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Summer Learning Loss


About summer learning loss

Each summer, most children experience some learning loss.  However, the “summer slide” disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged children who may not have the opportunities for formal and informal summer learning at home.  These kids can fall behind by 2-3 months each summer beginning in Kindergarten while their more affluent peers surge ahead by 2-3 months with opportunities for summer camps, extra tutoring, and educational trips.  By the fifth grade, summer learning loss can account for more than two years of the achievement gap between underresourced children and their more affluent peers.

Closing achievement and opportunity gaps

Yale University studies show that summer learning for economically disadvantaged children is the single most effective tool we have for closing the achievement and opportunity gaps.  Put simply, Horizons works.