Tustin Summer Academy FAQ

Who runs the Summer Academy?
The Summer Academy is operated by the Tustin Public Schools Foundation. While the program is staffed by teachers and principals from the Tustin Unified School District, it is not a district-run program. Summer Academy Directors, who are TUSD principals, are on site each day to oversee operations and ensure a safe, smooth, and positive experience for students.

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Can I set up an account in advance to make registration day go more smoothly?
No. Accounts cannot be created prior to registration opening. Your account on Active.com will be set up during the registration process when enrollment opens on March 2.

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I have registered before, but forgot my password.

Use this link to access your registration account, make payments, and re-set your password.

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Dates and Times 

Session 1: Monday - Thursday June 8-18

Session 2: Monday - Thursday June 22- July 2

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What are the hours of the Summer Academy?

Classes are held from 8:30 - 12:30 (classes for students entering K - 2nd grade start and end 10 minutes later. Please check your particular class for start and end times. Drop off no earlier than 8:10 AM, as there is not supervision before that time.  Please pick up by 12:45 PM.

 

Are there any afternoon options?

The Summer Academy ends at 12:30 or 12:40 PM, depending on the class. There is childcare provided by Catalyst Kids Peters Canyon Elementary, next door to Pioneer Middle School. If you are interested, contact them directly at (714) 731-1779.

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Choosing Classes

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When can I view which classes are available?

Class offerings and descriptions will be available online on February 23, 2026 at tpsf.net/summer. Class registration will open at 7am on March 2, 2026.

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Should I register for the same class twice?

If a class has the exact same name in both modules (for example, Jr. Scientists), it is a repeat and covers the same content. If a class has a slightly different name (for example, Fast Forward Kindergarten: Camping and Fast Forward Kindergarten: Bugs), each module offers different content, and your child is welcome to take both.  Since each class runs for 4 hours per day, students should enroll in only one class per two-week module.

 

What are the class sizes?

Classes are intentionally kept small to support student learning and engagement. Fast Forward Kindergarten classes will have up to 16 students, while most other classes will have no more than 22 students.

 

Will Summer Academy students be assigned homework?

It’s summer! Teachers may offer at-home extensions of the class, but no homework will be required. The goal of this program is to encourage curiosity and to excite students about learning. There also will not be any formal testing or assessment of students.

 

The class I’d like is full. How do I join the waitlist?
You can join the waitlist by completing the waitlist registration for that class—no payment is required. If a spot becomes available, you will receive an email with a limited time to respond and secure the opening, so please be sure to use an email address you check regularly.  If you would still like your student to attend the Academy, we recommend enrolling in an available class while remaining on the waitlist. If a spot opens in your preferred class, you may register for it at that time, and we will refund the tuition for the original class.

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Who can attend the Summer Academy?

The Summer Academy is created to benefit students in the Tustin Unified School District. However, students from all school districts may attend as long as there is available space.

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My child is advanced for his/her grade level. Will this course be challenging enough?

Our courses have been developed for diverse learners and are taught by some of TUSD’s finest teachers. The talent level of our teachers and the quality of the program allows teachers to adjust the curriculum to the needs of the individual child, while maintaining the highest standards of instruction.

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My child is a bit behind in school. Will the courses be too challenging?

Summer Academy is not a remedial program, and courses are designed to engage and challenge students. However, there are no tests or required benchmarks to pass—students work at their own pace in a supportive environment and are encouraged to participate at a level that feels comfortable for them.

 

Can my child request to be in the same class with his/her friends?

Yes, please indicate this during registration and we will do our very best to place your child with his/her friends.  Some classes fill quickly so be sure to register early.

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Getting to and from the Academy

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Do you offer busing?

Daily busing will be available from Heideman Elementary, Sycamore Magnet Academy, CT Middle School, and Utt Middle School to Pioneer Middle School. The cost is $40 per 2-week session and may be purchased with registration.  Limited availability.  Pick up is at approximately 7:45 AM (varies by site), and drop off is at approximately 12:45 PM.

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Food, drinks, and meds:

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Are snacks available?

Snack breaks will be offered each day. Students may bring their own items or purchase them at the on-site snack bar. Please note that the Summer Academy is NUT FREE, both for snacks sent from home and for the snack bar. Snack cards (10 items) are available for purchase by credit card with registration or at the snack bar or office with cash during the Academy.  Lunch is not provided at the Academy.

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My student needs to have an Epi-Pen (or other medication). Can my child still attend?

We have staff trained on Epi-Pens and we can hold emergency medications if prescribed by a doctor. Drop off and pick up instructions will be provided before the start of the Academy.

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Changes/Cancellations/Payments

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What is the cost?

Summer Academy classes start at $345 per 2-week morning session.  Additional material fees apply for some classes.

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Can I make payments?

Yes! We can split your tuition into 3 payments. You can select that option during registration.

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Are discounts available?

Enroll the same student for 2 classes at one time and receive a $25 discount. There is also a $50 sibling discount for registrations on the same order, with an additional $25 discount for multiple siblings. Please note that these discounts must be on the same order and will be automatically applied during registration. We cannot apply discounts on separate orders.

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Can I change or cancel my registration?

If you change your mind and want to switch to another class, that's no problem, as long as there is space in another class. NEW! Starting in 2026, you will be able to transfer and/or cancel classes yourself. If you need to cancel or transfer classes, please use your Active account you created when you registered initially. Refunds are available, less a $25 service fee in the month of March. The fee to cancel goes up to $50 starting April 1. After May 1, there is a $100 cancellation fee per class, as we have limited spots available, and have made commitments to our teachers. There are no refunds after June 1. 

 

What happens if my class is canceled?

If we have to cancel a class, we will move you to another class of your choice, or we will offer a full refund.

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How do I apply for a scholarship?

Limited need-based partial scholarships will be available for current Tustin Unified students. Contact your campus community specialist or email summer@tpsf.net with your student's name, current grade, school and your request.

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My student may miss one of the days. May my child still attend?

Yes! We think your child will benefit even if he/she cannot attend the entire session. However, please note that we are not able to offer prorated tuition for partial attendance.

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My student is ill.  May I have a refund for the time missed?

Sorry, we are not able to offer refunds for days missed due to illness or other reasons. 

 

Can my student walk or ride a bike to and from the Academy?

Yes!  We encourage this. Please let the teacher know that this is your plan.  There are plenty of bike racks near the Multi-Purpose Room at the front of the school.

 

 

I still have questions! Please email us at summer@tpsf.net