NEW! Please note that SummerFun will be held at Arlington High School, 869 Massachusetts Avenue.
Join some of your favorite APS teachers during school vacation! Classes include:
- Creative, hands-on arts and crafts classes including drawing, painting, clay sculpture, collage, and glass art
- STEM programs in programming, electronics, robotics, engineering, physics, Lego, and hands-on science
- High-energy sports and games including parkour and ultimate frisbee
- Strategy games including Dungeons & Dragons, chess, and LARP
2024 Dates:
Program Information
WHO can attend
VacationFun serves students in grades K-8. SummerFun serves students entering grades 1-12. Programs are open to students in Arlington and surrounding communities.
WHEN it happens
Morning classes run 9:00 am–12:00 pm; afternoon classes run 12:30–3:30 pm. Students who select both are supervised during a lunch/recess period and escorted to their afternoon classes. Morning and afternoon extended day are available during SummerFun.
WHERE it’s held
February VacationFun! will take place at Ottoson Middle School, 63 Acton Street. April VacationFun! and SummerFun 2024 will be held at at Arlington High School, 869 Massachusetts Avenue.
HOW to register
VacationFun registration opens with the regular Winter and Spring terms. SummerFun registration opens in February. All registrations must be made online at Arlington.CE.Eleyo.com. Pre-registration is required for all programs. No walk-in registrations allowed.
You are officially enrolled as soon as we receive your registration payment. If you do not receive an email with the subject “Registration Confirmation” (this is separate from the email receipt), please check your spam and promotions folder—your email server may be blocking our messages. Please add arlington@ce.eleyo.com to your email contacts as this is how we communicate with you about registrations, confirmations, cancellations, as well as any class updates. For SummerFun, please also add SummerFun@arlington.k12.ma.us to your contacts.
Lunch
All children must bring their own beverages, snacks, and lunch. Supervised lunch/recess runs from 12:00–12:30 pm at no additional charge for students enrolled in a full day class or both AM and PM classes.
Extended-Day Program
The option to add on Extended Day is available for SummerFun. AM is available from 8:00–9:00 am, Monday–Friday; PM is available from 3:30–5:30 pm, Monday–Thursday only. Both include supervised activities and free play. Full week only—no individual days. Register under “Extended Day.” Sorry, there is no extended day program for VacationFun.
Changes & Withdrawals
All withdrawals and transfer requests must be made via email to SummerFun@arlington.k12.ma.us.
• Refunds will be issued minus a $25 fee per child, per class for withdrawals made by April 30. Starting May 1, the fee is $50 per child, per class. No refunds or credits will be issued starting June 15.
• There is a $20 switch fee for each requested change in a child’s schedule.
• No refunds will be made for classes missed or dropped.
• In the unlikely event that ACE cancels a class every effort will be made to place your child in another class, otherwise all tuition will be refunded.
• ACE reserves the right to change instructors if necessary.
Existing Credits
If you have an existing credit with ACE, please register and pay in full so you don’t lose your spot. Next, email us at communityed@arlington.k12.ma for VacationFun or SummerFun@arlington.k12.ma.us for SummerFun) with “ACE Credit” in the subject line. We will apply your credit and refund your original form of payment.
Snow Days
For February VacationFun, weather cancellations will be posted to our website and families will be emailed. There are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available for qualifying Arlington families. Some exclusions apply; subject to change. See details and application.
Behavior Policy
Children who attend SummerFun! or VacationFun! should be able to participate in group activities with teacher supervision and treat fellow students and staff with respect. If a child is unable to do so, the teacher or director will contact parents to discuss appropriate next steps. Please communicate any helpful strategies in the Special Needs section when you register.
Special Needs
Set your child—and their teacher—up for success. We strongly encourage parents to disclose any medical-, behavioral- or disability-related needs, or helpful strategies, in the Special Needs section on your child’s online registration profile. ACE does not have access to IEPs. Please note that SummerFun! is not a school-sponsored special education program, so children are not entitled to the same IEP services and accommodations during programming. SummerFun! is an equal access program. We do not discriminate against children with disabilities. If you believe your child requires a specific reasonable accommodation for medical or disability-related needs, please contact our office to discuss your child’s needs at least three weeks before the start of the program.
SummerFun! Frequently Asked Questions
How do the grade levels work?
Grade levels should match the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2024. Instructors work hard to design classes for a specific age group. Sorry, we do not offer programming for children entering kindergarten.
My child really wants to take a class but it’s full. What should I do?
Have a backup plan! Your best option is to select another class before it, too, fills. You can also add their name to the waitlist and we will be in touch via email if a spot becomes available. Please do not contact us or the teacher about waitlists.
We’re not sure about our summer plans. Should I reserve my spot in a class just in case the timing works out?
Please don’t! We keep our classes very small so spots are limited. Sign up only when you’re sure of your schedule. Withdrawal/transfer fees apply.
I’m a working parent and need full-day care. How does that work?
We’ve got you covered. Sign up for both a morning and an afternoon class (or a full-day program)—the half-hour lunch/recess break is included at no extra charge. Staff will escort children between classes and lunch. You can also add AM/PM Extended Day.
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
No. All lunches, snacks, and drinks must be provided by the family each day. Please remember to send a refillable water bottle!
Will my child get outdoors during the day?
Everyone will enjoy time outdoors each day.
How will I learn about the logistics for my child’s week at SummerFun?
We email all families the week before the class begins with all details about SummerFun! including drop-off, pick up, and parking procedures.
My child has life threatening allergies and/or a health condition. What is the protocol?
New this year, there will be a nurse on duty during SummerFun. If your child requires epinephrine and/or an Individual Health Care Plan, please contact us after you register.