Olentangy outlines summer learning: summer school, enrichment, English-learner and extended-year services

Olentangy Local School District presented an overview of planned summer learning opportunities on Feb. 6, covering credit-recovery and enrichment offerings, an English-learner (EL) program, and extended school year (ESY) services for students with disabilities.

Assistant directors and program leads described a mix of district-run and vendor-delivered courses intended to meet varied student needs. "Summer school is designed to meet the summer learning needs of Olentangy students," an administrator said, describing both asynchronous Apex online courses monitored by district teachers and district-created virtual courses delivered through Schoology.

Officials reported 690 student registrations for the district summer school program in 2024, a level they expect to remain between 600 and 700 because of increasing use of College Credit Plus in the summer. The district's summer enrichment program, a self-supporting set of short courses that runs in June, recorded 1,424 registrations in 2024 and charges $125 per course; new course offerings this year include biomimicry, beginner German and Spanish, and Kawaii Comics.

Eric Ullie, assistant director of people services, said the EL summer program runs three weeks in June and provides about 33 hours of additional instruction targeted at newcomers (students in the U.S. under three years and at beginning English levels). He said roughly 370 students were eligible in 2025 and about 100 attended in 2024, with typical summer attendance affected by family travel.

Two assistant directors explained ESY services for students with disabilities. Stephanie Dabrico said ESY eligibility is determined annually by each student's IEP team under the IEP document's Section 4. ESY services match instruction and related services (speech, occupational therapy) to IEP goals and are provided at no cost when the IEP team determines continued support over breaks is necessary. Molly Vilio said the ESY program usually serves about 50 elementary and 50 secondary students each year and runs Monday–Thursday in two two-week segments in June and July.

Board members asked how much of the summer offering represents programs beyond what state law requires; district staff said much of the enrichment and summer options are district initiatives above statutory minimums. Board members also praised the cost effectiveness of the enrichment program and noted social benefits when students meet peers across schools.

District officials said program dates and registration details would be posted on the last slide of the presentation and that administrative liaisons and returning staff make the programs possible.