Since 1977, The Saturday Course at Milton Academy has thrilled children every week. It was the brainchild of then-Lower School Principal Elizabeth “Betty” Greenleaf Buck, who found inspiration at an education conference in England. The idea: use the physical and academic resources of Milton Academy to benefit students from surrounding communities. It is designed for students in Grades 4–8 who come to campus on Saturdays and learn from talented faculty in courses ranging from technology to social sciences and everything in between. Participating school districts select and recommend students who can then register for courses.
Today, over 1,000 academically advanced students, representing 125 public schools in the Greater Boston area, come to experience an educational utopia: passionate faculty teaching eager and curious students. The goal of The Saturday Course is to provide an enriching learning environment for children with strong academic skills; independently motivated students learn compelling material in a fun and exciting environment.
Enrollment will open for the 2024–2025 school year by August. Returning students will receive notification by email. Registration is $80 for the year and tuition is $375 per session. New students are encouraged to apply through the link below. Financial aid is available, thanks to funding from both the Milton Academy operating budget and private donations. Please email saturday@milton.edu for more information.
Students
The Saturday Course is designed for students in Grades 4–8 from surrounding communities. Participating school districts select students who can register for courses. Students from other communities may apply for a waitlist position.
Courses
Students select courses from a list of offerings mailed to them prior to the session. Taught by dynamic, experienced teachers, areas of study include: Math, Creative Writing, Literature, Sciences, Social Sciences, Photography, Computer Technology, Art, Drama and Wood Working. The small student to teacher ratio encourages opportunities for hands-on activities, lab experiments, small group discussion, and individual projects. Skills used for effective questioning and problem solving are emphasized throughout the program. Independent study at home reinforces specific course objectives.
Staff
The Saturday Course recruits experienced teachers with specialties in the areas of science, computer, mathematics, literature, performing and visual arts and social sciences. The enthusiasm of these teachers who design and share curriculum from their special interest areas is refreshing; their commitment to make this a unique learning environment for these talented students is extraordinary.
Contact
The Saturday Course
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
Telephone: (617) 898-2275
Fax: (617) 898-1707
Email: saturday@milton.edu
Kristan Burke
Director
Elizabeth Mulready
Assistant Director
Total enrollment
1,158 students
These students came from 48 cities, towns, and communities and represented 125 different elementary or middle schools.
Towns & Communities
Boston Communities
Boston • Dorchester • Hyde Park • Jamaica Plain • Mattapan • Roslindale • Roxbury • South Boston • West Roxbury
Towns & Communities
Abington • Avon • Belmont • Braintree • Brockton • Brookline • Cambridge • Canton • Chestnut Hill • Cohasset • Dedham • Dover • Duxbury • Easton • Hanover • Hingham • Mansfield • Medfield • Milton • Needham • Newton • Norfolk • Norton • Norwell • Norwood • Pembroke • Quincy • Randolph • Sharon • Stoneham • Stoughton • Sudbury • Taunton • Walpole • Westwood • Weymouth • Winchester • Winthrop • Wrentham
Boston Schools
Rafael Hernandez • Mt. Alvernia • Murphy • Hennigan • St. Theresa • Epiphany • Curley • Holy Name • O’Hearn • Agassiz • St. Brendan • South Boston Catholic Neighborhood House Charter • Young Achievers for Science & Math • St. Brendan • Agassiz
Session Dates
Please note- Enrollment options for the 2024-2025 academic year will be available by August 2024.
2024-2025
Session 1: Grades 5-8
September 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26 (off Indigenous Peoples’ Day October 12)
Session 2: Grades 5-8
November 9, 16, 23, December 7, 14 (off Nov. 30 Thanksgiving weekend)
Session 3: Grades 4 and new Grade 5 students
January 11, 18 25, February 1, 8
Session 4: Grades 5-8
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Session 5: Grades 4 and new Grade 5 students
April 26, May 3, 10, 17, and May 31 ( off May 24 – Memorial Day weekend)
Saturday Daily Schedule
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Drop off and optional activity time
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Course A
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Snack
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Course B
1:00 p.m Dismissal
Saturday Course Application
We work with schools in many surrounding towns who select students that would be a good fit for the Saturday Course.
These participating schools choose students based on specific criteria. The process differs from district to district. School administrators know the kind of students that will thrive at the Saturday Course.
Each fall, we give our participating schools a certain allotment of registration forms for new fourth grade students. When we know the total enrollment from these schools, we review our new applications.
There are often more qualified students in some schools than allotments from us. Some districts hold a lottery. Students that don’t get picked due to the” the luck of the draw, can contact us directly and ask for an application.
Students who do not attend an affiliated school or district are encouraged to apply.
In order for your application to be reviewed, we require that families complete an application form and submit a teacher recommendation and copies of a report card and MCAS or standardized test scores.
Over the past several years, we have been successful in enrolling 99% of the students who qualify.
Once a student is accepted, they are invited back through the eighth grade. Our traditional entry level is grade four, but we accept applications for students any time in grades 4-8.
Saturday Course Testimonials
Parents
“The fostering and example by adults that creativity and intellectual pursuit can be a fun and congenial endeavor was an important ‘take away’ for my child.”
“I often tell my daughter that she starts conversations on chapter 3 and assumes everyone has read chapters 1 and 2. She hopped into the car one Saturday morning after class and said, ‘Mom, everyone at the Saturday Course knew exactly what I was saying and none of them thought I started my conversations on chapter 3!’”
“My children just LOVE the Saturday Course! As a parent, I’m thankful to you for having it so well organized. The faculty is wonderful; the kids have enjoyed all of their courses, and have made new friends.”
“It is difficult for the parent of a gifted child to find engaging and appropriate academic activities that challenge them. This is especially true in public schools where the needs of gifted students are not acknowledged. My son had such an amazing experience in both courses. I knew we were onto something after the first class when he asked if this was what it was like to attend Milton Academy and if so, he wanted to go there!”
“My son enjoyed the comradeship and spirit of working with his classmates. He is a jokester so he likes how the staff keeps it light.”
Students
Below are responses when students where asked if they would like to return to The Saturday Course:
“I would with all my heart.”
“Yes, of course! It’s really fun!”
“Yes. Who wouldn’t?”
“It would be an honor.”
“I would love to return. I would go for my whole life if I could!”
“Yes. Why are you asking that question? Of course!”