The Top Benefits of Summer School

When we hear the word “summer,” we often think of popsicles, firefly catching, poolside days, and school free vacations that bring our family together and remind us of our own childhood summers. Many of us long for summer days all year round because of the freedom and fun it brings to our family and lives. But, while summer should be a time for a more relaxed schedule, increased family time, and lots of fun, taking 3 months completely off of school comes at a high price: summer learning loss. If you are tempted to take the summer off, think again. Here are our 3 top benefits of summer school for homeschoolers.

1. Beat Summer Learning Loss
Summer learning loss is real, and its effects are harmful to both you and your homeschooler! On average, students lose 2 months of reading mastery over the summer and a whopping 2.6 months of math skills, according to Lumos Learning. After these inactive months, teachers spend 3-5 weeks re-teaching concepts to students who haven’t used their summers wisely. What does a summer off add up to? Difficult teaching lost concepts, and harder days come fall. Who wants that?
We know you don’t, and neither does your homeschooler. That is why spending just 1 hour a day actively learning during summer months is so critical. We know what you’re thinking; summer school is going to ruin our summer! But, homeschooling during the summer does not have to mean formal school lessons and worksheets. Join your local library’s reading program, visit historic locations you have discussed over the year and journal about them, or enroll your students in a math camp. Or, consider enrolling in an online summer school course for homeschoolers that puts top notch curriculum at your learner’s fingertips. Put the worksheets down and try an online course. They will be engaged, and you’ll thank yourself for summer homeschooling come fall.

2. Improve Grades
It does not take a rocket scientist to realize the adverse effects of the “summer slide.” On average young learners will test better on subjects at the end of the year than they will come August. However, students who participate in summer learning programs are more than ready for the new school year and are more likely to perform well.
Want to improve your students’ grades, even give them an edge in the upcoming year? Make summer a time where you challenge your homeschoolers to excel in subjects they are good at or revisit those challenging areas. Online summer school provides the opportunity your student needs to get ahead without losing the flexibility you want in your summer routine. Online classes go where you go, on a tablet or laptop, and only require an internet connection. Your student will be fully engaged in an online summer school course, setting them up to conquer and improve their grades when they face new material next year.

3. Credit Recovery
So, your student had a hard year. Don’t panic or beat yourself (or them!) up. Summer could be the key to unlocking your child’s success after a year of struggle. If you have a learner who has fallen behind, the pressure you feel to get them caught up is immense, especially during the high school years. But, there’s great news! Summer school classes are the perfect fit for struggling learners who need credit recovery. We all perform better when we are singularly focused. A summer school course allows your homeschooler to concentrate on just 1 area, improving the chances that they will overcome learning struggles. Be sure to choose an accredited online summer school course or you could miss out on important credits.

Ready to make the most of your summer?

Summer school for homeschoolers does not mean being a slave to the books! You can enjoy your summer without giving into summer learning loss through engaging summer school courses.

Do you have other reasons for taking summer courses?  Share them in a comment below!