Chandler Unified School District expands community education offerings for students and families

Chandler Unified School District's Community Education programs are set to expand significantly this summer, following a recent governing board study session. The district's Community Education Director, Scott Vandermillen, announced that registration for the Summer Academy has officially opened, offering enrichment and recovery courses for students at various grade levels. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities to reinforce their learning and maintain a structured routine during the summer months.

The Summer Academy will be hosted at Hancock Elementary for younger students, while junior high and high school programs will take place at Chandler High School. Last year, over 750 students participated in these programs, highlighting the community's demand for summer educational opportunities. Vandermillen emphasized that the program is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their residence, and aims to foster personal growth and creativity.

In addition to the Summer Academy, the district's Kids Express program, which provides before and after school care, is operational at 26 elementary campuses. This program serves children from kindergarten through sixth grade, offering a variety of activities including homework help, STEM projects, and outdoor games. The Kids Express program has seen a strong enrollment, with recent intersession camps accommodating over 500 children.

The meeting also addressed challenges faced by the Chandler Sports League, which has experienced a significant decline in participation. Vandermillen noted that competition from other sports organizations has impacted enrollment numbers. The district is actively reassessing its offerings to better align with community interests, including exploring non-traditional sports and eSports.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing diverse educational and extracurricular opportunities for students and families. As the summer approaches, the Chandler Unified School District is poised to enhance its community engagement through these expanded programs, ensuring that students have access to enriching experiences both during the school year and over the summer.