District 39's Summer Enrichment Program opens Monday, July 6, at two Wilmette schools, with two changes families should know: a new fee structure and no bus transportation.

The four-week program runs through Friday, July 31, with 50-minute morning sessions Monday through Friday. Students in grades K-3 report to Central Elementary School; grades 4-7 attend Highcrest Middle School. Sessions run 8:00 a.m. to noon. The program is also open to families in neighboring District 37.

The Board of Education approved the updated fee schedule at its Monday, January 26 meeting. Enrichment courses such as rocketry and sports cost $250 plus a materials fee. Review and Reinforcement sessions in reading, writing, or math run $150 plus materials (capped at $25). Extended School Year classes for students with IEPs remain free. The district did not disclose previous fee levels in its public memo.

Dr. Kristin Swanson, assistant superintendent for student services, wrote in the fee memo that the new prices align with neighboring districts' pricing while remaining below market average. The program is structured to be self-sustaining, meaning fees cover costs rather than drawing from the general operating budget.

The district also eliminated bus transportation for all SEP students. The only exception: students whose IEPs require Extended School Year services will still receive rides.

The guaranteed-enrollment deadline passed Friday, March 20. Families registering now through the district's RevTrak online portal will be placed on a waiting list, according to the district's March newsletter. The SEP program page is live at wilmette39.org.

The Wilmette Park District is running a complementary afternoon camp for SEP students at Central Elementary, with half-day sessions from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on program days. Details are available at wilmettepark.org.

What families need to know: Registration is waitlist-only. Morning sessions at Central Elementary (K-3) and Highcrest Middle School (4-7), Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 31. No bus service. Register through wilmette39.org.