Saturday Academy in Portland, Oregon is a year-round haven for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) beyond the regular school day. For busy parents planning out-of-school time – from summer vacation to one-off school holidays – Saturday Academy offers a broad mix of programs for grades K–12, all designed to be enriching for children and easy for parents to navigate.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes Saturday Academy a standout among Portland summer camps and enrichment programs: full-week summer STEAM camps, innovative “Days Off” programs, expert-led instruction, and strong partnerships with organizations like Nike, OHSU, and Intel.
Year-Round Enrichment for Curious Kids (Grades K–12)
Saturday Academy has offered hands-on learning for Portland kids for more than 40 years. What sets them apart is their model: every class is taught by a working professional. That means your child could learn physics from a university researcher, coding from a Google developer, or animation from a local artist.
Classes are offered throughout the year—after school, on weekends, over school breaks, and all summer long—giving parents flexible and meaningful options to keep their kids engaged and learning.
Summer Camps: Full-Day STEAM Adventures
Saturday Academy’s summer camps are a top pick for Portland parents who want more than just babysitting. Their week-long, full-day camps give kids the chance to build rockets, dissect squid, create animation, and more—all taught by experts who do this work for a living.
- Full-day schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Held across the Portland area, including the University of Portland and other accessible campuses
- Organized by grade level: K–2, 3–5, and 6–8
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Whether your child is into biology, game design, or engineering, these camps offer a structured, hands-on environment that blends fun with depth. It’s a smart solution for parents looking to enrich summer while covering full workday hours.
“Days Off” Camps That Align with School Calendars
Saturday Academy also runs “Days Off” programs that coincide with school holidays and teacher in-service days. These one-day camps are a lifesaver for working families and provide meaningful experiences even when school is closed.
For Grades K–5:
- Full-day STEAM workshops from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Hosted at partner locations, including OHSU
- Designed around creative, engaging themes that rotate each session
- Scholarships available
Kids may become jungle biologists, forensic scientists, or inventors for the day—keeping them busy, inspired, and screen-free.
For Grades 9–12:
Saturday Academy’s high school “Days Off” series brings students into the real world of work through immersive field trips to Portland’s top employers. Past partner sites include:
- Nike
- OHSU
- Intel
- Lam Research
- The Port of Portland
- PSU’s College of Engineering
- ZGF Architects
These programs give teens exposure to real workplaces, career paths, and professional mentors—all within the structure of a one-day event. It’s an ideal way to turn a day off from school into a day of purpose.
Learning From Portland’s Professional Community
Saturday Academy is not a traditional classroom experience. Instead, every instructor is a working expert: scientists, engineers, doctors, architects, artists, and more. This model gives students exposure to real-world applications of what they’re learning.
It’s one thing to learn about robotics from a textbook; it’s another to build a robot with an Intel engineer. This type of mentorship not only enhances learning—it makes it feel real and relevant. For kids who are curious, gifted, or ready to explore potential careers, these interactions can be game-changing.
Real-World Connections Through Strong Partnerships
Saturday Academy’s reach extends far beyond its classrooms thanks to deep ties with Portland’s professional community. Organizations like Nike, OHSU, and Intel host students, support programming, and serve as mentors to high school interns.
Highlights:
- High schoolers gain access to internships through the Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program
- “Days Off” career days are hosted onsite at major companies
- Partnerships help keep programming current, relevant, and impactful
Through these relationships, students are exposed to the most exciting work happening across Portland—helping them imagine what’s possible and how to get there.
Parent-Friendly from Start to Finish
Saturday Academy is built with parents in mind. Here’s what makes it easy to say yes:
- Programs align with local school calendars – so you don’t have to patch together care
- Full-day schedule – no mid-day pickups required
- Multiple locations across Portland – from east side to west side
- Easy online registration and support – with financial aid available
- Trusted nonprofit with a 40+ year track record in STEAM education
It’s no wonder many families come back year after year.
TL;DR for Busy Parents
- Saturday Academy offers year-round enrichment for grades K–12, including summer camps, one-day “Days Off” programs, after-school classes, and internships.
- Summer camps run full days, all summer long, with hands-on STEAM themes for grades K–8.
- Days Off programs provide one-day camps during school holidays, with tailored experiences for both elementary students and high schoolers.
- Expert instructors come from local industries—real scientists, engineers, artists, and more.
- High schoolers can explore careers through immersive field trips and the prestigious ASE internship program.
- Convenient for parents: aligned to school calendars, full-day schedule, easy online sign-up, and multiple locations across Portland.
- Scholarships available to make programming accessible to all families.
Learn more and sign up today.
