Summer Learning Academy at Windsor Farm

Even though it is summertime, there are sounds of children learning, playing and discovering throughout as the school hosts an Elementary Summer Academy program this month. 

“It’s definitely a more relaxed environment,” said Erika Smith, director for the Windsor Farm program site and a teacher at Jones Elementary in Severna Park. “And with an average class size of seven, students get a lot more individual attention.”

The program is held throughout July, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. It covers the subjects of language arts and math. The academy, open to all county elementary-age students, was started in 1989 as an option for special education students who required a year-long education plan. The program has since evolved into helping all levels of students retain and even improve skills, gaining confidence for when they return to school in the fall. All instructors are teachers in the Anne Arundel County schools.

“The program is divided into six weekly themes, with a different curriculum than during the school year,” explained Smith. “It is easy for teachers to pick up, has a lot of activities to self-check skill levels, and provides a lot more time for games and fun ways to retain learning. Teachers don’t have to constantly move ahead if someone is not getting something.”

Every year, students are offered the chance to attend an academy at various geographic points throughout the county. This year, summer academies are taking place at the following elementary schools in the county: Pasadena and High Point in Pasadena, Nantucket in Crofton, Lothian, Marley in Glen Burnie and Quarterfield in Severn. Parents can choose which school they want their child to attend but must provide transportation.

Students who are participating at the Windsor Farm site this year normally attend school at , , , , , Benfield, Jones, Shipley’s Choice, Severna Park, Folger-McKinsey, Germantown, West Annapolis, Annapolis, Millersville, Central and Pasadena elementary schools.

Last year, evaluations revealed that 99 percent of the parents were satisfied with the program and believed their child benefited.

“Parents almost always come back,” said Kevin Valenti, assistant director of the program at Windsor Farm. “We are able to share data, showing how much students have learned, with our pre- and post-tests. That is valuable for parents.”

Belvedere teacher Kaitlin Paul has taught at a summer academy all five years she has been teaching.

“I really like the freedom to teach a variety of grade levels,” said Paul. “It is nice to see how different every age level is and I will have some experience if I ever change the grade I teach at my school.”