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Albert Einstein Charter Academy - Elementary School

United States, San Diego

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 5 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service No
Part of
Albert Einstein Academies
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.

This campus is part of Albert Einstein Academies

3035 Ash St, San Diego, CA 92102, United States

The Essentials

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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. The school provides free uniforms at the start of each school year (two polo shirts and a logo sweatshirt). Dress code details: Elementary students wear a red or white polo with the AEA logo and navy bottoms; Middle School students wear a navy blue or white polo with the AEA logo and navy blue or khaki bottoms; closed-toed shoes are required.

Food Options
All students receive free meals for the entire school year. Meal applications are collected to support funding. The program provides breakfast and lunch.

Governance and Ownership
Independent public charter schools under the non-profit Albert Einstein Academies. Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees.
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.
Parent Experience

History
Albert Einstein Academies was founded in San Diego, California. AEACES received its charter in May 2002, and AEACES began in the basement of a church with 27 children. The AEACMS opened in 2006, and AEACHS is set to open in 2028. The three schools—AEACES (K–5), AEACMS (6–8), and AEACHS (9–12)—operate under a single charter and aim to deliver an International Baccalaureate program with a bilingual English/German immersion focus in the early grades. The network envisions serving over 2,000 students in TK–12 as it grows.

Community
The Albert Einstein Academies operate three campuses near downtown San Diego: AEACES (K–5) at 3035 Ash St and AEACMS (6–8) at 458 26th Street, both in San Diego, CA 92102. The IB curriculum spans the Elementary and Middle School programs, with a German language program in the elementary years and continued language options in middle school (German or Spanish), plus an international exchange program called ExchangeStein. Community life is supported by Friends of AEA (FoAEA), a volunteer nonprofit that fosters a positive school community and raises funds for AEACS and AEACMS; volunteers can participate in events and activities and the organization serves as the fundraising arm for the schools. The IB framework emphasizes global-minded learning, and the schools maintain active family and community involvement through school events and communications.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of AEA (FoAEA) is the parent-teacher organization for AEACS and AEACMS; it is an all-volunteer nonprofit committed to enriching the student experience and supporting school programs. FoAEA functions as the fundraising arm for AEACS and AEACMS and invites families to volunteer and participate in events. Members and volunteers can engage in fundraising, events, and classroom support activities, and FoAEA operates as a channel for parent involvement in the schools.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has two campuses. The Elementary campus (AEACES) at 3035 Ash Street in San Diego has 36 classrooms, an administrative office building, an auditorium/MPR, and an exterior sports field area. The Middle School campus (AEACMS) at 458 26th Street in San Diego is a four‑story building with twenty classrooms, an administration office, physical education and music rooms, and outdoor athletic courts. The AEACES site is SDUSD‑owned and undergoing a site modernization project led by SDUSD, expected to be completed in 2027. The Middle School campus was renovated in 2014 to serve its program. The High School (AEACHS) is targeted to open in Fall 2027 adjacent to the middle school campus.

Sports Facilities
The school has an exterior sports field area at the AEACES campus and outdoor athletic courts at the AEACMS campus.

Academic Facilities
The school has 36 classrooms and an auditorium/MPR at AEACES; The school has 20 classrooms, an administration office, physical education and music rooms at AEACMS.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a Sports Program with soccer, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, and volleyball; an AfterStein after‑school program; a Music Program; an Art Program; and the ExchangeStein foreign travel and exchange program; elementary students have a German language program with middle school options to continue German or begin Spanish.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and Middle Years Programme (IB MYP); the Diploma Programme (IB DP) is coming Fall 2026. IB units of inquiry guide learning and emphasize student ownership of inquiry within a rigorous framework. The IB Learner Profiles influence student development in areas such as Inquirers, Thinkers, and Principled individuals.

Arts & Creative
Music Program gives students the chance to shine and share their talents with the community, inspiring passion, commitment, and excellence. Art Program lets students explore a variety of mediums and techniques, developing skills and confidence. Both programs contribute to creative expression that complements the IB learning experience.

Cultural & Language
Elementary students (K–5) are offered a German language program; middle school (6–8) may continue German or begin Spanish. Middle school students also have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program. ExchangeStein, our foreign travel and exchange program, nurtures curiosity and intercultural understanding by exposing students to cultures and languages.

Social & Hobbies
AfterStein After School Program provides clubs, academic-specific support, tutoring, physical play, and a safe and healthy learning environment. The Athletics program offers soccer, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, and volleyball. Additional clubs and activities are available through school programs and community activities.

Community & Service
Friends of AEA (FoAEA) is an all-volunteer organization committed to cultivating a positive community for the enrichment of all students who attend the AEA charter schools. Families can volunteer for events, activities, and classroom needs. Donations directly support programs and enrich the student experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Sports Program fosters good sportsmanship, respect for others, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The IB Balanced profile emphasizes balancing intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being to support personal health and growth. An after-school program and safe, engaging activities further support students' physical and social-emotional wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
Elementary students (K–5) are offered a German language program. In middle school (6–8), students may choose to continue their German language studies or begin Spanish. Middle school students also have the opportunity to participate in our international exchange program.
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).
School Events
The school has not added events
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