At Tinkering School

We believe that kids are more capable than they know, and to prove it, we give them real tools to solve real problems. By learning through doing, we strive to make mistakes and learn from them, collaborate and make friends, and try harder than usual.

With wood, with metal, with cardboard, and sometimes with paint, Tinkerers work with one another as well as our unique staff to team-design and team-create amazing projects.

Kids are more capable than they know.

The use of real tools to tackle real problems creates a unique atmosphere of trust and responsibility. From six-year-olds to highschoolers, we empower our tinkerers with tools, autonomy and space. Big responsibilities build competency and leave lasting memories.

The freedom to fail is essential.

Every project has setbacks and often ours happen to be spectacular. If it goes right the first time, you’re just learning how to follow instructions. A failure-positive atmosphere allows children to play in the face of adversity.

It can be done bigger and bolder.

When we make abstract art, we do it by dropping paint-filled balloons from the rafters in our ceilings onto a bed of nails or laying down a 10ft by 30ft piece of photo scrym and dancing on it. When we build, we create 10 feet of rollercoaster track with a self-aligning cart or 25ft towers that let us touch the ceiling of the school. Every week of summer is different and each after school session is new. We can promise this: we make big art, we build big things and we go amazing places.