Summer Session I

Summer Session I introduces fifth, sixth, and seventh-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 classes on study skills, leadership and collaboration through physical play, 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 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 academic preparation and placement component.

School Year Session I

The School Year Session runs from September through May for fifth, sixth, and seventh graders.  For fifth and sixth graders, the primary focus is math, English, and preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). 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 ISEE.  Seventh graders also focus on math and English, with an emphasis on algebra and writing.  Seventh graders also go on a college tour and stay overnight at an independent school. Classes meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the academic year.

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.

Academy Nine Scholars also use this second summer to focus on preparation for the placement process.  

For Academy Six and Academy Seven, the session culminates with "Commencement," a graduation ceremony where they receive their diplomas. The speakers at Commencement include Scholars from the current class, and an alumna or alumnus of The Academy.

Scholars then join the Support Services department of The Steppingstone Academy, where they will continue to access academic support and college guidance all the way through middle school, high school, and college.

School Year Session II

Academy Nine Scholars return after Summer Session II for an additional academic year of classes. These classes focus on preparation for the ISEE and the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the process of applying to independent schools.  In addition, Scholars continue work on algebra and honing their reading and writing skills in preparation for a rigorous high school.

Classes meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the academic year.

Summer Session III

During their final summer session, Academy Nine Scholars demonstrate the leadership skills they have cultivated over the past two years and complete a curriculum designed to support their success at competitive high schools.

The third summer culminates with "Commencement," a graduation ceremony where Scholars receive their diplomas. The speakers at Commencement include Scholars from the current class, and an alumna or alumnus of The Academy.

Scholars then join the Support Services department of The Steppingstone Academy, where they will continue to access academic support and college guidance all the way through high school and college.