Dates & Details

The Thayer Academy Collaborative runs for three consecutive weeks in July (July 6 - 24, 2026) from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Determination of summer 2026 eligibility: Students entering grades 6-8, and returning Collaborative students entering grade 9, in fall 2026.
• The deadline for 2026 applications is June 1, 2026. However, early application is strongly encouraged as enrollment is limited.
• The Thayer Academy Collaborative takes place on the Thayer Academy campus, with classes and enrichment activities primarily occurring at the Middle School.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, snack) are provided.
• Academic classes usually take place Monday through Thursday, with field trips on Fridays. Previous field trips have included the Blue Hills Observatory, the Massachusetts State House, and the MIT Edgerton Center.
• Students take academic classes in the mornings in the subjects of English, math, and science. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities to increase engagement in our students. Each class is taught by a lead teacher and a teaching assistant.
• Students participate in enrichment activities in the afternoon. Previous weekly enrichment offerings have included: Media Production, Robotics, Music, Improvisation, Civics, and Visual Arts.
• Students end the day by swimming in the Camp Thayer pools with full lifeguard monitoring and additional supervision by Collaborative staff.
• The Collaborative offers an Open House event for families of accepted students on Monday, June 29 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. at the Thayer Academy Middle School. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the program and get a chance to meet some of the staff.
• The Collaborative culminates with an end-of-program showcase on Friday, July 24 from 2:15 to 3:20 p.m. at the Thayer Academy Middle School, where students put their summer learning on full display for their families.
• Please be advised that while the Collaborative aims to help students reach their highest academic potential, we do not have educators specifically trained in special education.

For additional information, please contact the Thayer Academy Collaborative Program Director Danny Seymour (dseymour@thayer.org | 781.664.2330) or
Thayer Academy DEIB Director Matt Ghiden (mghiden@thayer.org | 781.664.2334).

APPLY FOR THE THAYER ACADEMY COLLABORATIVE

Families must apply for entry into the TA Collaborative program. Admissions into the program is dependent on academic performance, personal motivation, and available enrollment. Students must enroll (and participate) in all three weeks of the program. 

Applications for the TA Collaborative begin online through Camp Thayer’s Portal. Here applicants must complete the TA Collaborative Transportation Form to inform us how you intend to get your student to and from the Collaborative. (See Transportation below for more information) This is also where applicants can apply for financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, families must apply at the time of their application through this portal. (See Financial Aid below for more information)

Once the online portion of the application is complete, you will receive an email from the Program Director, Danny Seymour (dseymour@thayer.org), requesting the documents below. Your application will not be complete until all of these documents have been received:

• An updated physical exam and immunization form provided by your child's physician. This must be within 18 months prior to when your student is expected to attend the Thayer Academy Collaborative.

• An academic report card from the most recent school year.

• A letter written to the Program Director (Mr. Seymour), by the student, discussing why they want to join the Collaborative program. Additional prompts for the letter will be provided in the email.

Families will be informed of their student’s placement within a few weeks of receipt of all the required materials. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact TA Collaborative Program Director, Danny Seymour (dseymour@thayer.org).