Summer School That Actually Works for Your Kid.
Edison’s summer school program is open to all middle school students — you don’t have to be enrolled at Edison to attend. Small classes, experienced teachers, and an environment built around students with learning differences.
About the Program
Edison’s summer school program brings the same approach that makes the school year work — small classes, individualized support, and teachers who understand students with learning differences — to a summer format. Students will maintain academic momentum and classroom skills in core classes, and have the option of registering for week-long afternoon enrichment classes.
The program is open enrollment, which means students from other schools are welcome. If you’re looking for a summer academic experience for your child with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, this is worth a look.
It’s a five week program, beginning June 28th, and ending July 30th
A sample of classes offered in past years.
Academic Program
(8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.)
All classes are taught by current or former Edison High School teachers who have extensive experience teaching students with learning differences. The student and her/his family choose two of the three course offerings. Classes last 90 minutes and average eight students. All classes offer access to technology and study skills support.
Math
Students are challenged to see math in a new way, as they solve real-life problems using practical, hands-on math activities. Abstract math concepts gain new relevance as students review basic arithmetic facts and practice the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Instruction is driven by students’ individual needs and targets statewide math curriculum goals.
Writing
In writing class, students develop confidence in their own creativity and ability as they practice key strategies for improving different kinds of writing. The students write an essay, a report and several narrative pieces. Learning strategies include note-taking for research, using graphic organizers and self-monitoring with planners to organize time and deadlines. Writing skills and confidence will soar!
Reading
Our reading class promotes better reading by improving students’ comprehension, vocabulary, fluency and basic decoding skills. The reading teacher uses a variety of engaging fiction and non-fiction materials at each student’s reading level. Students work on outlining strategies, prepare a book report and develop crucial laptop skills.
Afternoon Enrichment Program*
(12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.)
After lunch students will explore a topic in-depth. Our outstanding Edison High School teachers will share some of their favorite ideas and topics to encourage deeper learning in content areas, spark new interests and spread excitement about learning! Participants may sign up by the week. Below are examples of the classes that may be offered in the afternoon.
Summer Service Learning for Youth
Week 1: June 22nd – June 26th
Do you like working in teams on hands-on projects? Want to make the world a better place? If you like helping others and making a difference in the community, this class is for you! In this elective, Edison Service Learning director, Kassie Halpin, will lead students in projects that will improve the lives of people right here in the Portland metro area and create smiles in other parts of the world. Students will get the opportunity to work on projects such as creating cards for service members, making blankets for children in need, collecting for the Oregon Food Bank, and putting together homeless care packs for local distribution.
Art & Nature
Week 2: June 29th – July 2nd (Four day week)
In this hands-on summer art class, students will use the natural world as inspiration for both outdoor observation and indoor studio work. Through sketching, painting, and mixed-media projects inspired by outdoor exploration, students will learn to observe closely, try new techniques, and take creative risks. Time spent outside gathering ideas and inspiration will be paired with focused studio time to develop and refine artwork. This class emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression-perfect for students who love being outside and making art in new ways.
Intro into American Sign Language
Week 3: July 6th – July 10th
Take a basic American Sign Language class at Edison. Students will learn how to fingerspell, sign basic sentences, numbers, colors and so much more. Lessons are taught using engaging interactive activities and games, focusing on real-world applications. We will also learn a little bit about song interpreting, Deaf culture, and how to have a basic conversation in ASL.
Body Movin’ – Sports, Games, and More!
Week 4: July 13th – July 17th
Time to get up and get active, everyone! This week will involve various sports, games, and activities — both indoors and outdoors — meant for fun, exercise, and to expand our appreciation of the greatest machine you will ever own: your body! Some of the activities will include:
Frisbee
Yoga
Tennis
Soccer
Kickball
… and more!
STEM exploration!
Week 5: July 20th – July 24th
This course will have:
- Hands-on engagement through building a remote control vehicle.
- Learning about various aspects of aviation from a local pilot.
- Time for some open-ended exploration, depending on your interests.
- Potential off-campus field trip (depending on enrollment, scheduling, etc.).
Registration & Policies
Dates
Our five-week summer session will run June and July. The program is open to students with learning differences, or who struggle academically in school, entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in fall 2026.
Registration
Registration is now closed. For any questions, contact Linda Johnson at [email protected].
Fees
- Five-Week Academic Program: $1800
- Optional Afternoon Enrichment Classes: $250 for week-long classes, $200 for the four-day week (4th of July)
Tuition assistance is available for the morning academic program. You may apply for assistance by completing the Financial Aid Form. Financial aid application must be received by May 7, 2027. If you are a tuition assistance candidate, your conditional registration can proceed with a deposit. This feature is built into the registration program.
Financial Policies
We ask for payment at the time of registration. We do offer PayPal to help parents get reward miles and/or finance their payments flexibly with a credit card. If a student withdraws from all or part of the program on or before May 20, 2026, the total tuition paid less $200 will be returned. If a student withdraws after May 20, no refund is available.
General Expectations
We acknowledge individual differences but expect our summer school students to work cooperatively with teachers and classmates. We do not have a counseling staff in the summer and focus on academic need. Our program is for students with learning differences or children who struggle in school academically. We are not able to serve students with serious behavioral or emotional challenges, or students who cannot work in a learning community.
Please make an honest and thoughtful choice in this area. If we cannot serve your student once the program has begun, we regret that we will not be able to refund tuition. We reserve the right to exclude, at any time, a student whose conduct, influence or behavior is deemed harmful to the best interests of the program or its participants, or whose financial obligations have not been met. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
Summer Hours of Operation
Edison is a closed campus and students will be supervised at all times while on campus. Parents should drop their students off no earlier than 8:15 a.m. Please pick your student up by 12:15 p.m. (morning only) or 3:15 p.m. (morning + afternoon enrichment). If your student will leave campus independently after school, please let us know in advance.
The Edison Middle School Summer Program is an equal-opportunity school. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the hiring of staff, administration of educational policies, student admissions, financial aid, or other school-related programs.
Summer School Questions
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Who can enroll in Edison's summer school?
The summer school program is open to any student entering grades 6-9 in the fall — you don’t need to be enrolled at Edison during the school year. Students from other schools are welcome to apply.
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When does registration open?
Registration opens in early March.
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What classes are offered?
Core academic classes include math and English. Afternoon enrichment courses pursue a variety of different skills and interests.
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Is the summer school only for students with learning differences?
Students with learning differences will find the environment particularly supportive. If you believe this environment would benefit your student, please reach out. but the program is open enrollment. All students benefit from Edison’s small-class environment and experienced faculty.
