Summer Learning: A Season of Growth!

As June rolls in and the school year winds down, many parents start asking, “What will my child do all summer?”  While summer is a time for rest and play, it’s also a golden opportunity for growth, especially academic and personal development.

For students in grades K through 5, summer is a critical time. These years are when core academic skills are solidifying, and children’s attitudes toward learning are taking root.  Middle schoolers (grades 6–8) benefit by exploring their interests more deeply and gaining independence. These are the years when kids begin discovering what excites them and where they thrive.  For high school students, summer becomes even more pivotal. It’s a chance to prepare for post-secondary life, build real-world skills, and explore career or college pathways.

Every family’s summer looks different, and that’s okay. Some thrive with structured programs, while others prefer flexible, family-led adventures. But one goal is nearly universal: avoiding the “summer slide.”

Summer learning loss, a decline in academic skills over summer break, is real but preventable. Research shows students can lose up to 1 to 3 months of learning, especially in math. But don’t panic, this knowledge empowers families to act intentionally.  The best part? Even simple daily routines make a big impact. Reading together for 15 to 20 minutes, measuring ingredients while cooking, or exploring nature, can preserve and even grow skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

At Rising Stars’ Academy, we believe every child deserves access to meaningful summer learning, regardless of income. That’s why we’re thrilled to be a host site for the Northwest Summer Learning Labs, a FREE summer enrichment program running June 23–July 25.

This program supports students entering 1st–9th grades across several locations. Our site specializes in serving rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders through a blend of academics, enrichment, and social-emotional learning.

Program Highlights:

·         Dates: June 23 – July 25

·         Rising Stars’ Academy Site: Students entering 2nd–4th grade

·         Other Locations: Students entering 1st and 5th–9th grade

·         Cost: FREE

·         Focus: Academic support, enrichment, and SEL (social-emotional learning)

This isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a resource. We understand that the cost is often the biggest barrier to summer learning. This initiative eliminates that obstacle while ensuring high-quality programming.

To register or learn more, visit Northwest Summer Learning Labs:  Enroll Indy and select Rising Stars’ Academy as your preferred location.