It’s one thing to tell our kids that hard work and perseverance pays off, and it’s another when they experience it themselves. Aidan Sericolo, who just opened new martial arts studio Atlas Jiu-Jitsu in Waltham, has helped students of all ages become more fit, focused, and confident, and is now filling spaces in the studio’s Tiny Titans program for children aged 4-14. At Atlas, students learn discipline, self-defense, and gain confidence in their abilities. Oh, and they have a blast. It’s a great option for after school and for families looking to fill up summer days with enrichment opportunities. (From what we saw it will definitely be a highlight.) Atlas Jiu-Jitsu is right next door in Waltham, with such a great vibe and program that it’s worth crossing town lines. Kids are invited to take a free trial class!

The WPS Summer Leadership Institute for high school students is the city’s only program for incubating student innovations. During a three week summer session, selected students develop their own ideas for implementing change in their communities. Participants visit and explore community spaces where innovations are making a difference. Then, based on their interests, students develop their own ideas for impactful community projects, and work on the skills needed to implement their visions—from social media storytelling, to data visualization, social network development, and negotiation strategies. At the conclusion of the program, students are prepared to turn their ideas into reality. The fee for the 3 weeks is $1500 and there are scholarships available. The program runs from July 8-26, and is held in-person on its Newton campus. Apply soon—acceptances are made on a rolling basis.

KaiPod Learning, a “microschool,” is designed for students who attend online public schools like Massachusetts’ TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), are home-schooled, or for whom a traditional school setting simply doesn’t work. KaiPod offers a physical location for students in grades 3 - 12 where students pursue individual school curriculum while receiving academic support from on-site KaiPod Learning Coaches. Beyond academics, KaiPod provides enrichment activities and social opportunities, rounding out students’ learning experiences. With flexible 2, 3, and 5-day plans and an open-door policy to support each family's schedule, KaiPod empowers parents to customize their children’s education journey, allowing them to learn at their own pace and thrive.

For kids who want to try coding or expand their current skills, Penguin Coding School in Newton Centre is an A+ local resource with after-school classes and summer camps. Named “The Best Coding School for Kids” by Boston Parents Paper, Penguin’s coding approach focuses on learning by doing, with lots of game-playing, problem solving, and creative opportunities. With classes in Minecraft, Python, Scratch, Roblox, and Robotics, Penguin’s next semester begins Monday April 22nd, and registration is happening now. Penguin’s week-long summer day camps for kids aged 6-12 kick off July 1st, offering full days of coding and STEM activities like outdoor science experiments, 3D Printing, and Robotics. Not sure Penguin is right for your kiddo? They’re invited to try it out! During the week of April 8th-14th Penguin is offering FREE classes—just sign up soon; they fill up quickly!

The best way for children to learn about science and nature? Explore it! And that’s what brings families and kids (4-8 years old) to PUDDLESTOMPERS’ week-long summer day camps. Frog ponds, brooks, pollinator gardens, forests, and meadows are campers’ outdoor classrooms. Guided by PUDDLESTOMPERS’ teacher-naturalists, children learn about nature through hands-on exploration, STEM-based experiments, play, crafts, games, stories and songs. Every week is a different theme with new adventures keeping young campers exploring all summer long. Early drop off and extended day options available. Early registration is encouraged as Newton spots fill up quickly.

The Friends of the Newton Free Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the Newton Free Library’s programs, functions, resources, and services. From wine tastings, book sales, Red Sox games, the popular 18 hole Newton Free Library mini golf event and more, the Friends of the Newton Free Library regularly organizes and hosts community events that directly benefit the Library.

For local families evaluating preschool options, it can be hard differentiating one program from another beyond location and hours of operation. But the Suzuki Preschool of Newton stands apart because of its distinct and arts-focused educational philosophy, where children--aged 2 years 9 months to 5--acquire new skills through immersion. The Suzuki approach translates to a different preschool experience where exploration is encouraged and even the youngest learners take music, violin, and piano lessons and learn Mandarin, all while playing and investigating the world around them. The preschool not only prepares children for transition to kindergarten, but lays the groundwork for future intellectual, cultural, and athletic pursuits. Based in Waban, the Suzuki Preschool has options for both full and extended days, and welcomes family inquiries as it fills its last remaining spots for September. Set up a tour to secure your spot today!

This new kids' art studio in Auburndale has creative classes, school vacation camps, and nights out for kids aged 18 months-10 years! At Creation Station there are no run-of-the-mill arts and crafts projects—classes are designed to inspire imagination, spark curiosity, celebrate play, and promote arts exploration. Subscribe to Creation Station's email list for event news and to try a free class. Address: 409 Lexington St.

Newton Parks, Rec & Culture is expanding its uber-popular pickleball classes to kids! Registration is now open for kids aged 7-15. Classes are held on two dates: Thurs April 18 & 25 from 4-5 PM at the McGrath courts on Washington Street. Designed for those with no or limited experience, students will learn the fundamentals, rules, scoring and court strategies. Limited space available--sign up soon!