It’s Not Too Late to Find a New School for Fall
March 23, 2026
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[jetpack_subscription_form title="SUBSCRIBE" subscribe_text="" show_subscribers_total="0"]Is Summer School Right For Your Child?
Summer school doesn’t have to be drudgery. Options include local or residential programs, week-long to summer-long sessions, full-time academic forays, or academic/recreational combinations.
To determine if an academic curriculum will enhance your child’s summer vacation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does my child enjoy academic, social, and behavioral success? Adolescents who thrive in academia, and find nothing more exciting than a new idea or an accelerated curriculum are perfect candidates for vacation education programs.
- Do they want to pursue a special interest not offered during the academic year? Children with recognized talents or interests in math, science, music, art, drama, writing, and similar pursuits often delight in immersing themselves in what they’re most passionate about during the summer. An added benefit is the opportunity to meet young people and professionals who share their interests.
- Do they struggle with academic, social or behavioral issues? Kids who need to upgrade learning or interpersonal skills often find comfort and confidence in the less stressful environment of casual summer classes. Different teachers and different teaching styles can instill confidence in students who are reluctant learners during the academic year.
- Do they have a special need that could be accommodated or remediated in summer sessions? Children who struggle with elements of the curriculum are often relieved to know that they have a second chance outside of the traditional classroom. Summer school can be a place to review previous material and preview subjects required in the fall, making the new subjects easier to understand.
- How does my community regard summer school? In some towns, attending summer school is a mark of shame; in others, a badge of honor. Are kids in your neighborhood who attend thought of by their peers as “losers,” or are they considered proactive go-getters? Stay attuned to the thoughts and opinions that might affect your child’s perception of summer school—and how they may be perceived if they spend their summer studying.
To make the best decision engage your child in the decision-making process. Begin your discussion with the critical question, “What do you think about going to summer school?”
Alizavette Santana
While I agree summer school is very beneficial to learners with any learning barriers that are categorized as “special needs”. I think it is essential to include that these learners can thrive and bloom just as much as neurotypical learners in academic summer programs not specific to making up credits or skills. As a SPED teacher, often I see parents’ first choice for summer programs, the same “special” camp or district summer school program they have been attending since grade school. While we all know consistency is vital for any successful learning to occur. At the older grade/age levels, we must be mindful of learners growing need to explore what peaks their curiosity. As the school year comes to a close, my behavioral caseload students act out more as a way of escaping summer plans they can’t outrun. ARDS and parent phone calls/check-ins are one of the many ways I personally stay on top of making sure my students’ needs and interests for summer have been vocalized to their parents & guardians in a clear, positive manner.