While summer is often seen as a time to relax and recharge, it can also bring disruption to the hard-earned progress many neurodiverse students make during the school year. The shift in routine, lack of structured learning, and fewer opportunities for social interaction can create setbacks in academic, emotional, and behavioral development.

But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way.

Extended School Year (ESY) is a service outlined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides special education and related services to eligible students during school breaks — typically summer — when those services are necessary to prevent regression and support continued progress on IEP goals.

At The Help Group, summer is viewed as a time for growth. Through our Extended School Year (ESY) program, students ages 3 to 22 receive the continued support they need — not only to maintain skills but to thrive.

With tailored academic instruction, therapeutic services, and meaningful social engagement, our in-person summer program empowers students to build confidence, deepen connections, and head into fall with a strong foundation.

What Makes The Help Group’s Program Unique?
The Help Group offers 9 specialized schools across 4 campuses in Los Angeles — each designed for a unique student profile, from children on the autism spectrum to students with emotional challenges, ADHD, and learning differences like dyslexia.
The Help Group’s Summer School / ESY Program (July 7 to August 1, 2025) includes:

• • Four hours of daily in-person instruction
  • Morning sessions (start times vary by school)
  • Evidence-based reading and math instruction
  • Social skills groups using proven curricula
  • Support from a multi-disciplinary team, including:
    • Special education teachers
    • Speech-language pathologists
    • Occupational therapists
    • Licensed clinicians

Students in the program have the chance to build academic confidence, connect with peers, and develop daily living skills, all in an environment that celebrates their unique strengths. And importantly, the program is open to both current Help Group students and those from the broader community.

ESY That Doesn’t Feel Like “More School”
Many families initially worry that ESY will feel like an exhausting extension of the school year — especially for students who already struggle with burnout or anxiety. But The Help Group’s summer model is designed differently.
It blends structure with flexibility, offering:

• • Smaller class sizes for individualized attention

• Therapeutic approaches woven into daily routines
• Learning through movement, play, and real-world activities
• A low-stress, high-support environment that’s warm, welcoming, and affirming

Let Summer Be a Springboard
With the right environment and the right support, summer doesn’t have to be a setback — it can be a leap forward. Let The Help Group help your child turn summer into a season of connection, discovery, and meaningful growth. For more information on our ESY program, visit us at: Summer School | The Help Group