Your teen’s first instinct when they hear the words ‘summer school’ may be to roll their eyes. They’re imagining trading in fun pool days for stuffy classrooms. But what if summer could look different?

At Lake Tahoe Prep, we've cracked the code on making summer school feel like the adventure it should be. Forget everything you think you know about summer education - this is summer in the Sierra Nevada, where earning credits comes with a side of mountain biking and lake kayaking.

Most families want their teen to experience winters at Lake Tahoe Prep for world-class skiing and snowboarding. But summer? That’s when the Sierra Mountains really come alive! Olympic Valley transforms into a natural playground that makes traditional summer camps look like parking lots.

Our summer boarding school program offers something that traditional summer schools cannot: a daily schedule that actually makes sense for students recovering high school credits.

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):Academic sessions in classes of eight or fewer students
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Adventures that change daily
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Supervised study time and community activities

This is the perfect balance of supporting students in their need for academic recovery and their need for daily adventure! They can earn credits in the morning and truly enjoy their summer vacation while burning off energy on mountain trails in the afternoon!

What Adventures Actually Look Like

Forget generic "outdoor time." Here's what fills those afternoon hours:

• Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe
• Swimming in alpine lakes
• River rafting
• Hiking to hidden waterfalls and summit views
• Mountain biking on world-class trails
• Rock climbing
• Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness
• Surfing in Santa Cruz
• Campfire nights under the stars
• Group games and community activities
• Quiet study time with mountain views

The best part? Kids are not distracted by their phones. They actually talk to each other and notice when eagles fly overhead.

Many summer boarding schools have great intentions: to bring kids up to date with their academic credits. But where Lake Tahoe Prep fills the gaps is with genuine community.

We eat together family-style, participate in evening activities together, and foster friendships that last beyond summer. Through these experiences, they gain confidence that truly lasts a lifetime.

Here's what sets our program apart from the sea of mediocre summer options:

Real Academic Credits
The classes we offer are not summer camp extracurricular activities. We offer real English, Math, and Science courses that count toward your high school credits. Kids show up to their regular schools in September ahead of the game, not behind. They learn to take ownership of their academic progress.

Adventures That Build Character
Mountain biking is a blast, especially when it’s in new territory. And when you’re miles up a trail, your legs are screaming, and you just want to turn around, you learn something about pushing through. Same with paddling when the wind picks up— your teen discovers they’re tougher than they thought.

Independence
Your teen learns to do their own laundry and manage their budget. But when things get tricky, there are actual adults around who remember what it's like to be 16 and homesick. Teens will learn to communicate directly with their teachers and advocate for their needs.

Friends From All Over
Imagine your teen sharing meals with newfound friends from all over the world. They are introduced to new cultures and get to form friendships that last. Teens will learn how to appropriately handle conflicts with roommates and peers in a tight-knit community.

Outdoor school activities create unique opportunities for social growth that traditional classrooms often can't match:

We can catch small problems before they become big problems. The faculty knows when challenges become too great and also when students are bored and ready to move on to harder work.

And here’s what we’ve noticed: Kids who hated math all year long suddenly start ‘getting it’ when they have personalized attention and an instructor who explains things for their benefit.

It’s also a major plus that they know in just a few short hours, they’ll head out to the lake where the water and air are fresh, and they can recharge. In fact, science backs this up: Kids who spend more time outdoors are actively more engaged in their studies, which produces better academic outcomes.

Our program works best for students who:

Need to earn credits but hate traditional summer school

• Want to experience boarding school life before committing to a full year
• Love outdoor activities and adventure
• Could benefit from independence training in a supportive environment
• Want to make friends from around the world

We're honest about who we're not right for: students who need intensive therapeutic support or those who are completely opposed to outdoor activities.

Here's the metric that matters: what do students do after experiencing summer at Lake Tahoe Prep?

Many return for the full academic year, having discovered they thrive in our small, supportive environment. Others go back to their home schools with new confidence, better study habits, and credits in hand.

All leave with memories of pushing themselves further than they thought possible— both academically and personally.

Give your teen a summer they’ll thank you for: Sierra mountain adventures, global friendships, and yes, full academic credits!

We run two sessions— three weeks or the full six weeks. That's enough time to earn real credits and have some epic adventures. We fill up fast, though, so if you're thinking about it, don't wait until the end of the school year to enroll. Learn more today to get started!