In an increasingly complex world, a strong academic foundation is more crucial than ever for a child's future. The latest findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation's Report Card, have highlighted a concerning trend that parents across the United States should be aware of. According to new test scores administered between January and March 2024, eighth-graders' science scores have fallen by 4 points since 2019, while 12th-graders' math and reading scores have also declined by 3 points in the same period.

As Matthew Soldner, acting director of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), told reporters, "Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows - continued declines that began more than a decade ago." He urged that these results should "galvanize all of us to take concerted, focused action to accelerate student learning." 

These statistics can be alarming for any parent. However, the good news is that there are proven solutions available to help students navigate these academic challenges. Tutoring and after-school programs are powerful tools that can make a significant difference in a child's educational journey.

The Impact of Tutoring and After-School Programs

Research consistently shows that quality tutoring can have a profound impact on student achievement. A meta-analysis of over 96 studies found that tutoring programs "yield consistent and substantial positive impacts on learning outcomes." High-impact tutoring, defined by small group sizes (three to four students) and frequent meetings (at least three times a week), has been shown to be exceptionally effective, with some studies demonstrating that it can increase a student's learning by an additional three to 15 months across various grade levels.

Similarly, after-school programs are proven to support academic success. A 2009 study of middle school students found that those attending after-school programs skipped school fewer times, increased school effort, and gained academic confidence. These programs help reinforce what's learned during the school day, improve focus and study habits, and provide personalized attention that can be difficult to achieve in a crowded classroom. For instance, one study found that students in high-quality after-school programs demonstrated significant gains in math test scores, with regular attendees showing gains of up to 20 percentiles compared to their peers.

How Tutoring Helps Your Child Succeed

Beyond the numbers, private and group tutoring offers several key benefits that contribute to a child's overall growth:

- Personalized Instruction: Tutors can tailor their teaching to a child's specific learning style and address their unique knowledge gaps, which is often not possible in a large classroom setting.

- Improved Confidence: One-on-one attention and a supportive environment help students feel more comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, leading to increased confidence and a more positive attitude toward learning.

-Better Study Habits: Tutors can teach valuable organizational and study skills, helping a child build positive habits that will serve them well throughout their academic career and beyond.

The recent decline in academic scores is a call to action. By enrolling your child in a tutoring service or after-school program, you are not just addressing a drop in test scores; you are making a proactive investment in their future. It's about empowering them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed academically and in life. 

CLICK HERE to see how SD STEAM SCHOLARS can help with this.

In today’s competitive educational landscape, parents are seeking every advantage to help their children thrive. Whether it’s catching up, staying ahead, or building confidence, private tutoring has emerged as one of the most effective tools for student success-and the data backs it up.

What Is Private Tutoring, Really?

Private tutoring is more than just homework help. It’s personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your child’s unique learning style, pace, and goals. At SD STEAM SCHOLARS, our expert tutors create customized learning plans that spark curiosity, build mastery, and foster a lifelong love of learning. 

The Data That Parents Need to See

Still wondering if tutoring makes a difference? Consider these powerful statistics: 

✅ Students who receive one-on-one tutoring perform, on average, two grade levels higher than their peers (U.S. Department of Education). 

✅ A Johns Hopkins study found that tutored students improved test scores by 15–25% compared to non-tutored peers. 

✅ 87% of parents report that private tutoring boosted their child’s academic confidence and motivation (National Tutoring Association). 

✅ Tutoring has been shown to reduce learning gaps by up to 50%, especially in math and reading (Education Endowment Foundation).

These numbers aren’t just impressive-they’re life-changing. 

Benefits That Go Beyond the Classroom

Private tutoring doesn’t just improve grades. It transforms how students approach learning:

When school’s out for summer, learning doesn’t have to stop-it just gets a whole lot more exciting. Say goodbye to idle screen time and hello to hands-on discovery, creative experiments, and brain-powered fun. Welcome to the world of S.T.E.A.M summer camps: where curiosity leads the way and science, tech, engineering, art, and math come alive like never before!

What Is a STEAM Summer Camp?

A STEAM camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is more than just a camp-it’s a launchpad for imagination. Through interactive projects, collaborative challenges, and real-world problem-solving, kids gain vital skills while having an unforgettable summer adventure.

1. Ignite Curiosity with Real-World ExplorationKids are natural explorers. S.T.E.A.M camps channel that wonder into hands-on learning, whether it’s coding a robot, building bridges from spaghetti, or launching homemade rockets. Each activity is designed to promote creativity and critical thinking in a fun, supportive environment.

2. Boost Academic Skills While School’s OutStudies show that students can lose valuable academic ground over the summer. S.T.E.A.M camps help prevent summer learning loss by keeping math, science, and literacy skills sharp-without the pressure of traditional classrooms.

3. Foster Collaboration and CommunicationCampers work together to solve engineering challenges, design games, and present projects. Along the way, they build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that will serve them well in school-and in life.

Summer is often seen as a time for relaxation, vacations, and a break from schoolwork. However, while students take a break from traditional classrooms, their learning shouldn’t stop completely. Summer tutoring provides an opportunity to reinforce knowledge, prevent learning loss, and prepare for future academic success. Here’s why investing in tutoring over the summer can be a game-changer.

1. Preventing the "Summer Slide"

The summer slide refers to the learning loss that occurs when students take an extended break from educational activities. Research shows that students can lose up to two months' worth of academic skills during summer vacation. Tutoring keeps students engaged, ensuring they retain and build upon what they learned during the school year.

2. Strengthening Core Skills

Whether it’s reading comprehension, math fundamentals, or science principles, summer tutoring allows students to reinforce foundational skills. Strengthening these areas during the summer ensures they start the new school year with confidence and mastery.

3. Getting Ahead for the Upcoming School Year

Rather than just reviewing past material, summer tutoring can help students get ahead in subjects they may find challenging. Tutors can introduce key concepts that will be covered in the upcoming school year, giving students a head start and reducing stress when school resumes.

4. Personalized Learning Without the Pressure

During the school year, students often juggle multiple subjects, extracurricular activities, and deadlines. Summer tutoring offers a low-pressure environment for individualized learning. Students can progress at their own pace, explore topics in depth, and focus on specific areas of improvement.

5. Boosting Confidence and Study Habits

Many students struggle with confidence in certain subjects. Summer tutoring provides dedicated time for students to build strong study habits, practice problem-solving skills, and overcome academic insecurities. This increased confidence carries over into the school year, improving participation and performance.

 Join Our Inaugural S.T.E.A.M Summer Camp - Now at 20% Off!

Summer is the perfect time for young minds to explore, create, and innovate beyond the classroom. At SD STEAM Scholars, we’re launching our first-ever summer camp: Young Engineers! Designed for future problem-solvers, innovators, and thinkers, this camp introduces kids to hands-on engineering challenges, STEM exploration, and creative learning—all in a fun, engaging environment.

🌟 Special Inaugural Discount: 20% Off! 🌟

For a limited time, enroll your child in Young Engineers at 20% off and give them a head start in STEM education this summer!

Why Engineering & S.T.E.A.M Matter

The world thrives on innovation, and engineering is at the heart of every major breakthrough—from designing bridges and skyscrapers to developing life-changing technology. This camp empowers kids with the problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills they need to succeed in STEM fields.

🔧 Build and test real engineering projects

🔬 Discover scientific principles through experiments

🎨 Blend creativity with technical problem-solving

Through hands-on activities, students learn by doing—developing confidence and skills that will prepare them for future success in STEM careers.

 Prevent Summer Learning Loss & Stay Ahead

Research shows that students who participate in summer learning programs retain knowledge and return to school feeling academically prepared. By enrolling in Young Engineers, your child will stay engaged, challenged, and inspired all summer long.

🎯 Boost critical thinking & problem-solving skills

🎯 Prepare for future STEM coursework

🎯 Enhance creativity and innovation through exploration

🎯 Develop teamwork and communication skills

Limited Spots Available – Register Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to jumpstart your child’s engineering journey!

📅 Camp Start Date: June 23rd

💡 Special Offer: 20% Off Inaugural Camp

Secure your child’s spot today at our Young Engineers summer camp and watch them build, create, and explore their way to an unforgettable learning experience!

🔗 REGISTER HERE