“The summer slide is a phenomenon in which students lose some of the learning they achieved in the previous school year over the summer break.”
— Scientific American
As summer approaches, many families look forward to a well-earned break. Vacations, camps, and lazy days are part of a joyful childhood—but there’s one summer tradition most parents would rather avoid: the summer slide.
The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that can happen when kids take an extended break from academic activities. While it may sound like a buzzword, decades of research prove it’s very real.
Key Stats Parents Should Know
- By 9th grade, over two-thirds of reading deficits trace back to summer learning loss in elementary school.
- By 5th grade, students can fall up to 3 years behind in reading due to cumulative summer learning loss.
- Over 70% of students lose math skills during summer.
- At the start of the year, 90% of teachers spend at least 3 weeks reteaching old material.
- More than 50% of the reading gap between students is due to lack of access to structured summer programs.
What the Research Says
Summer learning loss adds up. Kids can lose up to 2 months of reading proficiency over just one summer. Multiply that by several years, and the gap grows wide—especially in reading. [source]
Math is also affected. Over 70% of students lose math ground, particularly in upper elementary years. [source]
And these effects aren’t equal. Students without access to structured summer learning are disproportionately impacted. [source]
Why It Matters
When students return to school behind where they left off, it creates a cycle of catch-up that can drain confidence and motivation. Teachers must spend weeks reviewing last year’s material, which delays new learning. For kids still mastering foundational skills, that’s a critical loss of momentum.
Preventing the Slide—Without Losing Summer Fun
The good news? Summer learning loss is preventable. Just a few hours per week of structured, engaging academic time—through reading, games, or tutoring—can help kids retain what they’ve learned and even get ahead.
At Savvy, we make this easy. Our 1-on-1 and small group online tutoring is fun, flexible, and built for summer. With just two sessions a week, kids keep their skills sharp and enjoy everything summer has to offer.
What Makes a Summer Learning Program Effective?
To actually prevent summer slide, programs must include:
- Level-appropriate content – matched to each child’s current skills
- Teacher-led instruction – research shows this far outperforms parent-led strategies
- Parental support – kids do best when parents are engaged alongside a professional educator
- Consistency – once-a-week isn’t enough; 3–5 short sessions weekly is ideal
- Monitoring and feedback – progress should be tracked and instruction adjusted accordingly
Is Summer Learning Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. Parents spend a lot on education during the school year—and summer learning loss erodes that investment. Think of it like taking one step back for every two steps forward.
But with the right support, you can stop that slide. In fact, research shows that effective summer learning can even accelerate growth—often reducing the need for future academic interventions.
And it doesn’t have to break the bank. Most structured summer programs cost over $1,200 per month. With Savvy Learning, you get high-quality support starting at $149 per month.
👉 Ready to help your child stay on track this summer? Sign up for a trial session.
Summer Slide FAQ
What works to prevent summer slide?
Online tutoring, in-person tutoring, guided reading or math support, and structured apps or software—if they meet the five criteria above.
What doesn’t work?
Unstructured access to books, self-guided worksheets, and materials that aren’t level-appropriate. Parent-led efforts often fall short due to lack of consistency and feedback.
How much learning do kids lose?
Kids typically lose 2–3 months of skills each summer. Over time, this adds up to years of lost ground by middle school.
Is every child affected the same way?
No. Students who are behind, have learning differences, or lack access to summer learning are hit hardest.
Is the summer slide real?
Yes. Decades of research from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and others confirm it.
How can I help my child stay on track?
Enroll them in a guided, research-backed summer learning program that’s fun, affordable, and consistent. Savvy Learning meets all the criteria and only takes 25 minutes a day, 4 days a week.
Can kids still take a break?
Definitely. Kids should rest and play in summer! But a little structure—like 25-minute tutoring sessions—can make a big difference without sacrificing the joy of summer.
Want help finding the right summer plan for your child?
Sign up for a trial at Savvy Learning today.
