Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is proud to offer expanded learning across the district. Expanded learning during the summer allows students to stay engaged, learning, and active. Approximately 2,000 elementary and more than 1,100 secondary students participated in NMUSD's Summer Programs, plus more than 300  incoming fourth- through eighth-grade students participated in the City of Costa Mesa’s SMART Camp, which provides sports, music and arts enrichment. 

Elementary Summer School Program

The Harbor View, Mariners, Rea, Sonora, and Wilson Elementary Schools' summer programs helped students improve their English Language Arts (ELA) and math skills. Students also had opportunities to participate in enrichment activities based on their preferences, including visual arts, dance, music, STEM, performing arts, athletics and chess. This learning and enrichment time lasts all day and includes academics, dancing, performing arts and athletic events. 

“We are proud that our students had opportunities this summer to not only learn, but also make new friends and strengthen established friendships in a positive, supportive and safe environment,” said Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership and Expanded Learning.

The program culminated in a series of showcase events, in which students could show off their accomplishments to family and friends. In addition to musical and dance performances, there were art shows and DJ demonstrations. 

It is essential for the district to get feedback on significant investments like this, and we surveyed parents, staff and students about their interests and experiences. In a post-program survey, nearly 90 percent of the parents who responded rated their children’s overall experience a 4 or 5 out of 5.

Visit the NMUSD photo repository to view highlights of the elementary summer program.

Secondary Summer Programs

Incoming seventh- and eighth-grade students had opportunities to participate in the Summer Bridge Program, where they got a head start for the upcoming school year in English, math and their choice of electives, such as PE, science, technology and other STEM-related classes. This was the first time many seventh graders had the experience of stepping onto their future middle school campus.

At Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa and Newport Harbor high schools, incoming ninth graders also had opportunities to advance on their future high school campus to get credits in math, English and an elective. Students who completed the program will begin their high school experience five credits ahead. 

Incoming Estancia High School ninth-graders had opportunities to take introductory courses in Career Technical Education Pathways including the Building Industry Technology; Engineering Design; and Digital, Visual and Media Arts pathways. The 23 students who completed the summer program also will start high school five credits ahead.  

More than 850 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students attended summer programs and could recover more than 5,600 credits in English, math, health, history and other subjects. While all classes were in person, some were self-paced online with teachers present to support students. 

Summer Language Academy

About 30 students districtwide participated in the Summer Language Academy as part of the newcomer program at Estancia High School. With primary languages of Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Portuguese, these students made connections and explored language through project-based learning.

The academy culminated in a showcase where students displayed projects reflective of the Summer Language Academy experience. Middle and high school students offered poems, art and timelines of their language journeys. At the showcase, students were given the opportunity to share their projects with their families and district staff.  

“Secondary newcomers across the district had an amazing experience building a diverse and welcoming community. Students had an opportunity to tell their stories and connect over shared experiences,” said Arleen Salazar, Summer Language Academy Teacher on Special Assignment.

Visit our Summer Programs webpage for more information.