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Summer Explorations 2026
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About Summer Explorations 2026

Summer Explorations 2026 Dates:

Week 1: July 6 - July 10

Week 2: July 13 - July 17

Week 3: July 20 - July 24

Week 4: July 27 - July 31

✨✨ VIEW THE SUMMER EXPLORATIONS CATALOG HERE!✨✨

  Summer Explorations is open to both Needham and Out-of-District students entering grades 1-9.  

  Registration is OPEN!  Classes fill quickly.  

WAITLIST:

If your preferred class is already full we encourage you to put your student's name on the waitlist -AND- consider registering for another class, as many classes are likely to fill up soon. If your student is able to be moved off the waitlist at any point in time we will be in touch, and make all the necessary adjustments.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Contact ncesummer@needham.k12.ma.us with any questions

The Needham Community Education (NCE) Summer Explorations program offers weeklong enrichment classes in July for students entering grades 1-9. Summer Explorations is open to both Needham and Out-Of-District students. NCE offers engaging and educational opportunities in visual arts, robotics, active play, science exploration, cooking, creative writing, technology, and more, sparking curiosity and creativity in every student. Taught by highly qualified Needham Public Schools teachers, staff, and local professionals, our relaxed and fun environment lets students explore new interests, develop new skills, and collaborate with peers!

In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!

QUESTIONS?

NCE Summer Explorations Office: 781-455-0400 x5 -or- NCEsummer@needham.k12.ma.us

Scholarships: Manager of Registration and Special Projects, Rita_Jarvis@needham.k12.ma.us

Summer Programs + Elementary After School Programs Director, Anna_Cohen@needham.k12.ma.us

Middle School After School Programs Director, Sari_Musmon@needham.k12.ma.us


Follow NCE:

Week 1: July 6 -10
Week 2: July 13-17
Week 3: July 20-24
Week 4: July 27-31

Featured Courses

Popular

Epic Summer Challenges (Week 3, Grades 7-9)
Week 3: July 20-24

If you are obsessed with the high-stakes thrills of Wipeout, Survivor, American Ninja Warrior, and Minute to Win It, this will be your arena. This week will be all about speed, stamina, and split-second decision-making. Students will face grueling outdoor obstacle courses, rapid-fire trivia showdowns, and head-to-head relay races designed to push every limit. Whether you will be fighting for individual glory or working with your squad to take the top spot, you should prepare for a week of high-octane rivalry and "game-on" intensity. Note: Weather permitting this class will take place outdoors for most or all of each day. Please prepare accordingly. Instructor: Glen Hopkins, Wellness Teacher, Needham High School ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!
Summer Explorations 2026
Popular

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Creations (Week 4, Grades 1-3)
Week 4: July 27-31

What happens when we think of discarded materials as art tools worthy of our attention? In this class, we will put down our pencils and paintbrushes and pick up newspapers, plastic bottles, cardboard tubes and more as we mess about in open-ended exploration. How many different ways can we use a single material? How big can we go? Can we invent something new or useful? Student artists will flex their skills in improvisation, problem-solving, and collaboration as we sculpt, print, play, and push the limits of recycled media. Instructor: Nini Catalasan, Instructional Assistant, Sunita Williams Elementary ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!
Summer Explorations 2026
Popular

Act Out: Improv, Sketch & Theatre Games (Week 4, Grades 3-5)
Week 4: July 27-31

Students will take the stage to explore the dynamic world of theatre through high-energy games and creative play. This class will focus on building confidence and self-expression through engaging improvisation challenges and character-building activities. Participants will dive into the basics of theatrical movement and vocal expression, learning to think on their feet while collaborating with others to turn every session into a unique performance. The group will celebrate everyone's unique personalities as they explore storytelling and comedic timing in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Students will be guided through a variety of theatre games designed to spark imagination and boost stage presence without the pressure of a traditional script. Throughout the week, students will develop their creative instincts, sharpen their active listening, and find new ways to express themselves through spontaneous ensemble play. Instructor: Charlie Volpe, Instructional Assistant, Newman Elementary ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!
Summer Explorations 2026
Popular

Water Engineering (Week 4, Grades 3-5)
Week 4: July 27-31

Ever wonder how giant boats stay afloat or how a wall of dirt can hold back a whole lake? Become a Water Engineer and find out! Students will build models of cargo boats that carry heavy loads, design strong dams to stop a rushing flood in its tracks and experiment with the the many powers of water. We'll focus on the engineering design process: define, imagine, plan, create, and test. We will get to think like inventors as you build, splash, and improve our designs. Grab your blueprints and get ready to get a little wet! Note: Students are encouraged to bring a change of clothes as we will get wet in this class. Instructor: Elaine McKenna, Kindergarten Teacher, Sunita Williams Elementary ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!
Summer Explorations 2026
Popular

Intro to Dog Care and Training (Week 3, Grades 6-9, Half Day Afternoons)
Week 3: July 20-24

Join professional dog trainers from Canine Defined for an introduction to the world of dog care and training! This class covers a range of topics, from basic care and grooming techniques to the history of dog training, canine careers and effective training methods. Students will gain hands-on experience teaching dogs basic obedience cues and fun tricks and explore career options like dog training and other dog related professions. Allergy Alert: Students will be near or working alongside certified dogs for portions of this program. Those who have dander allergies or fear of animals should not participate. Instructor: Canine Defined, www.caninedefined.com
Summer Explorations 2026
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