YES Academy (current 5th-7th graders)

The Youth Experiencing Success (YES) Academy is designed for rising sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to enhance awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the middle school curriculum through hands-on experiences. This five-week program will help students prepare for the upcoming school year in a supportive learning environment.

YES Academy will enhance awareness, knowledge and appreciation of learning through a thematic, hands-on experience. The program is designed to capture interest, foster enjoyment of learning from within, and build self-esteem by helping students develop a strong sense of self-confidence. Students will have the opportunity to reinforce basic skills in reading, writing, science, math, and STEM; practice study skills; learn organizational strategies; and develop test-taking strategies in a supportive learning environment.

The thematic program curriculum is adjusted each year to address current topics and to ensure new content for any returning students. The day is broken up into five 35-minute blocks. Four of the blocks focus on basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, science, and math. The fifth block is divided to provide additional time for connections in science and math through hands-on, project-based STEM activities and helping students to explore reading for pleasure through Literacy 2.0. Students will also have daily outdoor opportunities throughout the program.

Breakfast is provided daily for free to all students. Students can pack a lunch and snack daily along with a water bottle or purchase lunch. Lunch menus will be shared closer to the start of the program. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will continue to receive this during YES.

The YES Academy community of students, staff and families is committed to forming a partnership that:

1. perpetuates an environment that encourages learning, cooperation and respect for individuality
2. embraces the emotional and physical growth of all students
3. fosters a positive and safe environment

It is important that students who accept the invitation attend the sessions for the full four weeks that it is offered. Students have increased chances of maintaining and increasing their academic skills when they participate on a daily basis. Absence for three or more days without notifying the YES Academy staff in advance is considered voluntary termination of the student's enrollment in the program.

Click here to register your child via PowerSchool Parent Portal. Registration will be found in the FORMS section. Registration will open March 17, 2026. If you need support completing the Registration Form, please contact Amy Murphy at murphya@lmsd.org. 

A non-refundable $75 registration fee is required at the time of registration for all students. Registration is complete with a submission of the $75 registration fee. The remaining tuition amount of $250 is due by May 29, 2026. If tuition is not paid by May 29, 2026, your child will be disenrolled and the spot will be given to a student on the waiting list. If you are asking for the tuition fee to be waived for the program, you need to have completed the free/reduced lunch application for this school year and qualify. Click here to access the free/reduced lunch application. On the application, please check the boxes on the last page to share information with school personnel.

Transportation is provided by Lower Merion School District. Students are picked up at their designated bus stops and arrive at school no later than 9:00 AM. Students are dismissed from class to the bus line at 1:50 PM and leave campus at 2:00 PM. Bus information, including pickup and drop off times and locations, will be shared closer to the start of the program.

If you have any questions, please contact YES Academy Coordinator: Amy Murphy at murphya@lmsd.org.