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Extended School Year (ESY)

 

NOTE: The registration window has closed for the 2024 Extended School Year Program, and we are no longer accepting applications.  Thank you for your interest! 

The Minnesota State Academies’ ESY program is open to all Blind/Visually Impaired, DeafBlind, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in Minnesota. The program is designed to support students from Minnesota districts, specific to their unique needs, by providing programming opportunities and experiences with peers with similar needs. This may be different than or in addition to their regular school year program. Districts may designate MSA as an ESY service, regardless if the student attends MSA during the regular school year.

MSA Extended School Year information for Summer 2024 is as follows:

Monday through Thursday, July 8-25th, 2024

Age Group Days/Times:
1 - 2 years Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
3 years old Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Pre-K Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Kindergarten - age 22                                  Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

 

 

Deadline: Applications must be received no later than May 1, 2024

Application must include the student’s most recent IEP.  Space is limited in summer programs.  Decisions, in conjunction with other factors, will be based on a first come, first serve basis.

Cost:

All programs are free to parents and students. The Minnesota State Academy funds most programs through dollars dedicated to the school by the Minnesota Legislature. Cost impact to school districts include transportation and any one-to-one services (example: paraprofessional or nursing) that the student may require. 

Optional cost to parents: Daily after-school activities will be scheduled in addition to our ESY programming. These events happen in the afternoon/evenings and focus on socialization and exploration. For students staying in our dorms, there will be a $30 fee. Day students can opt into our ESY activities for $30. Note: After school ESY activities are separate from ESY instructional programming.  

Transportation:

The resident school district is responsible for transporting students who meet criteria for extended school year. 

Parents and Resident District of current MSA students:

MSA staff will be in contact with parents regarding ESY, and no further action is needed at this time. 

Non-MSA students Eligibility:

For all school-aged DeafBlind and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in Minnesota who have Extended School Year (ESY) services indicated on their IEP.  The ESY is determined through the IEP team process. If the student meets criteria for ESY and the district would like MSA to provide ESY services, please follow the steps below.

Resident District (for students NOT currently enrolled at MSA): 

a) The Resident District completes the 2024 District Referral for MSA ESY

b) Student's Current IEP must clearly indicate ESY goals to be addressed as well as MSA indicated on the ESY service grid. 

c) If the Resident District has questions about ESY placement at MSA, please contact the Support Services Director Brittany.thomforde@msa.state.mn.us;

MSA will review the application materials and notify the district of its ability to provide ESY programming for the summer of 2024. 

Please note: Applications must be received no later than May 1, 2024. Application must include the student's most recent IEP and Evaluation. Space is limited in summer programs. Decisions, in conjunction with other factors, will be based on a first come, first serve basis.