Summer Learning

Discover more about student learning during the summer, including summer school and summer camps
This summer, the ACLU expanded to three weeklong sessions of 300 students each, with participants coming from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and, for the first time, Guam. Maddie Clements, 16, a rising junior at West Creek High School in Clarksville, Tenn. (center, ink hair) listens during Anu Joshi’s immigration rights keynote which packed an auditorium at American University.
This summer, the ACLU expanded to three weeklong sessions of 300 students each, with participants coming from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and, for the first time, Guam. Maddie Clements, 16, a rising junior at West Creek High School in Clarksville, Tenn. (center, with pink and purple hair), listens during Anu Joshi's immigration rights keynote.
Melissa Lyttle for Education Week
Social Studies A Hands-On Lesson in Civics Sees Surging Student Interest in the Age of Trump
The American Civil Liberties Union sees interest spike in its student advocacy institute, while conservative groups have their own programs.
Mark Walsh, August 1, 2025
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10 min read
Image of a parent and child reading together at home.
iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy Fewer Parents Are Reading Aloud to Their Kids. Why That Matters
Pleasure reading is the best way for emerging readers to maintain their skills in the summer. Getting parents on board can be challenging.
Elizabeth Heubeck, June 12, 2025
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5 min read
A principal watches her multilingual student leaders present a supportive buddy system to a room full of educators on May 29, 2024 in New York City.
A principal watches her multilingual student leaders present a supportive buddy system to a room full of educators on May 29, 2024 in New York City. The district boasts school-based teams called Dream Squads that conduct outreach to immigrant families over the summer.
Courtesy of New York City Public Schools
School & District Management How Schools Are Reaching Immigrant Families Over Summer
Experts advise district leaders to stay up to date on immigration policy changes.
Ileana Najarro, May 30, 2025
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4 min read
A front view of a teacher and some of her young pupils in the sunshine outside. They are pointing and interacting with the teacher as she reads and encourages them to join in.
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School & District Management What Superintendents Say About Summer School, in Charts
Districts have to find new ways to pay for summer programs they started or expanded with pandemic aid. Largely, they plan to do just that.
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, March 25, 2025
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4 min read
Photo of high school students walking into class.
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School & District Management What the Future Holds for Summer School as Federal Aid Dries Up
Summer programs have been a go-to strategy to catch kids up and accelerate their learning. Will districts keep them with no more relief aid?
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, March 19, 2025
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5 min read
Diverse elementary students reading in the classroom
iStock/Getty Images
School & District Management Q&A This City Can Claim a NAEP Distinction No Other City Can. Here's What Happened
While American students saw another decline in 4th grade reading scores on the Nation's Report Card, this city was an exception.
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, February 10, 2025
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6 min read
Reading & Literacy Spotlight Spotlight on K-12 Reading Intervention
This Spotlight will help you learn how to better support struggling older readers, strategies for boosting reading proficiency, and more.
August 26, 2024
AutismCamp Still 2 BS
Special Education Video Creating a Space for Students With Autism to Succeed
Educators at a camp for students with autism offer advice for teachers looking to support this population of students.
Lauren Santucci, August 13, 2024
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3:40
Baltimore City School students harvest cucumbers to make pickles with during a week at Great Kids Farm and Forest Camp on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Catonsville, MD.
Students from the Baltimore City schools harvest cucumbers to make pickles during a week at Great Kids Farm and Forest Camp on July 25, 2023, in Catonsville, Md.
Sam Mallon/Education Week
Student Well-Being & Movement Can Schools Meet the Demand for Summer Learning as Funding Runs Out?
A Gallup report found that 45 percent of kids didn't attend a summer learning program in 2023.
Lauraine Langreo, July 26, 2024
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3 min read
Alaysia Kimble, 9, laughs with fellow students while trying on a firefighter’s hat and jacket at Estabrook Elementary during the Grizzle Learning Camp on June, 26, 2024 in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Alaysia Kimble, 9, laughs with fellow students while trying on a firefighter’s hat and jacket at Estabrook Elementary during the Grizzly Learning Camp on June, 26, 2024 in Ypsilanti, Mich. The district, with 70 percent of its students coming from low-income backgrounds, is struggling with how to continue funding the popular summer program after ESSER funds dry up.
Sylvia Jarrus for Education Week
Education Funding Inside a Summer Learning Camp With an Uncertain Future After ESSER
A high-poverty district offers an enriching, free summer learning program. But the end of ESSER means tough choices.
Elizabeth Heubeck, July 2, 2024
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5 min read
Teacher Monica Villegas, an exchange teacher from Mexico, instructs students at the Twin Falls School District's migrant summer school at Oregon Trail Elementary School in Twin Falls, Idaho, on June 1, 2016. A migrant summer school helps fill education gaps while keeping children out of farm fields.
Teacher Monica Villegas, an exchange teacher from Mexico, instructs students at the Twin Falls School District's migrant summer school at Oregon Trail Elementary School in Twin Falls, Idaho, on June 1, 2016. A migrant summer school helps fill education gaps while keeping children out of farm fields.
Stephen Reiss/The Times-News via AP
Student Achievement What the Research Says How to Get Summer School Right (Hint: It’s Not Just About Academics)
A new study finds a blend of remedial and enrichment activities may improve summer programs' attendance and their effectiveness.
Sarah D. Sparks, June 11, 2024
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6 min read
Young girl reads a book with cat in the garden. Summer holidays illustration.
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion What Should Students Do Over the Summer?
Educators share tips for keeping kids off their screens and mentally engaged over the long break.
Mary Hendrie, June 11, 2024
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3 min read
Arsenio Romero, secretary of New Mexico’s Public Education Department, addresses the audience at the Albuquerque Earth Day Festival on April 21, 2024.
Arsenio Romero, the New Mexico secretary of education, speaks at the Albuquerque Earth Day Festival on April 21, 2024. Romero is leading a statewide effort to improve literacy.
Courtesy of New Mexico Public Education Department
Reading & Literacy Q&A A New Plan to Raise the Lowest Literacy Rates in the Nation
Daily summer reading instruction for thousands of students is part of a bigger plan to improve literacy in New Mexico.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 23, 2024
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5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion How to Make Summer School Effective and Engaging
Along with offering meaningful academic lessons, these educators advise incorporating fun so that students want to come to summer school.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 5, 2024
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6 min read
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