Testimonials
Listen to what our partner schools, parents, teachers, and students had to say about their experience working with the National Summer School Initiative.
My favorite thing about NSSI is that everything was so clear and understandable. It helped me participate.
– 8th Grade Student
This is the best PD I have had in the 14 years I have been teaching. NSSI is giving teachers a great way forward to streamline instruction and guide them to a successful lesson/classroom.
– Catherine L., School Leader
The scripted curriculum really set us up for success. It was clearly well-written and refined over time. It’s one of the best curriculums I’ve worked with!
– Michelle L., Teacher
My daughter actually looks forward to school now and loves her teachers.
– 3rd Grade Parent
It makes me happy that my kids come home talking about their days and how much fun they had. I like how they every day they can’t wait to be back at school!
– 4th Grade Parent
I like how interactive the math program is and how much more one-on-one attention and feedback I receive.
– 9th Grade Student
Returning Partners
One of the key factors in deciding to partner another year with NSSI was the demonstrable impact of the program, with students making gains of 15-40% in priority grade level standards assessed through pre- and post-assessments. Moreover, students, families, and teachers continue to share with us their enthusiasm for the lessons, materials, and for the emphasis on social-emotional learning. We partner with NSSI because they are “student first.”
– Dr. Jeanne Willard, Ed.D., Executive Director of College & Career Readiness and Extended Learning Options, Everett Public Schools
This is our third year using NSSI, and I always rave about how much I love the program. I really like the curriculum – they way it is laid out, the training provided to the teachers about how to use it, the slides and worksheets provided. I also really like the weekly PD offered to teachers to help along the way. Most of my teachers who teach summer school end up incorporating some of what they learn from the NSSi program in the fall.
– Sheryl Fayloga, Administrator, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Endorsements
Parents and students love NSSI
87% of families in summer 2022 said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their child’s experience in a summer program that is supported by NSSI – with 63% selecting the highest possible response.
This program needs to be shown to the world. My daughter WANTED to go to summer school. Take a second and think about that. She needed some extra help with her math confidence and writing skills. But she WANTED to go, asked me to sign her up. Her reasoning is the teachers, not “friends,” not “bored at home.” The teachers. Words don’t even begin to convey my gratitude.
– NSSI Parent
Teacher approved
I love how the NSSI curriculum puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning. There is little room for disengagement and the rigor is high. From my perspective, the most beneficial part of this program is the 2x per week PD. My teachers have built great relationships with their mentor teachers and I have seen positive changes in the way they teach from the intensive coaching and training.
– Administrator/Coach, Gem Prep
The NSSI curriculum was extremely engaging, thorough and detailed with support and ready-to-use materials. It provided a clear outline, worksheets, resources, modeling and support for the entire lesson. The support was superb and I have never felt so MOTIVATED and helped! The videos are an excellent tool, and I loved watching them! I loved this program!
– 6th Grade Partner Teacher, Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences
%
In our 2025 survey, 96% of partner teachers agreed or strongly agreed that they were glad they worked with NSSI for their summer school program.
“It was not like a normal summer school at all.”
Harvard and University of Virginia scholars found that students in and NSSI summer program improved their academic skills and gained confidence.
I honestly felt like all of my kids, they improved. Pretty much across the board they all said, I read differently now. And I pay attention to what I read. And I’m going to be thinking about what I read and what it means for my life.
– ELA partner teacher