What is the Summer Explorations Program?

The Summer Explorations Program is a 6-week summer program offered through Watertown Community Education. Enrollment for this program is offered on a week-by-week basis.  The full-day schedule runs from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Friday with an early drop off option available at an additional cost beginning at 7:15 am.  Children confirmed to enter PreK - Grade 5 in September 2020 are eligible to participate in this program (please note that "entering PreK" is defined as students with confirmed enrollment in the Watertown Public Schools district-run PreKindergarten program beginning in September 2020).  

The Summer Explorations Program includes fun, theme-based learning with a blend of structured and unstructured activities.  In the morning hours (8:30-12:00 pm) we have a certified teacher that works with our groups developing and implementing a light, fun-based educational component.  After 12:00 pm, our programs are led by our excellent Extended Day staff (they support the certified teacher in the morning as well).  We continue to offer a well-rounded, fun and play-based program all day with different elements included such as arts and crafts, music and dancing, science and critical thinking elements, sensory play, water play on the playground, and lots of time outdoors.  We also include as part of the program, several enrichment programs and local field trips at no additional cost to parents.  Past in-house enrichments have included daily drama/music, gym, and art classes.  Each week we also bring in one outside enrichment.  In the past, the enrichments have included MadScience programs, a technology program called Imaginarea, a frisbee show and lessons, yo-yo show and lessons, magic shows and more!  Past field trips have included Launch, Franklin Park Zoo, Hatch Makerspace, Golf on the Village Green, Filipello Park, Ecotarium, etc.   We will have similar types of offerings this year.

Program pricing for the 2020 Summer Explorations Program is still being reviewed and finalized.  The cost of this program last year was $300.00 per week for regular 8:30 am - 5:30 pm enrollment and $345.00 per week for the early drop off option 7:15 am - 5:30 pm.  Please note, these rates are subject to a potential increase each year.  Reduced rates for elementary students joining after qualifying Watertown Public Schools Extended School Year (ESY), Early Steps, ESL and Literacy Program services are also available.  

The 2020 Summer Explorations Program will run from July 6, 2020, through August 14, 2020, and will be held at the Lowell Elementary School.  

Registration for the 2020 Summer Explorations Program will open in late-March/early April - STAY TUNED!  We will post the registration form here on our website and on our Community Education Facebook page.  We will also send home printed registration forms with all elementary school students in late March/early April.  In the meantime, if you have questions please call or email Debi Cornelius at 617-923-7653 or [email protected] 

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