At Emerald School of Excellence, we understand that recovery and learning don’t pause when the weather warms up. That’s why we are proud to be a year-round school. Our summer programming is designed to provide students with consistent support, academic progress, and personal growth throughout the year—especially during a time when traditional schools take an extended break.
Consistency is key in recovery. A long break in structure or support can disrupt progress. For teens managing substance use or mental health challenges, this disruption can be particularly harmful. That’s why Emerald operates as a year-round school.
Instead of a traditional two-month summer break, Emerald offers a unique summer structure. Our students begin summer earlier than most schools and attend in two-week increments. This flexible schedule allows students to enjoy a total of six weeks off between June and August, plus additional time off throughout the year. It’s the best of both worlds—academic consistency and much-needed downtime.
Emerald’s Summer Semester spans six weeks. During this time, students can earn up to a half credit in four different courses. The focus is on academic reinforcement, enrichment, and continued emotional support.
Our summer schedule is carefully designed with student needs in mind. For students who started mid-year or are catching up, this is a golden opportunity to finish courses and meet graduation requirements. For those already on track, it’s a chance to get ahead or explore something new.
We know that summer should still feel like summer. That’s why our year-round school model doesn’t just focus on academics. It includes fun, elective-based learning that supports creativity, wellness, and engagement.
Students can explore courses in Art, Music, and other electives that allow them to relax and enjoy their learning experience. For high school seniors, we offer ACT Prep courses to help them prepare for fall testing. By staying engaged in a low-stress, positive environment, students stay connected to their education and recovery goals.
Emerald’s commitment to being a year-round school also reinforces our core mission: supporting teens in recovery. During the summer, students continue to receive recovery-focused support. Our small class sizes and individualized approach remain in place, offering a familiar structure and encouraging accountability.
Even during the summer months, we promote routines, healthy peer interactions, and staff-student connections that nurture growth. This continuous support is essential for teens who benefit from stability and daily encouragement.
The Summer Semester at Emerald gives students a chance to see their own progress. Completing classes in shorter, focused sessions helps build academic confidence. Students experience the satisfaction of finishing work and earning credit, which boosts motivation.
This structure also helps students manage time better, build study skills, and feel proud of their accomplishments. All of these are vital for teens in recovery, who may need more personalized pacing and positive reinforcement.
This year, our summer semester will offer intentional academic guidance in Math, English, History, and Science. These core subjects will help students catch up, stay on track, or advance further in their studies.
We’re also offering a range of creative electives, including Visual Arts and Music. Students can explore these areas while earning credit, gaining confidence, and having fun. And for those planning ahead, our ACT Prep sessions will support college readiness and long-term success.
Education at Emerald goes beyond academics. We see our year-round school model as an extension of our holistic mission. Our summer classes are designed to nourish students’ academic, emotional, and creative development. It’s a time to build connections, deepen recovery, and keep momentum going.
By engaging students year-round, we help prevent academic burnout and summer learning loss. At the same time, we create a culture of consistency and growth that benefits every student.
Recovery doesn’t stop in June. Neither should learning. Emerald’s year-round model ensures students have access to education and support all year long. With a flexible, student-centered approach, our Summer Semester promotes progress, stability, and joy.
For students in recovery, a summer filled with purpose, connection, and creativity makes all the difference.
To learn more about recovery-informed education and teen mental health, visit Partnership to End Addiction or NAMI.
