Sunnyvale School District offers summer school classes designed to provide an engaging, hands-on curriculum through the Summer Explorations Program. Since 2010, Sunnyvale School District has partnered with Stanford University’s Teacher Education Program (STEP), to offer a comprehensive summer school program to approximately 600 students each summer.

Master teachers from Sunnyvale School District serve as mentors to STEP student teachers who assist in the classrooms, which allows for more individualized support that results in deeper learning and more focused student engagement. This rich program offers an excellent curriculum and adult/student ratio that greatly benefits student learning over a four-week period.  

Students not only have one experienced and dynamic teacher, but they also have two to three Stanford student teachers from the STEP program in their classrooms. 

At the elementary level, students focus on community building, informational writing, math problem solving, technology, and integrated science units. Middle school students choose between math, English-language arts, social studies, science, and English Language Development. With flexibility during the summer, and with additional teachers in the room, the program is able to offer innovative and exciting units that not only support students academically but also work to instill confidence and a positive mindset for learning.

The location of the Summer Explorations Program varies each year. The program runs for half days in July. Please check in with your school site for the latest information. Space is limited and participation is based on teacher recommendation. Please contact your child’s school for enrollment information.