Andover, MA 01810
(978) 684-5055
After a full academic day, children need time to decompress, move, create, and reconnect with themselves and others.
SHED afternoons are intentionally unhurried and responsive, with room to roam across gardens, playgrounds, fields, and the natural beauty around our campus.
Choose how many afternoons a week and whether your child rides the bus from school. We’ll show your monthly tuition as you go, with every rate listed below.
Every afternoon runs 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Based on SHED’s current published rates.
3:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
| Days per week | Monthly tuition | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | $618 | +$60/mo |
| 4 days | $520 | +$60/mo |
| 3 days | $408 | +$60/mo |
| 2 days | $285 | +$60/mo |
| 1 day | $148 | +$40/mo |
As you need it. The student rate applies to children already enrolled in a SHED program.
| Option | Student | Drop-in |
|---|---|---|
| AM drop-in7:30 AM to 4:30 PM | $25 | $35 |
| Afternoon at SHED drop-in3:30 PM to 6:00 PM | $34 | $45 |
| APS early release12:00 PM to 3:30 PM | $34 | $45 |
| APS early release12:00 PM to 6:00 PM | $68 | $80 |
| Vacation days8:30 AM to 4:30 PM | $90 | $110 |
| In-service days8:30 AM to 4:30 PM | $90 | $110 |
| Snow days8:30 AM to 4:30 PM | $90 | $110 |
Children are supported through connection, movement, creativity, and time to regulate. This balance supports long-term learning, resilience, and well-being.
The SHED campus extends far beyond the classroom, giving children the freedom to move, explore, and connect across indoor and outdoor spaces. With access to gardens, playgrounds, a basketball court, open fields, and the natural beauty of Phillips Academy and nearby AVIS Reservation, children experience after-school in a setting that supports independence, play, and connection to nature.
Curiosity-led, not performance-driven, which protects children’s intrinsic motivation and supports deeper learning over time.
Community across ages and schools fosters connection and belonging, creating the conditions children need to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
The freedom to move throughout the campus, with guidance and trust, allows children to build independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
The questions families ask most about our afternoons, and what the research says.
Chronic stress and prolonged cognitive load can interfere with learning, memory formation, and emotional regulation. Afternoons that prioritize recovery, connection, and reduced pressure help children return to learning more engaged, resilient, and able to retain information over time.
SourceHarvard Center on the Developing Child
Play is essential to healthy brain development and supports executive function, creativity, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation. These skills are consistently shown to be stronger predictors of long-term success than early academic acceleration alone.
SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
Mixed-age groupings promote social learning, empathy, collaboration, and leadership. Older children practice responsibility and mentorship, while younger children benefit from peer modeling and increased confidence within a supportive community.
SourceNational Association for the Education of Young Children
Time outdoors improves focus, mood regulation, physical health, and stress reduction. Natural environments also support attention restoration and emotional well-being throughout childhood and adolescence.
SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics and environmental psychology research
Children learn best through relationships, exploration, and meaningful interaction with their environment. By prioritizing connection, play, movement, and choice after school, SHED creates the conditions children need to thrive: emotional safety, intrinsic motivation, and opportunities to build independence. Rather than accelerating academics, this supports executive function, social confidence, and resilience.
SourceThe Reggio Emilia philosophy
Group size varies based on the needs of children and families, allowing educators to remain present, responsive, and engaged.
13:1
Required by state licensing.
Lower ratios, whenever possible
Thoughtful guides who observe, listen, and follow each child’s curiosity. Tap a teacher to read their story.
What SHED families share in their Google reviews.
Rooted in curiosity, community, and creativity, After School care at SHED is where children grow into confident, joyful learners. Schedule a campus tour and see what curious, child-led learning looks like.
