About Springfield Public Schools
Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is Missouri’s largest school district, and they have built a reputation of academic excellence based on the outstanding performance of their students and schools. Over 25,000 students attend 35 elementary schools, an intermediate school (grades 5–6), nine middle schools, five high schools, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, and four early childhood centers. In addition, SPS offer more than a dozen Choice Programs that cater to the diverse needs of many students including the International Baccalaureate program, Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF), Academy of Exploration at Discovery Center, Health Sciences Academy at Mercy, Academy of Fine and Performing Arts and the Middle College Program. All five district high schools are designated Missouri A+ Schools.
Each school and program aligns with SPS's three primary district goals of improving student achievement and the graduation rate, and ensuring effective and efficient use of resources. So, while SPS offers much variety, there is consistency in their effort to provide the best education possible to all students.
About SPS Summer Camps
Elementary & Middle School
Explore is an exciting opportunity for students to participate in fun and engaging learning experiences this summer. Enriched by immersive field experiences, hands-on activities and unique classes, Explore offers something for every child from kindergarten to high school. Best of all, it is fun and free! Students may design their experience to best align with their personal interests or goals, while attending classes Monday through Friday. Explore offers two sessions: June 3-30 and July 6-31. Elementary school hours are 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. (with the exception of Hickory Hills and Westport, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Middle school classes are in session 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Partnerships with Askinosie Chocolate, Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield Watershed Center and other partners enhance field experiences for students. Online classes are also offered. Free breakfast and lunch will be served at all schools except Cherokee, Gray Wilder and Wilson’s Creek, which are not eligible for universal free meals. Before- and after-school care is available. Artworks, our premier fine arts summer experience, is offering more than 80 free classes offered at two schools, June 3-16 or June 17-30. To make it more convenient for everyone to attend, classes are held at more than 25 schools, and free transportation is available for eligible students. Enroll now at sps.org/Explore.
High School
There are dozens of ways high school students can take credit for their summer with Explore. Teens can learn anytime, anywhere and even earn credit for summer activities they already had planned, like a P.E. credit earned working out or an elective credit for a summer job. With a wide variety of free seated and online classes, Explore offers teens the flexibility to choose the path, place and pace of learning to meet their personal goals. Students can earn some basic credits, like English, Biology or Algebra, in a seated class at Parkview High School. Or, busy teens can learn when it fits their schedule with more than 80 online classes, including basics like Algebra, Health and Chemistry, or electives like American Civil War, Web Design or Accounting. Students can even get credit for real world experiences like visiting college campuses, an employment internship or volunteering. Whether high school students want to earn basic credits, repeat a class for a better grade or learn online, Explore can help them succeed. Explore offers two sessions: June 3-30 and July 6-31. Check out the options and enroll in free classes available to any high school student in the area at sps.org/Explore. For general Explore questions, call 417-523-4747 or for questions about online classes call 417-523-0417.
