Summer School

Summer school generally refers to educational programs offered by schools at the high school level, or lower grade levels that occur during the summer vacation period. Many colleges also offer special summer programs called summer school.

High School and Lower Grades

Summer school programs at the high school level are typically offered for two purposes. Some classes are available for students to make up courses they failed during the school year. Other classes are offered as new courses for credit. Summer school courses can enable students to graduate from high school early.

At the elementary and middle school levels, summer school courses are often given in non-academic subjects for educational enrichment. Remedial courses are also offered in summer school.

College Summer School

Most colleges offer courses over the summer so that students can be enrolled year round. These courses make it possible for students to graduate more quickly than if they take the summer off.

Offerings at colleges often include special programs for professionals or graduate students. Among popular types of programs are those for teachers, managers, and administrators. These programs typically have a duration of one to four weeks, and give professionals the opportunity to live in a college environment while interacting with some of the best academic people in the area. These programs usually are open to anyone, not just enrolled students.

Varied Summer School Offerings

Many summer school courses are taught in traditional classroom settings. However, there are increasing numbers of courses offered online so that students do not need to travel to a class location.

A variety of summer learning opportunities are set up that do not involve taking classes for credit. Programs are offered by libraries to encourage children to come to the library and do some reading. An emphasis may be placed on individualized instruction. One of the main goals may be to ensure that when the new school year begins, teachers do not need to re-teach material from the prior school year.

There are a wide variety of summer camps that are focused on providing learning experiences. Some of the different types of camps include chess camps, math camps, and computer camps.

Summer school programs are available for senior citizens. Offerings for seniors are often at college campuses that can offer quiet settings during the summer. Some of the senior offerings are also connected with travel.

A variety of summer school offerings provide instruction in non-academic areas. Courses are available in everything from dirt biking to ballroom dancing to snorkeling. These summer school courses are often aimed at providing hands-on experience in the area of instruction.

By Charles Hair