Summer Learning: A Critical Investment in Our Children's Academic Future

An Opinion Piece by Bryan Rousseau-Rosenberg, Head of Lower School and Director of Summer Camp

For families investing in independent education, allowing summer learning loss undermines the very foundation we work so hard to build during the school year. The gains our students make through our individualized, expert instruction can erode without thoughtful summer academic support. 

Best Practices for Summer Learning

The most effective summer academic programs share several key characteristics that distinguish them from traditional tutoring. Research shows that successful summer learning experiences are social, engaging, and led by expert educators who understand child development. They balance academic rigor with the joy and discovery that make summer special.

Programs that integrate academic work with social connections and hands-on activities show the strongest outcomes. When children work collaboratively with peers in structured yet flexible environments, they maintain academic momentum while developing crucial social-emotional skills that complement their intellectual growth.

Our Community's Solution

This is precisely why we developed our Summer Academy—a program that transforms the traditional notion of summer academic work into something vibrant and community-centered. Rather than isolated tutoring sessions, our expert Ross faculty create environments where children ages 7–12 engage in meaningful academic enrichment alongside their peers.

Our approach recognizes that effective summer learning must be individualized. Each child brings unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles that require tailored support. By focusing on math, reading, and writing through activities designed for each camper's specific needs and pace, we ensure genuine progress rather than generic instruction.

The optional integration with our broader summer camp programming reflects our understanding that children learn best when academic growth is balanced with fun, creativity, and social connection. This holistic approach prevents the artificial separation between "learning time" and "fun time" that can make academic work feel punitive rather than rewarding.

A Call to Our Community

As educational leaders, we have a responsibility to help families understand that summer academic engagement isn't about sacrificing childhood joy—it's about preserving and extending the intellectual curiosity and academic confidence our children develop during the school year.

For families considering private tutoring this summer, I encourage you to think beyond individual instruction toward community-based learning experiences that honor both academic excellence and the collaborative spirit that defines our school. When we invest in programs that combine expert instruction with peer interaction and flexible scheduling, we create summer experiences that strengthen rather than interrupt our children's educational journey.

The research is clear, and our experience confirms it: thoughtful summer academic programming isn't just an option for families committed to educational excellence—it's an essential investment in our children's future success.

With gratitude for our learning community,

Bryan Rousseau-Rosenberg
Head of Lower School and Director of Summer Camp

For questions about Ross School Summer Academy, contact brosenberg@ross.org.