Summer Programming

The district's Out of School Time department coordinates summer enrichment opportunities for students of all ages. Look through this page to find the programs that best fit your child's and family's needs, including a broad assortment of open enrollment programs, the popular Adventure program, and opportunities from external community vendors. 

 

SPS Programs with Open Enrollment

Any student in a Somerville Public School can register for open enrollment programs. These part-time programs are free of charge and operated by either Somerville Public Schools staff or by external vendors, and located at an SPS facility. Registration procedures may vary.

Middle Grades CTE (Career & Technical Education) is for all rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Somerville High School CTE provides hands-on lessons and activities in a program of your choice. Programs could include Graphic Communications, Carpentry, Culinary, and Health Careers. Each program runs for a week and students can sign up for one or two weeks. 

Middle Grades Robotics explores the world of creative computing and robotics with the Somerville High School (SHS) Robotics Team. Designed for students with varying levels of experience, from beginners to advanced participants, this program offers a hands-on approach to learning. Students will: design music-making and artistic robots using LEGO or Arduino, and participate in team challenges like SumoBots. Participants will also learn how to use 3D printers and laser cutters to customize their creations.

The SPS Summer Music Program is a two-week orchestra program for rising 3rd to 8th grade students, who will immerse themselves in a comprehensive music experience. The program includes chamber music, improv, chorus, fiddle, technique, and music theory classes. Students will take part in orchestra rehearsals for woodwind, brass, and string instruments before a final concert for families on August 1 at 11am. Beginners are welcome, and breakfast and lunch will be provided to students. 

The Calculus Project uses research-supported strategies to increase the representation and success of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous People of Color and low-income students in advanced mathematics. New participants enter the program by attending the Summer Academy, where rising 7th thru 12th grade students will come together for a 4-week, in-person program that includes 50+ hours of previewing math content for the upcoming academic year. Students are taught by middle and high school educators who have high expectations for participation, engagement, and mastery. Students will also participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) experiences that provide additional opportunities for learning and team building.  

Summer Success Orientation is for rising 9th graders who embark on a weeklong introduction session (5 class meetings) to learn what it takes to be successful at Somerville High. Ninth Graders will explore course and extracurricular opportunities available at SHS, as well as learning the layout of the building, how the class schedule works, and how the communities (Beacon, Elm, Highland, Broadway) are structured. Plus, learn valuable tips on how to be a successful high school student, including but not limited to time management, self-advocacy, and navigating online platforms used at SHS.
 
GirlStart is a program for rising 4th and 5th Grade girls where participants will engage in hands-on STEM activities as they explore their favorite living things from around the world. This program is run by an external vendor with a separate registration process.

 

SPS Summer Referral Programs

Educators and administrators refer students into these programs based on academic need. There are no costs associated with these academic programs, which are housed at SPS facilities. 

 
Elementary SPELL for Grades 1-6 is a summer program for multilingual learners at the beginning stages of English. The SPELL program provides students with theme-based language learning experiences that develop students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Enrichment activities will be built in throughout the week. This program is by referral only by students' ESL teachers.
 
Middle Grades and High School SPELL for Grades 7-12 is a summer program for multilingual learners at the beginning stages of learning English. The SPELL program provides students with theme-based language learning experiences that develop students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Enrichment activities will be built in throughout the week. This program is by referral only by students' ESL teachers.
 
NWFC Summer is a program with project based learning and field trips. For currently enrolled Next Wave / Full Circle students.
 
SHS Summer School is a credit recovery opportunity for current enrolled SHS students. Summer School believes that all students can be successful, and we are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where we take into account each student's individual needs. Free breakfast and lunch is provided for all students.
 
Summer Explore Kindergarten Transition Program supports academic readiness for kindergarten at the Capuano Early Childhood Center. Summer Explore offers experiences for children with little to no preschool experience or who would benefit from summer programming as they transition to kindergarten. Includes developmentally appropriate academic learning, playtime, art, and physical movement as well as FREE breakfast and lunch.
 
SomerSession is a great opportunity to work on literacy and math skills to get ready for the next grade. Students will participate in three small group literacy lessons and an hour of math instruction each day. Class sizes are small - three adults to 10 students - and students get a lot of individualized attention and support. Free breakfast and lunch are included.
 

 

SPS Community Schools Adventure Program

SPS Adventure Program is a popular full-day, open enrollment and fee-based program run by SPS Community Schools. Space is limited and will fill up quickly. 


SPS Adventure is for all rising K to 6th graders. Students will participate in exciting theme-based activities and, during full weeks, take two field trips. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served daily. Families may enroll their students in one or more of the five sessions. Weekly cost for program. Breakfast, lunch, and snack served by SPS Food and Nutrition Services Department. Registration Information.
 
SPS Adventure Leaders In Training is for all rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Students will serve as mentors to other students and prepare to become summer adventure program counselors. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with younger children and want to take on a leadership role. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served daily. Weekly cost for program. Breakfast, lunch, and snack served by SPS Food and Nutrition Services Department. Registration Information.
 

 

Summer Programs outside SPS

There are high-quality programs available outside SPS summer programs. Many of these part-time or full day programs will have costs associated with them.