Extended School Year (ESY)

The Minnesota State Academies’ ESY program is available to eligible Blind, Visually Impaired, DeafBlind, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing students whose IEP teams have determined that Extended School Year services are needed. 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 2026 is as follows:

 

 

Deadline: Applications must be received no later than April 15, 2026 (We cannot accept registrations after this time)

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. The Minnesota State Academies fund most ESY programming through appropriations provided by the Minnesota Legislature. Resident school districts remain responsible for transportation and any required one-to-one services, such as paraprofessional or nursing support.

Optional After-School Activities:

Students may participate in optional afternoon and evening activities focused on socialization, recreation, and community exploration.

• Cost: $30 per student
• Available to residential and day students

Please note: These activities are separate from ESY instructional programming.

Transportation:

Transportation to and from ESY programming is the responsibility of the student's resident school district. 

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 2026 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 2026. 

Please note: Applications must be received no later than April 15, 2026. 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.

Questions?

For questions regarding ESY services or placement, please contact:

Brittany Thomforde
Support Services Director
📧 brittany.thomforde@msa.state.mn.us