Summer Learning Creates Space to Shine
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The buses are rolling. The cafeteria is buzzing. Students fill the hallways with the energy of a new school year, and teachers are ready to unlock all that potential. Fulton County Schools’ (FCS) Summer Learning program is a place to shine.
“We have something for everybody,” says Yasmine McKenzie, FCS Director of Applied Learning and Design.
The district’s Summer Learning program has been redesigned over the last three years. From elementary remediation and support to accelerating learning opportunities, McKenzie says Summer Learning is “a value that families can’t beat.”
At no cost to parents, students are provided with transportation, meals and support services they would have access to during the regular school year.
McKenzie says, “Our vision is that summer learning is as critical as the school year.”
In a Summer Learning classroom, some students work on course recovery. Students participating in virtual core and elective courses can work ahead to create space for additional classes in their fall schedule or even graduate early.
The comprehensive program does more than battle summer brain drain. McKenzie says one goal of the redesign is to remove the stigma around summer school.
“This is support,” she says. “It’s not punitive.”
The results of the redesign are reflected in success. McKenzie says elementary and middle school students show up to three months of growth in reading, and more than three months of growth in math.
McKenzie says she sees students, “building that sense of confidence.”
“It’s really about closing gaps and giving them additional time with highly skilled teachers and a curated curriculum.”
High schoolers can work on college preparation. Enrichment programs, including languages, music, art, and technology, are offered for elementary students. Fulton County summer learning also extends support for our students with community and district partners.
McKenzie says parents can feel confident about enrolling their students in Summer Learning.
“It is an environment where we want joy to be there,” she says.