Olentangy Local outlines 2026 summer school, enrichment and ESY plans; summer school runs June 3–July 10
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Summary
District leaders briefed the board on summer programs for 2026: summer school (June 3–July 10; virtual orientation June 2) with 792 registrations last year; SEE enrichment (eight days, multiple sites; $125 per course); and Extended School Year services for about 500 students (IEP‑driven).
District curriculum leaders presented an overview of summer learning programs to the Board of Education on Feb. 5, outlining enrollment, dates, program types and supports for students with disabilities.
Mindy Schultz, Director of Curriculum Innovation, said summer school will run June 3 through July 10, with a virtual orientation June 2. The district will transition its virtual course platform from Apex to Schools PLP for the self‑paced option and continue district‑developed virtual courses delivered via Schoology. Schultz said last summer the district recorded 792 total student registrations (up from 690 in 2024) and noted registrations reflect course enrollments (some students enroll in multiple courses).
Erica Boone described the SEE (Summer Enrichment Experience) program, an eight‑day, hands‑on offering for elementary students that this year includes classes such as 3‑D printing, gardening and textile/fiber arts. SEE will operate at Glen Oak Elementary, Freedom Trail and Orange Middle School; courses cost $125 and the program is self‑supporting. Boone said SEE recorded 1,017 unique enrollments last year and emphasized the program’s reliance on returning teacher‑leaders and administrative liaisons.
The board also heard about Extended School Year (ESY) services for students with disabilities. A presenter explained ESY is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) determination, provided at no cost under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and is distinct from traditional summer school. ESY focuses on students at risk of regression who require services to receive a free appropriate public education; the district expects approximately 500 students—about 15% of its IEP population—to participate, supported by about 80 teachers and two administrative liaisons. Sites this year include Oak Creek Elementary and Shanahan Middle School.
Board members asked questions about how calendar and contract constraints interact with summer programming and discussed the role of summer school in enabling late arrival or early release options for high school scheduling. Curriculum staff encouraged community feedback on calendar drafts (survey open for 30 days) and reiterated that some program elements (course minimums, program fees, ESY eligibility) will determine final offerings.
The presentation provided dates, enrollment figures, program costs and sites; board members did not take immediate action but were asked to review calendar drafts and provide public feedback before the board adopts a final calendar in March.