Registration for Summer 2026 opens to the public on Feb. 2.
We know summer planning comes with lots of questions. Below are clear answers to the most common questions families ask about Auburn Day School’s Summer Program.
What ages does the Summer Program serve?
Our Weekly STEM Camps serve ages 4–9 yrs, with rising 5th graders welcome in select 🧠Leaders Lab🧠 groups. These camps are week-to-week and you may choose 1-10 weeks.
Our 10 Week Mini Program serves ages 18 mo.–4 yrs, operates separately from the camp-age program and requires a full 10 week commitment May 26-July 31. The 10 Week Mini Program is offered through a full day classes or half day classes.
How do I know which camp is best for my child’s age?
Each camp is intentionally designed with age-appropriate expectations, materials, and challenges.
Camps marked with a 🧠 icon are intentionally designed for Leaders Lab students: elementary learners, including rising 5th graders. 🧠Leaders Lab Classes🧠 feature advanced problem-solving, collaboration, and design-based learning. If you are unsure which group is the best fit, we are always happy to help guide placement.
My child is 4. Will s/he be in the 10 Week Mini Program or Weekly STEM Camps?
Placement for 4-year-olds is based on:
What’s the difference between the 10 Week Mini Program and Weekly STEM Camps?
10 Week Mini Program (18 months–4 years):
Weekly STEM Camps (4–9 years):
Why is the 10 Week Mini Program a 10-week commitment but Weekly STEM Camps are week-to-week?
The 10 Week Mini Program is built around consistency, relationships, and predictable routines, which are essential for younger children.
A full-summer commitment allows us to:
Do you already know who my child’s teacher will be?
Not yet. Teacher assignments are finalized after enrollment is complete, once we can see the full group of students and balance classes by age and numbers.
Why is there a half day option for the 10 Week Mini Program, but no half day option for Weekly STEM Camps?
Some younger children benefit from shorter days, which is why half-day 10 Week Mini Program options are available for 18 mo- age 4.
Older children thrive with:
Why did ADS choose a full-day model for Weekly STEM Camps?
Our full-day model:
What about lunch?
Full day students will bring a packed lunch from home each day. We encourage families to send a balanced and nutritious lunch for their child. Do not pack nuts of any kind. Please only pack items your child can open independently.
What are triad rotations, and why do you use them?
Weekly STEM Camp students will rotate through six core experiences tied to the camp topic each day (i.e. STEM Projects, Creative Arts, and Games & Team Building).
This model:
⏳ EARLY DROP-OFF & AFTERCARE
How does early drop-off work?
Early drop-off is available 7:30–8:00 a.m. and billed weekly:
How does aftercare work?
Aftercare is available 3:00–5:00 p.m. for $75/week for 5 day camps and $65/week for 4 day camps and is billed weekly. Families may add aftercare only for the weeks they need it.
📅 ENROLLMENT FLEXIBILITY
Can I pick and choose my weeks for Weekly STEM Camps?
Yes! Families of children ages 4–9 may enroll in 1–10 weeks, depending on availability.
Can I add aftercare only for certain weeks?
Yes.
Can I switch weeks after enrolling?
Because enrollment is limited, materials are ordered and staffing is carefully planned, week changes are not guaranteed. We do our best to accommodate requests when space allows.
💳 PAYMENTS & POLICIES
Why is a 50% payment required to hold my child’s spot?
Summer enrollment requires advance planning for staffing, materials, and group placement.
A 50% deposit:
👨👩👧👦 SIBLINGS & PLACEMENT
I have children who are 4 and 7. Can they be placed in the same classroom?
No. Children are grouped by developmental stage and curriculum needs, not by relationships. This ensures appropriate expectations and meaningful peer interactions for all children.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Please reach out to Lillie Brooks at [email protected] or call us at (334) 209-0460.
✨ Our goal is to create a summer experience that is joyful, intentional, and supportive for every child—and easy to navigate for families. We can't wait to spend an incredible summer with your family!
We know summer planning comes with lots of questions. Below are clear answers to the most common questions families ask about Auburn Day School’s Summer Program.
What ages does the Summer Program serve?
Our Weekly STEM Camps serve ages 4–9 yrs, with rising 5th graders welcome in select 🧠Leaders Lab🧠 groups. These camps are week-to-week and you may choose 1-10 weeks.
Our 10 Week Mini Program serves ages 18 mo.–4 yrs, operates separately from the camp-age program and requires a full 10 week commitment May 26-July 31. The 10 Week Mini Program is offered through a full day classes or half day classes.
How do I know which camp is best for my child’s age?
Each camp is intentionally designed with age-appropriate expectations, materials, and challenges.
Camps marked with a 🧠 icon are intentionally designed for Leaders Lab students: elementary learners, including rising 5th graders. 🧠Leaders Lab Classes🧠 feature advanced problem-solving, collaboration, and design-based learning. If you are unsure which group is the best fit, we are always happy to help guide placement.
My child is 4. Will s/he be in the 10 Week Mini Program or Weekly STEM Camps?
Placement for 4-year-olds is based on:
- Readiness for a full-day schedule (rest time is a part of the 10 Week Mini Program)
- Ability to transition between activities
- Independence with routines
- The pacing and content of camp curriculum
What’s the difference between the 10 Week Mini Program and Weekly STEM Camps?
10 Week Mini Program (18 months–4 years):
- Smaller group sizes and lower ratios
- Slower pace and gentler transitions
- Consistent teachers and classrooms
- Built-in rest/nap time for full-day Minis
- Focus on sensory play, early exploration, and routines
Weekly STEM Camps (4–9 years):
- Full-day program (8:00–3:00)
- Weekly in-depth camp themes
- Hands-on STEM projects, creative arts, games, experiments and active learning
- Rotations with multiple teachers and activity types
Why is the 10 Week Mini Program a 10-week commitment but Weekly STEM Camps are week-to-week?
The 10 Week Mini Program is built around consistency, relationships, and predictable routines, which are essential for younger children.
A full-summer commitment allows us to:
- Ensure stable staffing and lower ratios
- Build secure relationships
- Support emotional regulation and confidence
- Create a calmer, more successful summer experience for children, parents and teachers
Do you already know who my child’s teacher will be?
Not yet. Teacher assignments are finalized after enrollment is complete, once we can see the full group of students and balance classes by age and numbers.
- 10-Week Mini Program
- Students will have a dedicated lead teacher and assistant teacher for the full summer.
- Lead teachers include: Mrs. Mary Cordell, Ms. Abbie Murphy, Mrs. Alison Crosby, and Ms. Katelyne Turner.
- Weekly STEM Camps & Leaders’ Lab (Ages 4–Rising 5th)
- Class groups are formed weekly based on enrollment.
- Each child will have a home base teacher and rotate to other teachers within our triad teaching model.
- Lead teachers include: Ms. Suz Renneker, Ms. Madelyn Stocks, Mrs. Sharon Zhang, Mrs. Lauren McAlpin, Ms. Ren Hunt, and Ms. Emily Daniel.
Why is there a half day option for the 10 Week Mini Program, but no half day option for Weekly STEM Camps?
Some younger children benefit from shorter days, which is why half-day 10 Week Mini Program options are available for 18 mo- age 4.
Older children thrive with:
- A full, cohesive day
- Deeper project work, team-building and learning
- Fewer transitions between programs
Why did ADS choose a full-day model for Weekly STEM Camps?
Our full-day model:
- Eliminates the need to stack multiple programs
- Creates a consistent daily rhythm
- Allows deeper engagement in projects
- Reduces transitions
- Better supports working families
What about lunch?
Full day students will bring a packed lunch from home each day. We encourage families to send a balanced and nutritious lunch for their child. Do not pack nuts of any kind. Please only pack items your child can open independently.
What are triad rotations, and why do you use them?
Weekly STEM Camp students will rotate through six core experiences tied to the camp topic each day (i.e. STEM Projects, Creative Arts, and Games & Team Building).
This model:
- Keeps days engaging without overwhelm
- Allows teachers to specialize and create more "WOW" moments with students
- Allows time for students to explore, be free and engage with their interest areas
- Balances movement, creativity, and focused learning
⏳ EARLY DROP-OFF & AFTERCARE
How does early drop-off work?
Early drop-off is available 7:30–8:00 a.m. and billed weekly:
- $20 for 4-day weeks
- $25 for 5-day weeks
How does aftercare work?
Aftercare is available 3:00–5:00 p.m. for $75/week for 5 day camps and $65/week for 4 day camps and is billed weekly. Families may add aftercare only for the weeks they need it.
📅 ENROLLMENT FLEXIBILITY
Can I pick and choose my weeks for Weekly STEM Camps?
Yes! Families of children ages 4–9 may enroll in 1–10 weeks, depending on availability.
Can I add aftercare only for certain weeks?
Yes.
Can I switch weeks after enrolling?
Because enrollment is limited, materials are ordered and staffing is carefully planned, week changes are not guaranteed. We do our best to accommodate requests when space allows.
💳 PAYMENTS & POLICIES
Why is a 50% payment required to hold my child’s spot?
Summer enrollment requires advance planning for staffing, materials, and group placement.
A 50% deposit:
- Secures your child’s space
- Allows appropriate staffing
- Protects program quality
👨👩👧👦 SIBLINGS & PLACEMENT
I have children who are 4 and 7. Can they be placed in the same classroom?
No. Children are grouped by developmental stage and curriculum needs, not by relationships. This ensures appropriate expectations and meaningful peer interactions for all children.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Please reach out to Lillie Brooks at [email protected] or call us at (334) 209-0460.
✨ Our goal is to create a summer experience that is joyful, intentional, and supportive for every child—and easy to navigate for families. We can't wait to spend an incredible summer with your family!