FAQ

  • Learn more about Winter Academy and how students can participate, including information on registration, participating school locations, food, transportation, Beyond the Bell programs and more.

     

    What is the Winter Academy?
    The  Winter Academy is taking place from January 5-9, 2026 and will provide students with opportunities to explore enriching concepts and receive additional individualized academic instruction with the support of a teacher.

    What can students expect?
    The Winter Academy is scheduled like a regular school day, with breakfast, lunch, and breaks. All students will receive a personalized experience, based on their academic need, at a school within their community.


    Every effort will be made to assign students to their school of regular attendance. If a student's school of regular attendance is not available, students will be assigned to the closest Winter Academy site to their school of regular attendance.


    What does instructional support and enrichment include?
    All students will receive both academic support and enrichment. Students will participate in small-group or one-on-one instruction in literacy, math, and STEAM, along with enrichment opportunities in financial literacy, social-emotional learning, writing, and art.


    For middle school and high school students, instructional support includes guided opportunities to improve grades using teacher approved Academic Course Extension contracts, financial literacy and activities focused on college and career readiness. Enrichment opportunities may include Visual and Performing Arts, STEAM, Health, Civic Engagement, Climate Literacy, World Languages and Ethnic Studies.


    Will my school be open during the Winter Academy?
    Select schools across Los Angeles Unified will be open during the Winter Academy. A list of participating schools is available here. You may also contact your child’s school of regular attendance for more information about your student's school assignment.

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    Every effort will be made to assign students to their school of regular attendance. If a student's school of regular attendance is not available, students will be assigned to the closest Winter Academy site to their school of regular attendance.

    How do I find out where my student is registered?
    Registration information will be communicated individually to parents and guardians before December 19, 2025 via the email on file. You may also contact your student’s school of regular attendance for more information about their Winter Academy school assignment.

    How can I register my student for the Winter Academy?
    You may register your student via enroll.lausd.net or at your child’s school of regular attendance beginning October 15, 2025. Enrollment on the LAUSD enrollment portal ends on December 2, 2025. Paper applications are also available at school sites beginning November 17, 2025.  Students will receive their confirmation letters during the week of December 15, 2025.

    Will food be provided?
    Yes! Healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch will be served to participating students.

    Who can attend?
    Los Angeles Unified elementary, middle and high school students are encouraged to attend. Whether your student is interested in an exciting enrichment activity or needs additional academic support, the Winter Academy provides a benefit to all who participate.

    Will Beyond the Bell programs be offered to support the Winter Academy?
    Beyond the Bell programs will be open during Winter Academy days at all school sites until 6 pm. Families can turn in the Before and After School Program Application on the first day, January 5, 2026.

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    Will transportation be offered?
    All students who normally receive transportation as part of their special education services will also receive transportation for the Winter Academy.


    All students who attend a magnet school or magnet center who normally receive transportation will receive transportation for the Winter Academy to their regular school of attendance (if available), or to the closest Winter Academy Attendance Hub.

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    All students who live outside of 1 mile for Elementary or 2 miles for Secondary will be provided transportation to their regular school of attendance (if available), or to the closest Winter Academy Attendance Hub.

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    Transportation will be provided based on eligibility and availability. 

    What can Virtual Academy students expect?
    Virtual Academy students and families should contact their school to learn about Winter Academy options.

    What is the impact of the Winter Academy on attendance?
    The Winter Academy is not mandatory for students and will not impact attendance; however, we encourage all students to attend.

    What are the hours for the Winter Academy?
    The Winter Academy is modeled after a regular school day, with similar start and dismissal times. Individual start and dismissal times will be communicated to families the week of December 15, 2025.