July 27 - July 31, 2026

What is KITE?

KITE (Kaleidoscope Institute for Thinking Excellence) is a one-week full-day advanced program for high ability learners in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 7 hosted at the Pike School in Andover.

Who Should Go to KITE?

If your child grasps new concepts quickly and deeply, asks questions that show depth of understanding, often adds that "something extra" to a project, does not require any in-classroom support, seems motivated to explore new ideas, spends time waiting for others to "catch up"... then we highly recommend that you try the KITE program this summer. Please feel free to call us at (978) 494-3978 any time to discuss your child and to determine whether the KITE program would be a good match.

2026 KITE Theme:  " Mysteries and Marvels"

Students dive into real-world mysteries, from unsolved phenomena and hidden secrets to marvels of nature. engineering and human creativity. Through hands-on building, research, storytelling and design challenges, learners investigate the unknown, uncover patterns, and create their own mysteries and marvels.

Did you know there are many lost civilizations, whose demise remains a mystery?

Just this summer, archaeologists may have finally solved the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, North Carolina.  

Have you ever considered the marvel of our country celebrating its Semiquincentennial this year?  That is 250 years of history to explore! 

Would you like to help us create our own “Wonder Wall”, where you are free to express your ideas and invite responses?

KITE kids have an opportunity to explore high-interest topics, resulting in some very impressive, hands-on projects involving research and creativity. 

Join our KITE 2026 explorers! Have fun, meet new friends, and research topics that interest YOU! 

KITE kids will:

• Use the outdoors in many of their investigations
• Explore opportunities to develop leadership skills
• Use science and technology to solve problems in unique ways
• Participate in Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s “Type 3” activities: individual and small group investigations of REAL problems
• Choose Special Interest classes based on results of interest surveys.Examples might be: Mysteries of Numbers and Math, Building New Wonders of the Future, Fact or Fiction, Marvelous Masterpieces, and more.
  

Our theme merely provides a springboard for many challenging and thought-provoking activities. During the week, our skilled teachers will provide instruction on a variety of topics, pose open-ended questions and function primarily as a “guide on the side” rather than assume the more traditional teacher’s role of “sage on the stage.” Projects are “hands-on” and interest-based.

To view pictures from previous KITE sessions, click here.

Highlights

• Emphasis on higher-order creative and critical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills
• Productive thinking, communication, forecasting, decision-making and planning activities
• Chance to meet and work with other outstanding students, share interests and abilities, and make new friends
• Individual and small group independent investigations
• In-depth study of high-interest topics

Prerequisites

• Strong academic skills
• Independent learning skills
• High degree of motivation
• Teacher survey (sent upon registration, also online)
• Student interest questionnaire (sent in the spring, also online)

Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Daily

Tuition:  $550 per child + $40 non-refundable Registration Fee. Refunds are given, less a $100 processing fee, if a student withdraws prior to May 1, 2026. No refunds are available beyond that date.

Extended Day

Early Care (8:00 - 9:00 AM): $50 per week
Extended Day (2:30 - 5:00 PM): $250 per week

Registration

The registration form can be found here. Please indicate grade level completed as of June 1, 2026. Pre-K children must be entering kindergarten in 2026 to enroll in KITE this year. Teacher and student interest surveys will be mailed upon receipt of registration form and tuition. Children will receive several letters prior to the start of the program.

Class Size: Each class has 12 students.

KITE 2026 Director:  Kelsea Lussier

Coordinator:  Tim Stonecipher

Consultants:  Janis Baron and Sandra Blumenthal

Instructors

Highly qualified certified teachers with training in gifted education and /or higher order thinking skills.

For KITE information, please call (978) 494-3978.

What the KITE kids said:

• "I learned how to organize things in my head and make good decisions."
• "This past KITE program was just perfect."

From KITE parents:

• "My son attended this program for the first time and loved it. He is excited for next year and can't wait to go again. I love seeing children of like minds and like motivation work together. This was a great experience for him and I'm hoping to send my daughter as well next summer."
• "When I picked up the boys today, I asked my (4th grade) son if this program is different from others. 'Yes,' he replied, 'all the people are creative thinkers. Everyone has unique ideas!'"
• "Thank you for honoring and supporting the artist in every child. This was such a wonderful week...as my daughter said...'one of the best weeks ever'."
• "My son came home every day happy and proud to share the wonderful things he learned."
• "My daughter was placed in a group with children one year above her (after thoughtful discussion with the director) and told me she was 'where she belonged'. I appreciate the thought and consideration taken on behalf of the children."
• "My son told me he loved that he was allowed to be creative while he learned. He told me that in his last school year he was never allowed to do anything except what was assigned to the entire class. He loved KITE!"
• "Thank you for providing not only an environment for our children to learn and grow, but also an environment in which parents are welcome, supported and understood."
• "I have recommended the program and will continue to do so. The teaching staff is outstanding."
• "It was a fantastic week. Please keep doing what you are doing for these amazing students."
• "Thank you so much for the pre-camp survey. My daughter was so excited to start a new camp knowing that the camp cared enough to ask about her interests and likes."
• "As soon as (our daughter) got into the car on Friday, she asked, 'Can I go back next year?' She learned a lot, and it was fun for her to meet other students who were interested in learning. She also made quite a few friends."

Note received January 28, from a former KITE parent:

• "Many years ago my daughter attended your program. I truly believe that it was one of the best programs she has attended in her life. I still remember her enthusiasm about the program. It carried over to all aspects of her life. (She) is now a sophomore at (college) where she is thinking and creating 24/7. She is majoring in film and animation. I attribute her experiences at KITE to leading her in this wonderful direction. Thank you!"