As the first day of the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) proudly reflects on another successful season of Secondary Summer Learning. This summer, 1,837 students embraced opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their goals, up from 1,511 students in 2024.
The Summer Learning Program provides a wide variety of pathways for students—whether completing diploma requirements, reaching ahead into new courses, or recovering credits to stay on track.
Full Course Online Learning
The largest offering once again was Full Course Online Learning for Grades 8-12.
1,500 students completed 36 courses, with an impressive 92% success rate.
This included 52 Grade 8 students who reached ahead into secondary-level studies.
The program also attracted 818 out-of-board students, highlighting the strong reputation LKDSB has built in online learning.
Additionally, 194 LKDSB students completed online courses through other school boards in July and August.
Daily synchronous support, follow-up with students and families, and a focus on accessibility and flexibility continue to make LKDSB a leader in eLearning.
Credit Recovery and Rescue
For students requiring additional support, Credit Recovery and Credit Rescue programs offered meaningful second chances:
56 students completed recovery courses, reclaiming 46 credits.
An additional 49 students participated in Credit Rescue programs, rescuing 48 credits across three secondary schools.
Travel for Credit – Careers and Civics
A standout highlight of the summer was the Travel for Credit program, which combined online learning with a cultural and historical journey.
52 Grade 9 students successfully completed their Civics and Careers courses.
The program included a week-long educational trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and New York City, blending classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Summer Co-op
Workplace learning continued through the Summer Co-op Program, offering hands-on opportunities for students in Grades 10–12.
136 students earned co-op credits, with 110 students completing two-credit placements and 26 completing one-credit placements.
Many students also fulfilled requirements for the Specialist High Skills Major program, linking classroom learning with career pathways.
Expanding Programs for Equity and Inclusion
This year introduced new programs to better serve diverse student communities:
The Chatham English Language Learner Program supported Grade 8–12 students in building English proficiency.
The Eelünaapèewii Lahkèewiit Lenape Language Program launched for Grade 8–12 students, with 15 students completing courses in Lenape language and culture.
Community-based credit recovery programs were offered in Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation, where 30 students collectively recovered nearly 47 credits.
The FNMI Integrated Arts Program also continued to flourish, engaging over 40 self-identified Indigenous students in land-based education and supporting their transition to secondary school.
International and Indigenous Languages
Younger learners also took part in summer learning through the International and Indigenous Languages Elementary Program, which ran 16 classes across July.
143 elementary students participated, with classes offered in Arabic, Urdu, Malayalam, and Mandarin.
A Summer of Growth and Achievement
The Secondary Summer Learning Program demonstrates LKDSB’s commitment to providing diverse, flexible, and supportive opportunities for students. Whether earning a final credit toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, preparing for post-secondary education, or exploring unique cultural and workplace experiences, students embraced the chance to learn year-round.
The LKDSB congratulates all summer learning participants on their success and thanks families, partners, and communities for supporting these programs.