Summer at Franklin
Welcome to Summer at Franklin!
I am thrilled to announce the second year of Summer at Franklin, our premier summer experience specifically designed for neurodivergent teenagers. After a highly successful re-launch last summer, during which we welcomed more than 50 students and provided each participant with a comprehensive written assessment of their executive and social functioning using grade-based benchmarks, we are excited to build on that strong foundation.
At Franklin Academy, we understand and celebrate the unique strengths and needs of our students. This summer, we will once again create a transformative environment where learning and fun intersect. Our thoughtfully designed program offers a rich variety of elective courses that spark creativity and invite exploration—whether students are drawn to theater, cybersecurity, animal science, or other areas of interest. Each student will have the opportunity to dive deeply into their passions while developing essential skills for long-term growth and success.
What makes Summer at Franklin truly exceptional is our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space for every student. Summer is a time of growth, and we take pride in ensuring that each participant feels valued, understood, and encouraged throughout their journey. Our experienced educators and staff provide structure, guidance, and meaningful feedback every step of the way.
Beyond academics, students will enjoy a vibrant social program designed to foster authentic connections and lasting memories. From off-campus excursions to amusement parks and beaches to collaborative on-campus projects and evening activities, students will experience a summer that balances learning, friendship, and fun.
I warmly invite you to consider our two- or four-week sessions for your students. This is an extraordinary opportunity for them to embrace their individuality, discover new passions, and return home with greater confidence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of belonging.
I look forward to welcoming a new cohort of students for another summer of exploration, growth, and joy at Franklin Academy. Together, we can make this summer even more impactful than the last.
–Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood
Head of School
A Transformative Summer Experience
Discover Summer at Franklin, the premier summer program designed specifically for neurodivergent students in grades 7–12. This transformative experience blends essential support in relationship development, academic skills, independent living, and executive functioning—creating an environment where every student can thrive. With interest-based tracks and hands-on learning opportunities, students immerse themselves in their passions, learn innovative strategies, and embrace the excitement of a New England summer.
All students begin their journey on June 28, 2026, with the option to enroll for two weeks or four weeks, giving families the flexibility to shape a summer that fits their goals.
This year, we’re thrilled to offer three featured paths for students eager to take a deeper dive:
Robotics: Build, program, and innovate through real-world engineering challenges.
Printmaking: Explore the art of design and print through creative studio work.
Franklin Futures: A college application and search bootcamp designed especially for students beginning or actively pursuing the college process.
Alongside these featured paths, students may also participate in a variety of other interest-based paths and activities that support personal growth, community engagement, and skill-building, incuding:
- Cooking
- Animal Science
- Farm Entreprenuership
- Cybersecurity
- Theater
- Student Leadership
Beyond the classroom and studio, adventure awaits. Students will enjoy local trips to beaches and amusement parks, embark on a day trip to Boston, and experience thrilling live performances right here in East Haddam. These shared experiences foster connection, social confidence, and lasting friendships—creating a summer that’s as joyful as it is meaningful.
Whether for two weeks or four, Summer at Franklin 2026 is more than a program. It’s a community where students can shine, grow, and build memories that last a lifetime.
Choose Your Path: Be Real. Be You. Be Franklin.
This summer, Franklin Academy invites students to step into a world of hands-on learning, creativity, and connection through Summer at Franklin, a vibrant residential experience where personal growth meets purpose.
Designed for curious minds who learn differently, the program blends structure, choice, and real-world exploration to help students build independence, confidence, and community. Each participant selects two engaging Paths, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, creating a personalized schedule that balances skill-building with fun, friendship, and discovery.
Whether programming robots, printing bold artwork, caring for animals, or preparing for college, students learn by doing and uncover how capable, creative, and resilient they truly are. The 4 Week Featured Programs allow students to dive deeply into specialized subjects, while Session 1 and Session 2 Paths offer a diverse range of shorter, immersive experiences that keep learning dynamic and exciting.
At Summer at Franklin, every moment helps students explore their interests, strengthen their independence, and find their voice in a supportive, inclusive community where they can Be Real. Be You. Be Franklin.
Franklin Futures: Go from High School to Higher Education with Confidence!
Prepare for your future in this dynamic college readiness path designed specifically for students in grades 11 and 12 who are beginning or actively engaged in their college search and application process.
Through interactive workshops and hands-on experiences, participants explore postsecondary options and campus supports, learn about disability rights and self-advocacy, and either begin or continue their college search. Students also prepare for applications by drafting essays, developing strategies, and visiting local colleges. By the end, they’re both prepared and inspired for what comes next.
In addition to exploring personal interest, needs, and desires for that next step, students learn the importance of self-advocacy by simulating the accommodation process, gaining practical skills in navigating support systems within a college setting. This immersive experience will equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in their post-secondary education.
Additionally. every Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to go on a college visit to a school in the region, offering firsthand insight into various educational environments and cultures. These visits will empower students to envision their own college journeys and make informed choices about their futures.
Join us on this transformative journey as you take significant steps toward your college readiness and personal growth! Offered afternoons for four weeks.
Robotics: Building and Coding Machines
Step into the exciting world of designing and programming machines. Using hands-on building kits and coding tools, students create robots that move, sense, and respond to their environment. Along the way, they practice problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking. By the end of the program, participants understand the fundamentals of robotics and feel inspired to explore technology and engineering more deeply.
Robotics I: Build. Code. Innovate! Explore the fundamentals of designing and programming machines through collaborative robotics projects and creative problem-solving. Offered mornings, weeks one and two; prerequisite for Robotics II.
Robotics II: Build. Code. Innovate! Continue developing skills in engineering and coding through hands-on robotics challenges that combine design and creativity. Offered mornings, weeks three and four; must have taken Robotics I.
Printmaking: Tell Your Stories, Express Your Identity, & Make Bold Visual Statements
Explore how art can tell stories, express identity, and make bold visual statements. Students learn traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques — from Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock) to collagraph, chine-collé, and silkscreen printing. Inspired by artists like Hokusai, Dürer, and Warhol, participants experiment with composition, repetition, and symbolism. Each student leaves with a portfolio of original works that highlight both technical skill and personal expression.
Printmaking I: Carve. Ink. Impress.
Dive into the art of printmaking — blending creativity, craftsmanship, and expression. Students explore visual storytelling through multiple techniques while developing focus, patience, and pride in their creative process. Offered in weeks one and two only; required prerequisite for Printmaking II.
Printmaking II: Elevate your Skills! Learn to merge creativity and technique through diverse printmaking methods — from relief and intaglio to mixed-media printing. Students experiment freely, collaborate, and take home a curated collection of work that celebrates both skill and imagination. Offered in weeks three and four; must have taken Printmaking I.
Animal Sciences
Dive into the captivating world of animal science this summer in our engaging Animal Sciences path! Perfect for animal lovers and aspiring veterinarians, this program explores the fascinating concepts of anthrozoology, husbandry, and animal behavior through hands-on experiences and immersive learning.
Join us for a summer filled with fun, discovery, and hands-on learning in the fascinating realm of animal science. Whether you dream of a career in veterinary medicine, animal training, or wildlife conservation, this track promises to inspire and ignite your passion for all things animal!
Animal Husbandry: Care. Stewardship. Connection.
Work directly with animals to learn about care, health, and sustainable farm practices. Through guided routines and lessons, students develop empathy, responsibility, and an appreciation for the connection between people, animals, and the environment. Offered mornings, weeks one and two or weeks three and four.
Farm Entrepreneurships: From Seed to Success. Combine creativity, problem-solving, and innovation to explore how farms function as sustainable enterprises. Offered mornings, weeks one and two or weeks three and four.
Marine Wildlife: Explore. Protect. Discover. Combine creativity, problem-solving, and innovation to explore how farms function as sustainable enterprises. Offered afternoons, weeks three and four.
Theater
Dive into the captivating world of theater in our Summer Theater Path, where creativity knows no bounds! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, this path offers a supportive environment to express yourself and build confidence. Join us for an unforgettable summer of storytelling, laughter, and artistic growth for two or four weeks!
Musical Theater Lab: Sing, Dance, Act! In this session students will discover the art of performance through music, movement, and storytelling. Students build acting, singing, and dance skills while rehearsing scenes and ensemble numbers for a culminating showcase. Offered afternoons, weeks one and two.
Puppetry and Performance Lab: Create, Animate, Perform!
Enter the imaginative world of puppetry and storytelling. Students design, build, and perform original works using hand, rod, and shadow puppets, bringing characters and narratives to life through collaboration and creativity. Offered mornings, weeks three and four.
Dance / Improvisation: Move. Create. Express.
Discover the freedom of movement through improvisation and creative dance. Participants explore rhythm, storytelling, and collaboration while gaining confidence and body awareness. Offered afternoons, weeks three and four.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity: Secure. Smart. Future-Ready. Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity through interactive activities and real-world problem-solving. Students explore digital safety, coding basics, password protection, and teamwork challenges while discovering the power of technology to protect and connect. Offered during weeks one and two only.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership: Lead. Collaborate. Empower.
Build practical leadership skills through interactive projects, team challenges, and reflective discussions. Students learn to lead with empathy, courage, and creativity. Offered afternoons, weeks one and two or weeks three and four.
Cooking
Cooking I: Learn. Taste. Create. Learn the fundamentals of culinary arts in a fun, hands-on environment. Participants practice essential kitchen skills like knife safety, measuring, and cooking techniques while preparing delicious recipes. Along the way, they explore teamwork, creativity, and the joy of sharing food. Offered mornings, weeks one and two. Prerequisite for Cooking II.
Cooking II: Experiment. Refine. Master. Build on foundational kitchen skills and expand culinary creativity. Students explore global cuisines, refine techniques, and learn about presentation and meal planning. Offered mornings, weeks three and four. Must have taken Cooking I.
Life Lab: Building Executive Functioning Skills
Franklin’s Life Lab is a structured, experiential learning block designed to help students strengthen their executive functioning and independent living skills through hands-on practice. Meeting three times per week — Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday — Life Lab provides a consistent environment where students learn to plan, organize, adapt, and reflect within real-world contexts.
Rather than teaching executive functioning through lectures or worksheets, Life Lab allows students to experience it. Each session transforms daily life into a learning opportunity — connecting cause and effect, building awareness of routines, and reinforcing that independence grows through reflection, consistency, and follow-through.
Core Executive Functioning Skills Targeted:
- Task Initiation – starting responsibilities and routines independently
- Organization – managing personal and shared spaces effectively
- Time Management – planning ahead and following schedules
- Self-Monitoring – noticing and adjusting behavior in real time
- Response Inhibition – regulating impulses and reactions
- Sustainability – maintaining effort and engagement over time
Sample Schedule and Weekend Activities
The schedule is thoughtfully arranged to give students the opportunity to meet peers with common interests in the path sessions, while also creating structured and unstructured social opportunities like going to to the movies, or a local ice cream parlor, or participating in on-campus activiites. Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are reserved for fun activities and longer trips off campus! Check out the PDF below for a sample schedule and some examples of trips that were popular last year!
Dates
Two-Week Program: June 28 – July 10, 2026
Four-Week Program: June 28 – July 24, 2026
Application and Tuition
BOARDING EXPERIENCE
Two-Week Boarding: $5,000
Four-Week Boarding: $9,000
DAY EXPERIENCE
Two-Week Day: $4,000
Four-Week Day: $7,500
