Make the Most of Summer: Learning, Adventure, and Coming Back Stronger
Summer in Coeur d'Alene is one of the great gifts of living in North Idaho. Long days on the lake, trails to explore, backyard projects, and the rare luxury of time — time to rest, time to play, and time to grow in ways that the school year doesn't always allow.
At Lake City Academy, we believe summer is more than a break from learning. It's a different kind of learning — one that happens through experiences, conversations, and the freedom to follow your curiosity. Whether your student is finishing kindergarten or heading into 8th grade, summer is a season that shapes them in meaningful ways.
Why Summer Matters for K–8 Students
Research consistently shows that students who stay intellectually engaged over the summer return to school with stronger skills, greater confidence, and more curiosity than those who disengage entirely. This doesn't mean worksheets and flashcards — far from it. It means reading for pleasure, exploring new interests, having real conversations, and spending time in the natural world.
For elementary-age children, summer is prime time for developing independence, creativity, and resilience. For middle schoolers, it's an opportunity to explore identity, pursue passions, and build the kind of maturity that will serve them well when they step back into the classroom in August.
Ideas for a Meaningful Summer
Keep reading — and let them choose. The single most impactful thing your child can do this summer is read. Not assigned reading, but books they actually want to read. Visit the library, let them browse, and don't judge the choices. A student who reads voraciously over summer will return to school sharper, more articulate, and more creative. Set a family reading goal and celebrate it.
Get outside — intentionally. North Idaho is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Take advantage of it. Hike a trail, kayak on the lake, camp under the stars. Time in nature reduces stress, builds physical confidence, and nurtures a sense of wonder that is foundational to a life of learning. For younger students especially, unstructured outdoor play is irreplaceable.
Pursue a passion project. Does your child want to learn an instrument? Build something? Cook? Start a YouTube channel? Write a story? Summer is the perfect time to dive deep into something they love. Passion projects build perseverance, creativity, and self-knowledge — skills no standardized test can measure, but every great teacher notices.
Have meaningful conversations. Ask your student about what they're thinking, what they're curious about, what they care about. Talk about current events at their level. Discuss the books they're reading. Share your own stories. The capacity for deep conversation is one of the most important things a young person can develop — and it grows in the small, unhurried moments of summer.
Serve someone. One of the hallmarks of an LCA education is the formation of servant-hearted students. Summer is a wonderful time to put that into practice — volunteering at a local organization, helping a neighbor, or taking on a family service project together. These experiences plant seeds that last a lifetime.
What We're Looking Forward to in the New Year
The LCA faculty and staff have been busy this summer planning what promises to be an outstanding 2026–2027 school year. We've been developing curriculum, building community, and praying for each and every student who will walk through our doors on August 24th.
LCA's distinctive approach to education — rigorous academics rooted in a Christian worldview, small class sizes, and genuine relationships between teachers and students — is what sets us apart in the Coeur d'Alene community. And it's what keeps our families coming back year after year.
If you're new to LCA or exploring enrollment for the upcoming year, we'd love to connect. There's still time to join our community for fall, and we'd be honored to show you what makes this school so special.
Enjoy the Season
To our current LCA families: thank you for a wonderful year. We hope your summer is full of rest, adventure, and quality time together. We miss your students already and can't wait to see them again on August 24th.
To families considering LCA for the first time: welcome. We'd love to meet you.
Get in touch: 📍 125 E Locust Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 📞 (208) 667-0877 ✉️ frontoffice@lakecityacademy.org 🌐 lakecityacademy.org
Coeur d'Alene's Best Private Christian School since 1909
