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General Information

What are the dates of the Museum's summer courses?

• The Museum's summer session starts with a short session the week of June 30 and continues through August 15. With the exception of the first week, courses run Monday through Friday. This summer the Museum will offer more than 80 courses for your student to choose from.

Are all the courses listed in the catalog/on the Web?

• Check the Web for the most accurate, up to date information on course availability. Occasionally we find we can offer a class which we were not able to confirm in time for print publication.

How do I know which courses are right for my student?

• There are grade/age guidelines set for each course. The Museum has designed the courses around academic ability, social development, and dexterity.
• Grades listed for summer programs are the grade the child will enter next fall.

Can my child miss a day or two during the course?

• We recommend against this. Curriculum is planned for the full five-day range. If your summer plans do not permit your child to participate in the full length of the program, he/she is unlikely to have the positive learning experience that he/she expects.

I would like to see how my child is doing in their course. Is that possible?

• You are always welcome to accompany your child to their classroom and stay for 5 - 10 minutes to make sure they have settled in.
• Most but not all summer courses include a specific "Meet the Teacher" day or time at the end for the week for students to showcase their work.

I have a question that is not listed; who can I contact?

• Please contact the courses department: 617-589-0300, courses@mos.org.

Cost and Registration

How much do the courses cost?

• If you register before April 1, the weeklong summer classes cost $245 - 275 per week. A full day costs $490 - 500.

What is included in the cost of each course?

• Each course fee includes most course materials (unless otherwise noted), and instruction. A light snack is also included. The cost also includes a $20 processing fee.

I am a member of the Museum; do I receive a discount on a Course?

• Members receive a discount on Courses. Please see the registration page for more details.

Does the Museum offer scholarships?

• Yes, the Museum does offer a limited amount of need-based scholarships. Please see the scholarships page and download our form.

How do I enroll in a course?

• Visit our course catalogue and online registration. You can also call our offices at 617-589-0300 and we can help you with enrollment over the phone.

How will I know if I have successfully enrolled in a course?

• The Museum will send you an email confirmation about your course. Please call our office if you do not receive a confirmation.

Is it possible to sign up for a course and pay later?

• Unfortunately, no. We can currently only process credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). However, you are welcome to send a check and we will enroll you in the course when we receive it if there is space available.

Something has come up and I need to cancel my course enrolment. Will I receive a refund?

• If you contact Museum about the cancellation before June 15, you will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee. After that date, we are unable to give full refunds. Please contact our office for more information.

What happens if my class is cancelled?

• Occasionally the Museum has to cancel a course. If that happens, we will arrange an alternative course.
• When the Museum reschedules a course, you will be contacted about the change, and if you are unable to be accommodated by the change, you will receive a full refund.

Safety and Special Needs

My child has special needs, is he/she still able to participate in a course at the Museum?

• Absolutely. The Courses program welcomes special needs students. Please make a note on your child's application and contact the Courses department before the start date so that we can ensure the best possible experience for your child.

How do I know my child is safe during the courses?

• Your child's safety is the number one priority at the Museum. Courses staff as well as instructors are present at drop-off and pick-up and during classes. Staff are also present at lunchtime for those who are enrolled in morning and afternoon sessions. Your child will never be left unattended at any time.
• There is a 1:8 staff to student ratio, so students are well supervised at all times.

Drop-off, Pick-up, and Lunch

Is lunch provided for those students in full-day programs?

• For students who are signed up for full day programs during our summer courses, there is a pre-purchase lunch option. Students are not allowed to leave the program area to purchase food in the café. Of course, lunch may also be brought from home.

Will my child be supervised during lunch? What will he/she do during lunch? Where do they eat lunch?

• Courses staff supervise full-day students during the one-hour lunchtime held in the pavilion area behind the Museum, Your child will never be left unattended at any time. After eating, students may join in board games, simple crafts, impromptu Frisbee, or other non-competitive sports activities.

Is it possible to drop my student off before the start of a course? Is it possible to pick my student up later than the course-ending time?

• The Museum has an early day program for full day courses in the summer. Early day runs from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Please contact the Courses department for more information.