Dream, design, and discover with Advent this summer.

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Dream, design, and discover with Advent this summer. *

Summer 2026 registration is open!

Make this summer unforgettable with Design at Advent, The Advent School’s dynamic series of STEM programs for children ages 5–12. Each two-week session invites young learners to dive into hands-on engineering and design thinking while discovering the excitement of STEM in the world around them. Across three immersive themes—Animal Advocates, Color & Illusion, and Make It Miniature—kids build, experiment, and create as they develop problem-solving skills and confidence.

A hallmark of Design at Advent is its engaging field trips throughout Boston. Kids will venture beyond the classroom to explore museums, science centers, local parks, and innovative community spaces, connecting what they learn to real environments and real challenges. These excursions give kids the chance to meet scientists, designers, artists, and other experts who share their work and inspire students with firsthand insights into STEM careers.

Situated just steps from the Charles MGH station, Design at Advent blends urban exploration with meaningful, age-appropriate learning. Whether they are engineering miniature worlds, investigating the science of color, or designing solutions to support animals and their habitats, kids experience the joy of discovery in a supportive, creative community. Each day brings new opportunities to imagine, experiment, and innovate—making summer both enriching and adventurous.

Design at Advent Summer Programs

Animal Advocates

June 15 to June 26, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$1250 per child

Designers in this session will see the world through the eyes of animals. Through observation and research, they will explore different animal habitats and learn how they coexist with humans.
Students will problem solve and redesign systems that better support the safety and livelihood of our animal friends. They will redesign city infrastructure, zoos, animal shelters, and human homes to align with the needs of the animals living there.
Designers will be a voice for animals and educate the public on what they can do to protect them. Ultimately, students will understand that the first step to designing any solution is empathy.
Color and Illusion

July 6 to July 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$1350 per child

Designers will explore the unique ways color engages our senses and changes our perception in this hands-on experience.
By using color intentionally, students will design and engineer creations across a variety of mediums to transform objects and spaces. They will experiment with light, angles, and perspective to shape how a viewer interprets what they see.
Designers will investigate how optical illusions work, build simple structures and tools that play with shadow and reflection, and test how color mixing and contrast can trick the eye. Students will use the design process to imagine, plan, and create projects that highlight the playful and powerful effects of color and illusion.
Make it Miniature

July 20 to July 31
$1350 per child, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kids explore scale, creativity, and problem-solving as they design and engineer smaller versions of big ideas!
In a fun twist on a previous summer theme, Make it Massive, designers will scale down to build miniature creations that fit in the palm of their hands. They will explore how shrinking something influences its stability, usability, and alignment with its related pieces.
From miniature people to miniature playgrounds to miniature cities, students will transform the world around us and see it from a new angle. Throughout the session, they will uncover how thinking small can lead to big creativity.
Partnership Programs: Arts, Exploration & Design

One or two-week sessions offered June 15-26, July 6-17, and July 20-31
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$900 per child for one week; $1650 per child for two weeks*

Families with 3rd - 6th grade aged students will have the option to join a one-week hiking program, or combine a week of nature exploration with a week of Advent’s design program! This is in partnerhip with Guineafowl Adventure Company, led by expert educator and local guide David Fatula and artist Kyle Browne.
Designers will travel to different habitats across northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, exploring the natural world and creating art focused on their surroundings. This field experience is perfect for the aspiring or practiced artist to observe, paint, and draw in the natural world with a professional artist and certified guide.
*Because there is no programming on June 19th, the costs for the June 15-26 one- and two-weeks sessions are $800 and $1550 respectively.

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Our Philosophy

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Advent’s Summer Program is grounded in the School’s mission. We believe:

All children are creative problem solvers.
In the importance of collaboration.
Boston is an extension of the classroom, which helps children identify the needs of their communities and find inspiration.

Designers begin each session by sorting through recycled materials, learning proper tool use, and engaging in the design process. Each day, the designers and faculty set out to explore the city, play games, and gather inspiration. On the last Friday of each session, the designers share their creations and prototypes with friends and family with a Design Expo.

The Program sees Boston as an extension of the classroom. We take advantage of our city location by making frequent trips to the Esplanade Playground, Boston Common, Public Garden, and other outdoor spaces.

In order to get the most out of the program, Design at Advent strongly recommends that your child attend all days and hours of the program. The curriculum is planned to unfold over the full two weeks, with content that builds and develops over the course of the session. If your child is unable to participate in all the days, they may not have the complete learning experience expected.

Families will receive a link to access a private blog when the program begins. On the blog we post images and entries related to the day’s activities.

View Our Policies & Procedures