10 Things to Look for When Building Your Summer School Program

When designed thoughtfully, summer school programs can be a powerful tool for accelerating learning, preventing the summer slide, and supporting student growth. Research shows that high-quality programs—those with engaging instruction, small class sizes, and consistent student participation—lead to measurable gains in both math and reading when students receive enough instruction over the course of the summer. As you’re designing a summer learning program, what should you be looking for in a curriculum and assessment partner? Ensure that any technology partner you chose prioritizes these 10 essential elements:

1. A Proven-Effective Plan

Assembling the funding, resources, and logistics surrounding any summer program is not an easy feat. Do your hard work justice by implementing a proven program that is backed by third-party research (including efficacy that meets the requirements for your funding source) and robust stories of success to demonstrate impact.

2. Prioritization of Growth and Acceleration

2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show that overall student achievement remains below pre-pandemic levels in math and reading for 4th and 8th grade students in the United States. Make sure you find a partner that tailors instruction to each student’s individual level, incorporating research-based scaffolding while moving students forward efficiently so they’re increasingly prepared to access grade-level content.

3. Flexible, Continuous Instruction

The learning environment is not fixed—it shifts based on student needs. A flexible, continuous instruction model lets students focus on what they need, whether that’s targeted skill support or full-course credit recovery. While consistent learning time is essential for progress, programs should also allow students to revisit challenging concepts, move ahead when ready, and engage with materials in ways that promote true understanding rather than passive participation. 

4. Rigorous, Standards-Based Curriculum and Assessments

The goal of any online learning partner should be to present standards-rich instruction in a clear, concise, and accessible way for all students. Look for a partner that can provide tight alignments, so you know the time your students are spending is focused on what they need to know most.

5. Evidence-Based Pedagogy and Design

The best programs are grounded in sound research and assessment design. Does your partner prioritize these same ideals? Look for a curriculum that uses active learning to deepen engagement in material, minimizing passive reception of information.

6. Aligned Resources and Notes

Sometimes, online learning needs to extend beyond the computer screen. Look for a partner that includes things like study guides, guided notes, and printable activities to shake up the learning process and keep students on track in their studies.

7. Checks for Understanding

The feedback loop for educators often hinges on the ability to effectively utilize formative assessment. Does your partner provide ongoing built-in quizzes or other progress checks to show that students are making gains and that instruction is tightly aligned to student needs?

8. Deliberate Practice and Immediate Feedback

Intentional and aligned practice assessment is the bedrock of solidifying long-term learning. Can your partner offer intentional practice to support increasing levels of understanding and immediate coaching to improve student success?

9. Relevant, Real-World Examples

Learning that feels relatable and useful is at the heart of student motivation and engagement. When programs prioritize relevant, real-world examples, students can draw on background knowledge and make connections that help learning stick.

10. Real-Time Data

One of the key benefits of any good online learning program is the incredible time savings you get with greatly reduced grading and data readily at your fingertips. Ensure that you have a partner who provides the data you need immediately and in a manner you can use. Look for a mix of interactive, drillable data views and exportable, customizable reports. 

For additional resources on building a summer school program, visit Edmentum’s Summer Planning & Success Toolkit.

This article was originally published in 2024 and has been updated.