Has anyone done the MCPS summer school program?

[Anonymous]

...If so, what population of students (enrichment? gifted? all?) does it serve? What was the class size? What were your impressions? (Looking for K-3 grade level)

[Anonymous]

It depends--is it summer school or ELO? ELO really serves the population of kids who need remediation. Having taught it, I found that many parents of on- or above-grade level students who sent their children did it for the free day care. It was a complete waste of those kids' time, plus the teachers, since the summer school numbers are ridiculously high (I once had 35 4th graders and 27 desks).

[Anonymous]

At my school it is just part day so it is unacceasble to many families that can not pick up mid-day.

[Anonymous]

I've taught ELO as well, in K-1. I would say it's definitely not enrichment, but for younger grades, it offers a preview into the first quarter. It also helps the kids get used to the school routine, meet some of the teachers and make friends. I agree that many parents use it as free daycare, but that didn't bother me.

I haven't experienced the huge class sizes as the PP, but it may be different with those upper grades. At my school (Title I) it's definitely aimed at lower-income students, but I find that almost all my non-FARMS students attend. Your mileage may vary, but I think it's a decent way for a kid to spend a few weeks in the summer.