Summer school programs are organized to provide students an opportunity to boost their studies or to try something new during the summer vacation. Summer school programs can provide students with a little relief for their fall and spring schedule. Summer school programs can also mean attending classes at a college or university in programs students compete to join for. Many students attend these summer school programs if they find they have several units they need to complete in order to graduate on time. Others attend summer school programs if they find electives that they want to take but the classes will not fit into their school-year schedule.

Today, there are several summer school programs catering to all kinds of students, including those who would like to develop skills in playing an instrument or training for a sports team or working on academic subjects. One can attend these programs to develop his/her talent in the humanities, arts, science, creative writing, animation, dance, music, visual arts, video, and theater. Summer school programs also let students participate in week-long outdoor adventure sports such as whitewater kayaking, hiking, canoeing, ropes courses, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and windsurfing.

Generally, summer school programs include more hands-on learning than that found in regular school classes. Most residential summer school programs feature travel, sports, and other social activities in their syllabi. Leadership skills and personal development are also major topics covered in such programs.

Before enrolling for any summer school program, make sure that one has selected the right summer program that guarantees advancement in the required area. It is also good to talk to the school counselor about the details of the various summer school programs offered by the school.