Since the COVID pandemic, schools have formed new ways to educate students online without requiring in-person learning. Because Paoli has this option for both Ram Academy and credit recovery, some changes have been made regarding summer school for this year.

Typically, summer school was something students had to go to the school to earn credits. This summer, that is not required.

“In the pre-COVID era, traditional summer school typically lasted three to four weeks, starting shortly after the regular school year ended. Students often enrolled to retake failed classes, or to create space for additional courses in the upcoming year. However, class availability depended on the teacher and student participation,” said Principal Ed Wagner.

This year, there will no longer be any on-campus instruction for secondary school. This year’s lessons will all be virtual via Edmentum. A facilitator will still be available within office hours at the high school during the first three weeks of summer break to help students as needed.

“The introduction of platforms like Edmentum means students no longer have to wait until summer to make up failed or missing classes; they can now do so as credit recovery during the regular school day. Consequently, there has been a significant decline in summer enrollment, diminishing the necessity and benefits of traditional summer school,” said Wagner.

Wagner is eager to put these changes into action, and believes that they will create more opportunities for students.

“I feel the change was necessary due to the current needs of our school. Students have more opportunities now than ever before,” said Wagner.

This new option will also allow flexibility to offer practically any subject students may need. Students will no longer have to wait to make up for failed or missing classes and can instead do them during a regular school day.

Anyone interested in more information about summer school should contact guidance office.