As the school year winds down, many parents and educators start thinking about summer options for their students. Two common options are Summer School and Extended School Year (ESY) services. While both provide educational opportunities beyond the regular school year, they serve different purposes and populations. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which option might be best for your student.
Summer School
Summer school typically consists of general education classes. Here are some important points to know:
- Available to all students, whether they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan.
- Offered beyond the regular school year.
- Focused on developing or remediating academic skills.
- Work is specifically in the general education curriculum.
- Typically comes at a cost to the family.
- Available at some schools through a registration process.
Extended School Year (ESY)
ESY services are specially designed instruction aimed at maintaining skills in IEP annual goals. Key points include:
- Available for eligible students with an IEP who qualify.
- Provided beyond the regular school year.
- Designed to maintain skills in one or more goal areas of concern.
- Individualized to meet the unique needs of the student, based on data and determined by the IEP Team.
- At no cost to the family of students who qualify.
- Provided by the district as necessary to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Both Summer School and ESY offer valuable opportunities for students, but they cater to different needs. Summer School is a great option for general education students looking to catch up or get ahead academically, often at the family's expense. ESY, on the other hand, is tailored for students with special needs, focusing on maintaining critical skills and provided at no cost to the family.
Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best supports your student's educational journey. For more information, please follow this link.
