ExplorSchool
For Current 5th - 7th Grade Students
Your Summer of Discovery Awaits
MITY’s program for middle school students provides a unique opportunity to investigate new topics and dive deeper into students' passions at a level that is challenging and motivating. Intellectually curious students take two classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, enabling them to explore different disciplines, experience things that are not possible within a normal school setting, and forge new friendships.
"MITY was the highlight of my son's summer." - 2023 Parent
At A Glance
Summer 2025
Program Dates:
- Session A: June 16 - 27 (M - F)
- Session B: July 7 - 18 (M - F)
Program Hours: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM
- Extended Care Hours: 7:30 - 8:45 AM and 3:45 - 5:00 PM
Program Locations:
- Session A: Saint Thomas Academy - Mendota Heights, MN
- Session B: Benilde-St. Margaret's - St. Louis Park, MN
Program Cost:
- Full Day - $855 per session
- Half Day - $465 per session
- Financial aid is available
- $100 discount if attend sessions A and B
- $50 discount for each additional sibling (applicable for all MITY summer programs)
Application Information
Eligibility:
- Students entering grades 6-8 in the fall
Application Timeline:
- January 1: Applications available
- May 1: Financial aid offers extended
- MITY has a rolling admissions process, meaning that applications are reviewed as they are received. When a class is full, it is labeled "waitlist" on the website and on the application.
Application Fee:
- None (non-refundable deposit required with application)
Highlights
- Half-day, full-day, and extended day options
- Over 40 unique course offerings designed specifically for advanced learners
- Master teachers who are creative and enthusiastic
- Small class sizes (each limited to 16 students) to ensure individual attention
- Field trips to places students would not otherwise typically visit
- Inquiry-based and experiential classroom activities so students stay excited about learning
- Opportunities for students to socialize with other students who love to learn
- Rec Time, a midday break when students can get outside, do crafts, or play games
Before & After Care Options
- Supervised care is available for our families in the morning from 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM and after classes from 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM. Students can play games, read, or do crafts during this time. The cost is $80 for before OR after care, or $150 for both. Students who need extended care must sign up for the entire session; we do not have drop-in care available.
- A late fee of $15 per 15 minutes will be charged for students picked up after 5:00 PM. Your invoice will reflect if you have signed up for extended day.
- Students NOT enrolled in extended day need to arrive after 8:35 AM and be picked up promptly at 3:45 PM.
Rec Program
- Each day after lunch, students participate in a variety of activities that enable them to socialize with students outside of their classes.
- Students can choose quieter activities such as crafts (including painting, drawing, knitting, and making friendship bracelets), reading and board games, or more active things like soccer, basketball, and Capture the Flag.
- There are also opportunities to participate in group games such as Charades and Moose, time to get outside and enjoy Minnesota’s lovely weather, and the option to participate in the annual chess tournament.
- This 30 minutes is vital to the success of student learning that occurs both before and after the break. After Rec Time, students return to the dynamic engagement of serious learning.
Family Involvement
- ExplorSchool families are invited to visit classrooms on the last day of the session. Specific course information will be given by the teacher during the session.
- Parents and guardians are also encouraged to discuss class content and activities with their student throughout the program.
What do people say about MITY’s ExplorSchool program?
Parents:
"This is the only program like this! The teachers know how to engage and challenge eager learners."
"The program provides a great environment for kids to work together and have focused study on topics that they aren’t able to spend much time on in a regular school day. The curriculum is challenging and fun."
"This is a fantastic program!"
Students:
"MITY is a great experience that everyone should experience!"
"MITY is a fun, inclusive camp that teaches new ways to apply knowledge learned at school."
"It’s awesome! I wish I could do it all summer."
Teachers:
"I love the program and am proud to be a part of it."
"I love working in the MITY program!"