Elementary School

Steps to Success offers a wide variety of out-of-school time programs for our elementary school students (3rd–5th grade), with opportunities taking place both during the school year and during vacation weeks and the summer.

Our programs are designed to nurture the whole student, not only supporting them academically but also expanding their horizons through exposure to nature, the arts, STEM, and diverse summer opportunities.

Extended Learning Program

After Hours University (AHU)

Our Extended Learning Program (ELP) for 3rd–5th grade students, After Hours University (AHU), presents invaluable opportunities for students to grow beyond regular school hours.

Serving students at the Lincoln, Ridley, Pierce, and Lawrence Schools, AHU extends the learning journey, empowering students to learn new skills in a supportive environment outside of the classroom. AHU provides students with homework assistance and diverse enrichment activities, ranging from scientific exploration to creative and artistic pursuits. Past enrichment partners have included BU Lego Robotics, BU Bioinformatics, and Brookline Interactive Group.

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AHU’s curriculum is also focused on supporting our students’ social-emotional growth. Group Leaders at our program sites lead activities designed to help students build relationships with peers, strengthen interpersonal communication skills, and problem-solve collaboratively.

Outdoor Explorations

Our Outdoor Explorations program allows students to venture beyond Brookline and immerse themselves in diverse outdoor experiences.

Through our partnerships with local organizations, STS offers students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that foster teamwork, leadership, and the confidence to see themselves as part of a larger world.

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Outdoor Explorations programs for 3rd–5th grade students include events like roller skating and trips to the Harbor Islands. Parents, caregivers, and siblings are often invited to participate in trips, enabling community-building and greater connections between families and our program team. Outdoor Explorations programs take place year-round, with most opportunities occurring during school vacation weeks and summer break.

Camps

Steps collaborates with local summer camps to offer enriching and affordable summer opportunities for our elementary school students.

Through our partnerships many students participate in local day camps, engaging in activities and connecting with peers and adults. Additionally, we partner with overnight camps to provide students with extended experiences, ranging from four to seven weeks, where they learn essential skills, form lasting friendships, and develop openness to new opportunities.

These engagements significantly enrich our students' summers, fostering valuable social-emotional growth and providing learning opportunities that support them far beyond the summer months.

Camp opportunities take place exclusively over the summer. However, parents and families can reach out to their Steps Advisor anytime, even as early as November, if they are interested in discussing summer opportunities for their students.

Interested in learning more about our elementary school programs or partnering with Steps in delivering high-quality programming to our students?

Don't hesitate to reach out!