Summer Planning & Success Toolkit

Summer learning programs play a powerful role in a district’s success. They keep students curious and connected, prevent valuable knowledge from slipping away, and help learners return in the fall confident and ready to excel. Beyond boosting academic momentum, these initiatives expand access to enrichment, advance equity, and create opportunities for personalized learning that supports students all year long.

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Build A Transformative Summer with Limited Time & Resources

A standout summer program begins with a bold vision that excites students and staff alike. Bring educators, families, and community partners together to design hands‑on, joy‑filled learning that feels fresh and meaningful. Remove barriers so all students can join in, and recruit enthusiastic, well‑trained staff to make the experience unforgettable. Keep listening to feedback and refining the program so it grows stronger each year.

Start with a bold, student-centered vision.

Identify the specific skills, experiences, and outcomes you want students to gain, and use that vision to guide all planning and decision-making.

Partner early and often.

Bring teachers, families, and community organizations into the design process to create richer learning experiences and build shared ownership.

Prioritize access and equity.

Reduce barriers by offering transportation, flexible scheduling, and no‑cost or low‑cost options so all students can participate meaningfully.

Invest in inspiring staff and ongoing improvement.

Recruit enthusiastic educators, provide targeted training, and use feedback and data to refine the program each year.

Proven, impactful tools for summer growth

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More effective than traditional interventions
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Fewer absences when students use Courseware
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ESSA-rated studies showing Courseware impact on student achievement

Credit Recovery with Integrity

Summer credit recovery helps keep students on track for graduation while easing the pressure on the school year. It’s a simple way to support struggling learners and keep more students moving forward.

Boost Achievement

Gives students a focused chance to master missed material and earn credits.

Reduce Repeated Courses

Helps students avoid retaking full-year classes in the fall.

Improve Scheduling

Opens up space for counselors to build smoother, more personalized schedules.

How can Edmentum help?

Courseware 1

Courseware

Digital curricula for grade 6 through adult learners help students reach graduation goals and beyond through flexible, personalized first-time credit, credit recovery, and expanded course access.

Courses & Curriculum

Ed Options Academy 1

EdOptions Academy

Our virtual, human-centered instruction combines best-in-class K–12 learning technology with [state]-certified teachers to provide sustainable, in-district programs that grant every student a front-row seat to learning.

Instructional Services

Timely Intervention & Acceleration

Summer school intervention and learning acceleration helps students strengthen key skills in a low‑pressure setting, offering personalized support that builds confidence, and keeps learning on track. It’s a quick, focused boost that sets them up to start the new school year ready to succeed.

Utilize Data for Targeting

Identify students and skills that most need support.

Create a Consistent Structure

Plan short, focused intervention blocks with clear routines.

Equip Your Staff

Provide simple training and materials so everyone uses effective strategies.

How can Edmentum help?

Exact Path 1

Exact Path Growth

Within Exact Path, Growth offers personalized, adaptive learning paths to close skill gaps and propel outsized gains in K–12 math, reading, and language arts.

Assessments & Intervention

Ed Options Academy 1

Virtual Tutoring

Our intensive, K–12 virtual tutoring closes learning gaps and propels academic growth with program flexibility to target and support unique student needs.

Instructional Services

Bridge Programs for Future Success

Bridge programs are essential for school districts, especially during summer school, because they help prevent learning loss, close academic gaps, and keep students engaged. By offering targeted support and smooth transitions between grade levels, these programs boost confidence and set students up for a stronger start in the new school year.

Focus on the Essentials

Identify the key skills students need to strengthen—such as literacy, math foundations, or executive functioning—and build the program around targeted, high-impact instruction.

Blend Academics with Engagement

Incorporate hands‑on activities, enrichment experiences, and collaborative challenges to keep students motivated. A mix of learning and fun makes attendance stronger and outcomes better.

Communicate Early and Often

Make sure families, teachers, and students understand the program’s goals, schedule, and benefits. Early communication helps drive enrollment, align expectations, and build excitement.

How can Edmentum help?

Courseware 1

Courseware

Digital curricula for grade 6 through adult learners help students reach graduation goals and beyond through flexible, personalized first-time credit, credit recovery, and expanded course access.

Courses & Curriculum

Exact Path 1

Exact Path Growth

Within Exact Path, Growth offers personalized, adaptive learning paths to close skill gaps and propel outsized gains in K–12 math, reading, and language arts.

Assessments & Intervention

Ed Options Academy 1

EdOptions Academy

Our virtual, human-centered instruction combines best-in-class K–12 learning technology with [state]-certified teachers to provide sustainable, in-district programs that grant every student a front-row seat to learning.

Instructional Services

“We make custom courses for students. If they don’t need the whole-year class, we make a custom class with just a few units. It’s user-friendly for me to do that.”

Dr. Derek Tranchina, Director of Special Projects/Principal of NJVS
New Jersey Virtual School, New Jersey

Bolstering Early Literacy

Summer school can boost early literacy by giving young learners extra time, targeted support, and engaging, play‑based reading experiences. With smaller groups and focused instruction, districts can help students build skills and confidence, setting them up for a strong start to the new school year.

Hands-On Activities

Use art projects, science explorations, cooking, or outdoor play as chances to build vocabulary and practice reading and writing.

Small Groups and 1-on-1

Short, targeted instruction—like guided reading or structured decoding practice—helps students strengthen foundational skills and get personalized support in a relaxed setting.

High-Interest, Relevant Texts

Offer books and stories that reflect students’ identities and interests. When kids see themselves in what they read, motivation and comprehension grow.

How can Edmentum help?

Exact Path 1

Exact Path Growth

Within Exact Path, Growth offers personalized, adaptive learning paths to close skill gaps and propel outsized gains in K–12 math, reading, and language arts.

Assessments & Intervention

Ed Options Academy 1

Virtual Tutoring

Our intensive, K–12 virtual tutoring closes learning gaps and propels academic growth with program flexibility to target and support unique student needs.

Instructional Services

Courseware 1

Courseware Elementary

High-quality, standards-aligned K–5 digital curricula designed for virtual or blended learning with courses in math, ELA, science, social studies, art, health, and PE.

Courses & Curriculum