ESY 2026 at ASUA: Growing Together This Summer

ESY Students look into a window at the Philadelphia Zoo

As summer approaches, excitement around our halls continues to grow as we prepare for another meaningful and memorable Extended School Year (ESY) season at ASUA. This summer’s ESY theme, Growing Together, celebrates each student’s unique strengths and the powerful connections we build as a community. Throughout the summer, students will explore self-awareness, friendship, teamwork, emotional wellness, kindness, and courage through engaging and supportive experiences designed to help every learner thrive.

Our Auxiliary Program team has been hard at work planning exciting activities across all buildings. While students will participate in academics daily in the mornings, their schedules will be shifted to enjoy camp activities from 12:30-2:30 daily. These activities are designed to support and extend our weekly ESY themes across many different methods. Students will participate in a variety of themed activities throughout the summer, including arts and crafts, movement games, sensory activities, music, dance, STEM exploration, cooking projects, cooperative play, outdoor fun, and special themed days that promote connection and school community.

All students will participate in a fun-filled Field Week, along with a variety of in-house enrichment experiences including Mad Science shows, bubble shows, musical puppet performances, cooking activities, and visits from community helpers depending on their quadrant and location. These special events are designed to create meaningful learning opportunities while bringing plenty of joy and excitement to the school day.

Students will also enjoy a variety of field trips and community-based learning experiences tailored to each program. Planned trips include visits to Helping Friendly Farm, We Rock the Spectrum, Kids First Swim School, Jump and Play, and Elmwood Park Zoo. Our Royal Upper Quadrant students will also participate in summer local job exploration experiences to help build independence and community awareness.

We are looking forward to a summer filled with growth, connection, discovery, and fun as we continue Growing Together at ASUA!

Alyssa Gerold (she/her) & Amanda Supplee (she/her)

Auxiliary Programs Co-Coordinators