Of the approximately 4,000 students in Rolla Schools, half of them, about 2,000, are enrolled in summer school.

Among those 2,000 students, only 468 students are attending for remedial classes for various reasons, according to Tamara Kimball, the assistant superintendent, while the rest are taking courses during the summer because they want to, according to district officials.

“It is actually surprising this year,” Bonnie Brainard, an assistant principal at Rolla High School said.

According to Brainard, the high school usually averages about 300 students. This year, the total is at 829 students.

Students are taking the opportunity to gain credits in the summer, which would allow them to free up their schedules during the year, Brainard said.

“I figured out personal finance was four times easier if you do it in the summer,” freshman Michael Pickrell said. The course which is half a credit, has 162 students enrolled.

At Rolla Middle School, 29 students are attending summer school for remedial or recovery classes. That leaves 500 other students who are attending classes as varied as sewing to computer courses. Most of these courses are not for credit.

“Computer courses are always a big hit,” Kimball said.

Along with the various course offerings, the district has other incentives for students, such as offering lunch for the first time, which Kimball said has attracted students. Drivers Education is another course that has attracted a number of students, 135 in all, since it offers students the chance to complete requirements needed to obtain their licenses.

Even of the 468 students who are attending for remedial courses, not all of them are there because of failing grades, according to Kimball.

Special-education students with Individual Education Program federally mandated to be offered the chance to take summer courses, while students in Title One programs may be taking courses to maintain their skills.

“We have eight days left, and so far we have had a real good session,” Kimball said.