NEW YORK – School may be out for the summer, but learning continues at St. Charles Borromeo School in Harlem.

This summer, more than 230 students entering first through eighth grades are returning to the classroom; not for a traditional school day, but for an opportunity to strengthen academic skills, explore new interests, and continue growing through Summer Journey, Catapult Learning’s summer learning program offered in partnership with the Superintendent of Schools Office of the Archdiocese of New York at 18 sites this summer hosting nearly 2,000 students.

Summer Journey is supported through federal title program funds administered by the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Non-Public and Charter Schools (ONPCS). This collaboration, on-going for over ten years, has allowed eligible students to access high-quality summer instruction.

As the largest Summer Journey site among Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, St. Charles Borromeo is helping eligible students make the most of their summer months by providing meaningful learning experiences that combine academics, enrichment, and personal growth.

For Catholic school students, summer learning is more than a way to stay busy; it is an important opportunity to build on the progress made during the school year. Continued academic engagement helps students maintain skills, develop confidence, and return to the classroom prepared for new challenges.

“Summer learning provides students with an important opportunity to continue building academic skills, confidence, and curiosity outside of the traditional school year,” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “Summer Journey allows our students to continue growing in a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement while also helping them discover new interests and experience the joy of learning. We are grateful to Catapult Learning and our dedicated educators for their commitment to our students.”

The impact of Summer Journey is measurable. Eligible students participating in the program across the Archdiocese of New York increase their academic proficiency by an average of five points, demonstrating how additional learning opportunities can support student achievement and help prevent summer learning loss.

During a recent visit to St. Charles Borromeo, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh joined Jeff Cohen, CEO of FullBloom, Catapult Learning’s parent organization, to see the program in action and meet the students and educators making summer learning possible.

Inside the classrooms, students were engaged in lessons designed to meet their individual needs and encourage curiosity. Kindergarten students explored marine animals through interactive activities, elementary students strengthened literacy skills through phonics instruction, and seventh-grade students received targeted mathematics support through smaller instructional groups.

“Seeing students engaged and excited to learn throughout the summer is a powerful reminder of the impact that strong partnerships can have on our school communities,” said Cohen. “Programs like Summer Journey help students strengthen essential skills while building the confidence they need for continued success. We are beyond proud to partner with the Archdiocese of New York on this important work.”

Through the Summer Journey program, students participate in academic instruction alongside enrichment experiences, including STEAM activities and EmpowerU programming focused on resilience, life skills, and family engagement.  

For the students of St. Charles Borromeo School, summer is not a pause in learning; it is another opportunity to grow. Through Summer Journey, students are preparing to return to school with stronger skills, greater confidence, and the excitement to continue their educational journey.