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 Care is $22 per afternoon for students who register in advance.
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 pickup siblings in other divisions.
After School Program Bus
The following routes/stops will be available for ASP students in grades K through 5:
- K-12 Boston bus for the 4 p.m. ride only. This route will not stop at Causeway Street at Lovejoy Wharf.
- K-12 Brookline/Chestnut Hill bus for the 4 p.m. ride only
- K-12 Newton/Wellesley bus for the 4 p.m. ride only
- K-12 Needham/Dover/Dedham bus for the morning ride AND 4 p.m. ride
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.
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.
Price: $22 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 $27 per afternoon for students who register in advance.
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.n
Price: $22 for the first hour, $55 for the full afternoon
School Break Coverage
We are excited to offer childcare for families during most early release days, professional development days, and portions of school breaks. Full day coverage is $90/day. There is no additional charge for early dismissal days from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
April 28 Early Dismissal (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
May 19 Conference Day Coverage (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
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 3:55pm 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.
Monday Clubs
Books and Crafts! (Grades K-2)
Students will join Mr. Spofford to explore some of their favorite children’s books. Students in the club will also craft projects that relate to the stories they will read during the club session. This club will provide students a great opportunity to continue to grow their love of reading and work on their crafting skills! Students do not need to be fluent readers to join!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 10, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5
Price: $225
Instructor: Noah Spofford
Global Food Explorers (Grades K-2)
A spin-off of Lower School Explorers, students will join Ms. Gibson to learn all about fruits and vegetables and which countries they are grown in. This food exploration club will introduce students to staple crops, from the hottest to the coldest climates around the world. This club is perfect for students who are curious about various food cultures! They may also get to taste some of the fruits and vegetables they learn about.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 10, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5
Price: $225
Instructor: Kiana Gibson
EMPOW (Grades 2 – 5)
After being a huge hit as a branch of our Summer Camp, EMPOW will be teaming up with the Lower School ASP to offer STEM learning opportunities throughout the year. Program technology may include but is not limited to the following: Video Game Design with Flowlab, Coding with Scratch and Python, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Design with TinkerCAD and SculptGL, and Digital Animation.
Limit: 12 Students
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 10, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5
Price: $225
Maker’s Studio (Grades 2–5)
Students will be challenged to stretch their imaginations and use the objects around them to work on an array of projects. During this hands-on club, students are given agency to make creations of their own design. In past years students have created benches, marble runs, light circuits, and more!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: April 10, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5
Price: $225
Instructor: Jenny Sorblom
Imagination Station (Grades 3–5)
Ms. Baker will use many different mediums to allow students to flex their creative muscles during Imagination Station. Through reading, writing, crafts and more, students will have the opportunity to have fun letting their imagination run free, while also continuing to hone important academic skills.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 10, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5
Price: $225
Instructor: 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 continue to help students learn basic gameplay and strategy, how the pieces move, and when a game ends. This session will add onto the skills that students have been learning throughout the year
Limit: 15 students
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
Instructor: David Vigorito
Little Shoppers (Grade K-2) (A SPARK Business Academy club)
Do you like to shop till you drop? In this practical program, students become savvy shoppers through games and hands-on projects. Experiential bartering and purchasing activities help participants internalize key concepts related to money choices, like needs and wants. Students put their cashier math skills to the test and engage in dynamic marketplaces taking turns as buyers and sellers.
Limit: 15 students
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
EMPOW (Grades 2 – 5)
After being a huge hit as a branch of our Summer Camp, EMPOW will be teaming up with the Lower School ASP to offer STEM learning opportunities throughout the year. Program technology may include but is not limited to the following: Video Game Design with Flowlab, Coding with Scratch and Python, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Design with TinkerCAD and SculptGL, and Digital Animation.
Limit: 12 students
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
My First Food Truck (Grades 3-5) (A SPARK Business Academy club)
Students select a food theme, choose an ideal location, identify target customers, design appealing menus, and form a comprehensive business plan covering strategy, marketing, operations and finance, including capital-raising needs. Activities include drafting mission statements, setting prices, estimating expenses and learning key financial metrics. This program offers a tasty way to develop business savvy!
Note: no food is handled in class.
Limit: 15 students
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
Advanced Strategy Games with Mr. S
Students will be able to dive into advanced strategy games such as Magic the Gathering, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride and many more. Along with being fun for all, these games often incorporate important skills, such as math, reading, planning ahead, and much more. Students do not need prior knowledge of these games or materials to participate. However, if they would like to bring their own cards or games to share, they may.
Limit: 15 students
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
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: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Price: $250
Wednesday Clubs
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Maker Studio (Grades K & 1)
Students will be challenged to stretch their imaginations and use the objects around them to work on an array of projects. During this hands-on club, students are given agency to make creations of their own design. In past years students have created benches, marble runs, light circuits, and more!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $250
Instructor: Jenny Sorblom
What’s Next? (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.
Note: this course will only run for 7 weeks due to Mrs. Burke’s 5th Grade Play schedule
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24
Price: $225
Instructor: Kristan Burke
EMPOW (Grades 2 – 5)
After being a huge hit as a branch of our Summer Camp, EMPOW will be teaming up with the Lower School ASP to offer STEM learning opportunities throughout the year. Program technology may include but is not limited to the following: Video Game Design with Flowlab, Coding with Scratch and Python, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Design with TinkerCAD and SculptGL, and Digital Animation.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $250
Lower School Newspaper! (Grade 3-5)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Greenleaf students will work with Ms. Johnson to learn about what goes into creating a newspaper and then students will work together to distribute their very own edition (name to be determined). The newspaper will include comics, sports, day-to-day Milton events, and much more! This club is perfect for any of our curious and creative Greenleaf students.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $250
Teacher: Gretchen Johnson
Baking Club (Grade 3-5)
Students will join Ms. Ciampa in the kitchen to learn how to bake and cook sweet and savory foods alike! They will also be able to bring their own cooking interests and introduce some of their favorite recipes to the group.
Note: Due to the popularity of this club and limited space, we may have to run shorter sessions with smaller sections. Cost of the club will be prorated accordingly.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.*
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $250
Teacher: Maria Elisa Ciampa
*Students who take the bus can still participate in baking, but may have to eat the final product the following day
Strings Ensemble
Strings ensemble is for students who have previous background playing a stringed instrument. Mr. Young will direct students, as they practice playing pieces together as an ensemble, culminating in various school-related showcase events. This club is perfect for students who have been taking lessons and wish to get more practice playing with others. This club is open to students of any age, but students must have prior playing experience.
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $250
Instructor: Pierre Young
Thursday Clubs
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Beginner Piano (Grades K-2)
Students will gain familiarity with the instrument and learn the fundamentals of piano playing. This group music club is perfect for students who are curious about learning a new instrument. Students do not need any prior experience to join this club.
Limit: 12 students
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Dates: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1
Price: $250
Instructor: Pierre Young
Art and Beyond (Grades K-2)
In this club, our younger students will join Ms. Sorblom in the CSG art room for a new variety of art exploration! Over the course of the spring session, students will be able to paint, sculpt, draw, and much more!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 15 students
Dates: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1
Price: $250
Instructor: Jenny Sorblom
EMPOW (Grades 2-5)
After being a huge hit as a branch of our Summer Camp, EMPOW will be teaming up with the Lower School ASP to offer STEM learning opportunities throughout the year. Program technology may include but is not limited to the following: Video Game Design with Flowlab, Coding with Scratch and Python, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Design with TinkerCAD and SculptGL, and Digital Animation.
Time: 3:00 – 4:00
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1
Price: $250
Gardening (Grades 2-5)
As the weather grows warmer, students will join Ms. McGuinness to help prepare the garden for the growing season! They will participate in planting seeds, fixing the wear and tear of winter, prepping the raised beds and much more. Students will not only learn hands-on skills, but also a lot about the plant cycle and sustainability!
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Limit: 12 students
Dates: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1
Price: $250
Instructor: Jane McGuinness
Acting on the Edge (Grades 3-5)
Back by popular demand, 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: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1
Price: $250
Instructor: Kristan Burke
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
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
The deadline to enroll for Session I is September 15th to allow teachers ample time to set their schedules. 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).
