Milton Academy’s Lower School After School Program is a nurturing space where students are largely able to self-select how they spend their afternoons. Among other selections, our After School students can participate in:
- Enrichment clubs
- Private Music lessons
- Homework time
- Outdoor play
- Arts and Crafts
- Small and large group games
A majority of the Lower School population participates in our enrichment clubs, which provide avenues for students to explore their many interests. Students who are not in clubs fill their time doing homework, playing with friends, working on various arts and crafts projects, or engaging in different types of games.
After School Hour
This option is available for all Lower School students and runs every day from 3:00–4:00 p.m. After School Hour is a time for Lower School students to hang out after school in a more unstructured environment. During these times, students can choose to do homework, play with friends, work on projects, and more. After School Hour is supervised by our ASP staff outdoors.
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Price: The cost for After School Hour is $26 per afternoon. Cost for students riding the 4 p.m. buses is $15 per afternoon.
Sibling Pickup
This option is available for Lower School students who have siblings in Milton’s Lower School and Middle School divisions. This coverage is available everyday and runs from 3:00–3:30 p.m. Students who elect this option will be picked up at the Junior Building just before Middle School and Upper School dismissal at 3:30 p.m. This option is free to families who are picking up siblings in other divisions.
After School Program Bus
The following routes/stops will be available for ASP students in grades K–5:
- BOSTON (please note that the 4 p.m. route terminates at the Causeway stop)
- BROOKLINE (Newton, Brookline)
- DOVER (South Natick, Dover, Needham, Dedham)
- NEWTON/WELLESLEY (Newton, Wellesley)
- SOUTH SHORE (Cohasset, Hingham, Quincy)
All information regarding bus routes, registration, and schedules can be found here. Please reach out to courtney_hawkesgaidos@milton.edu if you have any questions.
Please note that the buses will be supervised by the bus driver. Therefore, all students must be able to follow directions and remain seated during the duration of the trip in order to maintain bus riding privileges.
Price: $15 per day for students not attending clubs
After Care
Students in After School Hour and Weekly Enrichment Clubs will have the option to extend the day by attending After Care from 4:00–5:45 p.m. This is an unstructured time that could include doing homework, playing outside, working on small craft projects, playing board games, reading, and playing sports with friends.
Time: 4:00–5:45 p.m.
Price: The cost for After Care is $28 per afternoon.
Drop-Ins
If a scheduling conflict arises and parents or caretakers are unable to pick up their child at 3 p.m., students are welcome to drop into ASP. We recommend that parents let us know ahead of time, if possible, so that we can ensure there is ample coverage.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Price: $26 for the first hour, $60 for the full afternoon
After School Program Pick-Up Protocol
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Parents can park in the Junior Building parking lot (right side if you are looking at the building) and walk down the stairs to the side door adjacent to the cafeteria, and ring the doorbell. Parents are welcome to come in to help gather their children’s belongings.
Early Dismissal from clubs – If a student is going to be picked up early from a club, their parents should contact Noah beforehand so that we can make proper arrangements.
4 p.m. Buses
All students riding the 4 p.m. bus will be gathered by an ASP staff member between 3:45 – 3:50 and brought to the bus pickup location on Academy Road. Please make sure to update the PickUp Patrol app accordingly.
4 p.m. Pick-Up
All students who are not staying after 4 p.m. can be picked up in the care line in front of the Junior Building. Two ASP staff members will bring these students to the front of the JB, and help them get into their cars.
After 4 p.m.
After the 4 p.m. pickup, we bring all remaining students back to ASP in the cafeteria. Parents can park in the Junior Building parking lot (right side if you are looking at the building) and walk down the stairs to the side door adjacent to the cafeteria, and ring the doorbell. Parents are welcome to come in to help gather their children’s belongings.
School Break Coverage
January 27 Parent Teacher Conference Coverage (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
February 14 (Early Release Day 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
March Break Programming (March 17-20) (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Full Day Coverage Price: $100 per day
Early Release Day Price: No additional charge from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. $30 for the 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. care.
Weekly Enrichment Clubs
Weekly Enrichment Clubs will be offered to all Lower School students from 3:00–3:55 p.m. on Monday through Thursdays. Clubs are taught by Lower School faculty as well as highly reviewed outside vendors. Students will begin each club with a quick snack at 3:00 p.m. and will end at around 3:55 p.m. so that students can be dismissed at 4:00 p.m. Students will be transported by After School staff members to dismissal, the 4:00 p.m. Buses, or to our After Care Program.
*Due to anticipated demand, students may only sign up for one CodeAdvantage class per session.
Monday Clubs
Board Games and More (Grades K–2)
Board Games are an excellent way for children to practice math, language, and critical thinking skills. Students will join Ms. Gibson in Board Games and more to play a variety of games that will challenge them in different ways.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $228
Instructor: Kiana Gibson
Sowing Seeds (A Milton Lower School Farmer’s Mini-Market) (Grades K-2)
Have you wondered what it takes to host a Farmers Market? What to grow? How do you sell your goods for a good cause? Join Mrs. Furtado as we plan and create a mini-market to support a charity of students’ choice! Each week, we will sow seeds of kindness by giving back to our community.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $228
Instructor: Monica Furtado
MineCraft: World Adventure (Grades 3-5) (A CodeAdvantage Club)
After joining us for summer camp, CodeAdvantage will be teaming up with us again to run some technology based clubs throughout the school year. From their brochure: “Grab your passports, we are off to explore new worlds within the Minecraft realm! Students will learn to move, explore, build, and code within Minecraft while visiting exciting places including ancient Egypt, Tokyo Disneyland, Chicago, the wizarding world of Hogwarts, and more! Students will use their knowledge and creativity to design projects on their own. Students do not need prior experience with Minecraft”
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $263 (Includes $35 technology rental fee)
Teacher: CodeAdvantage
Lower School Newspaper
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! After a brief hiatus, the Lower School Newspaper will be making its triumphant return. Students will have the opportunity to come together to create their very own collective Lower School publication. This club is perfect for students who are interested in creative writing and independent research.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $228
Teacher: Noah Spofford
Greenleaf Study Club
Available to third through fifth graders, Greenleaf Study Club provides a quiet, supportive study hall where students can focus on their homework assignments. With help available if needed, students are encouraged to complete their assignments independently. Tools will be provided that help them develop their organizational and time-management skills. Those who finish early can read quietly.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $120
Teacher: Jill Baker
Tuesday Clubs
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.:
Beginner Chess (Grades K-2)
International Chess Master Mr. Vigorito will be back with us on Tuesdays to help our younger students learn the basics of chess. In this class, Mr. V will help students learn basic gameplay and strategy, how the pieces move, and when a game ends. This session will introduce students to the basics of chess, so it is perfect for students who are new to the game.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 25, Mar. 4, 11
Price: $304
Instructor: David Vigorito
Yoga and Mindfulness (Grades K–2)
After a summer of Yoga with us at camp, Ms. McLoughlin will be joining our enrichment club offerings with an age appropriate introduction to yoga and mindfulness. In addition to learning yoga, students will also have the opportunity to do games and crafts related to mindfulness and yoga as well!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 (Make-up date: March 11)
Price: $304
Instructor: Meaghan McLoughlin
Science Rocks! (Grades 3 – 5)
College environmental science professor and summer camp specialist Amy Johnston will be offering a hands-on science club that will allow students to explore various Earth Science topics. Throughout this club, students will learn about weather, rocks, archaeology, the oceans, and much more. This club is perfect for students who are curious about how the Earth works and do not mind getting their hands dirty!
Limit: 12 students
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 (Make-up date: March 11)
Price: $304
Instructor: Amy Johnston
MineCraft: World Adventure (Grades 3-5) (A CodeAdvantage Club)
After joining us for summer camp, CodeAdvantage will be teaming up with us again to run some technology based clubs throughout the school year. From their brochure: “Grab your passports, we are off to explore new worlds within the Minecraft realm! Students will learn to move, explore, build, and code within Minecraft while visiting exciting places including ancient Egypt, Tokyo Disneyland, Chicago, the wizarding world of Hogwarts, and more! Students will use their knowledge and creativity to design projects on their own. Students do not need prior experience with Minecraft”
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 (Make-up date: March 11)
Price: $339 (Includes $35 technology rental fee)
Teacher: CodeAdvantage
Keyboarding with Typing Club (Grades 3-5)
Welcome to the Keyboarding Class! In this fun and interactive class, students will learn the basics of typing using Typing Club, an engaging online program. Through games and activities, students will practice proper hand placement, improve typing speed, and build confidence in keyboarding skills. These lessons will help students become comfortable using computers for writing, research, and more! Open to grades 2–4, with levels customized to match each student’s skill level.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $228
Instructor: Hulya Kara
4 p.m – 5 p.m.
Chess II (Grades 3–5)
International Chess Master Mr. Vigorito will be back with us on Tuesdays to help our older students delve deeper into the game of chess. In this class, Mr. V will challenge students who have basic knowledge of the game to learn more advanced strategies and expand their skills. Due to Mr. V’s high demand, this club will meet on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Students signed up for this will not be charged for the After School Hour prior to the club.
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 (Make-up date: March 11)
Price: $304
Instructor: David Vigorito
Wednesday Clubs
What’s Next? An introduction to Acting (Grades K-2)
Mrs. Burke is back to lead grade K-2 students into the theatrical world. Students will learn improv games, create their own scenes and do other activities to bring them out of their comfort zones. This is perfect for students who are interested in performing in the future and have a willingness to be a little bit silly.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 15, 22, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12 (No class Jan. 29)
Price: $304
Instructor: Kristan Burke
Stories and Crafts (Grades K-2)
We are excited to have Ms. Stawarky join our after school Enrichment Programs! In this club, students will be listening to stories and creating crafts that go along with them. This club is perfect for students who are love books and crafting, Students of all reading ability are able to join this club.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 15, 22, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12 (No class Jan. 29)
Price: $304
Instructor: Nancy Stawarky
MineCraft: Superheroes (Grades K-2) (A CodeAdvantage Club)
After joining us for summer camp, CodeAdvantage will be teaming up with us again to run some technology based clubs throughout the school year. From their brochure: “The Minecraft world is in danger! In this class, students will learn coding fundamentals and use them to create powerful superheroes with special abilities. Each class creates a new opportunity for our coders to save the Minecraft world against a new danger! From traveling to a ruined city and exploring a frozen bunker to saving the White House and more! Students will have an amazing time putting their coding skills to the test!”
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 15, 22, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12 (No class Jan. 29)
Price: $339 (Includes $35 technology rental fee)
3D Design with Maker’s Empire (Grades 3-5)
Unleash your creativity in this exciting, hands-on 3D design class! Using Maker’s Empire, students will explore how to create digital 3D models, designing everything from playful shapes to innovative and functional objects. This class inspires imagination, builds problem-solving skills, and enhances spatial thinking. Best of all, students will have the opportunity to bring home a 3D-printed creation of their choice! Open to grades 2–5, with lessons customized to match each student’s skill level.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 (Make-up date: March 11)
Price: $304
Instructor: Hulya Kara
Loom Knitting (Grades 3-5)
Loom knitting is a perfect indoor activity for these cold winter months. Students will join Ms. Slocum, as she teaches them how to knit using looms. Students do not need any previous experience knitting to join this club. This is a perfect club for those looking to learn a new skill and push their creative boundaries!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: Jan. 15, 22, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12 (No class Jan. 29)
Price: $304
Instructor: Martha Slocum
Bracelet Making and More (Grades 3-5)
Friendship bracelets are back in a big way, and Ms. Correia is here to help students make them! Students in this club will learn different ways to make friendship bracelets that they can wear and share with their friends!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: Jan. 15, 22, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12 (No class Jan. 29)
Price: $304
Instructor: Sandra Correia
Greenleaf Study Club
Available to third through fifth graders, Greenleaf Study Club provides a quiet, supportive study hall where students can focus on their homework assignments. With help available if needed, students are encouraged to complete their assignments independently. Tools will be provided that help them develop their organizational and time-management skills. Those who finish early can read quietly.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
Price: $120
Teacher: Jill Baker
Thursday Clubs
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
My First Passport (Grade K-2) (A SPARK Business Academy club)
From the SPARK Brochure: “This fun program helps students develop a global mindset and build international awareness early in life! Explore cultural differences across countries, geography games, famous landmarks, world currencies, current global events, the role of international institutions like the UN, and more. Students role-play as diplomats and come up with solutions to key global problems like hunger, poverty and pollution.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 14 students
Dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6 (Make-up date: March 13)
Price: $304
MineCraft: Superheroes (Grades K-2) (A CodeAdvantage Club)
After joining us for summer camp, CodeAdvantage will be teaming up with us again to run some technology based clubs throughout the school year. From their brochure: “The Minecraft world is in danger! In this class, students will learn coding fundamentals and use them to create powerful superheroes with special abilities. Each class creates a new opportunity for our coders to save the Minecraft world against a new danger! From traveling to a ruined city and exploring a frozen bunker to saving the White House and more! Students will have an amazing time putting their coding skills to the test!”
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6 (Make-up date: March 13)
Price: Price: $339 (Includes $35 technology rental fee)
Bulls and Bears (Grade 3-5) (A SPARK Business Academy club)
Students learn the art of persuasion and help select debate topics they find interesting. In a public forum debate format, campers work in groups and practice their debating skills in a supportive environment, including developing arguments, issuing rebuttals, providing examples, rebuilding their case and summarizing points of view. Students learn to think on their feet and enhance their public-speaking skills, gaining self-confidence in the process.
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6 (Make-up date: March 13)
Price: $304
Acting on the Edge (Grades 3-5)
Back by popular demand, Mrs. Burke is back to lead grade 3 – 5 students into the theatrical world. Mrs. Burke challenges students to step out of their comfort zones with a variety of improv games, acting challenges, and scenes to portray. This is perfect for students who are interested in performing in the future and have a willingness to be a little bit silly.
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6 (Make-up date: March 13)
Price: $304
Instructor: Kristan Burke
Friday Clubs
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Milton Lower School Step Club (Grades 1 – 5)
Stepping is a percussive art form that combines footsteps, claps, and spoken words to produce a “dance” of complex rhythms. It has origins in West African folk traditions and is rooted in the dance traditions of African-American communities. In the U.S., it has historically been associated with college groups, but today, the art form is universal and enjoyed by people of all ages. Using the body as an instrument, participants will learn choreographed movements and be encouraged to “step” into their own artistic expression. Beginners and more experienced steppers are welcome!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, Dec.13
Price: $340
Instructor: Kim Alston and JoAnn Brown
Milton Academy Private Music Lessons
Sign ups for private lessons are separate from ASP Sign-ups. Please read the information below carefully!
Milton Academy offers private music lessons for students at all age and experience levels. Not only does music provide an outlet for social engagement and artistic expression, it has also been demonstrated that engagement with music lessons benefit a students’ mental health, cognition development, and overall improvement in academic outcomes. Starting early with musical lessons are useful for your child to access a wide variety of ensemble opportunities offered at Milton, K-12 (orchestra, jazz, chorus). Please see this link for more information and research about the benefits of music in a student’s education:
https://nafme.org/advocacy/what-to-know/all-research/
Your child will work individually with a private music instructor to develop fundamentals on an instrument of their choice. Instruction is available for voice, winds, brass, percussion, and string instruments, and no prior experience is required! Private music teachers hail from a variety of backgrounds, including classical, jazz, and pop style performance. Students will receive 12 30-minute lessons per semester. Music lessons are available Monday–Friday.
Time: Arranged with instructor, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Dates: Arranged with instructor
Price: $540 for 12 – 30 minute lessons
Instructor: Various
Instruments you can start K-5: violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, guitar, piano, voice, percussion
Instruments you can start in 2nd grade: flute
Instruments you can start in 3rd grade: clarinet
Instruments you can start in 5th grade: oboe, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, saxophone
Sign up here, this form also contains a plethora of information about the lesson program, including instructor bios. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Goode (Eric_Goode@milton.edu).
