Summer school gives high school students extra time to make up a failed course, get ahead on a requirement or explore a subject. Some programs are run by the school district, some online and some by other providers, and they can be short and intensive. Whether summer coursework earns credit, how it shows on the transcript and what it costs depend on the program and your school, so check before enrolling.
The main reasons students go
- Making up credit. Retaking or recovering a failed course to stay on track for graduation. See credit recovery.
- Getting ahead. Completing a required course, such as health or a semester elective, to free up room in the school year schedule.
- Meeting a prerequisite. Taking a course needed for a higher level class next year.
- Enrichment. Exploring an interest, from writing to coding, with or without credit.
- Staying sharp. Keeping skills fresh over a long break, especially in math or reading.
What summer school is like
Summer courses often pack a semester or more into a few weeks. That means long days or a heavy workload, little room to fall behind and fewer chances to recover from a missed day. Online summer courses can be more flexible but require strong self-pacing. A student who struggled with focus during the year may need extra structure to get through.
Questions to ask before enrolling
- Will the course earn credit at my student’s high school? Get confirmation from the counselor, especially for courses outside the district.
- How will the grade appear on the transcript, and will it count in the GPA?
- If this is to make up a failed course, will the new grade replace the old one?
- What is the attendance policy? Many summer programs allow very few absences.
- Is there a cost, and is transportation available?
- Is it in person, online or a mix?
- If my student has an IEP or 504 plan, how will accommodations be provided? See the IEP and 504 plan guide.
Rules differ by state and district, so check with your school or your state education department. Our guide to working with the school counselor can help you get clear answers.
Should your student go?
Summer school makes sense when it solves a clear problem, like a missing credit or a schedule that will not fit everything. It is worth thinking twice when it is only about doing more. Teens also need rest, time with friends and sometimes a job. A balanced summer often has a little of each. See planning a teen summer and summer mentoring for teens.
- Good fit: a failed required course, a needed prerequisite, or a student who wants to lighten next year’s load.
- Consider other options: a student who is burned out, or one who would gain more from work, volunteering or a structured break.
- Ask the counselor: whether retaking during the school year or another option fits better.
How to make summer school go well
- Treat it like a job: same start time daily, phone away during work time.
- Put every due date and test on one calendar on day one.
- Check grades weekly, and contact the teacher at the first sign of trouble.
- Plan something to look forward to when it ends.
- If the class is a repeat, talk about what will be different this time. Our guides on a teenager failing classes and teen procrastination can help.
Where a mentor helps
Summer is when routines fall apart, and a compressed course leaves little room for that. A mentor helps a student set a daily plan, stay on pace and check in between sessions, and can use the rest of the summer to build habits for the next school year. Mentors are not tutors and do not teach course content; they focus on structure and follow-through, and keep parents updated. Learn more about mentoring for high school students.
Related
- Credit recovery: how it works
- High school graduation requirements
- Sophomore year of high school
- Eighth grade parent guide
Common questions
Does summer school count for high school credit?
Often, yes, but not always. Confirm with your school counselor before enrolling, especially for programs outside your district or online.
Does a summer school grade replace a failing grade?
It depends on school and district policy. Some replace the grade, some show both. Ask the school how the transcript and GPA will be handled.
Can students take summer school to get ahead?
Many districts allow it for certain courses. Check which courses qualify and whether colleges your student is interested in view them differently from school year courses.
Is summer school free?
Some district programs are free, especially for credit makeup, while others charge. Ask your district what applies.
Get started
Want your student to make the most of this summer? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.