The Importance of Summer School Programs for Elementary Students
Reimagining Summer School
Gone are the days when “summer school” was dreaded by students. Today, summer school programs feel more like educational camps, combining fun with learning. With STEM activities, virtual field trips, and enrichment opportunities, these programs create engaging and memorable experiences for students while addressing critical learning gaps.
The Summer Slide
Summer learning loss, also known as “summer slide” or “brain drain,” is a well-documented phenomenon:
- Students lose about one month of school-year learning over summer break on average.1
- Two-thirds of the achievement gap can be traced to summer learning loss in elementary school.2
The COVID-19 Slide
The pandemic amplified learning loss, with many students experiencing disrupted instruction. According to NWEA research:
- Students returned to school with only 70% of typical learning gains in reading.
- Math learning gains were even lower, with some students nearly a full year behind.
Benefits of Summer Learning
Summer learning programs offer numerous benefits:
- Master previously unlearned material
- Reverse summer learning loss
- Achieve measurable learning gains
Research by the Rand Corporation shows that voluntary and mandatory summer programs positively impact student achievement, especially when they combine academic and enrichment activities.
Attributes of a Good Summer School Program
Effective summer programs should include:
- A fun, camp-like atmosphere
- Outdoor activities, field trips, and teamwork opportunities
- Qualified teachers delivering high-quality instruction
- A diverse curriculum with reading, math, STEM, and social-emotional learning
The Importance of STEM
STEM education is critical for preparing students for the future:
- STEM jobs are projected to grow by 13% by 2027.3
- STEM jobs pay more than double the median wage of non-STEM positions.
Integrating STEM activities into summer programs fosters hands-on learning, sparks curiosity, and builds a foundation for potential careers in STEM fields.
Catapult Learning’s Summer Journey Program
The Summer Journey program by Catapult Learning addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and families. This comprehensive solution includes:
- Literacy and math intervention
- STEM and robotics enrichment
- Social-emotional learning
- Family support services
Programs are customizable to meet schools’ unique needs and are available in in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. Catapult Learning provides all the materials and training required for a seamless and effective program.
Download Summer Journey Brochure
