Summer Session I

Summer Session I introduces fifth, sixth, and eighth-grade Scholars to the rigors and standards of Steppingstone work. Classes meet five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for six weeks. In addition to the academic subjects, Scholars take mandatory classes on study skills and participate in a social-emotional curriculum. Scholars also attend assemblies, participate in elective activities, and go on an end of summer trip to an amusement park.

Small classes, averaging 11 students per class, are taught by experienced teachers from some of Boston’s top independent and public exam schools. Like the Scholars, members of the Steppingstone faculty come from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, older Steppingstone Scholars are hired as teaching assistants to help with classroom activities, study halls, and electives. These high school age Scholars are wonderful role models for the Scholars in the 14-month academic component.

School Year Session

The School Year Session runs from September through May for fifth, sixth, and eighth graders, with the primary focus being math, English, and preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and SSAT for Academy Nine Scholars. The ISEE score is a significant factor for both independent and public exam school admission. The Steppingstone Academy has created a curriculum in conjunction with Summit and Kaplan to help Scholars prepare for the SSAT and ISEE.

The fifth graders preparing for placement at an independent school in the sixth grade meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the academic year. Scholars preparing for placement at an independent or public exam school in the seventh or ninth grades have classes two afternoons during the week as well as on Saturday between September and November. After the ISEE in November, sixth graders drop one of the two afternoon class sessions.

Summer Session II

Summer Session II builds on the skills introduced during the first summer and academic year. In addition to the subjects taught the previous summer, the Scholars study Latin. The session culminates with "Commencement," a graduation ceremony where they receive their diplomas. The speakers at Commencement include two Scholars from the current class, and an alumna or alumnus of The Academy.