NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS!

The Clara H. Jones Summer Institute is a structured, six-week intensive program aimed at developing students' fine arts skills while also targeting reading, math and science proficiency. We serve students in rising grades 1st-9th. 

Click Here for Summer 2026 Application!

Now in its 24th year, the Summer Institute is named in honor of acclaimed music teacher Clara H. Jones who was a retired CMS music teacher and provided piano lessons on Charlotte's west side for decades in her home-based studio.

Below you will find everything parents usually ask. But if you need more info, feel free to contact us at 704.372.3742, Mon-Fri, or email info@charlottecsa.org.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• SUMMER 2026 THEME IS "COUNT ME IN!" OPERATING DATES JUNE 22 - JULY 31 (Closed Friday, July 3, 2026)
   
• We serve RISING 1st-9th GRADE STUDENTS. 
   
• FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Scholarships will be awarded based on attending a Title I school or income verification. Note that an 80% attendance rate is required.
   
• ONE LOW PRICE FOR FEE-PAYING FAMILIES! Tuition is $1,680 and must be paid by June 22. Tuition covers full-day Academic & Fine Arts Instruction from 9am-4:30pm, Before Care from 7:30am-9am, After Care from 4:30pm-5:30pm, Hot Lunches (as well as Breakfast & Afternoon Snacks), Field Trip T-Shirts and Instruments where applicable. No extra fees!
  
  Payments can be made anytime between now and the program start on this website at "DONATION/PAYMENT." 
   
• Click HERE for Application.
   
• CONVENIENT LOCATION! Five minutes west of uptown at 1801 Oaklawn Avenue in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church-West. Easy access from uptown on Trade Street, or I-77/I-85.
   
• PARENT-FRIENDLY OPERATING HOURS 7:30am-5:30 pm Monday thru Friday.
   
• DIVERSITY in race, gender and language celebrated. Spanish translations provided, as well as diverse program offerings ranging from classical to gospel to salsa.
   
• Monday through Thursday, students will spend mornings taking a fine arts and a STEAM or PE class.  Afternoons will be devoted to academic instruction. And every week on Fridays, there will be a field trip or special program. Students at least one grade level below their expected literacy levels may qualify from our high-intensity SMART Tutoring Program offered four days a week.
   
• ACCOMPLISHED ARTISTS will lead fine arts lessons Mon-Thurs from 9:00am-12 noon in Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba & saxophone), Violin, Piano, Music Appreciation & Dance. (Note that piano often is in high demand and may not be available.)
   
• 1:15 TEACHER-STUDENT RATIO in afternoon academic classes led by licensed teachers, education majors or experienced educators Mon-Thurs 1-5pm. Field Trips and/or Fun Activities on Fridays.
   
• ONLINE ACCESS on wireless laptops for students & ONLINE APPLICATION AND PAYMENTS for parents.

ORIENTATION & OPERATING HOURS & DAYS
PARENT ATTENDANCE AT ORIENTATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE STUDENTS CAN START! Three orientation sessions will be held on the first day, Monday, June 22, @ 8:00am, 8:30am and 5:00pm. Parent Handbooks issued at orientation.

Operating hours and days are Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm from June 22 -July 31, 2026. (Instructional time is from 9am-4:30pm.) Closed Friday, July 3rd. Mark your calendars for the FINAL PROGRAM on Friday, July 31, @5:30pm SHARP!

Students can be dropped off and a staff person will check them in, but parents or an authorized person MUST sign them out each day.

TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS
Tuition is $1,680. This includes before and after care, food, field trips, instruments and t-shirts. We do not pro-rate for vacations or two-week periods. However, we do provide a 20% sibling discount. Payments of any amount can be made between now and June 22 on this website. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE BY JUNE 22.  Click "Donation/Payment." 

Scholarships Available for Students Who Meet Guidelines! Students must attend a Title I school or family provide income verification. To verify income, email the cover sheet of most recent income tax form with Social Security numbers blacked out to info@charlottecsa.org.

COVID-19/COLDS/FLU
Students may be required to wear masks that we provide and wash/sanitize their hands on a regular basis depending on Health Department directives or if there is an illness outbreak among students. Teachers and staff may continue to wear masks. We reserve the right to make changes as needed should there be any change in prevailing health conditions.

FOOD
Light breakfast, hot healthy lunch and afternoon snack prepared on-site in our commercial kitchen by school-trained chef. Peanut-free menu and hearty meatless days.

ATTIRE
Students are expected to wear school-appropriate attire. We also ask that students wear tennis shoes or other similar footwear, but NO OPEN-TOE SHOES DUE TO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.

The Summer Institute shirt will be issued prior to the first field trip and is to be worn every Friday as well as for the Final Program on Friday, July 31.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
We do not discriminate against students, parents, employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, language, religion or, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation or income. 

SUMMER PICS!