An unlikely summer

Winter has turned to spring and with the warm weather comes thoughts of summer. For many New York City parents, this is the time to start thinking about planning summer activities for the kids. Your children have worked hard for the past 10 months, and visions of hot summer days, ice cream cones, and water sports dance in their heads. It’s tempting to let them sit back, relax, and watch the days fly by. After all, isn’t this the time in their lives to let them lounge at the beach with their friends and get a tan?

The answer: your kids have the rest of their lives to do those things. But they only have this one moment to prepare for the New York City Specialized High School Admissions Test program. This is the time to make preparations for the future — preparations that will have significant and profound effects on their lives.

In an increasingly competitive world, getting into a specialized high school can make a pivotal difference in your child’s future. As former New York City Comptroller John C. Liu wrote for The Huffington Post, “The Specialized High Schools are the equivalent of New York City’s Ivy League. Admittance to these schools is a ticket to success. They bring an almost certain guarantee of high school graduation, in a city where the graduation rate is 65 percent, and an almost certain guarantee of college acceptance. More than a quarter of the graduates of Stuyvesant and Bronx Science go on to university in the real Ivy Leagues, at Harvard, and Yale, and Brown, or other top-tier colleges.”

Getting a high score on the test is the only way to gain possible entrance into a New York City specialized high school and enrolling your child in a competitive test prep course gives your child the strongest advantage.

There are many local test prep companies that offer comprehensive summer camp tutoring programs that have had tremendous success in helping students get into top New York City high schools. Classes often take place four days a week, with both morning and afternoons sessions offered. In addition, students can elect to attend weekend sessions instead. Some even offer trips for both high school and college tours on Fridays.

You may be thinking that your child can simply study for the test on their own, in their spare time, and ace it nonetheless. This is not a mistake you or your child can afford to make. Even the most disciplined students need a structured setting in order to properly prepare for this challenging exam. Especially during the summer, procrastination is far too easy of a trap to fall into, and these classes are necessary to keep your child focused. In addition, top-notch tutors will help your child truly grasp the material to an extent that no prep book can match.

And if you’re still not sure that you want your child to sacrifice his endless pool-lounging, just think about it. There is, in fact, still plenty of time to lounge by the pool or at the beach this summer. And that relaxation will feel so much better after a hard day of working and learning, knowing that you are taking key steps towards a successful future for your child. Over indulging won’t make you happy — but your child’s admission to Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, or the college of his dreams most certainly will.

Frances Kweller is an education and testing standards expert, and founder of Kweller Prep.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

OASIS DAY CAMP CENTRAL PARK – Manhattan

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Give Your Child A Lifetime of Memories At A Beautiful Summer Oasis</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>25 AMAZING SUMMERS, LIFELONG FRIENDS!</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unparalleled quality summer camp at the ICONIC Central Park in the heart of New York City. Over 90 activities for kids 3-16 Sports, Swim, Enrichment, + Teen Travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Warm Social and Emotional Environment. As part of the Oasis family, kids gain confidence, compassion, self-esteem & individuality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oasis Day Camp offers specialized programming for campers 3 – 15 years old. A traditional day camp in every way, Oasis prides itself on quality programming at parent-friendly prices. Oasis has swim, sports, art, music, dance, nature, and enrichment programming as well as air-conditioned indoor facilities, and the great outdoor green shady fields and athletic facilities! There are trips for teens and, the most well trained, caring staff in the industry. Daily hot lunch and snacks and transportation options.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oasis gives campers the opportunity to be active, think creatively, and discover new friendships that will last a lifetime. Truly a summer to experience the outdoors and a traditional camp right in your neighborhood.</p>

Independent Lake Camp

<p>Independent Lake Camp is a premier overnight camp in the Poconos for ages 6-17. ILC is dedicated to being a diverse community with powerful individualized programming, and top-notch facilities & staff. We have been offering respect, creativity and understanding in a challenging and nurturing environment for 30 years.</p> <p>The friendships and connections that are developed at ILC are what makes our community so special. We are a fantastic circus, sports, dance, performing arts, music, aquatics, fine & digital arts, skateboarding, high ropes, role playing games, nature and equestrian camp all rolled into one.</p>

Kids Country Day Camp

<p dir="ltr">Kids Country Day Camp is a sports, adventure, and recreational day camp for children 5 - 12 years of age. They  are located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Suffolk County, Mount Sinai. The campus is comprised of  indoor and outdoor recreation areas, athletic fields, sports courts, playgrounds, and water activity areas. The  summer camp session runs for 8 weeks excluding the 4th of July holiday. Various combinations of weeks and  days provides complete scheduling flexibility. Activity hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm with additional before and after care available for your convenience. Before care hours are from 7:00-8:30am and after care hours  are from 4:30-6:00pm. Rates include lunch, snacks, refreshments, arts & crafts and activity materials, sports equipment, and 2 camp shirts.</p>