FAQs

• “Self-directed” means students work through the curriculum independently or in small groups, rather than through whole-class instruction. The teacher provides support, occasional lectures, and grading. 
• “Fast-Paced” means the curriculum covers a significant amount of material in a condensed timeframe, requiring students to quickly assimilate new concepts and maintain consistent engagement to stay on track.
• “Academically rigorous” means the curriculum challenges students with complex, in-depth material that demands high-level critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis, preparing them for advanced academic work.

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All of our Summer students are advanced in their coursework and in their readiness for the summer program. We believe in a peer group of like-aged students, so all students are only eligible for courses based on their current grade level.

• Students who have participated in Robinson Center summer programs in the past are automatically qualified for future summer programs. Please remember to choose this qualification option when submitting your application.
• All students who are registering for a math course (Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus) must submit evidence of completion/current enrollment in the prerequisite course in good standing. See the Summer Stretch "Apply" page for more information.

• Yes! Optional extended care services are available:
  • Before-Class Care: 8:15–9:00 AM (2026: $79 for 3 weeks)
  • After-Class Care: 2:30–4:30 PM (2026: $210 for 3 weeks)
• Students must be accepted into a course before registering for after or before care. See instructions here.

There is a flat fee for after-class care. This is charged regardless of how many days per week your child makes use of our after-care program.

Because registration is lottery-based, and some classes fill quickly, we are unable to accommodate “buddy requests.” Summer is a great opportunity to make new friends!

• Challenge - Summer Challenge courses are meant as enrichment and do not match with the standard school curriculum. We do not offer school credit.
• Stretch - Summer Stretch students who want recognition from their school for the successful completion of their course should contact their school before registering. The Robinson Center is not accredited. Schools differ in how they treat these courses, and your school may or may not grant credit. We recommend consulting your school in advance to verify what their guidelines are.

We cannot accommodate this request. We will only release transcripts to students and parents.

• Challenge - Students will not have extensive homework assignments. However, you can expect an occasional homework assignment, depending on the class. This should not take more than one hour for any given assignment.
• Stretch - This depends on the course. While some classes necessitate a high homework load other classes can require less. Each course description states the homework requirement. Summer Stretch is an academically rigorous program and as such homework is an integral part of the challenge and the reward.

• While we understand summer is a busy time and children often have many camps and activities they would like to participate in, we strongly discourage missing several days of camp. Due to the fast-paced and in-depth nature of our program, missing even a short period can make it difficult for a student to regain their footing.
• If a student will be absent, families must notify the Robinson Center by 8:30 AM on the day of the absence.

Summer classes are held in different buildings across the UW Seattle Campus. The building, room number, and map will be shared with families in June, along with all the other information you will need for the first day of class.

• Students are supervised at all times by teachers or classroom assistants from 9:00am -2:30pm, unless you sign the Summer Dismissal and Lunch Form to allow your student to have an unsupervised lunch. 
• Field trips are equipped with extra chaperones. Extended Day students are escorted to and from their classrooms by staff members. 
• Attendance is taken every day and families will be contacted if a child is absent without prior notice.

This is an individual decision. Many students are driven to and from campus or carpool; however, some students are comfortable using city buses or light rail. If you decide to use public transportation, we encourage you to do some practice runs with your child. If they have a cell phone, instruct them about keeping the phone charged and on.

We will do our best to accommodate your child’s needs. Parents complete an Acknowledgement of Risk and Consent for Treatment form before classes begin so that teachers and the Robinson Center staff will be aware of any relevant medical issues. You can also contact the teacher directly if you have further concerns. In case of an emergency, we train our teachers in EpiPen use and provide first aid kits in every classroom. If your student needs to take medication during the program day, they must be able to self administer.

Students should bring ample snacks and a lunch. The lunch period for the program will be 11:45-12:45. Please note that students will not have access to microwaves or refrigerators.

Yes. If you want your student to have access to the HUB, the UW student union,  or other public restaurants you must complete the Lunch and Dismissal Form. This is a waiver of supervision for the lunch, and students will be unsupervised.

Yes. We have a limited number of fee waivers available to families eligible for federal free or reduced lunch programs. Please see our Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Refunds are available if withdrawal occurs before the posted deadline. After that, refunds may be granted only for documented extenuating circumstances. See our refund policy here.

While the program cannot offer the full range of support found in traditional schools, families may submit a Student Support Request form before enrollment is finalized. The team will review each request and communicate what support can be provided.

• It is recommended that you create an account before the application window opens. 
• See here for more details on how to apply.