Alden After-School Program
Grades 3–5 | Where confidence, curiosity, and kindness take root.
A launchpad for curiosity, laughter, and learning that lasts.
The Alden After School Program gives students in grades 3 through 5 the space and support to stretch their independence, form new friendships, and grow in confidence. Designed for the in-between hours – between school and home, between childhood and adolescence – DSU is a launchpad for curiosity, laughter, and learning that lasts.
Our program focuses on kindness, empathy, and social connection, while reinforcing study skills, teamwork, and responsibility. Every afternoon, students are surrounded by caring adults who encourage them to explore, collaborate, and discover new strengths – all while having fun with friends.
The Best Place Between School and Home
DSU is the quintessential “third place” – not school, not home, but something wonderfully in between.
It’s where kids unwind, make new friends, and simply be themselves. They might join a game, swap stories, work on an art project, or enjoy a well-earned snack — ice-cream sandwiches, nachos, or warm cinnamon-sugar pretzels are among the favorites.
No phones needed here. The playdates, the laughter, and the best company are all right inside our doors. For many families, DSU becomes a daily highlight – and for kids, it’s the best part of growing up in Duxbury. The best childhood journeys begin here, and if you ask any student, they’ll tell you with a smile: “I love DSU!”
A Breath of Fresh Air
At DSU, fresh air and free play are essential ingredients for a healthy mind and body. Every day, students spend time outside engaging in both classic and creative backyard games that build strength, coordination, teamwork, and resilience.
Whether they’re mastering a new game or cheering on a friend, our students learn that effort matters more than outcome – and that real success is measured in smiles, sportsmanship, and shared joy.
Study Skills & Academic Support
Each afternoon includes structured homework time and guided study support. Students strengthen their executive function skills – focus, organization, time management – through gentle reinforcement and engaging enrichment activities.
From Jeopardy!-style trivia to Wordle challenges and word games, learning at DSU is lively and social. Students also have access to teacher-recommended academic resources to reinforce classroom learning and build confidence.
"Habits of Mind" Curriculum
Our approach to learning extends far beyond academics. DSU integrates the “Habits of Mind” curriculum, created by Dr. Arthur Costa and Dr. Bena Kallick, throughout the school year to help students develop the mindset and skills for lifelong success.
Each week, students explore the 16 Habits — from managing impulsivity to thinking flexibly and responding with empathy. As they reflect and practice these ideas in both social and academic settings, we’ve seen them grow into more self-aware, confident, and genuinely kind individuals. Over time, those daily lessons in perspective-taking and empathy become second nature – shaping how our students connect, collaborate, and care for one another.
The illustrations supporting our Habits of Mind curriculum were created by DHS graduate Charlotte Tobin.
2025 - 2026 DSU Alden Tuition Rates
| Alden Programming | Annual Tuition* | Deposit (Flat Fee $600) | Monthly Tuition (10 mos.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Day | $3,154.20 | $600.00 | $255.42 |
| 3 Day | $4,354.35 | $600.00 | $375.44 |
| 4 Day | $5,540.85 | $600.00 | $494.09 |
| 5 Day | $5,845.35 | $600.00 | $524.54 |
*Program deposits, fees and monthly tuition are non-refundable. DSU programming is a year long commitment. Changes to schedules are not guaranteed.
Alden After School at DSU is a yearlong commitment. A 10-month payment plan is required in addition to the state required forms to fulfill your student’s registration.
DSU offers a sibling discount of 5% off the annual tuition of each child enrolling in DSU programming. This discount will be applied to each monthly payment. Discount is applicable to families with multiple children.
Scholarships are available.
Please note sibling discounts and scholarships cannot be combined.