“My child loves it.  She gets everything set up each night, even her water bottle in the fridge, to be ready to go in the morning.”
--- Parent

​Welcome to Learning Academy

Learning Academy is designed to give students a strong, joyful summer learning experience through expert teaching, small-group support, and hands-on enrichment. Families can use this page to find schedules, locations, teachers and aides, meals, and important program events.

• Location
• Dates and times
• Classes and teaching teams
• Enrichment programs
• Meals

Location

Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
​
401 Tilting T Drive
​Borrego Springs, CA 92004

(Click on the map for detailed directions)

Dates and times

​Parent Orientation
Monday, June 30
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

​Parent Orientation gives families an overview of the program, daily schedule, and procedures, and a chance to meet teachers and ask questions so students feel ready for the first day.

Program Dates
Wednesday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 29
​7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Note: No session on Friday, July 3 (holiday)

Students attend classes in reading, writing, and math, along with built‑in enrichment sessions, each program day.

Closing Ceremony
Tuesday, July 29
​6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

​The Closing Ceremony is a celebration where families see student work, hear about what was learned, and join us in recognizing students’ effort and growth.

Families are encouraged to attend both
Attending both Parent Orientation and the Closing Ceremony helps families stay informed, supports a smooth start, and gives students the chance to be publicly celebrated for their hard work.

Classes and teaching teams

​Each class focuses on strengthening core skills through engaging lessons, small‑group practice, and projects that connect learning to students’ lives.

​Elementary Reading

​(2nd - 3rd grades)
Teacher: Tania Fuerte
Teacher's Aide: Josie Troncoso

​Middle Writing

(7th - 8th grades)
Teacher: Heidi Schlotfeldt
​Teacher Aide: Melanie Urquidez

Elementary Math

(4th - 6th grades)
Teacher: Meg Hanna
Teacher Aide: Mariana Torres

Middle Math

​(6th - 8th grades)
Teacher: Armando Bañuelos
​Teacher Aide: Bryan Fuerte

​Our Learning Academy classes are led by credentialed teachers with many years of classroom experience and deep expertise in their subject areas. BASIC scholar aides support each class, allowing us to provide more individual attention and small‑group support. Curriculum is strategically designed to reinforce key skills, challenge students at their level, and help each learner make meaningful growth over the summer.

Leadership

​Dean of Students, Ken Collard

Mr. Collard provides overall leadership for Learning Academy, coordinating daily operations, supporting teachers and aides, and serving as the primary contact for students and families. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Special Education, an Education Specialist credential, and an Administrative credential in Education, and brings deep experience as a classroom teacher and math instructor in the Learning Academy. Ken believes all children can learn and that educators’ work is to “unlock the chest of knowledge” in every student by finding the right key, and he is committed to helping BASIC grow even stronger in serving Borrego Springs students.

Enrichment programs

In addition to academic classes, students participate in special enrichment sessions that bring art, music, and nature into their summer learning. Enrichment sessions are built into the school day, and students attend with their class.

The Art of Chinese Paper Cutting

Borrego Springs Friends of the Library
Cristin McVey

Thursday, July 9
10:30 am - 11:30 am

The Giant Harry Spider

State Parks
Pablo Espinosa
​
​Friday July 10
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Art with OLAC

​OLAC
Ed and Joan White

​Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
​​10:30 - 11:30 am
​12:30-1:30 pm

Meet the Instruments

​Borrego Springs Friends of the Library
Cristin McVey

Wednesday July 22
​10:30 am - 11:30 am

We are deeply grateful to our community partners for providing these enrichment programs at no cost to Learning Academy.

Meals

Learning Academy students receive a nutritious hot breakfast, snacks, and lunch every program day at no cost to families. All meals are prepared and provided by Kendall’s Café, with a focus on fresh, balanced options that support learning.
Every breakfast includes eggs, because research indicates that the nutrients in eggs help students stay focused and maintain their energy throughout the morning. Families do not need to send food unless their child has specific dietary restrictions that have been shared with program staff.
Click on the menu icons below for a PDF version of your student's menu's.