Why Summer School Is Not Just For Struggling Students
Exploring the Benefits of Summer School and How It Can Help All Types of Students
Summer school can be a great way to help students catch up on coursework, explore new interests, and gain valuable knowledge and experience. With summer school courses, students can stay engaged with their education and make the most out of their summer break.
For some students, attending summer school is a necessary part of remedial learning or ensuring they remain on track for graduation. For others, it’s an opportunity to explore new subjects or challenge themselves by taking more advanced classes.
Summer school needs a branding makeover from “A requirement when I am failing” to “A fun, safe place to learn and grow.” Programs must offer engaging activities that provide beneficial experiences for all types of students. State scores across the country demonstrate that students need more help to bridge academic gaps, and summer school is an overlooked opportunity.
How Summer School Can Help Struggling Students Catch Up and Improve Their Grades
Summer school is already designed to be an excellent resource for students who are struggling in school and need help catching up. Summer school offers students the opportunity to take intensive classes to help them gain academic skills and increase their knowledge without the pressures of a full course load. It is traditionally considered for high-school students, but students of all ages should have the opportunity for academic growth.
Expanding remedial supports by integrating virtual programs can enable students to participate in academic enrichment programs such as tutoring and mentoring and provide a more personalized learning environment. These interventions can take place out of the whole-class learning to allow for more targeted intervention supports without increasing the size of your summer school staff.
Advanced Placement Courses Offered Through Summer School to Help Gifted Students Grow
For gifted students who want to get ahead, taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses through summer school can be a great way to gain knowledge and build confidence in their academic abilities. Summer school is a great place to implement AP courses because they allow students to earn college-level credits quickly. Utilizing live, online instructional programs, schools can offer multiple AP courses over the summer regardless of staff certifications.
By taking advantage of these courses, students can expand their knowledge base and prepare themselves for college-level classes. This allows gifted students to get ahead academically and opportunities to explore new topics that may help them discover new passions and career paths. Offering AP courses over the summer allows students to have flexible schedules to balance sports, jobs, and other extracurriculars in the upcoming year.
How to Prepare for a Successful Summer School Experience
Identify student need across all grade levels and subjects.
Build offerings to support student learning requirements.
Source for teachers and staff.
Explore virtual learning partnerships to fill gaps.
Design both in-person and online opportunities for students to grow and learn.
The Variety of Fun and Engaging Course Options Available Through a Quality Summer Program
Don’t forget learning should be fun! When designing your summer school program enrichment courses, peer collaboration, and relationship building should all be a part of the experience. Your students shouldn’t feel like summer school is a punishment but instead a rewarding experience with personal growth and community connections. When developing your program, look for certified staff and partnerships who bring quality interactions and intentional learning to your students. See how iTutor’s certified educator community can help you build an impactful summer school experience.
