Summer school programs are offered online and in person for all students. Summer school gives students a chance to catch up on content. It offers a chance to strengthen academic skills from the previous school year. Summer school also offers students an opportunity to explore other academic areas. It allows for various times for students involved in other activities. By attending summer school, students can boost their academic and social skills.
By attending summer school, students gain skills in math and language. Many programs reinforce concepts from the previous year and provide students with the confidence for achievement in the upcoming school year.
Summer School is Not All Academics
Not all students attend summer school for academics or to make up classes. There are various reasons.
- Students meet face-to-face with others who have a positive attitude toward school.
- They meet new students and form new friendships.
- Students build social-emotional skills and strengthen teamwork through activities.
- They participate in outside activities and are away from smartphones and computers.
Most summer programs last a couple of weeks, and many students benefit from the person-to-person interaction. However, if students aren’t able to attend programs at their local school, YMCA, or library, there are online programs available.
Summer Classes Online vs In-person
Some students prefer not to attend in-person summer classes. Online classes may be the answer. They offer students the flexibility to work at their own pace and in their own time. They are convenient. Students can access online programs from anywhere. Online programs offer unique topics to study for all ages.
There are differences in student engagement and academic outcomes between online and in-person classes. Students who take classes to make up work or to gain proficiency do not do as well as students taking in-person classes. A 2023 study shows that students in virtual schools experienced significantly lower growth in both reading and math than students in traditional in-person schools. Online programs are beneficial as long as students and families are responsible for completing them. In-person programs shift the responsibility to teachers and staff.
Summer school boosts academic performance. In-person is the best because of the social skills with peer interaction. However, there are many types of summer programs for students to attend, in person or online. Students can take enrichment classes or explore new topics. There is no one-size-fits-all. Students who need academic help should attend school in the summer. Learning should not stop because school shuts down. Education is a life-long process and should not stop in the summer months.
