When I was in ninth grade I took geography in summer school.  When I was in tenth grade I took government in summer school.  When I was a freshman in college I took European History in summer school.  When I was a sophomore in college I took music appreciation in summer school.  I didn't fail any of these classes and have to take them in summer school but I chose to spend a few weeks of summer vacation getting some coursework out of the way.  What a difference it made!  By the time I was in twelth grade I had enough room in my schedule to take two extra electives and do work study for the entire year while my peers continued their seven period day.  By taking summer courses during college I was actually able to begin work on my Master's degree early and complete a five year combined program in five years....which is practically unheard of!

A columnist for the Washington Post writes about the under-utilized summer school programs across the country.  Click here to read.  I agree!  Summer school is a great option for kids of all ages to continue the learning process and to get ahead of the game a little bit.  So many kids sit at home in front of the TV all summer long that their brains start to atrophy.  If summer school were promoted as a positive choice, there would be masses of kids signed up.  As it is now, summer school is seen as a remedial study that resembles punishment to the students required to be there.  But it doesn't have to be that way, nor should it.  Summer school could be a great opportunity to provide students with stimulation and stability.

Unfortunately, because of budget cuts, summer school is decreasing in both attendance and offerings.  In some areas only those students who have failed the standardized tests are eligible to sign up and in other areas only the subjects that are tested are offered.  It is such a pity that more students aren't encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for summer learning.