San Diego Unified Expands Summer Programs for 7th and 8th Graders: What You Need to Know

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is shaking up summer plans for middle schoolers! Starting in 2025, the district will offer expanded summer options for 7th and 8th graders, providing students with more opportunities to learn, grow, and explore their interests outside the traditional school year. Whether your student is looking to catch up, get ahead, or dive into new passions, these programs are designed to make summer both fun and productive.

What’s New in Summer 2025?

SDUSD is rolling out a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of middle school students. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Academic Enrichment: Programs focused on math, science, and literacy to help students strengthen their skills and prepare for the next grade level.
• STEM Exploration: Hands-on workshops in coding, robotics, and environmental science to spark curiosity and creativity.
• Arts and Culture: Opportunities to explore visual arts, theater, and music, with performances and exhibitions at the end of the program.
• Sports and Fitness: Summer leagues and fitness camps to keep students active and engaged.
• Leadership Development: Workshops designed to build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Why the Expansion?

The district’s decision to expand summer options comes in response to feedback from parents, students, and educators. Many families have expressed a desire for more structured, educational opportunities during the summer months, while others want programs that balance learning with fun. SDUSD aims to bridge this gap by offering a mix of academic and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and needs.

“Summer shouldn’t be a time when learning stops,” said a district spokesperson. “These programs are about giving students the tools they need to succeed while also allowing them to explore their passions in a supportive environment.”

How to Enroll

Registration for the summer programs will open in early 2025. Parents and guardians can sign up through the SDUSD website or at their child’s school. Scholarships and financial aid will be available to ensure that all students have access to these opportunities, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

What Do You Think?

As SDUSD prepares to launch these exciting new programs, we want to hear from you. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you think summer programs should focus more on academics or extracurricular activities?
• Should schools prioritize STEM over arts and culture programs, or is there room for both?
• Is it fair to offer financial aid for summer programs, or should families cover the costs themselves?
• Would you support extending the school year to include more summer learning opportunities?
• How important is it for middle schoolers to have structured summer activities versus free time?

Share your thoughts with us! Whether you’re a parent, student, or educator, your opinion matters. Let’s start a conversation about how we can make summer the best it can be for San Diego’s middle schoolers.