In the past, the purpose of having schools in session from August through June was to allow time for children to help their parents on the farm during the summer months. That situation has not totally changed. Kids still help their parents at work or work another job to help with money. The biggest change is the workplace. Today, it's not usually on the farm.
Many people say that students forget much learned knowledge during long summer vacations.
However, I think students would have the same problem during the vacations of a year-round school, even though the vacations are somewhat shorter. Year-round schools would eliminate the opportunity for students to attend many specialty camps, such as art, sports, science and music. All kids don't just sit on the couch watching television for their whole summer vacation. Attending camps can be very educational as well as fun. These activities can teach kids a lot and prepare them to be away from home before going to college.