There are relatively few students, parents or even teachers who look at summer school as a golden opportunity. However, the fact of the matter is that many students suffer from a decline in reading ability and other academic skills over the summer months when school is not in session. The “summer slide”, as they call it, is so prevalent and detrimental to students that parents ought to take a closer look at this phenomenon, and take the necessary steps to prevent it. Students who fail to continue their education through the summer may expose themselves to a more challenging School Year.
Review/Preview Common Core School Subjects
Education is a process that builds over time. A student cannot be expected to do well in Algebra 2 if his or her understanding of Algebra 1 is shaky. Students who are successful often have a strong academic foundation derived from a comprehensive understanding of the topics previously presented to them. Thus, students can greatly benefit from reviewing topics that they did not comprehend and/or preview the material that they will eventually see in school. Either way, the Review/Preview process is a powerful tool that helps students achieve academic success. During Summer, students initially take assessment tests to determine which class is best fit for them. Depending on their level of mastery, we place him or her into a class that will best allow a stronger foundation.
Study Habit
Typically, academic success relies not only upon what happens inside the classroom but is also determined heavily on time spent outside of the classroom. Study habits, essentially, is the basis of achieving good grades. Are homework instructions written down when your teacher is explaining the assignments? Are you taking good notes regarding the lectures? Are you scheduling when to do your homework? Are you planning how to do well and understand your homework? Are you studying your homework? Are you reviewing before tests and quizzes? Are you communicating to your teacher on questions you do not understand? These are just some example questions that you should answer yes to, if you want to excel in school. The consistent effort and development to achieve excellent grades, will train students to handle a challenging workload in high school and college. Without the focus and push to acquire better studying habits, work that will come in future grades, will become a more difficult task. At Premier Academy, we look at the big picture while guiding our students; during homework sessions, we teach and train our students habits that will help them be prepared for upcoming obstacles.
English Language Learners (ELLs)
If a student is not a native English speaker, the expectation that they will take classes with those students who are, can be very challenging. ELLs can benefit immensely by taking an English course over the summer before they start the regular school year. PAWC offers group classes as well as 1-on-1 tutoring for English learners to practice their speaking, reading and writing skills.
Gifted Students:
Although gifted students typically excel faster than their classmates, they are not ensured against the “summer slide.” In addition to preventing summer learning loss, these students can be introduced to new topics and develop new skills, or they can focus on core skills in order to expedite graduation.
Field Trips and Award Ceremony:
In addition, our program offers weekly field trips that will allow pupils to spend time with their peers in a fun and casual setting. Conveying the “work first then fun” type of mentality, we teach our students that even though both are important, prioritizing work and learning should always be on the top of their list. From Suzanne Park for outdoor excursions to Speedzone, we make sure our students have fun with their classmates to refuel after working diligently in the classrooms. Informative and interactive, Premier Academy Walnut is the perfect place for students to spend their summer.