Junior Great Books® provides an exceptional framework for summer school programs, offering a refreshing approach to learning that combats the “summer slide” while keeping students engaged and excited. Unlike traditional summer school curricula that can feel like punitive extensions of the regular academic year, Junior Great Books uses the Shared Inquiry™ method to transform classrooms into vibrant communities of young thinkers. Students become active participants in their learning journey as they explore compelling literature together, developing critical thinking skills, empathy, and self-confidence in a supportive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives.
Felicia Messina-D’Haiti, the manager of academic enrichment programs for Washington, DC public schools, reports that “all the summer school teachers and instructional coaches get trained in Shared Inquiry” in her district. For two consecutive summers, Junior Great Books has been a cornerstone of their summer curriculum, with 300 new and returning teachers trained each summer. The impact speaks for itself, as Messina-D’Haiti enthusiastically confirms that this approach will continue because she and other educators have observed that Junior Great Books has “helped with student engagement, reading comprehension, and attendance.”
Summer school provides the perfect opportunity to implement Junior Great Books with greater flexibility and depth than the regular school year allows. Without the constraints of standardized testing schedules and prescribed curricula, summer programs can fully embrace the discussion-based model that makes Junior Great Books so effective. Students have more time to immerse themselves in quality literature, develop thoughtful interpretations, and practice articulating their ideas—skills that extend far beyond reading comprehension. This holistic approach to learning creates meaningful educational experiences that students carry with them back to regular classrooms, transforming summer school from a remedial necessity into a genuinely enriching opportunity that students look forward to attending.
Contact your Great Books partnership manager today to arrange a Junior Great Books summer school program for your school or district!
