When people think of summer learning, they often picture students retaking classes or catching up on missed credits, but summer learning isn’t just for students who are behind. In fact, it is one of the best ways for all students to retain knowledge from the school year, explore new interests and stay mentally active.
Summer learning can make a big difference. The National Summer Learning Association reports that students lose an average of two months of reading skills and more than two months of math skills over the summer. This phenomenon, often referred to as “summer slide” accumulates year after year and can contribute to growing academic gaps between peers.
Meanwhile, studies show that students who participate in high-quality summer learning programs perform better in math and reading and adjust more easily to classroom routines. Those who stay engaged over the summer return to school more confident and prepared.
The good news is that there are plenty of resources to take advantage of over summer vacation; traditional summer school, visits to museums and zoos, summer reading programs or online programming are just a few of the options. Choosing what’s right for you and your student is all about finding a balance between summer plans and academic growth, enrichment and enjoyment.
As the executive director of Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA), an AdvancED-accredited online K-12 public charter school, I personally believe the flexibility of online learning is an invaluable resource. Online and flexible learning formats during summer allow students to learn at their own pace, reinforce past skills, and explore new subjects. Just a few hours each week of intentional, interest-driven learning can have a big impact.
A few of the top online programs available to students and parents alike include:
K12 Summer Quest
Summer Quest helps students reinforce core skills and explore new topics through engaging, hands-on online activities. The program is filled with weekly educational quests across a variety of self-paced subjects that keep kids learning over the summer in a fun, stress-free way.
Summer Quest is a free resource provided by K12 May through July each summer, just use the promo code SUMMERQUEST to activate login access.
National Geographic Kids
This free resource provides videos, articles, quizzes and interactive features that allow students to explore animals, geography, and science lessons. High school students can go deeper into real-world issues with lessons on environmental science, sustainability, history and culture, and more. National Geographic offers rigorous yet accessible content that connects academics to global issues.
Project Gutenberg
This website offers more than 75,000 free eBooks, including classic literature that is often included in high school curriculums and college courses. Project Gutenberg is a great resource for independent reading and summertime books reports. Summer reading has the most benefit when students read books that they choose for themselves, with 75,000+ eBooks on this site, students aren’t without choice.
Additionally, many local libraries offer free access to digital books and audiobooks, including popular YA and classic titles. According to a report from Literacy Now, reading just six books over the summer can help prevent learning loss.
Summer learning helps students retain routines and structure, promoting mental wellness and reducing back-to-school anxiety. Those who take advantage of the summer break to learn more and explore new interests are more likely to perform better academically, graduate on time and pursue additional education.
Whether your student thrives with reading, hands-on exploration, or flexible online coursework, there are countless ways to keep their minds engaged. At AZVA, we believe learning should be accessible year-round. That’s why AZVA offers tuition-free online summer school to all Arizona students, regardless of where they’re enrolled during the regular school year. The second session of summer courses for grades 9-12 starts on July 7. To enroll or to learn more, visit www.azva.k12.com/academics/summer-school
C. Forrest Smith, Executive Director of Arizona Virtual Academy
