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All schools in the Albert Einstein Academies group
Dr. David Sciarretta
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum
Taught languages German, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Elementary
Introduction
Albert Einstein Academies is a public charter school system in San Diego, comprising the Elementary AEACES (3035 Ash St) and the Middle AEACMS (458 26th Street), with a planned High School adjacent to the middle campus. The network offers an International Baccalaureate continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) currently in place, with the Diploma Programme (DP) expected to launch in Fall 2026. In addition, the schools follow the American curriculum and deliver a bilingual English/German immersion focus in the early grades. The AEAs began as a single charter in 2002 and aim for TK–12 growth, serving over 2,000 students. Facilities include two campuses: a 36‑classroom Elementary site with an auditorium and exterior sports field; and a four‑story Middle School building with a gym and outdoor courts. The ExchangeStein international travel and FoAEA volunteer network strengthen community and global awareness for students.
Albert Einstein Charter Academy - Elementary School has instruction in English, German.
Location
Albert Einstein Academies operates three campuses near downtown San Diego, California. The Elementary Campus is at 3035 Ash Street in the South Park neighborhood. The Middle School Campus is at 458 26th Street in the Grant Hill neighborhood. The High School will open in Fall 2027 at the Grant Hill neighborhood, on the corner of 26th Street and J Street, adjacent to the Middle School site.
Stages
Elementary (K–5); Middle (6–8); High School (9–12) opening Fall 2027.
Type
Public charter school
Additional learning support
AEA provides a comprehensive continuum of special education services, including IEPs, collaboration/support models, Learning Center pull-out supports, BASE classrooms, and related services.
Country affiliation
United States
School day structure
School begins at 8:10 a.m. on most days; TK/K dismissal is at 2:30, 1–2 at 2:40, and 3–5 at 2:50. Wednesdays are minimum days with 8:10 start and TK/K dismissal at 12:00, 1–2 at 12:20, and 3–5 at 12:30.
Fees
Application fees - There is no application fee charged by Albert Einstein Academies for enrollment; applications are submitted through the school's PowerSchool enrollment portal using the standard online application process.
Tuition fees (by year group / per term) - Albert Einstein Academies operates as tuition-free public charter schools. No tuition is charged for any grade level (elementary K–5 or middle school 6–8). There are no per-term or per-year tuition charges.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Because there is no tuition, there is no recurring tuition billing schedule. - Optional, program-specific charges (for example, field trips or optional paid activities) are billed on a per-event basis through the school's online payment system and must be paid by the due date shown for each event. Field-trip and similar payments require the student ID and payment at the time of checkout.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the academies operate as day schools serving the local San Diego community.
Other costs or fees (uniforms, supplies, activities, travel, etc.) - Uniforms: Each student is provided with free uniform items at the start of the school year (two polo shirts and one sweatshirt with the AEA logo). No uniform purchase is required at enrollment for standard issued items. - Basic classroom supplies and student planners: Basic classroom supplies (pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, binders, folders, etc.) and one AEA student planner are provided at no cost. Families must provide a backpack and water bottle and may optionally contribute additional supplies. - School meals: All AEA students receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire school year; meal applications are collected for funding purposes but do not affect eligibility. There is no charge for school meals. - After-school program (AfterStein): The AfterStein expanded-learning program is funded through California's ELO-P program; eligible students attend without a direct charge. Some after-school clubs, sports, or third-party vendors may have separate optional costs; availability and eligibility are described in the program handbooks. - Exchange and travel programs (ExchangeStein): International exchange and travel programs are offered; participation typically involves additional travel and program costs borne by participating families. Financial assistance or scholarships may be available for students in need. - Optional music, instrument, athletics, or club expenses: Instrument purchases/maintenance, specific activity supplies, or optional extracurricular fees may be required for participation in some programs; these are treated as optional, program-level costs and are billed or requested separately when applicable.
Refund information - Tuition refunds are not applicable because the school charges no tuition. - Refunds for optional paid items (field trips, camps, paid clubs, travel deposits) are subject to the school's program-specific policies and the payment processor's procedures. Payments made via the school's RevTrak online store follow the school's stated RevTrak procedures for payments and any related refund handling; parents should contact the school office for requests or questions about refunds for a specific paid item.
Fee payment options and how payments are accepted - RevTrak (alberteinstein.revtrak.net) is used for paying field trips and other event-specific charges; payments require a credit or debit card at checkout. RevTrak supports standard card payments (credit and debit) and the school directs families to use RevTrak for event payments. - Meal applications and related meal information use the MyMealTime system for processing and recordkeeping. School meals are provided at no charge to students. - Donations and voluntary contributions are accepted through the school's donation platform. Voluntary donations are distinct from required fees and are used to support activities such as field trips, assemblies, exchange trips, and transportation.
Summary statement - Families should expect no tuition or application charges to enroll a student at Albert Einstein Academies. The few costs that do arise are for optional activities, travel, or optional supplies and are billed on a program-by-program basis using the school's payment systems (RevTrak, MyMealTime, or donation platforms).
Academics
Albert Einstein Charter Academy - Elementary School teaches IB (PYP), American Curriculum for students aged 5 to 12.
Curriculum
The school has an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) are offered, with the Diploma Programme (DP) coming Fall 2026.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size in 2021-22 ranged from 33 to 36 students in secondary subjects (ELA 35, Math 33, Science 36, Social Science 34).
Exam Results
CAASPP results for 2021-22 show All Students meeting or exceeding standards: ELA 47.48%, Math 43.95%, Science 33.75%.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The BASE Classroom provides an intensive, structured program to strengthen academic and organizational skills, social and emotional abilities, sense of responsibility, job skills, and self-esteem. The program's goal is to enable students to access general education classrooms and the broader community. The BASE classroom is supported by an Education Specialist, Behavioral Support staff, and Paraeducators; Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is used to provide accessible instruction for students with and without disabilities. The program emphasizes social and emotional development within a continuum of special education services. The school integrates these supports with general education to promote student growth in multiple domains.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AEA offers a comprehensive continuum of special education services designed to meet diverse needs. Students with disabilities are general education students first; accommodations and supports may be provided in general education with consultation or push-in services, or in more intensive settings. The continuum includes General Education (in-direct, consultation), Collaboration (push-in support), Learning Center, Intervention Class (pull-out support), Behavior Academic Social Emotional (BASE) Classroom, and Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI). The Special Education Coordinator is Anna Klin, who can be reached at aklin@aeacs.org and (619) 780-0400. The school also provides information on Child Find and participates in the El Dorado Charter SELPA to coordinate services.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
An English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is formed as required by California Ed Code for schools with English Learners. ELAC meetings advise on programs and services for multilingual learners and address ELPAC testing, designated and integrated English language instruction, and the English Learner Master Plan. The EL Master Plan provides policies for English Learner programs, including identification, assessment, placement, reclassification, parent notifications, and ongoing evaluation of teaching and learning for English learners; the plan is BOT-approved as of April 15, 2025. The district also maintains DELAC bylaws governing the English learner advisory process. ELAC input is used to inform schoolwide decisions, and meetings are open to parents/guardians of multilingual learners. Meetings typically cover attendance and program information relevant to multilingual learners.
Mental Wellbeing
The school has staff who can help families access mental health and special education services. Anna Klin, Special Education Coordinator, is the primary contact for coordinating these services; email aklin@aeacs.org and phone (619) 780-0400. The team includes a Behavior Specialist and other specialists who support student well-being and literacy. The school provides information about the IEP process, including procedures and safeguards for parents and students. The El Dorado Charter SELPA collaborates with the school to provide related services as needed.
Safeguarding
The school maintains a Comprehensive Schoolwide Safety Plan for 2025-26 with safety protocols and procedures. Archived versions of the safety plan are available, showing ongoing updates and safety governance. The site also provides access to the Comprehensive Complaint Policy under Policies and Procedures and to Title IX considerations. Annual Notification for Parents is published as part of safeguarding and safety communications.
Admissions
Admissions
Open enrollment is available for TK through eighth grade. The 2026-27 open enrollment period runs from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, and Spring open enrollment lottery eligibility requires applications be submitted by March 31, 2026. The Spring Open Enrollment Lottery for 2026-27 will be held on April 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom; applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026 to be eligible, and seats are available by grade (TK 20, Kindergarten 106, 1st 34, 2nd 39, 3rd 21, 4th 20, 5th 36, 6th 108, 7th 68, 8th 32). Results are emailed the day after the lottery and available in the PowerSchool Enrollment account. English and Spanish interpretation are provided for the lottery, with ASL interpretation available on request. Enrollment priorities establish ranking for class placement and waitlists as follows: TK—children of staff (up to 10% of space), siblings of current students, siblings of lottery draws, residents within the San Diego Unified School District, and others outside the district have the lowest priority; Kindergarten through Fifth Grade—children of staff (up to 10%), siblings of current students, siblings of lottery draws, fluent German-speaking children (up to 25% of space and subject to a German fluency interview), SDUSD residents, and outside-SDUSD residents with the lowest priority; Sixth through Eighth Grade—children of staff (up to 10%), siblings of current students, siblings of lottery draws, applicants within the Sherman Elementary School boundary, SDUSD residents, and outside-SDUSD residents with the lowest priority.
Waitlist
Enrollment is determined by a public random lottery when applications exceed available seats after each enrollment period; an outside agency supervises the lottery to verify grade placement or waiting list ranking according to designated priorities; lottery results are provided by email and in the PowerSchool Enrollment account, and the lottery can be viewed via Zoom or live stream with Spanish interpretation and ASL interpretation available upon request (with advance notice).
FAQs
What grades does Albert Einstein Academies currently serve, and what IB programs are offered?
Albert Einstein Academies operates two campuses now: AEACES for K–5 and AEACMS for 6–8. The school follows the International Baccalaureate continuum with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) currently in place, and the Diploma Programme (DP) is planned to begin in Fall 2026. A High School (AEACHS) is planned to open in Fall 2027 adjacent to the middle school campus.
Where are the Albert Einstein Academies campuses located?
The Elementary Campus (AEACES) is at 3035 Ash Street, San Diego, CA 92102. The Middle School Campus (AEACMS) is at 458 26th Street, San Diego, CA 92102. A High School (AEACHS) is planned for Fall 2027 on the corner of 26th Street and J Street, next to the Middle School site.
Is Albert Einstein Academies a public or private school, and is it free to attend?
Albert Einstein Academies is a public charter school and all grades are tuition-free. There are no tuition charges for any grade, and there is no application fee.
What are the school day timings and how do they differ on Wednesdays?
The typical start time is 8:10 a.m. with TK/K dismissal at 2:30, 1–2 at 2:40, and 3–5 at 2:50. Wednesdays are minimum days with the same 8:10 start but earlier dismissal times (TK/K at 12:00, 1–2 at 12:20, 3–5 at 12:30).
What curriculum emphasis should international families know about?
The IB continuum is central to the program, with PYP and MYP currently offered and DP planned for Fall 2026, underscoring inquiry-based, globally minded learning.
What language program exists for younger students and how does it develop later?
Elementary students (K–5) have a German language program; in middle school (6–8), students may continue German or start Spanish, with an international exchange program available as well.
What is the general governance and who leads the school?
Albert Einstein Academies is an independent public charter school governed by a Board of Trustees.
Are uniforms provided, and what is the dress code?
Yes. Uniforms are provided for free at the start of the school year (two polo shirts and one logo sweatshirt). Elementary students wear red or white polo shirts with navy bottoms, while Middle School students wear navy blue or white polos with navy or khaki bottoms; closed-toed shoes are required.
Is there any boarding option or is the school strictly a day school?
Boarding is not offered; Albert Einstein Academies operates as a day school serving the local San Diego community.
Do I have to pay tuition or an enrollment application fee to apply?
No to both. The school is tuition-free and there is no application fee; enrollment is done through the PowerSchool online enrollment portal.
What are the key admissions dates for the 2026–27 year and how does the lottery work?
Open enrollment runs from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The Spring Open Enrollment Lottery is on April 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Seats are allocated by grade and a public random lottery determines placement and waitlists.
If a grade is full, how does the waitlist work and are there enrollment priorities?
Yes. Enrollment is determined by a public random lottery when seats are full, with specific priorities (e.g., staff children, siblings, district residents, German-fluent applicants in some grades). Lottery results are sent by email and visible in the PowerSchool Enrollment account.
Are there scholarships or financial assistance options for special programs?
The school charges no tuition, and there are no general scholarships listed. Some financial assistance or scholarships may be available for the ExchangeStein travel program or for specific paid activities; field trips and other programs may have optional fees.
What IB-related academic results and class sizes should families expect?
In 2021–22, CAASPP results show All Students meeting or exceeding standards: ELA 47.48%, Math 43.95%, Science 33.75%. Average secondary class sizes ranged from 33 to 36 students (ELA 35, Math 33, Science 36, Social Science 34).
What is the current status of the Diploma Programme (DP) and when will it start?
The Diploma Programme (DP) is planned to begin in Fall 2026 as part of the IB continuum.
What are the school facilities like on the two campuses, and what future developments are planned?
AEACES (K–5) has 36 classrooms, an auditorium/MPR, and an exterior sports field; AEACMS (6–8) has 20 classrooms, administration, PE and music rooms, and outdoor courts. AEACES is undergoing a SDUSD-led modernization through 2027, and the High School (AEACHS) is planned to open in Fall 2027 adjacent to the middle school campus.
What extracurricular facilities and programs are available at the campuses?
The school offers a Sports Program (soccer, basketball, cheer, flag football, volleyball), AfterStein after-school program, a Music Program, an Art Program, and ExchangeStein travel/exchange. Elementary students also have a German language program with options to continue or begin language study in middle school.
What programs exist beyond the core curriculum for student growth and culture?
IB units of inquiry guide learning across the IB PYP/MYP, with a focus on learner profiles (Inquirers, Thinkers, Principled). The Arts and Sports programs complement academics, and ExchangeStein promotes intercultural understanding.
What support is available for wellbeing, SEN, and EAL learners?
A comprehensive continuum of special education services is available, including IEPs, Learning Center supports, BASE classrooms, and related services. An English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) guides multilingual learner programs, with an English Learner Master Plan and ELPAC testing in place.
How does the school handle safeguarding, safety, and student wellbeing?
The school maintains a Comprehensive Schoolwide Safety Plan (2025–26) with safety protocols, Title IX considerations, and annual parent notifications. The team includes dedicated staff to coordinate mental health and special education services as needed.
