Three people wearing life vests in a canoe on a pond.

SummerTide Program

A structured, therapeutic Extended School Year (ESY) program designed specifically for students with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

SummerTide is Latham Centers’ structured, therapeutic summer program for students with complex disabilities, including Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Open to both currently enrolled students and those joining for short-term placements, SummerTide provides academics, residential care, clinical support, and a secure food environment throughout the summer — helping reduce regression, ease anxiety, and support continued growth.

Program Snapshot

Schedule: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Educational Day)
Afternoons & evenings transition to structured residential programming

Focus Areas:

Academics
Field Trip–Based Learning
Fitness & Wellness
Life & Vocational Skills
Clinical & Behavioral Support
Food Security

What Makes SummerTide Unique?

12-Month Consistency

Maintains structure and routine to reduce anxiety and behavioral regression.

Secure Food Environment

All meals and food access are carefully structured and monitored — a critical component of successful PWS care.

Engaging Summer Learning

Morning academics (Math, ELA, Performing Arts, Vocational Skills)
Afternoon clubs and outings (Swim, Science, Art, Fitness, Performing Arts)

Daily Exercise

Students participate in at least one hour of physical activity daily, in addition to PE and health programming.

Comprehensive Nursing & Clinical Care

  • 24-hour nursing support

  • Medication management

  • Individual and group therapy

  • Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) integrated across the program

Residential Life During SummerTide

After the school day, students transition to residential programming focused on:

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

  • Hygiene and self-care routines

  • Social development

  • Structured recreational activities

All within Latham’s secure, therapeutic environment.

Inquiries

Interested in learning more about SummerTide?

Contact our Admissions Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone:

Or complete our inquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is SummerTide designed for?
Students may attend as part of Latham’s year-round program or enroll in short-term two-week sessions, offering families and school districts a safe, specialized option for extended school year services or respite support — while ensuring students continue to grow in a highly structured setting.

What does a typical day look like?
Students participate in morning academics, afternoon enrichment clubs and outings, daily exercise, and structured residential programming in the evening.

How is food managed?
Latham maintains a secure food environment with physician-prescribed caloric guidelines monitored daily by nursing staff.

What clinical support is available?
Students receive individualized therapy, group therapy, behavioral support planning, and access to a multidisciplinary clinical team.

Is medical care available on campus?
Yes. Latham provides 24-hour nursing support and coordinates care with medical providers, including emergency services at Cape Cod Hospital when needed.

What is the cost of SummerTide?
SummerTide tuition varies depending on length of stay (full summer or two-week session). Funding is often coordinated through school districts for Extended School Year (ESY) services, and short-term placements may also be supported through district or agency funding.

Our Admissions Team works closely with families and school districts to review rates, determine eligibility, and explore funding options. Please contact us directly at [email protected] to discuss your student’s needs.

Consistency. Care. Continued Growth

TSummer doesn’t have to mean disruption. With specialized support and a secure, structured environment, SummerTide helps students thrive — while giving families peace of mind.

Latham School:

Reaching for the Future

At Latham School, children from 8 years to young adults of 22 years are under the care of a special needs teacher and aide. In small home room classes of eight or fewer students. …Read more.

Latham Centers:

Safe Passage to Adulthood

While some Latham children return home to family or enroll in programs closer to home, others may transition to our Adult Programs or remain on Cape Cod to live independently …Read more.

Ways to Give

You can Make a Difference

A gift to Latham Centers will make a difference in the life of each and every individual we serve. To make it as easy as possible for you to donate, we offer a variety of gift vehicles …Read more.