The San Diego Unified School District Monday welcomed more than 95,000 students to the 2024-25 school year, a week earlier than last year.
Superintendent Lamont Jackson and Deputy Superintendent Fabiola Bagula visited schools throughout the district — California’s second-largest — greeting students, staff, and families.
“Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms and create a safe and welcoming learning environment for our new and returning students,” Jackson said. “We begin this school year with love and appreciation, and in partnership with all families to create conditions that allow our students to thrive and belong at school and in life.”
The 2024-25 school year starts a week earlier than last year, under a revised district calendar. This allows the first semester to end before winter break, allowing students to enjoy the break free from the obligations of end-of- semester projects and exams, according to a a statement from the district.
The calendar continues to include 180 school days, and provides more instructional time before spring assessments, including SAT and Advanced Placement exams.
According to the district, for the first time, after-school PrimeTime programs are now offered at every district elementary and middle school. And all middle schools will continue to offer organized sports under a district athletic league.
“As the parent of two young daughters in our schools, I see each day the incredible things our educators do to meet the academic and social- emotional needs of all students,” Board of Education President Shana Hazan said. “I am excited about the start of the new school year and all the incredible things in store for students — from rigorous and engaging academics to meaningful enrichment offerings, and robust college and career readiness opportunities.”
Additionally, San Diego Unified has a new guaranteed college enrollment agreement that gives eligible students at every high school an opportunity to attend Cal State San Marcos after graduation.
— City News Service
