Summer Learning Loss
While the world may have moved on from pandemic shutdowns, the academic consequences are still playing out, especially during the summer. Known as the “summer slide,” this quiet academic backslide happens when students go 8–10 weeks without academic structure. And for many kids already behind from pandemic-era disruptions, this gap can widen even further.
What Is Summer Learning Loss?
Summer learning loss refers to the decline in academic skills and knowledge that occurs during the summer months when schools are not in session. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of math skills and one to two months of reading progress. The effects are especially pronounced in elementary and middle school students, and they can be even more significant in students with ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges.
In communities like Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, and throughout Fairfield and Westchester County, parents are increasingly aware that summer isn’t just for downtime—it’s also a critical opportunity to close academic gaps.
Signs Your Child Might Be Falling Behind
You might notice your child:
- Struggles to recall math facts or solve problems they knew before summer
- Avoids reading or has a noticeable dip in fluency
- Seems more disorganized or has trouble focusing
- Complains that school is “harder” in the fall
- Becomes frustrated more easily with learning tasks
These aren’t just mood swings or growing pains. They can be warning signs of academic regression.
5 Actionable Strategies to Prevent Summer Slide
- Set a Consistent Summer Routine: Structure Supports Executive Functioning. Use a daily or weekly plan that includes dedicated learning blocks.
- Prioritize Daily Reading: Devoting twenty minutes a day to high-interest books can help maintain and even improve literacy skills. For younger children, read aloud together.
- Build in Math Practice: Whether it’s flashcards, educational games, or online platforms, reinforcing math concepts prevents skill decay.
- Write Often: Journaling, storytelling, or structured writing prompts keep students’ writing fluid and expressive.
- Hire a Summer Tutor or Coach: The most effective way to prevent summer learning loss is with customized support. A tutor can create a targeted plan for your child and hold them accountable for their progress.
How DES Can Help
At Diversified Education Services (DES), we offer personalized summer support tailored to your child’s needs. Whether your child is entering a new grade, preparing for private school admissions, or simply trying to stay on track, we provide:
- Summer tutoring for elementary, middle, and high school students
- Study skills tutoring for students who need help organizing, planning, and managing schoolwork
- Executive functioning coaching for kids, teens, and college students
- Private school test prep (ISEE, SSAT) and college essay coaching
Our services are available in-person in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Bedford, and Armonk, or remotely for students anywhere.
If you’re searching for study skills tutoring near me, executive functioning tutor for kids, or Greenwich summer tutoring, you’re in the right place.
Summer isn’t just about catching up—it’s a prime time to build essential executive functioning skills like time management, organization, and self-monitoring. These skills often decline without daily academic routines, especially for students with ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences. By integrating executive function coaching into summer tutoring, students can return to school with stronger habits, improved focus, and a greater sense of independence. That’s why our families in Greenwich and Westchester count on DES to deliver results that last beyond the end of the school year.
Summer learning loss is real—but it’s also preventable. With the right plan, students can maintain momentum, build confidence, and even get ahead before the start of the fall semester.
Hear client testimonials about DES’s executive function coaching, and why families choose us to support academic growth and confidence.
