Program Overview

Summer Academic Program for Elementary School Students (SAPESS)

The Summer Academic Program for Elementary School Students (SAPESS) is a five-week program designed to focus on the development and growth of elementary school students through exciting, hands-on academic and enrichment activities.

Program Details

• The program dates for SAPESS 2026 are Monday, June 15 - Friday, July 17, 2026, with no camps on June 19 and July 3.
• Five-week registration will open on March 1, 2026.
• Single-week registration will open on April 1, 2026, if spots are available.

Financial Aid Information

SAPESS is committed to making the summer program accessible to all families. To support this effort, financial aid is available for eligible families who may require assistance with tuition costs.

• Eligibility Criteria: Financial aid is available for families whose total taxable income does not exceed $35,000. Applicants must provide the necessary documentation to verify their eligibility.
• Application Process: To be considered for financial aid, families must submit a completed financial aid application by Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Determination of Financial Aid Awards: The amount of financial aid awarded will be determined based on the expected revenue available as of May 6, 2025, and the number of applications received. As funding is limited, financial aid awards may vary.
• Notification and Payment: Decisions regarding financial aid will be communicated to applicants by Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Families receiving financial aid must pay the remaining tuition balance by Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to secure their children's enrollment in the summer program.

Program Description

At SAPESS, the intention is to focus on the child's development and growth through exciting, hands-on academic and enrichment activities. Using collaborative planning, teachers cultivate a safe, consistent environment for students to explore knowledge, discover talents, and nurture new friendships. SAPESS assures small class sizes to foster the social-emotional growth of students as well as to promote academic success. An experienced Teaching Assistant (TA) is assigned to each group of students to guide them from class to class, supervise them during breaks, and become familiar with the strengths and uniqueness of each child.

Academic Activities

• Science classes will be filled with hands-on interactive experiences and incorporate math skills in determining scientific data, applying math concepts, and using critical thinking skills.
• Students will be able to demonstrate their creativity in a multitude of arts and crafts activities and projects.
• Language Arts will provide opportunities for students to read and write about topics that support a different theme each week.

Program Location and Endorsement

The SAPESS Program is endorsed by the Elementary Education Department and is located on the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) campus, providing elementary school students the opportunity to be exposed to an environment at the university level.