Registration opens March 15, 2026

Summer 2026 Sessions

July 6 - August 28

Full Day: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Half Day: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Welcome to Growing Circle’s Summer Program (ages 3–5), where learning comes to life outdoors. Each day invites children to explore nature, build independence, and create with their hands in a joyful Montessori environment.

From garden-to-table experiences and water play to open-ended art, movement, and nature-based projects, children will learn through hands-on discovery, meaningful work, and community.

We can’t wait to share this sunny season with your child.

Summer Enrollment:

Enrollment fee: $60 due upon Brightwheel sign-up for non-enrolled GCCH families

5 days/week - $450 per session / $425 for current families of GCCH

4 days/week - $375 per session / $350 for current families of GCCH

4 half-days - $325 per session

A non-refundable $75 per session capped at $300 per child will be processed upon acceptance to the sessions and applied towards your final payment.

  • 2-week minimum sign-up (any two)

  • Full payment due by June 20, 2026.

  • Payment Plans available for enrolled children.

Extended Day: 2pm - 3pm

  • $20 per day

  • $75 full week commitment

Space is limited, and priority enrollment is given to current families of Growing Circle Children’s House (GCCH). Applications are processed in the order they are received, and enrollment will remain open until sessions are full.

Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Families will receive an email confirming acceptance into the program once your child’s space has been approved.

Once accepted, a deposit invoice will be sent and due within 2 weeks.

Enrollment is confirmed once the deposit is received.

Thank you for considering Growing Circle for your summer care!

Growing Circle utilizes Brightwheel for simple on-boarding processes. E-mail using the button below.

Email

Your Questions, Answered

  • Our rhythm includes:

    • Morning outdoor work cycle
    • Gardening & practical life experiences
    • Themed art or science exploration
    • Snack & picnic-style lunch
    • Water play each afternoon
    • Movement time
    • Closing circle

    We maintain predictability while allowing flexibility for weather and child-led discoveries.

  • Our Summer Sessions are designed for children ages 3–5 years old.

    Children must be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom. Because our program operates primarily outdoors, we are not able to accommodate diapering or pull-ups during summer sessions.

    In Montessori, toileting independence is an important milestone that reflects readiness, body awareness, and growing self-confidence. Our outdoor rhythm and active days require children to manage their own bathroom needs with minimal assistance.

    If you are unsure whether your child is ready, we are always happy to talk through it with you.

  • • Water bottle
    • Snack & Lunch
    • Weather-appropriate clothing
    • Closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor movement (water ready are recommended)
    • Swimsuit, towel & water shoes
    • Change of clothes

    We recommend clothing that can get messy, summer learning is hands-on.

  • Sunscreen should be applied at home before arrival each day.

    We reapply sunscreen in the afternoon as needed. Families complete a permission form authorizing application and may choose one of the following options:

    • Provide their own sunscreen and/or bug repellent
    • Opt to use the school-provided products

    Our school products are geared towards sensitive skin and made with natural, organic ingredients.

  • Rest time typically takes place outdoors in a shaded area. Children rest on their own beach towel or mat, allowing for a peaceful pause within our natural environment.

    Children are invited to rest quietly for approximately 20 minutes. Those who do not fall asleep may transition to a nearby quiet activity area where they can engage in calm play.

    On particularly hot days, we move indoors from 1:00–2:00 PM to cool down and reset. During this time, children may enjoy books, soft music, or a child-friendly podcast while resting.

    Our approach honors individual needs while preserving a predictable and gentle midday rhythm.

  • Arrival begins at 9:00 AM.

    • Half-Day dismissal: 12:00 PM
    • Full-Day dismissal: 2:00 PM
    • Extended Day: 2:00–3:00 PM (pre-registration required)

    Children must be picked up promptly at their scheduled dismissal time.

    If a child remains after 2:00 PM without being enrolled in Extended Day:

    • A $10 late fee will be applied after 2:30 PM
    • The full $20 Extended Day fee will be applied for any pickup beyond 2:30 PM

    We appreciate your timeliness, as it supports a smooth and respectful close to each summer day.

  • Families enrolling in our 4-day Summer Session option may choose which four weekdays (Monday–Friday) best fit their schedule at the time of registration.

    Those selected days remain consistent for the duration of the enrolled week and may not rotate or change mid-session.

    Because our Summer Sessions are intentionally small and community-based, priority is given to 5-day enrollments when reviewing applications. Four-day placements are confirmed based on space availability within each week.

    We encourage early registration if you are hoping to secure specific days.

  • Safety is always our priority.
    In the case of severe storms or unsafe weather conditions, we may adjust the schedule or move indoors as needed. Families will be notified using Brightwheel alert system which sends a text to your mobile device.

    In the case of a child emergency, protocol will be followed and families will be notified promptly via phone.

  • Summer Session tuition reserves your child’s space for that specific week.

    Due to limited enrollment and staffing commitments, we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or make-up days for:

    • Absences
    • Illness
    • Family travel
    • Schedule changes
    • Weather-related closures beyond our control

    We understand that summer plans can shift, but staffing and materials are secured in advance based on enrollment. Tuition secures your child’s place in our community for that week whether they attend each day or not.

    We appreciate your understanding and commitment to the integrity of our small-group experience.

  • Growing Circle is a fully licensed program through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

    During Summer Sessions, our mixed-age group ratios are intentionally kept small, typically 7:1. We find this creates a seamless, engaging, and well-supported environment that allows children to explore freely while remaining closely guided.

    Our supervision model follows all OCFS safety standards. Teachers maintain active, consistent supervision throughout the day, whether children are playing in the sandbox, engaging in water play, or exploring our outdoor environment.

    Our playground and outdoor areas are fully fenced.
    • Gates remain closed at all times
    • Latches are secured and positioned out of children’s reach
    • Transitions are carefully monitored

    Safety and freedom coexist here. Children are given space to grow, within boundaries that are thoughtfully designed and consistently upheld.