UNC Summer School

134 E. Franklin St. #3340

Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-966-4364

FACT SHEET CONTACT: Haley White, Public Relations Intern

301-807-9195, hmw77812@live.unc.edu

April 28, 2017

THE HISTORY OF UNC SUMMER SCHOOL

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill established what was possibly the first

residential summer school in the U.S. in 1877.

The Summer Normal School, as it was then called, enrolled 235 students in courses in more

than 10 disciplines.

In 1877, about half the students were teachers; students came from 42 counties across North

Carolina and neighboring states.

Summer School was the first school at UNC-Chapel Hill to enroll women, beginning in its first

year and continuing thereafter.

By 1925, records indicate that 19,983 students had enrolled in Summer School.

From 1934 to 1987, these programs were administered by the Office of Summer Sessions.

The traditional name of Summer School was reinstated in 1988.

About 550 sections of courses are offered in about 60 disciplines, and 800 instructional

personnel are hired each year.

About 7,000 students attend the summer sessions in Academic Affairs.

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