Less kids in class this summer

DURHAM -- Summer school numbers were down in the Durham District School Board.

About 4,000 students went to 2008 summer school programs this year, seven per cent less than in 2007, said a staff report presented to the Durham District School Board's Oct. 6 standing committee meeting.

About 3,200 students attended secondary summer school programs, 4.5 per cent less than in 2007.

Secondary initiatives, such as credit recovery and after-school numeracy and literacy upgrading courses, contributed to lower enrolment in secondary summer upgrading courses, the report said.

Grade 9 and Grade 10 math were the most popular courses, with enrolment rising from 184 to 187. Two credit co-op programs had 117 registered students, and 43 students completed diploma requirements.

At the elementary level, about 805 students finished school programs, down 13.5 per cent.

The Getting Ready for High School Program also took a hit, with participants going from 459 in 2007 to 390 in 2008. Numbers at each school were up, but only eight sites were able to offer it this year, compared to 11 last year.