OST_home1.jpg

Out of School Time

Student learning and enrichment continue through programs that serve students outside of school, including after school and during school vacations. There are multiple opportunities for Somerville students to engage with Out of School programs, including academic and music instruction, as well as activities in fun and creative spaces!

After School Programming

SPS AfterSchool is a full time, fee-based model offering on-site aftercare for grades PK-6 at each elementary school. Led by SPS instructors, many of these programs extend student learning by aligning with school curriculum. Students also have the chance to explore new and exciting activities like rock climbing, LEGOs, gardening, martial arts, and more! Learn more about SPS AfterSchool

El Sistema Somerville offers innovative ensemble-based music instruction to SPS elementary and middle grades students, Grades 3–8. Housed at East Somerville Community School, this full time, fee-based program offers intensive study on strings, winds, and brass instruments through orchestral rehearsals, sectionals, musicianship and technique classes, chamber music, and private lessons. Learn more about El Sistema

Apollo After School is a vendor-administered program run at the Argenziano School (K-6) and Kennedy School (PK-6). It uses research-based curriculum and project-based learning to help students develop their academic skills while also nurturing positive relationships with friends, families, and community. This full time program is fee-based with financial aid for qualifying students. Learn more about Apollo After School

For After School Clubs, see below.

After School Referral Programs

Educators or school administrators refer students to various after school programs that are beneficial to student growth and enrichment. These programs, operated externally by community partners, can be reflective of school curriculum or designed to develop social emotional skills. SPS currently offers four referral programs that are free of charge (based on referral).

Becoming A Man (BAM) is a counseling program that guides young men in Grades 7-12 to learn, internalize and practice social cognitive skills, make responsible decisions for their future, and become positive members of their school and community. BAM integrates clinical theory and practice, men’s rites of passage work, and a dynamic approach to youth engagement. Learn more about Becoming A Man

Working on Womanhood (WOW) is a group counseling program designed to improve the social-emotional competencies of young women in grades 6-12 who have been exposed to traumatic stressors in high risk and under-resourced communities. WOW consists of interactive group counseling sessions that meet on-site during the school day once per week. Learn more about Working on Womanhood

Enroot empowers immigrant high school students to dissolve barriers and explore their goals to build skills necessary to thrive in college, career, and in their communities. Highlights include mentorship, academic readiness, and personal development. Learn more about Enroot

Future Lab by Knovva Academy is a dynamic academic program, meeting three days per week at East Somerville Community School and West Somerville Neighborhood School, to provide middle school students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The program is intentionally aligned with SPS curriculum and developed in collaboration with Somerville High School’s Dept. of College and Career Readiness to support academic success, leadership development, and future readiness. Learn more about Future Lab

SPS Clubs

Students and families looking for structured after-school activities (but not full after-school care) may consider SPS clubs led by external community partners or SPS instructors. Clubs usually meet once a week for one hour, starting at dismissal, with students transitioning directly from their classrooms to the club. Please be aware that space is limited in SPS Clubs (which are free of charge) and most reach maximum capacity shortly after the enrollment window opens. Note: Students may not enroll in both full-time After School Programming and SPS Clubs at the same time.
>> Registration has closed for Spring 2026 <<

School Vacation Programs

SPS offers one full-day program during school year February and April vacations. This program is only open to students already enrolled in the SPS Community Schools Afterschool program. Parents may also visit the City of Somerville SomervilleHub.org website to find a programming offered through local organizations.

Summer Vacation Programs

The Out of School Time department coordinates summer enrichment opportunities for students of all ages. The district offers a variety of programs that best fit your child's and family's needs, including part-time and full-time options.

SPS Adventure program is operated by the district OST department for all rising K to 6th graders. Students will participate in exciting theme-based activities and field trips. Students may enroll in one or more of five sessions held throughout the summer. Learn more about SPS Adventure

SPS Open Enrollment Programs offer hands-on learning and enrichment during the summer months. Students can engage in Career and Technical Education for Middle Grades (CTE), Robotics for Middle Grades, Summer Music (Grade 3-8), The Calculus Project (rising Grade 7-12), and SHS Orientation for Rising 9th Graders. Learn more about Open Enrollment Programs

SPS Referral Summer Programs are based on academic need and referred by educators and administrators. There are no costs associated with these academic programs, which include Summer Explore Kindergarten Transition Program, Elementary Spelling, Summer Session (3rd/4th Grade), Middle/High School Spelling, Next Wave/Full Circle Summer, and SHS Summer School. Learn more about Summer Referral programs

Families may also consider summer opportunities through various external agencies and community providers. There are many high-quality fee-based programs available. Check out the SPS Summer Camp and Activities Guide, find a list in the SomerPromise Summer Activities Guide, or visit the "Summer Programming" tab on the SomervilleHubConnect website. To see Somerville activities arranged by age, visit SomervilleHub. Or, visit the Somerville Recreation Department webpage to learn about their low-cost programs and activities.

About OST

SPS is committed to providing high quality OST opportunities to all students, both directly through district offerings - such as our Community Schools Afterschool Program - and in partnership with community organizations.

The goal of our OST initiatives is to ensure equitable access to enrichment, academic support, and engaging activities for students beyond the typical school hours. We aim to complement the classroom experience and give our students ample opportunity to explore their interests, receive additional academic assistance, and participate in community-building initiatives.