From the seeds of just 50 students in the fall of 2021, Conservatory Lab now boasts a full service Extended Learning Out-of-School Time (OST) program. As of the fall of 2024, there are four separate strands of programming:
Call (617) 254-8904 X216 for questions or for help after regular school hours.
- Childcare: Provided by the YMCA of Greater Boston, there are now 49 students enrolled at the lower school and 39 students at the Upper School.
- Sports: Conservatory Lab is a member of the statewide Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Association (MCSAO). Each year approximately 80 students participate in Soccer, Basketball, Track, and the Exhibition Volleyball leagues.
- Academic Accelerator Tutoring: High dosage tutoring for students reaching for grade level standards. Students participate in 8 week cycles of 24 hours of academic interventions for ELA and Math at both buildings.
- Make Move Jam Clubs: Arts and academic enrichment opportunities specifically designed to provide academic and arts enrichment. Programs are aligned to the National Art Education Association (NAEA) standards and the National Partnership for Creative Youth Development’s framework for Creative Youth Development (CYD).
With the sustained outreach of the last two school years, as of the fall of 2024, just over half of Conservatory Lab’s 450 students participate in clubs, sports, and childcare. This consistent enrollment enabled us to attain funding for the Make Move Jam program at the Upper School through Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a 21st Century Community Learning Center (DESE 21CCLC).
Make
with things like visual arts, technology, and engineering.
Move
with dance, karate, and athletics.
Jam
with music, poetry, games, and experiential learning.
UPPER SCHOOL 21CCLC Clubs Fast Facts:
- The goal of the program is deeper learning through connected enrichment opportunities.
- 4 days of programming over 32 weeks, plus summer, for a total of over 400 program hours for a cohort of 40-60 students. Space is limited.
- Families must enroll in 2 days of programming per week, and are able to select up to 4 days adding up to at least 100 hours of programming per student.
- Schedules will run from 2:15 to 5:00 PM (See table Below)
- Enrollment priorities are based on guidelines from DESE and the federal 21CCLC program which include data collection about SEL, academic, and financial need. In addition, our school improvement plan, family surveys, and feedback from school staff support decision making.
- Upper School programs are free for families.
In addition to funding, this grant connects the Make Move Jam enrichment program to a cohort of other innovative out of school time programs across Massachusetts through the mentorship, professional development and convenings that further the mission of Deeper Learning. The opportunity to join the Massachusetts network of 21st Century Community Learning Centers is invaluable. Our students will benefit directly from this chance for our staff to learn from educators across Massachusetts and participate in the national community of practice. We are excited to make our out of school time program even better!
UPPER SCHOOL 21CCLC Clubs Schedule
| 2:15 | Snack and Freetime |
| 2:45 | Me, My Community, & the World Crew and Academics |
| 3:30 | Clubs: Each program will use a different form of art or research to contribute to our learning |
| 4:50 | Closing Circle |
| 5:00 | NO EARLY PICKUP (Except Emergencies) Family Pickup by the Parking Lot door. Please park and come to the door, we will come outside as we see you. |
Lower School Clubs: FAQ
- What are the Make Move and Jam clubs?
Interdisciplinary arts-based activities that encourage participants to develop creative strategies, concrete skills, and to make connections to the world around us.
- Who can participate in the Make Move and Jam clubs?
Any student in K2 to grade 8 can sign up for clubs that are designed for their grade level. There will also be a series of Family events geared towards students in K1 to grade 2.
- How will the participants be selected for the Make Move Jam Clubs?
Sign up by a lottery. Those not selected in the lottery will be added to the waiting list.
- What hours will the programs run? What if I’m running late?
The Make Move Jam clubs run until 4:30PM. It will be $1 per child, per minute for late pickup. There will be no program Tuesday or Friday at this time.
- Where will the program take place?
At the building where your participant attends CLCS with some walking field trips to explore our neighborhood.
- Will my child need special equipment or materials?
Most materials will be provided.
- How much does it cost?
The Make Move Jam clubs will meet one or two times a week and cost $40 per Season. Seasons start in October, January, and April. There may be other short programs in the early evenings and Saturdays for families to participate in together that will be billed on a case by case basis. Accepted families will receive an invoice and other documents with their welcome letter by a week before clubs begin. Checks can be made payable to Conservatory Lab Charter School, and we are now accepting electronic payments
- What if my child’s sibling is in another program or at the other building?
As with all extracurricular activities, it is your responsibility to provide transportation for your children. Please contact us to let us know if you have any concerns (617) 254-8904 X216
LOWER SCHOOL SCHEDULE
| 2:15 PM | Snack and Free-time |
| 2:45 PM | Clubs Program Time |
| 4:15 PM | Clean-up and Closing Circle |
| 4:30 PM | NO EARLY PICKUP (Except Emergencies) * Please Park in the back of the parking lot and come get your child. * Good Weather: Family Pickup by the Playground behind the School. * Inclement Weather: Pickup will be from the Recess Doors by the Playground. |
