Program Information

The Challenge program offers students an opportunity to focus deeply on a single area of interest for three weeks. Whether you want to build a roller coaster, discover urban planning, or engage with the philosophy of art, Summer Challenge has you covered!

The 2026 Challenge program will run from July 6th to July 24th. Classes run Monday-Friday from 9am-2:30pm.

Due to the FIFA World Cup, we ask that families plan accordingly on game days. We will be holding programming as planned. See calendar for details. 

  • Lottery for Summer Challenge 2026 opens February 1st at 4pm and closes February 14th at 4pm
  • Families are strongly encouraged to ensure their child attends all 15 days of class to get the most out of their Summer Stretch experience. 
  • Students may arrive at their assigned classrooms between 8:50 and 9:00 AM. Attendance is taken at 9 AM. 
    • On FIFA Cup days, delayed arrivals will be taken into consideration. 

Contact Information

  • Email: rcsummer@uw.edu
  • Call: 206.543.4160
  • Text: 206.616.0785

Safety and Supervision

Students are supervised during scheduled class hours from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, including breaks and lunch.

Students sign in independently each morning at their assigned classroom.

Parents may request temporary dismissal during the lunch period so their child may visit on-campus dining locations such as the HUB.

At dismissal, parents may choose one of the following options.

  • The student is dismissed independently without a designated adult present.
  • The student is released to a parent, guardian, or designated adult at the designated pickup location.

Extended Care Options

Extended Care is available for families who need early drop off or supervised care after classes end. Before and After Care include structured activities and free choice time.

Students must be accepted into a Summer Challenge/Stretch class before enrolling in Extended Care. Once your application is accepted, you can add Before Care, After Care, or both.

Fees for the full 15-day session are listed below.

  • Before Care costs $79.
  • After Care costs $210.

Before Care runs from 8:15 AM to 9:00 AM and takes place at the Robinson Center building, Guannemehin Annex. Parents must sign students in each morning. Program staff escort students to their classrooms at 9:00 AM. Before Care is not available on the first day of the program.

After Care runs from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The location will be confirmed in June. Program staff escort students from their classroom to the After Care space. A parent, guardian, or designated adult must sign students out at pickup. After Care is not available on the last day of the program.