Serving 600+ Families in the Greater Boston Area!
We offer year-round enrichment programs for children aged 5-14 in a dynamic, hands-on environment, including afterschool classes, April vacation programs, and summer enrichment.
Students dive into engineering, biotech, math, arts, design, and more—building skills, collaborating, and forming friendships as they discover who they are as learners and teammates.

We challenge students with interdisciplinary learning that connects STEM, arts, and social sciences to real‑world problem‑solving.
- Physics, STEM & Engineering
- Environmental & Civil Engineering
- Technology & Computer Sciences
- Visual Arts
- Geoscience
- Sociology & Anthropology
We support a community of innovators and explorers who learn through teamwork, curiosity, and creative thinking.
- Innovators
- Creative Thinkers
- Explorers
Our enrollment reflects a diverse, engaged school community committed to meaningful learning experiences.
*2025-26 Academic Year
We inspire students through hands‑on labs, maker spaces, and collaborative projects that fuel imagination and growth.
- Adventure-Based Playground
- Project-Based Learning
- Team-Based Learning
- Student Support
- Facilities include: woodshop, innovation lab, cooking zone, makerspace, science lab, and more!
Acera enrichment builds new interests and skills that endure.

At Acera, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the enriching and transformative power of our programs, regardless of their financial situation. To support this vision, we offer our Reed Hollett Scholarship designed to make our innovative educational experiences accessible to all families.
Reed was a beloved Acera teacher who passed away unexpectedly in 2015. He passionately believed in the importance of getting children outdoors to experience nature and championed the hands-on, inquiry-driven approach to learning that is the hallmark of Acera’s curriculum, classes, and enrichment programs. The Reed Hollett Enrichment Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Reed Hollett’s family and Acera staff in honor of Reed’s memory.
Our scholarship program considers a variety of factors to ensure fair and equitable distribution of funds. For more information on how to apply, please complete this form. You may also email [email protected] with any questions.
On half days, or days when public schools are closed, Acera does not provide childcare before 3:15 p.m. Early drop-off is not permitted.
Bus transportation is available from Winchester Public Elementary & Middle Schools. Please list Acera as your After School Program bus stop on the transportation application.
- Cancellations two weeks prior to start date receive a full refund. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- Cancellations after the two-week deadline will receive a 50% credit toward future Acera programming. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- No refund or reduction in fees for late arrivals, early departures, or partial attendance due to illness (exceptions for hospital stays).
- Full refund issued for programs cancelled due to low enrollment.
- No refund or credit for students removed due to behavioral issues.
When Acera School is closed for holidays or other reasons, there is no afterschool programming
To help maintain a safe, welcoming, and focused environment for all students:
- Parents and caregivers are welcome inside the building up to 10 minutes before drop-off or pick-up.
- Early pick-up is always permitted — just let a staff member know.
- During pick-up we ask all grownups to wait in the lobby and when your kiddos are ready they will come to you.
- During program hours, we ask that families not remain inside the building, so students can fully engage and thrive in their learning experience.
Decisions about participation in our enrichment programs are made at the discretion of the instructor and the Enrichment Program Manager. If a student is not able to participate in a safe and productive way, or if the teacher feels that the student is not engaging at a level appropriate for the program, the instructor may ask that s/he switch to a different session, or not return to the program. We have a zero-tolerance policy for physical aggression or verbal and emotional harassment towards other participants.
Refunds will not be provided for students removed from the program due to behavioral issues.
Please do not park in any spaces marked for other businesses! Park only in the PURPLE spots indicated on the map below. The spots are located along the tree line behind the school on the left side. YOU RISK BEING TOWED, IF YOU PARK IN NON-ACERA SPOTS. We must respect our other businesses and their customer parking spaces.

- Cancellations before May 1 receive a full refund. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- Cancellations after May 1 will receive a 50% credit toward future Acera programming. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- No refund or reduction in fees for late arrivals, early departures, or partial attendance due to illness (exceptions for hospital stays).
- Full refund issued for programs cancelled due to teacher illness or low enrollment.
- If a family elects to un-enroll due to dissatisfaction, a 50% credit will be issued toward a future course.
We are not a “nut-free” facility, but we have a designated allergen-free eating area. If your child has severe allergies or prescription medications, please contact [email protected] for appropriate support.
In order for your child to participate in Acera’s summer camp families need to upload the following health forms on their CampBrain account:
- Physical (Dated within the last 18 months)
- Immunizations Records
- Optional Allergy Plan
- Optional Medication Administration
To help maintain a safe, welcoming, and focused environment for all students:
- Parents and caregivers are welcome inside the building up to 10 minutes before drop-off or pick-up.
- Early pick-up is always permitted — just let a staff member know.
- During program hours, we ask that families not remain inside the building, so students can fully engage and thrive in their learning experience.
- During walk-in pick-ups we ask all grownups to wait in the lobby and when your kiddos are ready they will come to you.
Decisions about participation in our enrichment programs are made at the discretion of the instructor and the Enrichment Program Manager. If a student is not able to participate in a safe and productive way, or if the teacher feels that the student is not engaging at a level appropriate for the program, the instructor may ask that s/he switch to a different session, or not return to the program. We have a zero-tolerance policy for physical aggression or verbal and emotional harassment towards other participants.
Refunds will not be provided for students removed from the program due to behavioral issues.
Please do not park in any spaces marked for other businesses! Park only in the PURPLE spots indicated on the map below. The spots are located along the tree line behind the school on the left side. YOU RISK BEING TOWED, IF YOU PARK IN NON-ACERA SPOTS. We must respect our other businesses and their customer parking spaces.

- Cancellations two weeks prior to start date receive a full refund. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- Cancellations after the two-week deadline will receive a 50% credit toward future Acera programming. Transfers remain available at no charge.
- No refund or reduction in fees for late arrivals, early departures, or partial attendance due to illness (exceptions for hospital stays).
- No refund or credit for students removed due to behavioral issues.
We are not a “nut-free” facility, but we have a designated allergen-free eating area. If your child has severe allergies or prescription medications, please contact [email protected] for appropriate support.
To help maintain a safe, welcoming, and focused environment for all students:
- Parents and caregivers are welcome inside the building up to 10 minutes before drop-off or pick-up.
- Early pick-up is always permitted — just let a staff member know.
- During program hours, we ask that families not remain inside the building, so students can fully engage and thrive in their learning experience.
- During walk-in pick-ups we ask all grownups to wait in the lobby and when your kiddos are ready they will come to you.
Decisions about participation in our enrichment programs are made at the discretion of the instructor and the Enrichment Program Manager. If a student is not able to participate in a safe and productive way, or if the teacher feels that the student is not engaging at a level appropriate for the program, the instructor may ask that s/he switch to a different session, or not return to the program. We have a zero-tolerance policy for physical aggression or verbal and emotional harassment towards other participants.
Refunds will not be provided for students removed from the program due to behavioral issues.

Enrichment Program Manager
For more information, please email [email protected] or call 781.729.3489.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Join us for a 1.5-hour Information Session & Tour designed for parents, guardians, and other adults interested in learning more about Acera.
Tuesday
September 22, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Thursday
October 22, 2026
9:30 – 11:00 am


The Acera School
5 Lowell Avenue
Winchester MA 01890
781.729.3489
Acera School welcomes all and does not discriminate against students, families and teachers on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religion, political beliefs, disability, gender or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school administered programs.