best reading programs in Cambridge, MA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

If you're in the mood for an urban adventure, the Cambridge YMCA is easy to get to. We are conveniently located in Central Square, on the Red Line for public transportation. Buses frequently pass by our Mass Ave. site, and we are approximately halfway between MIT and Harvard University, directly across from City Hall. If you're driving, the Mass Pike, Storrow Drive, and Memorial Drive will take you right to us. Our parking lot is located directly behind the building on Green Street, and there is metered parking available on Mass Ave. and the surrounding streets.

At Bright Horizons at Kendall Square, we’re dedicated to providing the best early education experience for your family. Our teachers have years of experience, and are committed to helping your child get the most out of their time with us. We have a range of activities to keep your child engaged, from exploring the natural world in our garden, to discovering books in our reading nook. We also have three age-specific outdoor areas, to help children to explore and learn beyond the classroom. At Bright Horizons at Kendall Square, we’re passionate about providing the highest quality early education to your family. Our teachers are highly experienced, and are committed to working closely with you to ensure your child makes the most of their time with us.

Welcome to Bright Horizons at Mass Ave! We understand that the start of a child's journey is so important, and we want to ensure that your family has the best start. Our center is a safe, nurturing and stimulating place for your little one to learn, grow and reach their full potential. We serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and our teacher-to-child ratio meets the highest standards of quality as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Department of Early Education and Care. At Bright Horizons at Mass Ave, we prioritize the well-being of your child and family. We recognize the importance of a strong start and provide a safe, encouraging environment for your little one to learn and thrive. Our center accommodates children from 6 weeks to 5 years, and our teacher-to-child ratio meets the high standards of quality set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Department of Early Education and Care.

At The New School of Music, we provide a non-competitive, student-centered learning environment that is designed to foster creativity and a love of music. Our dedicated staff of professional musicians is passionate about teaching and providing an enriching experience for all of our students. Our comprehensive program includes private and group lessons, master classes, vacation programs, seasonal family events, and faculty and community concerts. We provide a wide range of classes for adults and children of all ages and levels, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect class or program to fit their needs. At The New School of Music, we are committed to making music accessible to all. No matter your race, creed, national origin, or socio-economic level, we will work with you to find the right program or class. We strive to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that celebrates the creative spirit of all of our students.

At KinderCare, we know that your child is capable of so much from the very beginning. That’s why we created Early Foundations®, an exclusive curriculum designed to give your little one a head start. Our Education Team has pulled together the very best parts of leading educational philosophies to create an approach that is tailored to meet the needs of each and every one of our youngest learners. From the very beginning, your child’s learning is at the heart of KinderCare. We recognize that even the tiniest of babies are capable of learning, and every coo, crawl, and creation is proof of that. That’s why our child care programs put education first, and we don’t rely on an existing curriculum. Instead, our Education Team has crafted Early Foundations®—a unique approach that you won’t find anywhere else. Our dedicated team has combined the best elements of the world’s leading educational philosophies, allowing us to give your little one the best start possible.

At Henry Buckner School, our goal is to help children become strong, healthy, and successful members of our community. We strive to create a nurturing, secure, and positive learning environment for every student, regardless of their individual differences in learning styles. We offer a cooperative effort between school, parents, and community to ensure that all students are given high expectations and age-appropriate instruction. We provide a variety of programs to cater to the needs and interests of our students, including infant and toddler care, pre-school, after-school programming, and an exciting summer enrichment program. We are proud to be a private school that emphasizes the well-being of students of all cultures, nationalities, and creeds. Our commitment to helping children become well-rounded, healthy, and successful members of the community starts with providing a safe and positive learning environment.

We are thrilled to announce that we are now in our BRAND NEW space at 795 Concord Avenue! Our commitment to providing a high-quality, play-based and child-centered program has been recognized with the Wicked Local Readers Choice award for best preschool in Cambridge, for the sixth year in a row. At Evergreen Day School, we believe that children learn best through play and exploration. Our curriculum is designed to engage curious minds and encourage creative expression. We provide a nurturing atmosphere for toddlers to five year olds, where they can grow and explore in a safe and stimulating environment. We are so proud to have expanded our program, and to have moved into our BRAND NEW space at 795 Concord Avenue. At Evergreen Day School, our dedication to providing a positive learning experience has been recognized by the Wicked Local Readers Choice awards for six consecutive years. We are proud to be the #1 preschool in Cambridge and look forward to continuing to offer a high-quality, play-based and child-centered program in our BRAND NEW space.

At Wildflower Montessori School, we believe that children are naturally good, peaceful and motivated to learn. We strive to create a loving, peaceful environment where children and adults can work together to foster learning. Our school in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the first Wildflower School to open its doors and we are proud to be part of this innovative approach to Montessori education. At Wildflower, our goal is to provide children with a learning environment that is both peaceful and joyful. We believe that children have the potential to learn and grow when given the right resources, and we strive to give them the tools they need to reach their full potential. Our unique approach to Montessori education is a testament to our commitment to helping children thrive.

At HYCCC, we take a unique approach to childcare. We draw from the schools of Reggio Emilia and the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget, creating an environment that is both warm and safe, as well as stimulating. We put play at the center of our approach, allowing children to learn new skills and internalize concepts. Our teachers set the stage for learning by providing a flexible, welcoming classroom that caters to the children’s interests. To ensure that our curriculum is developmentally appropriate, we use a combination of observation, reflection, and documentation. We also involve parents in our community, encouraging cooperation and respect among all members of our community.