6 Benefits of Online Summer School Programs

There are many reasons why a student may choose to attend summer school. Whether you want to catch up after falling behind, take a fun elective, or get ahead so you can graduate early, summer school for online students can be a great option. 

 

But what can you expect from summer classes? Is the schedule the same? How does summer school differ from a typical day during the regular school year? Is online summer school different than at in-person schools?

 

We’re here to break down the answers to these questions and more so you can decide if taking summer classes is right for you!

Benefits of Online Summer School Programs

1. You Can Get Back on Track Academically

If your grades have fallen over the school year, summer school is a great way to improve your GPA, make up for lost credits, and stay on track for graduation. While you have the option to retake courses during the regular school year, this can slow down your progress and make it harder to stay on schedule. 

 

With online summer classes, you also have the chance to take just one or two select courses so you can focus exclusively on subjects you may have previously struggled with.

2. Scheduling Flexibility Allows for Summer Jobs and Activities

One of the main advantages of virtual learning is the flexibility it gives busy students.

 

School is extremely important. But it’s also important for you to meet your other responsibilities and explore your interests outside of class. In-person summer school can get in the way of summer jobs, sports, or time with friends. Online summer classes tend to be easier to incorporate into your schedule.

3. You Can Get Ahead in a Core Subject

Even if you haven’t fallen behind, you can still benefit from taking classes during the summer.

 

For example, if you’re hoping to graduate early so you have time to travel before attending college or looking for a job, summer school can help you get there. 

 

You might also choose to take summer courses to help you prepare for the upcoming school year, especially if you’re switching schools or transitioning from middle school to high school.

4. It Helps You Maintain Knowledge and Key Skills

Do you sometimes find yourself struggling to get back on track at the beginning of the school year? This isn’t just in your imagination. It’s a real phenomenon called “summer learning loss,” and summer school can be a good way to combat it!

 

If you tend to have trouble maintaining knowledge in a particular subject, taking a summer course may help.

5. Class Sizes Are Usually Smaller

Summer courses often have smaller class sizes, which can offer a number of advantages for both students and teachers.

 

Some of the benefits of smaller class sizes include:

• More individualized attention for each student
• Increased academic engagement
• Improved communication between students and faculty
• Improved relationships with professors, which make it easier to ask for a letter of recommendation
• Better academic performance

 

6. You Can Explore Your Personal Interests with Electives

Taking all of your required classes during the year is important to keep you on track and build your knowledge in core subjects.

 

But elective courses can also be a fantastic way to develop your skills and explore unique interests. Summer school lets you take advantage of your free time and enroll in electives!

 

Whether you’re interested in finance, theater, computer science, fashion design, or something else, taking summer electives is a great way to expand your horizons and learn new skills.

How Does Online Summer School Work?

Summer school for online students is different at every institution. At some virtual schools, you may need to submit a separate enrollment application and follow a different admissions process.

 

At others, you can simply sign up for summer courses the same way you would during the regular school year.

 

Online summer school programs generally offer courses in the core academic subjects such as math, English, social studies, and science. Many also offer elective courses, internship opportunities, or virtual college prep during the summer months. Other schools may allow you to take summer classes at your local community college.

Tips for Staying On Track During Summer School

Staying on track during the summer can be difficult for some students. It’s especially tough if you’re the only one in your circle of friends taking classes when the weather is warm. 

 

During summer courses, students and their families and/or Learning Coaches will need to stay diligent about school work. Here are a few tips to help:

 

• Set aside a designated workspace, free of any outside distractions.
• Create a calendar to ensure you get your work done on time.
• Find ways to motivate yourself to study; try to make your schoolwork fun by making up study songs, forming a study group with classmates, and setting goals and rewards for yourself.
• Make sure you take great notes!
• Always ask for help when you need it; class sizes are usually smaller during the summer, so teachers and advisors may be able to provide more one-on-one attention.

Is Online Summer School Right For You?

The truth is that anyone can benefit from online summer classes. But some students may see greater advantages than others. 

 

The decision to attend summer school is a personal one, and each student and their support network need to weigh the pros and cons. But here are a few questions to ask yourself as you consider:

• Are you struggling in specific subjects?
• Do you need to improve your GPA?
• What are your future academic and career goals?
• Do you have difficulty staying motivated during the school year?
• What are your other summer plans?
• Do you want to attend college?
• Are there specific courses you want to take that won’t fit into your usual school-year schedule?
• Do you prefer smaller class sizes?

Stay Ahead the Curve With Virtual Summer School

Online summer school offers many benefits to students from all walks of life. Whether you want to improve your GPA, maintain your motivation over the break, or get ahead so you can graduate early, summer courses are a great option.

 

At Summit Learning Charter, we care deeply about making sure that each and every student has the support they need to reach their personal goals and succeed in their academic careers. Contact us to get your questions answered and learn more about our virtual academy.