How to Beat the Summer Slide in Monterey

A simple summer plan (with short-term packages that fit real schedules)

If math felt hard during the school year, a long summer break rarely makes it easier. Many students return to school in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, or Marina needing to re-learn skills they had in May—simply because they weren’t using them over the summer.That “rusty” feeling has a name: summer learning loss, or the summer slide. Research shared by Johns Hopkins University has found that students can lose more than two months of math computation skills over the summer months.  RAND has also highlighted that learning loss can accumulate over time, and that summer programs help most when they’re high-quality and students attend regularly. 

The good news: you don’t need to turn summer into school. A few small habits—plus a short, structured plan—can protect progress and build confidence.

6 practical ways to keep math skills sharp (without killing the summer vibe)

1) Make math part of everyday life

Ask your child to estimate totals at the grocery store, compare prices, plan a budget for snacks, or measure ingredients for baking. Quick real-life math moments keep number sense active. 

2) Keep reading in the mix

Strong reading supports word problems, directions, and multi-step thinking. A little daily reading helps students stay mentally “warmed up.” 

3) Try STEM-style activities

Building, measuring, puzzles, and games naturally strengthen logic and problem-solving—skills that show up everywhere in math. 

4) Create a light routine

Consistency beats intensity. Even a small, predictable rhythm is better than a long gap followed by panic in August. 

5) Take learning outside

Summer is perfect for math that feels like play: scavenger hunts, measurement challenges, navigation, and “how long/how far” games. 

6) Add a structured math plan (the easiest way to prevent the slide)

Summer programs can be especially effective when they’re consistent and goal-driven.  This is where many Monterey Peninsula families see the biggest difference—because students get support without the stress of nightly homework and school-day time pressure.

The Mathnasium of Monterey approach: short-term plans that fit your summer

At Mathnasium of Monterey, we make summer math simple:

• Start with a diagnostic assessment
• Get a customized learning plan based on your child’s needs
• Choose a schedule that fits your calendar (vacation, camps, sports, travel)
• Attend in-center or online

Short-term summer packages (May–August)

Not every family wants the same pace—so we offer options that work for different schedules and goals:

• Steady 12: a lighter, consistent plan to maintain momentum (ideal for keeping skills from getting rusty)
• Power 15 and Core 20: more sessions for faster progress and stronger confidence
• 4-month plan: best for students aiming for significant growth over the full summer
• September 50% option: a helpful bridge from summer into the school-year routine

Make this summer count

Summer doesn’t have to mean lost progress. With the right plan, it can be the season your child closes gaps, builds confidence, and starts the new school year stronger.

Book an assessment at Mathnasium of Monterey and we’ll recommend the best short-term package for your family’s schedule and your child’s goals.