Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Lee Elberson, CEO of Clayborne Test Prep, joined Cville Right Now live to discuss how students, parents, and educators can prepare for the fast-approaching end of the school year. With spring break and summer vacation on the horizon, Elberson emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the rush. “It gets to the end of the school year, and you say, wow, I feel like we just started,” he remarked, highlighting how the busy nature of the academic calendar can make time seem to fly. 

One major challenge discussed is the pressure students face with final exams, standardized testing, and athletic seasons wrapping up. “The end of the school year… It’s a great stress test,” Elberson noted, emphasizing the need for consistent study habits. He warns against last-minute cramming and instead encourages students to develop structured routines early to avoid burnout. This approach, he says, can help reduce stress for both students and their parents, who often feel the academic pressure trickle down into their households. 

For younger students, preventing the “summer slide”, a regression in learning during the break, is a key concern. Elberson suggests simple, structured activities to keep students engaged. “It doesn’t have to be extensive—just ask your students to do an hour a week. And it’s just that small little bit that they can do each week that keeps them in the mode of not thinking about school as an on-off thing. But this continual, you know, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, the lifelong learner mentality,” he advised at. Whether through flashcards, reading for fun, or light academic exercises, small efforts can make a big difference in ensuring students return to school ready for success. 

Listen here for the full conversation: