Wednesday, September 9, 2026Opening Day — Orientation and Class Pitches
Thursday, September 10, 2026Class Pitches, Class Scheduling, and Mentor Check-Ins
Monday, September 14, 2026First Day of Classes
Thursday, June 3, 2027Last Day of Classes
June 7–10, 2027Activity Week
Holidays (BSLC Closed)
Monday, October 12, 2026Indigenous Peoples' Day
November 23–26, 2026Thanksgiving Week
December 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027Holiday Break
Monday, January 18, 2027Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 15–18, 2027Winter Break
April 19–22, 2027Spring Break
Monday, May 31, 2027Memorial Day
Family Meetings
January 11–14, 2027
June 14–17, 2027
2025–26 Classes
Our class lineup changes every year based on the needs and interests of our members, and is updated in the fall. This list reflects the 2025–26 year.
Math & Science
The Math Lab · AmeliaReal math is about spotting patterns, visualizing relationships, and solving problems creatively. Each week we tackle a new puzzle, game, or thought experiment — from infinite monkeys to the Monty Hall problem to the mathematics of sunflowers.
Statistics · AmeliaThe mathematical study of data, with applications in science, economics, and everyday life. Members explore data visualization, probability, and statistical inference at their own pace.
Logic · AmeliaThe formal study of deductive reasoning — how we determine whether an argument's premises entail its conclusion. Covers logical connectives, complex sentences, and constructing proofs.
HiSET Math · AmeliaFor members preparing for the HiSET math exam. Covers ratios, percentages, algebra, geometry, and statistics through scaffolded problem sets and practice tests, with individualized support throughout.
Math Practice Hour · AmeliaA collaborative work session for members building math fluency — whether for the HiSET or just for the love of it. Work on problem sets, tackle tricky concepts, and support each other in a relaxed setting.
Euclidean Geometry · GeorgeMembers work their way through Euclid's Elements and practice presenting geometric demonstrations to the class. Part math, part public speaking, and part ancient cult.
Geology & Geography · GeorgeDrawing on George's background in volcanology, this course explores geological processes — plate tectonics, volcanic activity, landforms — and how physical changes to the earth have shaped human history and social change.
Sociology · AmeliaThe study of human culture, institutions, and group behavior. Topics are guided by member interest — past themes have included crime, inequality, race and gender, religion, labor, and economic systems.
Human Anatomy · AvaA survey of human anatomy — the body's major systems, structures, and how they work together.
Language & Literature
Intro to Poetry · JayJayA broad overview of how to read, analyze, and write poetry. Covers figurative language, poetic elements, and form — with a poetry sampler and seminar-style discussion each week, plus original student work.
Form Poetry · JayJayFor students who've taken Intro to Poetry. Focuses on structured forms — haiku, sonnets, triolets, limericks — and poetic meter through scansion of everyday speech and longer works including Coleridge and Byron.
Playing with Poetry · JayJayA weekly creative practice with a twist: the obvious words are banned. Each class, members brainstorm — then eliminate — the expected vocabulary around a prompt, building specificity, flexibility, and fresh language.
Writing Workshop · JayJayTime set aside for members to work semi-independently on writing as a practice, with support tailored to individual goals.
Books and Tea · TerryA collaborative reading group where members choose the books and lead the discussion. Outside reading is required — listening on Audible or Libby counts.
Books and Protein Powder · JayJaySci-fi read aloud, together. Members listen and read along as the group works through a science fiction text, stopping to discuss as they go.
Monsters, Gods, and Men · JayJayAn interdisciplinary literature course exploring Prometheus Bound, Frankenstein, and Paradise Lost. Examines the ethics of creation, the cost of knowledge, and what horror reveals about what it means to be human.
American Sign Language · Rena (member)An introduction to ASL basics — signs, handshapes, and the fundamentals of communicating in a visual language.
Humanities
History: The Eurasian Steppe · George5,000 miles of grassland from Hungary to China, and the countless tribes and empires it produced. A discussion-based course drawing on historians, writers, podcasts, and primary sources — members choose their own sources and come ready to share.
Humanities · GeorgeA year-long seminar built around member-selected books and short stories. Each session is a guided discussion of the text — what it says, what it means, and what it leaves open.
Philosophy and/or Religion · GeorgeThis year the class focused on Chinese philosophy and religion, including the cultural origins and core teachings of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. The "and/or" is intentional: the course follows the questions wherever they lead.
Critical Thinking: BS Armor · JayJay & AmeliaMembers practice analyzing contemporary media through the lens of rhetorical appeals, logical fallacies, statistical literacy, and how algorithm-driven content shapes our thinking.
Implications Discussion · George & JayJayPart free-association, part structured discussion — members deep-dive into tangential topics from across their classes and weave them into a coherent thread. Past topics have ranged from copyright ethics to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Current Events · TerryNews through the lens of media criticism — evaluating sources, spotting bias, and distinguishing reporting from propaganda. Members bring their own stories. Starts with the two NYT weekly quizzes.
Guilty? Mock Trial & Debate · Erin Senapati-Brown (volunteer)A crash course in law, debate, and critical thinking. Members build arguments, present cases, and analyze evidence from multiple angles — culminating in a full mock trial.
Arts & Making
The Visual Art of Storytelling · Keith Cantone (volunteer)From cave paintings to comic books. A course built entirely around the instructor's personal library — members share their own favorites and opinions, while Keith brings as many books as his Prius can handle.
Music · JayWeekly band practice for BSLC's rock bands. Jay works with each group on their material, helping members develop as musicians and as collaborators.
Photography & Image Editing · TerryTechnique, lighting, and the art of making images — from smartphone to digital SLR. Members also learn Photoshop basics and explore digital art through image editing and multimedia projects.
3D Printing & Design · Jacob (member)Members learn to set up a printer, prepare models for printing, and design their own objects using Fusion — then print them.
Handwork Hour · TerryA collaborative making session. Everyone brings their skills to share — it's not about what you make, it's about the pleasure of working with your hands alongside others.
Dungeons & Dragons · Rowan (member) & AmeliaPart improv theater, part board game, part math class in disguise. Rowan creates original adventures; Amelia guides gameplay and logistics. Open to new and experienced members alike.
Magic: The Gathering · Neko (member)An introduction to Magic: The Gathering for new players — how to build a deck, understand the rules, and actually win a game.
LARPing · Jay, Ava & Rowan (member)Live-action roleplay — world-building, character creation, and collaborative storytelling that gets everyone off their chairs and into the story.
Game Design · Adam (volunteer)The basics of designing and coding computer and video games.
Drawing · Lee (volunteer)An introduction to drawing techniques for beginners (or anyone who wants to hone their skills).
Life & Transitions
Life Skills & Financial Literacy · TerryMembers develop a personal plan for educational and career decisions, with guest speakers sharing their own paths. Topics include budgeting, résumés, job interviews, mental and physical health, and finding your direction.
Transitions Program · TerryFor members in their final year at BSLC. Weekly check-ins, HiSET prep, college and community college guidance, and internship and mentorship opportunities — all aimed at making the next step feel less daunting.
HiSET Test Prep · TerryAn individually tailored program pulling from BSLC's full course offerings. Covers test-taking strategies, practice tests, and scheduling — with the goal of earning a HiSET certificate by year's end.
Inquiry Projects · TerryEach member picks a big idea, question, or project and dives deep. Some do research; others make something. Past projects have included curating an art portfolio, launching an Etsy shop selling handmade goods, and researching the best freshwater fishing spots in Massachusetts.
Nature · TerryThe whole point is to get outside. Hiking, fishing, growing plants in the Tower Garden, cooking projects, documentaries, indigenous ecological knowledge, and whatever else the class dreams up.