The Boise School District announced Tuesday a new free summer literacy program designed to prevent the “summer slide” — the well-documented decline in reading skills that occurs when young students go months without structured reading instruction. The eight-week program, funded through a $280,000 federal Title I grant, will serve up to 400 kindergarten through third-grade students at four school locations across the district beginning June 16.
Research consistently shows that low-income students lose an average of two months of reading progress during the summer break, and the cumulative effect over multiple years can create achievement gaps that become increasingly difficult to close. The Boise School District superintendent said the program targets the students most at risk of falling behind.
How the Summer Program Works
“By third grade, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” the superintendent explained at a press conference. “If a child enters fourth grade without grade-level reading skills, they struggle in every subject for the rest of their education. This program catches kids before they fall behind.”
The program operates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and combines structured literacy instruction with enrichment activities including art, music, outdoor play, and field trips to local libraries and community spaces. Each student receives a take-home book library of 12 age-appropriate books to encourage reading at home throughout the summer. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost.
The program employs 16 certified teachers and 8 instructional aides, all of whom receive specialized training in evidence-based early literacy interventions. Class sizes are capped at 15 students per teacher, allowing for individualized attention and targeted skill development.
Community Support and Partnerships
The program has received support from several community partners. The Ada County Library District will provide weekly visits from its children’s librarian, who will lead read-aloud sessions and help students obtain library cards. Local businesses have donated supplies, snacks, and field trip transportation. The Boise State University education department has assigned practicum students to assist in classrooms.
Parents can register students through the district office or at any elementary school in the district. Transportation is provided from centralized pickup points in Boise and Eagle, Meridian, Kuna, Star, Garden City. Registration priority is given to students identified by their classroom teachers as reading below grade level, though the program is open to all K-3 students in the district.
What Comes Next
Registration opens April 14 and closes May 16 or when all 400 spots are filled. Parents with questions can contact the district’s Title I office or visit the district website. The program will measure student reading progress through pre- and post-assessments, with results shared with families and the school board in September. For statewide education coverage, see Idaho News.