Stanford Summer Explorations Program

Sunnyvale School District offers summer school classes designed to provide an engaging, hands-on curriculum through the Stanford 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 800 students each summer.

Master teachers from Sunnyvale School District serve as mentors to STEP student teachers who assist in the classrooms, making teacher-guided small-group work possible for students. This rich program offers an excellent curriculum and adult/student ratio that greatly benefits student learning over a five-week period.  

Students in rising grades 1 through 8 not only have one experienced and dynamic teacher, but they have two to three Stanford student teachers from the Stanford Teacher Education Preparation program in their classrooms.  This allows for more individualized support that results in deeper learning and more focused student engagement. 

At the elementary level, students focus on community building, informational writing, math problem solving, technology and integrated science units. Middle school students chose between math, English-language arts, social studies, science, and English Language Development. With the 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 five-week 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.