Summer Programs

Programs Available with Ladue Schools

The Ladue School District offers the summer programs listed below. Questions about the programs can be emailed to studentservices@ladueschools.net.

Ladue Middle School (LMS) students entering grades 6-8 are invited to attend this program based on math and literacy achievement. Registration forms are due April 10. The LMS Summer Academy seeks to enhance student connections and feelings of success in school. The curriculum will focus on strengthening skills in reading, STEM, group work, and movement activities.

LEAP Program

June 8-26, 2026

LEAP (Learn, Explore, Achieve, Practice) is a free summer program for Ladue Schools students entering kindergarten through 5th grade for the 2026-27 school year. Registration forms for the program are due April 10.

For Students Entering Kindergarten
- Students will be invited to attend this program and work directly with certified teachers to prepare them for kindergarten in the fall.
For Students Entering Grades 1 through 5
- Students must qualify for this program based on the Ladue School District's math and reading criteria. Students will work directly with certified teachers based on their needs in reading and math. Active learning and science will also be integrated.

Virtual Summer Programs

LAUNCH | Grades 9-12

LAUNCH | Grades 9-12

Virtual courses allow a student to take courses for remediation, skill building, or to complete required credits. Summer courses will not be accepted for credit to accelerate a student beyond his/her grade level. Students wishing to accelerate in math or grade skip must follow the district qualification process and meet district criteria.

The following contains information about registering your student for virtual summer courses.

Launch versus Ladue Summer School
Ladue School District provides summer school by invitation only to students entering grades K-8 and credit recovery to students entering grades 9-12. The following registration process does not apply to students accessing summer school through the Ladue School District.

Launch Virtual Summer Programming
For students who would like to take a course for remediation, skill building, or to complete required credits, they may sign up directly with LAUNCH, a virtual school hosted by the Springfield Public School District. Students may enroll in LAUNCH courses at no cost to the student/family.

Launch offers elementary and middle school students traditional programming as well as opportunities for remediation and skill building during the summer. At the high school level, Launch provides full-credit courses with semester 1 in June and semester 2 in July. Half-credit courses must be taken in a one-month session (June or July). LHWHS limits students to earning only one credit during the summer and will thereby transcribe only one credit total.

Launch Registration
To register for summer courses through LAUNCH, go to their website. If your child does not have a Student ID Number with Springfield Public Schools, you will need to follow the steps on their registration website.

It is the responsibility of the student/family to send the transcript to the high school registrar to receive credit at Ladue Horton Watkins High School by September 1. Credit will not be awarded until the transcript has been received.

Launch Important Dates 2025-26

Non-Launch Virtual Summer Programming
Students may choose to take courses from other accredited institutions and transfer the credit to Ladue School District. These courses are paid for by the student/family. Students should check with their grade level counselor to ensure the institution is accredited and transfer credit will be accepted. Students/Families are responsible for sending the transcript to the registrar at the high school for transfer credit.

For questions regarding LAUNCH Summer Courses, please email LAUNCH directly.

Summer Community Programs

At Ladue Schools, we are committed to providing innovative and inquiry-based programming that addresses our students' needs both inside and outside the classroom.

The following community resource, Blueprint4, is a free, nonprofit search platform that assists parents/guardians in finding summer camps, after-school programs, and college prep programs for STL youth ages 3-18. Search by date, price, location, interests, and more.

Kid-to-Camp Program through Special Education Foundation

This meaningful opportunity helps students served by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) attend camp during academic breaks. More than just a fun experience, Kid-to-Camp opens doors for growth, connection, and independence for students, while also providing families with an invaluable opportunity to pause, recharge, and find renewed hope.

What Is the Kid-to-Camp Program?
Kid-to-Camp provides financial assistance, or “camperships,” so students in SSD-served programs can attend day or overnight camps during winter break and other school-year breaks.

Applications are now open for Summer break and are accepted year-round for other academic breaks.
Eligibility: Families may apply once per calendar year.
Assistance is need-based, considering both financial need and the benefit to the student.
Camps supported through the program offer enriching social, educational, and recreational experiences.

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