If your child is in summer school, chances are they feel pretty darn bad about the whole thing. While other kids are enjoying sleeping in and spending lazy days poolside, your child is stuck in a classroom. Most kids who attend school-sanctioned summer sessions are there due to test scores or challenges during the previous academic year. However, some summer schools offer an excellent opportunity for students to get ahead or at least maintain their skills.
The push for year-round school is based on research suggesting that children perform better in a consistent learning environment. Rather than take a three-month break from education, some school systems are introducing 1–2 week breaks throughout the year. The goal is to reduce the need for review and catching up when school resumes in the fall. Many teachers admit that the first few weeks of each school year are primarily spent reviewing and reacquainting children with study habits and skills that may have dulled over summer break. For this reason, summer school isn’t such a bad idea—especially in areas where children have up to three months off during the summer.
It’s important to be aware of your child’s academic abilities. If your child struggles in one or more subjects, enrolling them in summer school can be a huge benefit. Not only will they experience smaller class sizes, but they’ll also be able to strengthen their academic skills and emerge with greater confidence. This confidence can build year after year. Additionally, summer school tends to be more focused, shorter in duration, and often free from the usual social pressures. This creates a stress-free, personalized, and empowering environment for your child to learn at their own pace. Whether you opt for group-based summer school programs or a personal tutor is up to you. But if you notice your child beginning to struggle, it’s often easier to support them over the summer than during the busy school year.
The Bright Side of Summer School
If your child is required to attend summer school due to poor performance, take heart. While it may feel inconvenient or make your child feel inadequate, your attitude toward the situation plays a major role in its success. Children learn at different paces—even the brightest students can struggle in certain subjects. Summer school sessions are typically very targeted, focusing on specific areas of need, which makes them more personalized than traditional classroom learning.
Rather than let your child view summer school as a punishment, help them see the benefits. If attending summer school is the difference between passing and failing a grade, take the time to truly assess your child’s situation. Sometimes, students who are held back a year thrive in ways they never did before. Maturity levels, emotional challenges, or other life events may have impacted their academic performance. This doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart. In fact, one of the most powerful roles of parenting is to meet your child’s needs—regardless of outside pressures. Many children, when given just one extra year, find themselves becoming classroom leaders rather than always trying to catch up.
While the debate over year-round school continues, summer school is actually beneficial for all students. For children who struggle with fast-paced subjects like math, taking a refresher course during the summer can make a significant impact on their performance the following year. Finding a tutor or summer program aligned with your school district’s curriculum can provide an early boost for challenging concepts.
If you have options, seek out summer programs with qualified instructors who connect well with children. Look for programs that use hands-on learning methods or cater to children with special needs. Many local colleges also offer enrichment programs disguised as summer school. If your child is passionate about a subject like science or math, these courses can be a great way to build on that interest.
Summer school today has come a long way from what it was just a decade ago. It’s no longer just a place for kids who are falling behind—it’s a valuable tool to help students grow in ways the traditional school year may not allow. With the increasing global academic competition and the pressure of standardized testing, parents have a responsibility to give their children every opportunity to succeed. By empowering your child with challenges, encouragement, and the right support system, summer school can become a turning point in their educational journey.
