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Welcome to Schools in the United States
Welcome to Schools in the United States
An overview of navigating your child's school in the US: English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Online Kindergarten registration for each fall typically opens mid-January, with applications due by the end of March to be included in the school choice lottery. Parents get notified of the school of their Kindergartener via email around end of April.
There is a general information session via zoom just before mid January. Every school holds 1 information session about what is special about that school, between end of January and mid March.
All information including process info, recording of the general information session, all dates, sign-up link to be included in email updates so you get alerted of upcoming dates, and links to register can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact the Elementary Registrar, Candace Doncaster, at registrar@abschools.org or 978 264-4700 x 3310.
After-School List
After-School List
Beyond the Bell at Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley
212 Great Rd., Maynard . You must bring your kid(s) to Maynard, no bus.
www.bgcav.org 978-461-2871
Kindergarten till 12th grade. Open 2:30-6:00 (so a slight gap with AB Schools schedule for Wednesdays).
$80/year membership allows students to come for FREE every day. (Interest-free loan program available to pay for services.)
Acton-Boxborough Community Ed Extended Day Program
https://abce.abschools.org/extended_day 978-266-2525 x3
In each elementary school and 15 Charter Rd. Admin Bldg
Kindergarten till 6th grade. 7-8:50am, 3:20-6pm (Wednesdays 12:50-6pm). Fixed schedule only. Drop in available for some no school days and school vacations
Pre-registration starts April/May. Waitlist available, first come first served - no exceptions.
Limited financial help available (vouchers no longer accepted)
Students may take the bus to a licensed childcare provider for after-school care. (Parents must submit a Permanent Bus Pass.) These programs qualify:
Fun Learning Place After School Care
12 Concord Rd, Acton - school bus brings kids
https://funlearningplace.org/ 978-837-8840
Kindergarten till 8th grade. After school till 6:15pm
Bilingual staff: Chinese
Peter Pippos Karate Center
3 Post Office Square , school bus or Peter Pippos bus brings kids
https://www.peterpipposkarate.com 978-631-0750
Kindergarten till 8th grade. After school till 6:00 pm.
Find more info on childcare (incl after school) assistance from the tab "Cost Saving Programs" on this website.
Summer Camp & Activities for Kids
Summer Camp & Activities for Kids
Local nonprofit summer camp options.
AB Community Education Summer Day Program - spots still available as of May 15
At RJ Grey Junior High, Acton (+ other locations around main school campus)
Students Entering Grades 1-6
Runs each week June 30 - August 8, 2025
8:45am-3:45pm with extended hours (from 7:30am, until 6:00pm) available for a fee
$329 per week, plus a one-time $50 registration fee (first week $265)
Scholarships only through the Doli Atamian Campership program. If you apply early (before March?) AB Comm Ed might have special scholarships available.
Daily activities include camp meetings, Music & Drama, Cooperative Games, Arts & Crafts and a variety of special programs and offerings throughout the summer. Children will swim daily in the A-B High School pool.
At Acton's Public Safety Building & NARA Park
Ages 12-15
One week only: July 14 - July 18
9:00AM - 2:00PM
FREE. Sign-up will open soon on actonrec.com. This camp often fills up. Keep an eye on Acton Police's Facebook site
A program for students interested in learning how officers perform their duties. Topics include: crime scene investigation, traffic safety, police vehicles, K-9 unit, and more!
Acton Recreation: Camp Hill Top - except for a few weeks spots are still available as of May 15
At Acton Recreation Center, 50 Audubon Drive in South Acton
Entering Pre-K (ages 4+) - Grade 3 / LIT ("Leader in Training) for ages 12-13 (grade 7-8) , CIT ("Counselor In Training") option for ages 14-15 (grade 9-10)
Runs each week June 23 - August 22, 2025
Morning Session 9:00am--12:00pm and Afternoon Session 12:00--4:00pm. Separate Pre-Care (7:30-9 am) and Post-Care (4-5:30pm) options are available
$125/week (half-day session) for pre-K- grade 3. CIT camp free, LIT $150/week.
We create a warm atmosphere for children to grow physically and socially while having fun! A variety of age-appropriate activities is offered each week, including Arts & Crafts, Drama, Sports, Group Challenges, Nature, and more.
Scholarships only through the Doli Atamian Campership program
Acton Recreation: NARA Summer Camp - except for a few weeks spots are still available as of May 15
At NARA Park
Entering Pre-K (ages 4+) - Grade 6 / LIT ("Leader in Training) for ages 12-13 (grade 7-8) , CIT ("Counselor In Training") option for ages 14-15 (grade 9-10)
Runs each week June 23 - August 22, 2024
8:00AM -4:00PM (plus half day options for ages 4-5), with extended hours (7:30AM - 5:30PM) for a fee
$320/week ($175 for half day for 4-5 year olds), CIT free, LIT $150/week
Arts & crafts, drama, sports, group challenges, nature studies, swimming and more. Field trips each week.
Scholarships only through the Doli Atamian Campership program
Boxborough Recreation Flerra Summer Playground
Flerra Field, Boxborough
PK (age 4) - Grade 7. Volunteer opportunities as of grade 7
Each week in July (June 30 - Aug 1 2025)
8:30AM - 12:00PM -- Because camp is fully outside, camp will be cancelled on days with heavy rain or thunderstorms
$125/week. Free for volunteers
A half-day program where children gather at the Flerra Meadows field to play games on the field, play on the playground, and create arts and crafts under the tent.
Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley: Summer - registration is open since Feb 24 2025
Maynard (Maynard High School for entering K/grade 1; Boys & Girls Club, 212 Great Road, Maynard for grades 2-7)
Entering Kindergarten (age 5) till grade 7; CIT (Counselor in Training) grades 8-12
Each week June 23 - August 15
8:00AM - 4:00PM (late pickup till 5pm available for a fee) . Half day 8am-12pm available for grades 2-7
K-1st grade : $245/week + $80 annual club membership; grades 2-7 full day : $230/week + $80 annual club membership; grades 2-7 half day : $140 /week + $80 annual club membership
K-1st grade : Children explore a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and to establish new friendships. Grade 2-7 : This program is jam-packed with trips, swimming, arts & crafts, activities, games & more in a nurturing environment.
Scholarships available - form on the website - apply before May 1
Summer at Danny's Place - spots still available as of May 15
Danny's Place, 543 Mass Ave, Acton
Entering Grades 4 - 6; grades 7-8.
July 21-25, 2025 and/or August 18-22, 2025
9:00AM - 1:00PM or 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Half day : grade 4-6 $275/week, grade 7-8: $175/week. Full day : grade 4-6 $475/week, grade 7-8: $300/week.
This summer, unlock the door to adventure with Summer at Danny's Place! Designed for rising 4th through 6th graders, our program is filled with activities to keep participants happy and engaged.
Sliding scale and full scholarship options available - code is on the website (scroll down).
Youth Public Safety Academy of the Middlesex Sheriff's office - spots still available on the bus from Acton as of May 15
Middlesex Training Academy in Chelmsford, with transportation from/to the AB high school
8 to 12 year olds. (must be 8 years old by July 1)
July 21 - July 25, 8am-2:45pm.
(other weeks July 7-Aug 8 are available too if you can drop off (8:30am) /pickup (2:15pm) in Chelmsford)
$100 per week which includes breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks, transportation. Limited scholarships available - call 978-495-7410
Children are introduced to role models in public safety – namely sheriff's officers and local police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, as well as to teach them valuable life and safety lessons.
Kids' League - 10 Church St, Westford. Spots still available as of May 15
Ages 5-7 and ages 8-11
Customizable Scheduling: Weekly sessions with your choice of days, you only pay for the days you sign-up.
8:00AM - 6:00PM
$450 / week for 5 days ($120/week for 1 day, $210 for 2 days, $290 for 3 days, $375 for 4 days) + one time $35 registration fee per family . 10% discount for siblings
Weekly themes, daily clubs (Sports, Arts & Crafts, Designing and Building, and Cooking), nature exploration, field trips and beach trips
State Vouchers accepted. Fill in the contact form on the website to request.
You can check the programs of the recreation department of neighboring towns too - Littleton, Concord, Stow.
The Macaroni Kid website created a local summer camp guide (including for-profits) here.
If you need a scholarship, find more info the tab "Cost Saving Programs" on this website, or contact the director of any camp (ideally Dec - Feb) and ask if scholarships are available.
Acton Nara Beach Membership info is here. You can find information on beaches in our neighboring towns : Littleton Long Lake, Stow Pine Bluff, Concord Walden Pond.
First Connections' Quarterly Newsletter has info on local (free) events and activities for families with children (all ages). You can find it here (Scroll down, under "At a Glance")
Local non-profit organizations for families with children aged 5-12
Local non-profit organizations for families with children aged 5-12
First Connections' Quarterly Newsletter has info on local (free) events and activities for families with children (all ages). You can find it here (Scroll down, under "At a Glance")
The Macaroni Kid website lists local activities and events here.
Acton-Boxborough Family Network
Service, and cultural opportunities for families and their young children ages 0-8. Our members live in Acton, Boxborough, and many neighboring towns. If the membership fee is a hardship for any family, ABFN offers a reduced or waived fee. Direct them to contact membership@abfamily.org. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Inclusive and supportive programming for all youth ages 8-18. The programs fall into 3 core areas: Self-exploration and life skills, mental health and wellness, and community building and leadership. The cost is waived if the family cannot pay, no questions asked
after-school programs, vacation and summer programs, also reservation of school buildings and facilities. No sliding scale or grants, Doli Atamian grants are accepted.
after-school programs, vacation and summer programs, also reservation of Nara Park Beach, Camp Acton (where you can go camping) and other town sport facilities. No sliding scale or grants, Doli Atamian grants are accepted. Register here for programs
Boxborough Recreation Department organizes summer programs and some youth sports. Sliding scale might be possible. Doli Atamian grants are accepted.
Boys and Girls Club of Assabet Valley :
provides summer and winter programs, after-school programs, and birthday parties, all in Maynard. Sliding scale cost, payment plans offered.
provides a free "Virtual Club with MyFuture" – a mobile-friendly social platform with access to over 250 Boys & Girls Club program activities in areas such as STEM, leadership, and the arts.
AB STEAM (formerly AB PIP STEM)
AB Cub Scouts: for boys and girls ages 5-10 or grades K-5;
Girl Scouts for girls ages K - 12th grade - email JoinABGirlScouts@gmail.com
Scouts BSA for boys and girls ages 11-18 or grades 5-12
A hands-on museum for children and their caregivers that blends science, nature, and play. Fully accessible campus and giant treehouse, free events for families with disabilities, at-home STEAM activities (available online in 6 languages), free adult speaker events, grandparents blog and more! First Friday evenings are free for everybody. $1 admission fee for EBT/WIC cardholder and up to 5 additional guests. Discount library passes. Is on the Boxborough MART ($1) bus route (you can switch from the Acton CAT (free) to the Boxborough MART bus at the South Acton railstation).
Acorns to Oaks Horsemanship Center aims to provide a place that fosters positive physical and mental health for people and horses by providing equine-assisted learning and community events, horseback riding lessons and boarding.
All 3 libraries (Acton Memorial Library, Boxborough Sargent Memorial Library, West Acton Citizen's Library) are free and open to residents of any town. All 3 have many free programs for children, teens and adults. They also have a growing number of non-English books and audiobooks.
Doli Atamian Campership Program
grants for summer camps and beach passes
gives children (ages 5-22) with special needs a chance to play baseball
The Paul Center in Chelmsford - provides unique educational, social, and recreational programs to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Be SMART for Kids - prevent child gun deaths and injuries
See below for youth sports
Check the social media groups under "Events & Adult Activities"
A nonprofit convener, educator, resource, and friend—and the biggest fan of our community's shared strengths. SPARK Kindness hosts speakers, parenting groups, community activities, and support for free, whenever needed. Together we can make sure no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected—every day and especially in the most challenging times.
The Think Give Project's social and emotional learning program inspires students to be thinkers, upstanders, and changemakers
Wildflowerforkids - helping children who have lost a parent rediscover life
The Children's Room - grief support for children, teens and families
Local non-profit organizations for tweens and teenagers
Local non-profit organizations for tweens and teenagers
Inclusive and supportive programming for all youth ages 8-18. The programs fall into 3 core areas: Self-exploration and life skills, mental health and wellness, and community building and leadership. The cost is waived if the family cannot pay, no questions asked
AB STEAM (formerly AB PIP STEM)
MABLE SWE Next Club - Free Engineering programs for girls grades 5-7 from Maynard, Acton, Boxborough, Littleton.
All 3 libraries (Acton Memorial Library, Boxborough Sargent Memorial Library , West Acton Citizen's Library) are free and open to residents of any town. The Acton and Boxborough libraries offer multiple programs for tweens and teenagers. They also have a growing number of non-English books and audiobooks.
Acton Recreation Department (including Nara Park & Beach and Camp Acton where you can go camping). Register here for programs
AB Community Ed (after school, holiday and summer programs, also reservation of school buildings and facilities)
Doli Atamian Campership Program - grants for summer camps and beach passes
AB Cub Scouts: for boys and girls ages 5-10 or grades K-5 ;
Girl Scouts for girls ages K - 12th grade - email JoinABGirlScouts@gmail.com
Dance and Theater
Youth Dance Classes - Acton Women's Club Ballroom Dancing – a tradition for AB 5th graders and up – sign-up as of June 1 for fall
Open Door Theater - theater for adults, children, and people with disabilities
There are quite some private dance and theater businesses in Acton and Boxborough!
Driver's Education: can start as of 15 years and 9 months. Via AB Community Ed or private.
Acorns to Oaks Horsemanship Center aims to provide a place that fosters positive physical and mental health for people and horses by providing equine-assisted learning and community events, horseback riding lessons and boarding.
Children age 12 - 18 can ride alone with parent's permission on the free MinuteVan Dial-a-Ride and the CAT shuttle bus in Acton . Children age 10+ can ride alone on the $1 Boxborough MART bus.
The Miracle League of MA - gives children with disabilities a chance to play baseball, other kids can volunteer as a buddy as of age 12
Be SMART for Kids - prevent child gun deaths and injuries
See also below for referee opportunities in town youth sports for teens
Check the social media groups under "Community Connections"
Youth Sports
Youth Sports
These are websites for Acton-Boxborough youth town sports – all volunteer-driven, and parents are the coaches. Most have both town and travel teams. Town teams play local in our own or neighboring town, travel teams start only as of a specific age, often have tryouts to select players, and travel up to an hour away for games. Most practice 1 or 2 nights a week and have a game on Saturday or Sunday. Most only have a fall, winter or spring season, some have both fall and winter.
AB Boys Youth Lacrosse: Boys grades 1-8. spring season
AB Girls Youth Lacrosse : girls K-8. Register in Oct/Nov (/Dec/Jan) for spring season
AB Girls Youth Softball: girls K-age 18. Register in August (mid-September) for the fall season.
AB Youth Baseball: Kindergarten (Tee Ball), 1st grade – age 16. Register in August for the fall season, and register in October for the travel spring season.
AB Youth Hockey: ages 2-18.
Learn to skate: Register in September for fall season and December for winter season.
Hockey teams: Register in March for the season starting in September
AB Youth Soccer: age 4 (pre-K) - 18. Register in July/Aug (depending on age) for fall season, xx for the spring season.
Children age 12 and above can be a referee for town soccer games. Check with the town soccer coaches for info.
AB Winter Basketball: grades 3-12. Register as of early September for the winter season .
Children aged 14 and above can be a referee for town basketball games: in the CommEd catalog, click on register and search for "referee".
Miracle League: baseball for children with disabilities ages 5-22. Spring and fall season.
Pop Warner Football/Cheer: age 5-15. Register April-June for the fall season
Fitness: the AB Fitness Center Gym at the AB High School is open to AB Adults & students age 14+. More info here. There are also many private fitnesses in our community.
Most sports also have youth sport clubs, that are open to children from any town, coaches are often but not always professional coaches, cost is typically higher, there are typically tryouts to select players and/or assign players to the different levels per age category. Coaches and directors of the AB travel or school teams can typically provide information on which clubs are available in the area for their sport.
School Sports :
Elementary schools don't organize school sports outside school hours.
You can find the Jr High athletics information here, and the one for Highschool here. Every sport only runs for 1 trimester (fall, winter or spring). Some sports have tryouts, some don't. Some sports have a team for 7th grade, 8th grade, Freshmen (9th grade), JV (grades 9-12) and Varsity (grades 9-12, top team), while other sports only have some of these teams.
You need to register in the Family ID website 1-3 months before the start of the season. More information on how to sign-up for the Jr High here, and for the Highschool here. You can find some varsity games online on Acton TV.
Note that rowing, squash and ultimate frisbee are club sports (so different fees and no transportation by the school for practice/competitions) however they compete against teams from other schools.
Acton and Boxborough have also private businesses that offer sports for kids through their own website, or through AB Community Ed, Acton Recreation Department or Boxborough Recreation Department.
See more info on other recreation options under Trails, Nature & Sports
Help Paying for Youth Sports
Help Paying for Youth Sports
For town sports, contact the registrar, president, director or coach of the town sport organization to check if they can waive the fee or provide scholarships. You can find their email typically on the website under "Contact Us". Town basketball does not offer scholarships, you can arrange for a payment plan. For soccer you need to fill in this form.
Many clubs have financial aid available - check on their website or contact the club directly.
Fees for school sports are waived for eligible families by applying for free/reduced meals (this must be done to get other fees waived even though meals are free for all students)
The non-profit Every Kids Sports provides grants to help cover youth sports registration fees. Visit everykidsports.org.
Activities to do at home
Activities to do at home
Boys and Girls Club of Assabet Valley
Free virtual club - MyFuture - web platform with over 300 activities for kids to do at home in 14 program areas such as STEM, leadership, and the arts.
Discovery Museum list of at-home activities to do with kids
AB PIP STEM at home STEM Activities
Acton library children's storytimes and activities on YouTube Channel, and other online programs and resources
Boxborough Library craft instruction videos and other programs for children
Parental Hotline and Parenting Groups
Parental Hotline and Parenting Groups
Parental Stress Hotline- Call 1-800-632-8188 (available 24/7 in all languages)
Wayside Virtual Parent Groups: for parents and young adults ages 16-25
Free Parenting Groups: Parents of multiples, Ages 1-3, for Spanish Speakers, and more
4-Week Parenting Groups: for kids <7, for Exec. Functioning, Reducing Anxiety, and more
Parents Helping Parents Groups: various online support groups for parents
Car Seats
Car Seats
Children age 5 till about 9 to 12 should still have a car seat. A forward-facing car seat should be used till the age of 5-7 depending on the height and weight on the label of the car seat. A booster seat should be used until the seat belt fits them properly (when the lap belt is across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt is across the center of the shoulder and chest (not the neck/face or off the shoulder). This happens typically around the age of 9 to 12.
Find general information about carseats and child's passenger safety at this CDC website
Find the right car seat for your child based on age, height and weight at nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat
Follow these tips to install your carseat
Youth and Driving
Youth and Driving
Driving laws are different in every state. Below more info on teen driving in Massachusetts. Eligible residents, regardless of immigration status, can obtain a driver's license in Massachusetts (see info here).
with Driver's Education program (AB schools Driver's Ed program or a private program - more info here)
at 15 years, and 9 months teens can start a Driver's Ed program
at 16 years they can take the test on a computer at the RMV to obtain the Learner's Permit. When they have a Learner's Permit teens can drive with anybody who is at least 21 years old and some more requirements. They can take passengers.
After 6 months having the learner's permit (earliest at 16 and 6 months) (and some more requirements), teens will be eligible to do a road test to apply for a Class D Junior Operator License. With a Junior Operator License they can drive alone between 5am and 12pm. They are not allowed to take any passengers under the age of 18 (except siblings) if driving alone (see exact requirements here). Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol.
After 6 months having the Junior Operator License (earliest at 17) (and some more requirements), they can take passengers.
Without Driver's Education program - eg with parents or guardians teaching how to drive
You can only start at age 18 and need to use the Parent's Supervised Driving Program . The teen's driving time needs to be logged and parents or guardians are responsible for making sure their teen has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving. Check for all steps here
Youth and Working
Youth and Working
Find the guide for working teens in Massachusetts with all details here.
Children under 14 may not work, except in very limited cases (babysitting, on farms and a few other special cases)
14 and 15 year olds are allowed to work limited hours, limited types of jobs, max 6 days a week. They need a work permit (obtained from the school counselor). A doctor or the school nurse should fill out the Certificate of Health section.
16 and 17 year olds are allowed to work limited hours (more than 15 year olds) , limited types of jobs (more than 15 year olds). They need a work permit (obtained from the school counselor).
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