Naperville District 203 board planning to hike 2027 summer school fees

Naperville Unit District 203 summer school fees could increase in 2027 under a proposal expected to be voted on later this month.

As part of the plan, elementary school fees for a four-week course will rise from $195 to $260.

Junior high school fees for a four-week course that is 90 minutes per day will increase from $195 to $260, and three hours of instruction per day will climb from $390 to $520.

For the 2026 summer school program, the district adjusted its elementary and junior high summer opportunities to have one four-week session instead of two three-week sessions. But it kept fees at the three-week rate to help families with the transition, said Kevin Wojtkiewicz, the district’s director of summer learning.

The 2027 fee increases are to more accurately align with the costs of providing four weeks of instruction for students, he said.

Science camp courses for 2027 are expected to increase by $20 to reflect the higher costs of hands-on materials, Wojtkiewicz said.

Driver’s education fees could increase by $100 to $500 to align with driver’s education taken during the regular school year.

Transportation fees are expected to rise from $30 to $50 to offset higher transportation costs, he said.

ACT prep fees are expected to climb from $325 to $380 to reflect the price an outside company charges per student, Wojtkiewicz said.

The tuition and fees collected represent a portion of the total cost to provide summer school, with grants, reimbursement and the district’s budget offsetting the rest, he said.

District officials said the costs of materials and diesel fuel continue to rise, and the district is reaching out to community partners for sponsorships or donations.

The school board received an introduction to the proposed changes Monday and will vote on them on Nov. 16.

With board approval, high school students can begin registering for summer school Nov. 18 so they can map out their four-year graduation plans, Wojtkiewicz said.

Summer learning registration for all other students begins March 3.

The district is offering math and literacy classes for elementary and junior high school students to help reinforce skills. It also has junior high school exploratory courses in coding, game design, digital art, business, robotics, culinary arts and engineering.

A variety of music classes from jazz to percussion to choir are being planned.

One-week science courses offer classes tailored to a wide range of interests such as forensics, animals, space and robotics, according to district documents.

Kindergarten through 7th grade summer school will run from June 7 to July 1. High school courses will take place from June 1 to July 8.

Four one-week science camp sessions are planned for June 7 to July 2, and summer music camps will run from July 5 to 28.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.