🎓 Grades 6–8 End-of-Year Tips: Reflect, Refocus, and Recharge for a Strong Summer
The end of the school year brings a wave of emotions for middle schoolers—relief, excitement, and maybe even a little stress. For students in grades 6–8, this transition is more than just the end of another year—it’s a critical step toward high school success.
At Excel, we believe this time of year is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and set the stage for a productive and empowering summer. Here are our top end-of-year tips for middle school families—plus smart summer learning options to help students stay sharp and inspired.
🧠 1. Reflect on the Year with Purpose
Middle schoolers are ready for more meaningful reflection. Encourage your child to look back on the year with an eye toward growth, goals, and grit. What did they learn—not just in class, but about themselves?
Try This at Home:
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Journal prompts like “What challenged me most this year?” or “What am I proud of?”
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Have a family “year-in-review” dinner and share highlights.
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Set personal goals for the summer and the school year ahead.
🗣️ Want to deepen reflective thinking? Our Visual Thinking Strategies program gives students tools to discuss complex visuals, write with clarity, and explore new ideas—all while building communication skills.
📌 Learn More About Visual Thinking Strategies (G3–G8)
📚 2. Avoid the Summer Slide (Yes, It’s Real)
Students can lose 20–30% of the year’s learning over the summer, especially in math and reading. Middle schoolers are particularly vulnerable as academic content becomes more complex.
Try This at Home:
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Encourage 20–30 minutes of reading or journaling daily.
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Use math in real life: budgeting, baking, or games like Sudoku and Yahtzee.
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Supplement with engaging learning websites or apps (see below!).
📌 Recommended Learning Sites:
🔥 Excel’s Math Preview Courses and Literacy Enrichment Classes offer structure and challenge in small-group settings. Great for filling gaps or advancing ahead.
📰 Excel’s New York Times Fusion Class (Grades 5–10)
This advanced-level online course uses New York Times articles to spark critical thinking, writing, and thoughtful discussion—perfect for middle schoolers ready for a challenge.
📆 June 2 – August 3 (8 weeks)
💻 Online Only
🎓 G7 & G8: Tue/Fri 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (PST)
💵 Tuition: $890 (Regular $90/session)
👉 Register Here
💡 Great for students interested in debate, writing, journalism, or global issues.
➕ 3. Strengthen Math Muscles
Whether they’re catching up or getting ahead, summer is the perfect time to strengthen math skills.
🧮 Excel’s Intensive Math Preview Course Covers:
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Pre-Algebra
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Algebra 1
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Geometry
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Algebra 2
…and even AP Pre-Calc & AP Calculus!
📍 Onsite Only | Max 6 students per class
💵 Tuition: $890 for 8 weeks
👉 Explore the Schedule
📅 4. Create a Summer Routine
Middle schoolers thrive with structure—even during vacation. Collaborate on a schedule that balances independence, learning, and fun.
Try This at Home:
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Weekly “focus blocks” for reading, writing, and problem-solving.
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Incorporate tech-free creative time (drawing, coding, music).
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Encourage physical activity and time outdoors.
🎯 Tip: Let students design their schedule to promote responsibility and buy-in.
🎯 5. Prep for the High School Transition
It’s never too early to help your middle schooler build the habits and skills they’ll need in high school.
Conversations to Start:
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What are your academic goals for next year?
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How can we balance school and extracurriculars?
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What subjects or clubs might you explore in high school?
📘 Parent Resource:
📌 Understood.org – Executive Function & Organization for Tweens
📘 Podcast for Parents:
🎧 The Balance Podcast – Parenting Tweens & Teens
📚 Bonus Resources Just for Parents
We’ve rounded up a few more tools to support you as your middle schooler grows in independence:
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🧠 MiddleWeb.com – Resources for teaching & parenting tweens
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📗 “The Grown-Up’s Guide to Middle School” by Jessica Speer
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📘 Summer Reading Lists by Grade: Goodreads Picks for Middle School
📖 Don’t forget the library!
Check out Las Vegas-Clark County Library District for summer reading programs, ebook access, and student events.
🔗 Keep Their Momentum Going
Summer should be a time to recharge, but not disconnect completely. With the right mix of challenge, creativity, and structure, your child can return to school in the fall with more confidence, curiosity, and drive.
👉 Explore All Excel Summer Programs for Grades 3–12
Spots are limited—register soon to secure your child’s place!
Need help choosing the right course? We’re here to guide you.
