STEP INTO SUMMER FAQS

Dates of the STEM+ Explorers Program

July 6, 2026- July 31, 2025. Learners can sign up for all 4 weeks, or 1 week segments.

Dates of the Step into Summer Enrichment

August 3, 2026- August 14, 2026. Learners can sign up for one or both weeks. These classes will be added to the program in February and March 2026 and will be available for registration at that time.

What is the class to teacher ratio?

16:1

Are these programs for-credit?

No, these are enrichment courses. These are subjects that might not fit into the typical school year schedule. MKA faculty and staff aim to harness the joy and wonder of discovery and match it with practical STEM+ thinking and strategies. Think of it as threading the needle between “academic excellence” and joyful learning.

When does registration open?

January 2026

Do I have to sign up for consecutive weeks?

No. Each week is intentionally designed to be modular and introduce new units each week.

What are the weekly fees?

STEM + Explorers is $425 for a half day, and $850 for a full day.

Summer Academic Enrichment is $250 per one-week class.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We offer limited financial assistance to MKA families who are already approved for financial assistance, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you believe you qualify, please contact the Director of Summer Operations, before registering your child.

What is the refund policy?

Families have until February 28 to withdraw for a full tuition refund, less the non-refundable deposit ($125). Starting March 1, withdrawals will receive a 50% refund, less the non-refundable deposit. We cannot accommodate tuition refunds past March 31.

What does it mean if I am waitlisted?

If you are waitlisted, we will reach out to you if and when a spot opens up. You will not be charged for a class unless you are officially registered.

What makes our program different?

MKA fosters dynamic and engaging, student-centered learning. The MKA learner experiences school as a place of wonder, challenge, exploration, and creation. Through interdisciplinary inquiry, real-world application, and innovative teaching, we prepare students to think critically, lead ethically, and navigate the world with confidence and purpose. These experiences are integral to MKA’s outstanding academic and intellectual outcomes. Our summer program  provides age-appropriate, academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular challenges that make learning meaningful and forward-thinking.

Who are our teachers?

MKA Faculty and Staff, and teachers within our network.

How do you group learners?

For our STEM + Explorers Program, we will group rising 6th & 7th grade, and rising 8th & 9th grade students together in their core courses. For electives and Afternoon Design Challenges, these classes will be multi-age learning environments with all grade levels learning together.

For Summer Enrichment, the classes are mixed- grade levels, but will focus on younger or older grades depending on course content. Please read the class descriptions for specific grade eligibility requirements for all classes.

Is there an extended day?

We do not offer an extended day program. Learners should be picked up or dismissed from campus within 15 minutes of their last program.

What is the laptop policy?

MKA students are required to bring their school -issued laptop to their summer program. Non-MKA students will be issued a temporary laptop to be used during program time. Non-MKA students can not bring the laptop home, and must leave it on campus. There will be a $250 damage fee applied to your account should laptops not be returned in the manner they are received.

Are supplies an additional cost?

Supply costs are already factored into your tuition. However, a one-time technology fee of $250 may be applied to your Campbrain account for non-MKA learners if laptops are damaged or misused.

What should my child bring to campus?

Learners should bring their own lunch and water bottle.

What is the cell phone policy?

Cell Phone or personal mobile device use is prohibited during all class periods. We will ask that learners keep cellphones in lockers during the day. If a parent or caregiver needs to reach his or her child in an emergency, please contact the campus summer office to relay a message to the student.

Which location will my program take place?

STEM + Explorers takes place at Montclair Kimberly Academy Upper School Campus at 6 Lloyd Road from July 6- July 31, 2026.

Summer Enrichment takes place at Montclair Kimberly Academy Middle School at 201 Valley Road from August 3- August 14, 2026.

Is there a bus?

There is no bus service offered for our summer programs.

How is pick up and drop off done?

Learners can walk to or be dropped off at campus as early as 8:30 AM each day. For dismissal, you will need to indicate if your child has permission to self-dismiss during registration.

Will there be field trips?

STEM + Explorers: The week will begin with an afternoon field trip that introduces the week’s question and will end with a community celebration of all of the students' work.

Summer Enrichment: please read the description of your courses carefully to know whether a field trip is included as part of the program.

Does the school offer food for purchase?

No. Lunch is not provided for the summer programs, as we ask all learners to bring their own lunch.

Does the school offer snacks?

Yes, we will offer a variety of healthy snacks for learners to choose from during break times.

Nut-Free Policy

We are a nut-aware campus. We encourage learners to lean towards bringing lunches that are nut-free. However, if a lunch is brought to campus that contains nuts, we may ask them to sit separately from those with allergies during lunch time.

My camper has special medical/dietary needs.

Make sure to fill out all the appropriate forms during registration so that the MKA staff can support your child. Should there be any outstanding concerns, our team will reach out to you to address them prior to the program starting.

Is there a nurse on campus?

There will be several staff  trained in Child & Adult CPR and First Aid on campus to support your child’s needs.