Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES)
For 1st – 4th Grade Students
A New Adventure Every Weekend
Fall Session will open on September 1, 2025.
MITY's program for elementary students enables inquisitive, high achieving 1st - 4th grade students to continue learning outside of the traditional classroom. Courses are intentionally designed to inspire inquiry, activate imaginations, and engage eager learners in hands on discovery that is not possible within a regular classroom setting. While students are in class, parents are invited to listen to professional speakers on topics related to raising bright children, socialize with other parents, or visit a local coffee shop.
At A Glance
2025 - 2026
Program Dates:
- Fall Session: November 1, 8 and 15, 2025
Winter Session: January 24, 31 and February 7, 2026
Spring Session: April 11, 18 and 25, 2026
Program Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program Locations:
- Fall Session: Oak Grove Elementary, Bloomington, MN
- Winter Session: Twin Cities German Immersion School, St. Paul, MN
- Spring Session: Breck School, Golden Valley, MN
Application Information
Ages: Students currently in grades 1 – 4
Cost: $170 per session; Sibling - $140; Financial Aid Available
Application Timeline:
- September 1: Applications available for Fall Session
- November 15: Applications available for Winter Session
- February 1: Applications available for Spring Session
- NOTE: MITY accepts applications on a rolling basis
Highlights
- Students take 2 unique classes every weekend
- Features content not covered in the regular school day
- Experienced and engaging teachers
- 8:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure all students get the attention they need
- Creative individual and group projects in every class
- Mid-morning snack and game break to socialize with new friends
100% of parents said they would recommend MITY to other families.
Partnering with Families
- On the first two Saturdays of each session, MITY offers free seminars from esteemed speakers about topics related to parenting a bright and motivated child.
- Families are invited to visit classrooms during the final 15 minutes of each class period on the third Saturday.
- Specific course information will be given by the teacher during the session. Parents are encouraged to discuss class content and activities with their child.
"The speakers provide tactical strategies and tips that I can walk away with and implement with my child if it fits our family." - 2024 Parent
2025 - 2026 Parent Speakers
Fall Session
Speakers to be Announced
Recent Presentations:
- "Decoding Puzzling Minds: Giftedness & Neurodiversity" - Dr. Megan Helmen
- "When Your Child’s Job of School is Taking Over Your Family" - Carol Malueg
- "Using Mind-Body Science to Enhance the Well-Being of Gifted Families" - Dr. Andrea Johnson
- "Recognizing Anxiety in Gifted Children" - Shelly Harvey
- "Supporting the Academic Success of the Visually-Spatially Talented" - Martha Palm
- "The Challenge of Being Good at Almost Everything" - Josh Chambers
- "The Parenting Journey" - Dr. Teresa Argo Boatman
- "Defining Success Your Own Way" - Tina van Erp
- "Easy Ways to Cultivate Critical and Creative Thinking at Home" - Molly Hammel
- "The Origin of Worries in Gifted Children" - Dr. Lori Migdal
- "Building Relationships And Self-Efficacy Skills To Support Academic Success" - Dr. Melissa Malen
- "ADHD: Symptoms, Superpowers, Self-Image, and Support" - Dr. Liz Adams
- "Guiding Principles For Raising Gifted Kids" - Dr. Danika Maddocks
- "If Gifted Kids Are So Smart, Why Can't They Just..." - Anne Tyler
- "Perfectionism, Passions, Problems, And Possibilities" - Pam McDonald
- "Executive Functioning in Gifted Children" - Jennifer Siebenaler
- "Navigating a Gifted Child's Educational Journey: Strategies to Support Parent-Teacher Collaboration" - Dr. Carol Hokanson
What do people say about MITY’s program for elementary students?
Parents:
"All smiles and excitement about these Saturdays. We loved our experience!"
"MITY delivers interesting, challenging and growth mindset-based education."
"Love MITY!"
"Your teachers are phenomenal!"
Students:
"I wish regular school was this cool!"
"I leave each week excited to come back. It’s awesome!"
"I love my teachers and always have fun."