Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Academic FAQs
General Program Information
Q: What is the Summer Academic program?
A: San Diego Unified’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Department’s Summer Academic program is an opportunity for Transitional Kindergarten-6 (TK-6) San Diego Unified students to continue their academic journey through the summer. Classes are taught by highly qualified San Diego Unified teachers.
Q: When does the Summer Academic program begin and end?
A: The 20 day program begins on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and ends Thursday, July 2, 2026. The program is closed Friday, June 19, 2026.
Q: What are the TK-6 Summer Academic program hours?
A: The program hours are 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Q: How long is the Summer Academic program day?
A: The Summer Academic program runs 4 hours per day for 20 days.
Q: Is the Summer Academic program different from the Summer Enrichment program?
A: Yes. The Summer Academic program is an opportunity for students to continue their academic journey through the summer. The program is an extension of the current school year. The Summer Enrichment program is available to current district students, providing activities such as STEM, dance, and sports.
Q: Does my child need to be enrolled in the Summer Academic program to be able to apply for the Summer Enrichment program?
A: No. You may enroll your student in the Summer Enrichment program only.
Q: Will the curriculum be challenging?
A: Teams of teachers and instructional leaders have developed a robust academic and social emotional curriculum for students of all levels that are project-based, hands-on, minds-on learning experiences.
Q: How large will class sizes be?
A: Class size varies at each site. Schools will adhere to health and safety guidelines and teacher-student ratios of 2:20 for TK and kindergarten and 1:20 for first through eighth grade.
Enrollment & Eligibility
Q: I am interested in enrolling my student(s). What are the summer programming details?
A: Details about the summer programming, including the program dates, hours, locations, and eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.
Q: Can I enroll my student now?
A: All currently enrolled TK-6 district students are eligible to participate in the program. The enrollment window opens Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and will close Friday, March 27th at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Where do I find the application?
A: Families of currently enrolled district students TK-6 will receive an email and/or text notification from our TransAct partners that will open for enrollment Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Please ensure your student’s PowerSchool account is current with the primary contact’s email and cell phone number in the first field. These enrollment links will be sent to families based on this information listed in PowerSchool.
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Q: What is TransAct?
A: TransAct is the enrollment platform that the Extended Learning Opportunity department utilizes for summer enrollments. It allows families the ability to enroll in multiple summer programs from one platform.
Q: How do I determine if my student is eligible for enrollment?
A: The Summer Academic program is funded by the California Department of Education ELOP Grant and recently determined San Diego Unified to be a Rate 1 school resulting in summer programming being accessible for all currently enrolled TK-6 students. Students attending charter & private schools or students who are pre-enrolled for the 26/27 school year, are not eligible.
Q: I have more than one student in my household, do I need to enroll each child per program?
A: Yes. An enrollment link will be sent to all families of currently enrolled TK-6 district students. Each student will need their own individualized link filled out to secure enrollment during the enrollment window.
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Q: My student is currently in TK, are they eligible to attend Summer Programs?
A: Yes, all currently enrolled TK students are eligible to attend the Summer Programs.
Q: Will I be notified if my student has been enrolled into the Summer Academic program?
A: Once the enrollment has been submitted, a confirmation page will display. The link utilized to enroll will continue to display this information leading up to the beginning of summer programming.
Program Locations & Logistics
Q: What schools will host the Summer Academic program?
A: Families may view summer school site locations, by clicking here, 2026 Summer Programming Information.
Q: How were summer school host sites selected?
A: Many factors were considered when selecting host sites, including number of students, proximity to other school facilities and previously scheduled construction projects which might limit facility access.
Q: Do I have to enroll my student in the assigned summer host sites?
A: Yes. Unless your student is pre-assigned to attend a specific ESY program, you will have a choice of schools to select from within your cluster.
Q: Are meals included at the Summer Academic program?
A: Yes, breakfast and lunch will be provided for students participating in the Summer Academic program.
Q: Will there be a nurse available during the Summer Academic program?
A: Nurses and/or health technicians will be available to support all summer sites.
Program Participation & Specific Questions
Q: Is the Summer Academic program available in Spanish for students who are currently enrolled in a Spanish immersion program?
A: Yes, the Dual Language Immersion Program will be offered at John Muir School & Language Academy for Spanish immersion program only.
Q: Does the Summer Academic program count towards the academic year?
A: Yes, for secondary students in grades 9-12 only. The district is offering a credit recovery program for secondary students who can recover up to four credits in classes in which they previously received a D or F. The student needs to work with their high school counselor to enroll in the correct courses needed.
Q: Can I enroll my student in both the Summer Academic program and Summer Enrichment program?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the high school Summer Academic program only for students that need to improve their grades to graduate on time?
A: Yes. Currently, students can enroll for credit recovery in summer school and can recover up to four credits. Students should work with their high school counselor to enroll for the correct courses needed.
Q: Are the programs (Summer Academic, PrimeTime, Summer Enrichment) really tuition free?
A: Yes! The programs are funded by California Department of Education Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).
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Q. If my student has accommodations, will I need to provide that information to program providers as the parent/guardian?
A: No. Our new Transact system automatically syncs with PowerSchool every 24 hours. All student information is uploaded directly into Transact, so parents and guardians do not need to manually enter this information during enrollment. The district will ensure all students with IEPs receive accommodations for access to ELO programs. Parents and guardians may choose to add additional notes or information beyond what is included in their child’s IEP, though this is completely optional.
Attendance & Vacation Policies
Q: Our family has a vacation planned. How many hours can my student miss?
A: Please discuss pre-planned vacations or absences with your school administrator. There is not an attendance requirement at the elementary and middle level. High schoolers making up credits for graduation can only have two missed days.
Q: Is the Summer Academic program open during holidays?
A: The program is closed Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
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Technical & Support Inquiries
Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?
A: Families can visit the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) website for additional information or call the ELO office at 858-810-7310 during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The ELO Department will be hosting virtual family office hours on Tuesdays starting March 3rd, 2026 from 4:00-4:30 p.m. These sessions are exclusively for families with currently enrolled district students. Click here to join the Zoom meeting (Zoom Meeting ID: 813 8504 2129 ).
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Summer PrimeTime FAQs
General Program Information​
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Q: What is PrimeTime?
A: The PrimeTime Summer Program provides an engaging environment where students can strengthen their academic skills and participate in fun enrichment activities within the areas of art, science, music and athletics, while improving social skills. Students who participate in the PrimeTime Summer Program will be offered a free nutritious snack.
Q: What schools will offer a PrimeTime Summer Program?
A: Families may view summer school site locations by clicking here 2026 Summer Programming Information.
Q: When does the program begin and end?
A: The PrimeTime Summer Program begins on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and ends Thursday, July 2, 2026. The program is closed Friday, June 19.
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Q: What are the program hours of the PrimeTime Summer Program?
A: The program begins at 12:00 p.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Is the program open during holidays?
A: The program is closed Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Q: How do I determine if my child is eligible for the PrimeTime Summer Program?
A: The California Department of Education has recently designated San Diego Unified as a Rate 1 district under the Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). This new status provides universal access to all interested students currently enrolled in the San Diego Unified School District in grades TK-6 who apply during the initial application window. Students attending charter & private schools or students who are pre-enrolled for the 2026-2027 school year, are not eligible.
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Q: Can I enroll my eligible student(s) now?
A: Families of currently enrolled district students TK-6 will receive an email and/or text notification from our TransAct partners that will open for enrollment Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Please ensure your student’s PowerSchool account is current with the primary contact’s email and cell phone number in the first field. These enrollment links will be sent to families based on this information listed in PowerSchool.
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Q: What is TransAct?
A: TransAct is the enrollment platform that the Extended Learning Opportunity department utilizes for summer enrollments. It allows families the ability to enroll in multiple summer programs from one platform.
Q: Am I only eligible for the PrimeTime Summer Program if my student is enrolled in the Summer Academic program?
A: Yes, students must be enrolled in the Summer Academic Program to be eligible for PrimeTime Summer Program at the same school site.
Application Process
Q: How do I apply for the PrimeTime Summer Program?
A: Families of currently enrolled district students TK-6 will receive an email and/or text notification from our TransAct partners that will open for enrollment Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Please ensure your student’s PowerSchool account is current with the primary contact’s email and cell phone number in the first field. These enrollment links will be sent to families based on this information listed in PowerSchool.
Q: Will I be notified if my student has received admission to the PrimeTime Summer Program?
A: Eligible families who submit their PrimeTime Summer Program enrollment by Friday, March 27th at 5:00 p.m., will receive a notification of acceptance.
Q: My student is currently enrolled in PrimeTime. Am I still required to complete an application for the summer?
A: Yes, students currently attending PrimeTime this school year must enroll for the PrimeTime Summer Program.
Program Logistics and Attendance
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Q: Is the PrimeTime site at the same school as the Summer Academic program? I work fulltime and cannot drive my student to a program location.
A: Yes, PrimeTime will be offered at the same school as the Summer Academic program. The PrimeTime Summer Program will be available at 52 elementary schools hosting the Summer Academic program. This provides a full 9-hour day for your student.
Q: Does my student have to attend the five-hour day of the PrimeTime Summer Program? Can I pick up my student at 4:30p.m. instead of 5:00 pm?
A: Families may pick up their student at 4:30 p.m. and provide the staff with the early release reason upon pick up.
Q: Our family has a vacation planned. How many hours can my student miss?
A: Students are expected to attend the program every day they attend the morning Summer Academic Program.
Additional Information
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Q. If my student has accommodations, will I need to provide that information to program providers as the parent/guardian?
A: Please enter all accommodations and/or medical needs in your enrollment form during the enrollment window Monday, March 23rd through Friday, March 27th at 5:00p.m.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for participation in the District’s PrimeTime program without undue delay. Families may share a copy of their child’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) with the PrimeTime staff to help provide additional strategies and support to create a positive and engaging experience for your child in PrimeTime.
Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?
A: For information about PrimeTime, please email the PrimeTime office at primetime@sandi.net or contact 858-503-1870.
The ELO Department will be hosting virtual family office hours on Tuesdays starting March 3rd, 2026 from 4:00-4:30 p.m. These sessions are exclusively for families with currently enrolled district students. Click here to join the Zoom meeting (Meeting ID: 813 8504 2129 ).
Extended School Year (ESY) FAQs
Program Overview​
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Q: What is the Extended School Year summer program?
A: Extended School Year (ESY) program services are provided to eligible students in special education who have unique needs and require special education and related services in excess of the regular academic year. ​
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Q: When does the ESY summer program begin?
A: The 20-day program begins on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and ends on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The program is closed on Friday, June 19, 2026.
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Q: What are the program hours?
A: The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) through 8th Grade program hours are 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The 9th-12th Grade program hours are 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Q: Is the program open during holidays?
A: The program is closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
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Enrollment and Eligibility​
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Q: How do I enroll my student in the ESY summer program?
A: Families interested in enrolling their student should reach out to their student’s case manager. Registration is done by the student’s case manager and based on the IEP’s team decision.
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Q: What are the ESY summer school sites?
A: Families may view summer school site locations by clicking here: 2026 Summer Programming Information.
Q: Will my student be assigned an ESY school site?
A: Yes. Once the ESY eligible student is registered through their case manager, the Extended Learning Opportunities Department will assign the student to a school based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) program and transportation feeder patterns.
Q: If my child has an IEP, does their case manager determine if they are better suited for ESY versus an academic program?
A: ESY eligible students will receive services based on their IEP.
Transportation​
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Q: Is bus transportation available to my student enrolled in the ESY summer program?
A: Depending on their specific circumstances, ESY students may receive transportation:
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Yes. If a student receives Special Education transportation during the regular school year (not Magnet), they will continue to receive that level of bus service.
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Yes. If the school of attendance and the neighborhood school are both closed, transportation is provided. The student will be picked up at their neighborhood school and transported to the assigned ESY site.
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No. If the student does not receive transportation during the regular school year and is attending their school of residence or their school of attendance for ESY, no transportation will be provided.
If you have any questions about transportation services, please contact your student's case manager.
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​Q: Is Transportation provided if my student stays for PrimeTime?
A: No. Transportation for ESY has an arrival time before 8:00 AM and a departure time after lunch, 12:00 PM
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Q: Can I choose the school my child attends for ESY?
A: Yes, parents may select their student’s ESY site as long as the program is available at the location. However, selecting an ESY school site outside of the transportation feeder pattern is considered a “choice” option, and transportation will not be provided.
Additional Questions​
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Q. If my student has accommodations, will I need to provide that information to program providers as the parent/guardian?
A: No. Our new Transact system automatically syncs with PowerSchool every 24 hours.
All student information is uploaded directly into Transact, so parents and guardians do not need to manually enter this information during enrollment. The district will ensure all students with IEPs receive accommodations for access to ELO programs. Parents and guardians may choose to add additional notes or information beyond what is included in their child’s IEP, though this is completely optional.
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​Q: Can my student participate in PrimeTime after ESY?
A: Yes. Parents need to use the link provided during the enrollment window to enroll in Summer PrimeTime and Summer Enrichment at the same school they are assigned for ESY.
Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?
A: Families should contact the student’s case manager first. If you do not know who the case manager is, please contact the main office at your school.
If you need additional information after speaking with your student’s case manager, please contact the staff below. ​
Theresa Aviles, Operations Specialist, Extended Learning Opportunities Department
The ELO Department will be hosting virtual family office hours on Tuesdays starting March 3rd, 2026 from 4:00-4:30 p.m. These sessions are exclusively for families with currently enrolled district students. Click here to join the Zoom meeting (Meeting ID: 813 8504 2129 ).
Summer Enrichment FAQs
General Information
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Q: What is PrimeTime Summer Enrichment (TK-6)?
A: PrimeTime Summer Enrichment, in partnership with current PrimeTime providers, will provide a variety of engaging and educational opportunities for current TK-6 district students. These programs include activities such as sports, art, dance, STEM, STEAM, and more, designed to foster creativity, social-emotional learning, and connecting with peers. By offering a wide range of enriching experiences, PrimeTime Summer Enrichment will empower students to explore new skills, build confidence, and enhance their academic and personal growth. Families can find more detailed information regarding programs, locations, and times on the district’s Summer Enrichment website.
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Q: What are the locations of the PrimeTime Summer Enrichment (TK-6) programs?
A: PrimeTime Summer Enrichment program will be held at the 52 open summer elementary sites.
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Q: When does the PrimeTime Summer Enrichment (TK-6) program begin and end?
A: The Summer Enrichment Program begins on Monday, July 6, 2026, and ends Friday, July 17, 2026.
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Q: What are the program hours of the PrimeTime Summer Enrichment (TK-6) program?
A: The program begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Can I enroll for PrimeTime Summer Enrichment now?
A: The enrollment window for currently enrolled TK-6 district students will open Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and will close Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.​
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Q: How can I make sure my current cell number is in PowerSchool?
A: Please contact your current school site to ensure each of your currently enrolled student’s cell phone number in PowerSchool is up-to-date.​
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Q: How do I determine if my student meets the priority criteria?
A: The California Department of Education has recently designated San Diego Unified as a Rate 1 district under the Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). This new status provides universal access to all interested students currently enrolled in the San Diego Unified School District in grades TK-6 who apply during the initial application window. Students attending charter & private schools or students who are pre-enrolled for the 2026-2027 school year, are not eligible.
Q: Is the Summer PrimeTime Enrichment Program (TK-6) program available to all grade levels?
A: It is only eligible to students grades TK-6.
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Q: Are the Summer PrimeTime Enrichment Program (TK-6) programs full day or part time?
A: Summer PrimeTime Enrichment Program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
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Q: Does my child need to be enrolled in the Summer Academic (TK-6) program to be able to participate in the Summer PrimeTime Enrichment (TK-6) program?
A: No, your child does not need to be enrolled in the Summer Academic program.​
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VAPA Foundation 7th & 8th Grade Enrichment Information​
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Q: What is the VAPA Foundation Summer Enrichment Program?
A: San Diego Unified is partnering with community-based nonprofit organizations to offer exciting enrichment opportunities for eligible, current 7th and 8th grade district students. The VAPA foundation programs will provide students with engaging, creative, and enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
Families can find more detailed information regarding programs, locations, and times on the district’s Summer Enrichment website.​
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Q: Who is eligible for the VAPA Foundation Enrichment programs?
A: All current district students in 7th & 8th grade are eligible to participate.​
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Q: Where will the VAPA Foundation Enrichment programs be held?
A: The VAPA Foundation Enrichment programs will be held at our four open summer Middle School locations.
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Bell Middle School
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Challenger Middle School
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CPMA
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Wilson Middle School
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Q: How can I enroll my current 7th or 8th grade district student?
A: Enrollments will be facilitated through the VAPA Foundation. More information on enrollment to be shared soon. Website to come.​
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Q: Where can I get more information regarding the VAPA Foundation Enrichment programs?
A: The VAPA Foundation is creating a webpage dedicated to providing up to date information regarding these programs. Website with more information to come.​
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Credit Recovery and High School Programs
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Q: Does the Summer Academic program count towards the academic year?
A: Yes. Students need to work with their school counselor to enroll for the correct courses needed.
Q: Do any of the summer programs allow a student to get ahead on credits? I have an incoming ninth grade student and was wondering if they could take a math class that would count towards their ninth grade year.
A: No. There will not be any courses offered for first time credit or credit acceleration.
Q: If my high school student failed a class during the regular school year, can they take an online summer class?
A: No. Credit Recovery is only available in person for summer 2026 at one of our 9 open high schools.
Additional Support and Questions
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Q. If my student has accommodations, will I need to provide that information to program providers as the parent/guardian?
A: No. Our new Transact system automatically syncs with PowerSchool every 24 hours.
All student information is uploaded directly into Transact, so parents and guardians do not need to manually enter this information during enrollment. The district will ensure all students with IEPs receive accommodations for access to ELO programs. Parents and guardians may choose to add additional notes or information beyond what is included in their child’s IEP, though this is completely optional.​
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Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?
A: Families can visit the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) website for additional information or call the ELO office at 858-810-7310 during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The ELO Department will be hosting virtual family office hours on Tuesdays starting March 3rd, 2026 from 4:00-4:30 p.m. These sessions are exclusively for families with currently enrolled district students. Click here to join the Zoom meeting (Meeting ID: 813 8504 2129 ).
Q: Will the district’s IMIN (I’m In)Program provide learning enrichment activities this summer (9-12th grade)?
A: Yes. The IMIN Program will provide a variety of engaging and educational opportunities for current district students in grades 9–12 at designated high school sites. These sites have been awarded with the After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs)/IMIN Program grant funding. Learning enrichment activities such as sports, art, dance, STEM, STEAM, and gardening will be offered Monday through Friday starting at 1:30 p.m., following summer school hours. Summer programming is designed to promote college and career readiness, foster creativity, and support social-emotional learning to help students achieve their educational goals.
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Q: What high school sites will offer IMIN (9-12th grade) programming during summer 2026?
A: Clairemont, Crawford, Lincoln, Morse, San Diego High School, Twain and Garfield.
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Q: Do students need to be concurrently enrolled in Credit Recovery to participate in summer IMIN programs?
A: No.