day campers may also bring lunch from home. Microwaves are available to heat food.
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.
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.
What days do campers go to the waterpark?
Full day campers spend two afternoons per week at Mystic Waters. The specific day of the week your child will go to the waterpark is communicated to families prior to the first day of each session. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer, and for safety reasons those who do not pass receive a wristband which lets lifeguards and our staff know that they can only access certain areas of the waterpark.
Full day campers spend two afternoons per week at Mystic Waters. The specific day of the week your child will go to the waterpark is communicated to families prior to the first day of each session. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer, and for safety reasons those who do not pass receive a wristband which lets lifeguards and our staff know that they can only access certain areas of the waterpark.
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. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
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. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
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, we encourage you to first reach out to us for guidance.
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, we encourage you to first reach out to us for guidance.
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, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join the waitlist at no cost. However, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup choice in case no spots open in the waitlisted option.
Because of our commitment to high quality programming and small class sizes, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join the waitlist at no cost. However, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup choice in case no spots open in the waitlisted option.
If I want to cancel, can I receive a refund?
While we hope this question won’t apply to you, we understand that it does happen from time to time. In order to cancel your enrollment, we must be notified of the cancellation by emailing summer@scienceandartsacademy.org. The registration system does not allow you to cancel online.
While we hope this question won’t apply to you, we understand that it does happen from time to time. In order to cancel your enrollment, we must be notified of the cancellation by emailing summer@scienceandartsacademy.org. The registration system does not allow you to cancel online.
Can I make changes to my enrollment?
Yes, but we must be notified by email or by phone in order to authorize any changes. The registration system does not allow you to make enrollment changes. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least one week 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 by email or by phone in order to authorize any changes. The registration system does not allow you to make enrollment changes. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least one week 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, there are times when we are forced to cancel due to low enrollment. Typically, this circumstance is limited to 1st-8th grade enrichment classes, and does not impact the Young Learners Program or the Recreation Program. In the event a class is cancelled, we notify families immediately and offer a full refund if no viable alternative is found.
While we do everything possible to run all scheduled programs, there are times when we are forced to cancel due to low enrollment. Typically, this circumstance is limited to 1st-8th grade enrichment classes, and does not impact the Young Learners Program or the Recreation Program. In the event a class is cancelled, we notify families immediately and offer a full refund if no viable alternative is found.
Operations and Safety
How does the drop-off and pick-up process work?
Families have two options for dropping off and picking up:
Families have two options for dropping off and picking up:
- Remain in your vehicle and utilize our car line system, or
- Park your vehicle and come inside.
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.
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.
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. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email to contact information on file. Additional information about our health and wellness protocols is available in the Family Handbook.
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. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email to contact information on file. Additional information about our health and wellness protocols is available in the Family Handbook.
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 and snack (must be nut-free), to camp each day. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. A suggested packing list and items not permitted into the building 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 and snack (must be nut-free), to camp each day. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. A suggested packing list and items not permitted into the building 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. Multiple groups participate together in many of the afternoon activities, so even if your child is not buddied with a friend, they will spend significant time with each other.
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. Multiple groups participate together in many of the afternoon activities, so even if your child is not buddied with a friend, they will spend significant time with each other.
Can I order additional camp t-shirts?
Yes! While each camper received one complimentary t-shirt per summer, we do have limited quantities and sizes are available for purchase once the summer begins. Please let a staff member know if you’d like to purchase an additional t-shirt.
Yes! While each camper received one complimentary t-shirt per summer, we do have limited quantities and sizes are available for purchase once the summer begins. Please let a staff member know if you’d like to purchase an additional t-shirt.
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
