Since 2010, Sunnyvale School District has partnered with Stanford University’s Teacher Education Program (STEP), to offer a comprehensive summer enrichment program to approximately 800 students.
Master teachers from Sunnyvale School District, along with Alumni of the Stanford STEP program, 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 a high interest curriculum and with a small adult/student ratio that greatly benefits student learning over a four-week period.
Students 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. 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.
In the middle school program, located at Sunnyvale Middle School, students choose between math, English-language arts, social studies, science, and English Language Development. A Hindi language class will also be offered.
At the elementary level, which will take place at Lakewood School, students focus on community building, informational writing, math problem solving, technology and integrated science units.
Summer Explorations 2019 will take place at Lakewood Elementary and Sunnyvale Middle School from July 1-26. Space is limited, and participation is based on teacher recommendation. Please contact your child’s school for information about enrollment.
