By Adana Elder, Mathnasium Niceville, Destin and Pensacola
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy their summer—but you also don’t want them to fall behind academically.
One of the most common academic setbacks where students lose ground over the summer break is math. Research shows that many children forget important skills, key math skills among them, during the summer months, making the transition back to school more difficult in the fall.
This concern is backed by international ranking data. Assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) consistently show that U.S. students lag behind their peers in many other developed countries globally when it comes to math proficiency. In 2024, U.S. students ranked 26th out of 81 participating nations. As the world becomes increasingly more math- and technology-driven, this global gap highlights the critical importance of consistent, year-round support to help American students stay competitive.
Nationally, Florida’s performance in mathematics, as assessed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), shows both encouraging and troubling trends. In 2024’s rankings for 4th grade math, Florida ranks 2nd in the U.S., but dropped sharply to 41st place by 8th grade!
Grade inflation is another challenge that parents face in understanding how well their children are actually learning. A study was performed between 2010 and 2022 by ACT, the nonprofit organization that administers the college readiness exam. In that 12-year time frame, the average adjusted math GPA increased from 3.02 to 3.32, a 0.30 grade point change — the highest across all school subjects. In 2012, the average Florida ACT math score was 19.9 and had fallen to 18.4 by 2022 (36 is a perfect score). Even though a student may get A’s and B’s on their report cards for the year, their performance on standardized assessments is falling, while their average grades rise.
Together, these trends underline the importance of keeping students engaged in math year-round—especially during the summer.
Personalized Learning Plans
At Mathnasium, each student begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Based on this evaluation, instructors develop a customized learning plan that aligns with your student’s academic goals. This individualized approach ensures that children receive the support they need to build confidence and achieve success in math.
Summer Programs to Prevent Learning Loss
Mathnasium’s summer programs are specifically designed to combat the “summer slide,” a common phenomenon where students lose some of the academic gains made during the school year. These programs incorporate engaging activities, games and problem-solving exercises that make learning math enjoyable. By participating in the summer sessions, your child can reinforce their existing knowledge and maintain important skills during the break, preparing them for a successful transition back to school in the fall.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Understanding the busy schedules of families, Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling options. Students can attend sessions in-center or opt for live, face-to-face online instruction through Mathnasium@home. This flexibility allows families to choose the format that best fits their needs.
Community Engagement and Support
Mathnasium center in Niceville is deeply rooted in the community, serving local schools and participating in community events. The dedicated staff is committed to fostering a positive learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to excel in math.
To enroll your student in Mathnasium’s programs, scheduling a free assessment is the first step. This evaluation will help determine the appropriate learning plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Visit mathnasium.com/niceville, stop by Mathnasium of Niceville, 1538 E. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, 32578, or call (850) 987-6284.
