Superintendent's Welcome Back Message for the 2026-2027 School Year!
Dear CUSD Students, Families, and Staff,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed meaningful time with family and friends.
This year’s theme, “Celebrate CUSD” provides a perfect opportunity to recognize and honor the people, programs, and accomplishments that make our district exceptional. Throughout the year, we'll celebrate the achievements of our students, dedication of our staff, support of our families, and the strong partnerships within our community. By taking time to celebrate CUSD, we reinforce our shared pride and highlight the positive impact we make together every day. Please see our Accomplishments and Awards from 2025-2026 on our website.
Throughout the summer, district staff provided a variety of engaging learning opportunities designed to help students build skills and prepare for a successful school year. This was the second year of the Summer Language Academy at Jefferson Elementary, where more than 100 elementary students enhanced their English language reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. We also had nearly 30 cross-age tutors who provided valuable classroom support by helping younger students develop their reading skills and engage in daily learning activities.
The Carlsbad Education Foundation (CEF) supported summer learning opportunities by offering a diverse range of weeklong enrichment camps. These hands-on experiences gave students opportunities to explore interests in music, visual arts, robotics, technology, and performing arts. Middle and high school students also had the opportunity to take courses in geometry, Spanish and PE.
CUSD continues to invest in high-quality professional learning designed to support educator growth and student success. A wide range of Sizzling Summer Workshops were offered to more than 120 staff TK-12. Sessions focused on Math, responsible AI integration, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), literacy and the Science of Reading, MTSS and data-informed instruction, inclusive practices for diverse learners, student belonging and social-emotional learning, and practical classroom strategies that strengthen high-quality Tier 1 instruction.
On August 20, CUSD staff came together at Sage Creek High School for a districtwide professional learning day. The event opened with an inspiring keynote address, followed by two 90-minute breakout sessions from more than 25 offerings, and concluded with collaborative grade-level and department planning. Centered on this year's theme, “Celebrate CUSD,” the day's learning experiences equipped educators with practical strategies to create inclusive, engaging, and dynamic classrooms as they begin the new year.
While students and staff enjoyed a well-deserved summer break, crews were hard at work across the district completing Measure HH improvement projects. These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for all students. Thank you for your continued support and investment in our schools.
Aviara Oaks Elementary: Completed project closeout activities and warranty improvements following the campus modernization.
Aviara Oaks Middle School: Completed construction of the new administration/classroom building and continued with the modernization of six existing campus buildings.
Buena Vista Elementary: Advanced campus modernization, including classroom renovations, new modular buildings, and site improvements.
Carlsbad Village Academy/Seaside Academy: Completed modernization of classrooms, and campus infrastructure with an expected completion of the administration office in December.
Carlsbad High School: Completed the replacement of the synthetic turf field and all-weather track, refinished the wood floors in both gymnasiums and the dance room, and painted the interior of the Legacy Gym.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I look forward to celebrating all that makes CUSD such a special place. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and commitment to our schools!
Warm regards,
Dr. Andrea Norman
Superintendent of Schools
Carlsbad Unified School District
#CelebrateCUSD