We offer summer programs for school age children. All locations are open five days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to provide pre-program before and after care. The core summer curriculum is offered from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and varies from 9–11 weeks in duration, depending on when school lets out and begins.

School-age Summer Program

(children entering grades 1 – 6 in the fall)

A break from school is a wonderful time for children to decompress, play outdoors, meet new friends and build memories with old ones. It’s a time to make messy art, experience nature, listen to a new song, and discover their vibrant world. Our staff loves educating our Launch children and exploring with them in the long days of summer. We apply the same intentionality to our summer program that we do during the school year.

The summer program provides a fun and stimulating environment while avoiding summer learning loss. Summer curriculum engages children in the areas of math, science, social studies, creative arts, language, literacy, and physical fitness. Children learn about a general theme through a series of hands-on enrichment activities where they can explore and discover while taking advantage of opportunities to apply their new skills to ensure comprehension about the weekly topic.

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Here’s a sampling of some summer themes at our various locations:

• Music Through the Ages
• Arts in the City
• Beach Week
• Folklore and the Unknown

• Anatomy
• Robots
• Jurassic Journey
• Woodworking Week

Launch teachers facilitate enrichment activities that keep the children interested. Students can initiate, plan, and lead activities based on their interest level. Weekly guest instructors and community volunteers also work with the children on projects that will maximize fun and learning.

We partner with a number of generous organizations to make field trips free or low cost to us. Staff and children always use public transportation for field trips, and Launch does not charge families field trip fees.

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Some community partners include:

• Woodland Park Zoo
• MOHAI
• The Museum of Flight
• Wing Luke Museum
• Northwest African American Museum
• The Center for Wooden Boats
• Seattle Great Wheel
• EMP
• Seattle Aquarium

In addition to support from our community and corporate donors, we also take advantage of our city’s many free public attractions. The teachers and children explore the beaches and parks, make regular trips to the library, and attend sporting and performing arts events. Healthy doses of whimsy and play complement learning and exploration. Come September, children are recharged and ready to return to school.

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Summer Leap Ahead (for children entering kindergarten in the fall) 

The transition from preschool to a kindergarten is a milestone in a young child’s life. During the summer months, our incoming kindergartners can participate in our Leap Ahead program, which is designed to successfully transition preschoolers to kindergarten. Learn more about Leap Ahead.