Reading and literacy skills are essential to fostering a child's development and academic success. Research has consistently highlighted the importance of early literacy proficiency as a strong indicator of later academic achievement, cognitive ability, and social-emotional well-being (Espinosa, 2002; Gottlieb et al., 2022). Unfortunately, reading difficulties are common, especially within underserved populations (Dickinson & Porche, 2011; Espinosa, 2002; Peng & Kievit, 2020), and not attending to these issues early in a child's life can significantly affect their long-term academic success. Without targeted support, these children may struggle to keep up with their peers and miss out on essential foundational knowledge. These are just some of the challenges that underscore the need for immediate action to address academic deficits. One way some school districts around the United States have opted to address such concerns is by adopting an extended school calendar. The extended school calendar (also known by terms such as "year-round education," "balanced calendars," or "modified school calendars") exchanges the traditional long summer vacation for shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the year. Although these calendars still include the typical 180 instructional days, the schedule is spread more evenly over 12 months. This article examines how extended school calendars offer a fresh approach to improving academic outcomes by providing consistent learning and targeted support year-round. By leveraging evidence-based strategies and community partnerships, schools can address literacy gaps, enhance student engagement, and provide interventions to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.