Santa Fe Standard

In an unprecedented achievement, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) has enrolled over 5,000 students in its summer program, Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez announced today. "We’re reaching just under 50 percent of the district’s enrollment through free summer programming, work-based learning opportunities, structured literacy and summer athletic conditioning," he stated. "This is a remarkable milestone."

Superintendent Chavez highlighted the enthusiastic response from both parents and students. "It’s exciting to once again offer a multitude of opportunities for students to stay engaged with their learning while having fun!" he said.

The summer programs are engaging 4,402 students at 13 different sites with activities ranging from Math Adventure Camp and Go Kart Camp to Rock Camp and Spanish Splash. Additionally, more than 100 SFPS students are participating in internships, over 250 are enrolled in the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Structured Literacy Support School Initiative, and more than 200 are involved in summer athletic conditioning programs.

"We thank the SFPS Board of Education, city of Santa Fe, site and district staff and our business and community partners, including Audubon NM, Cooking With Kids, ArtWorks, Children and Teen Safety Workshops, Girls Inc., Hands On Heritage and Reunity Farms for ensuring high-quality services at our school sites and summer camps," said Crystal Ybarra, SFPS chief equity, diversity and engagement officer.

This marks the third year that SFPS has offered free summer programming. "Last year, SFPS and a cadre of community partners reached nearly a quarter of the district’s student population with fun and engaging programs. This summer is breaking records!" noted Superintendent Chavez.

In June and July of 2023 alone, over 3,350 students participated in SFPS summer programming—an increase of almost 650 students compared to 2022. "Last year’s results showed that by being creative with summer programming, internships and standards-based instruction, we’re starting to impact student outcomes," added Chavez.

Santa Fe Public Schools maintains a policy against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion or sex among other attributes in its programs. For inquiries regarding these policies:

Title IX Coordinator- 610 Alta Vista St., Santa Fe NM 87505 Tel: (505) 467-2596

Section 504 Coordinator-1300 Camino Sierra Vista St., Santa Fe NM 87505 Tel: (505) 467-2527