South Shore Stars

What South Shore Stars does

South Shore Stars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1970 and headquartered in Weymouth, Massachusetts, that delivers early education, afterschool, summer, family support, and specialized literacy programs to more than 1,300 children, youth, and families annually across 23 communities on the South Shore and Greater Boston. Its service portfolio comprises (1) early childhood programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years across preschools in Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth; (2) five K-5 afterschool locations (Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Libbey, Middle Street, and Randolph Extended Day Stars) with transportation from 16+ partner elementary schools; (3) a new DESE-approved Stars School & Learning Center that opened September 4, 2025 to serve grades K-8 students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences; (4) middle school youth development programs; (5) summer camps including at Hale Education in Westwood; and (6) family support and kinship services. Staff-to-student ratios are 1:13 in afterschool and 1:10 at the Randolph Extended Day program, with instruction grounded in evidence-based literacy and structured pedagogy delivered in partnership with the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: program tuition and state-accepted child care vouchers (recurring); donations and fundraising events including the Fore Stars Golf Tournament (cumulative $510,000 since 2015, $75,000 goal for 2026), the Love of Literacy Luncheon ($25,000 raised in 2026), and the Stars Aligned Gala ($165,000 raised in 2023); public funding unlocked by Full Chapter 766 approval in November 2025; and government grants, including a two-year $50,000-per-year Massachusetts DESE grant for Youth in Motion. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on school referrals, family word-of-mouth, inquiry-form enrollment, personal visits, and a deep corporate volunteer and donor network (Blue Cross Blue Shield, State Street, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Point32Health, United Way of Massachusetts Bay). Recent strategic priorities—launching the specialized school, securing DESE and Chapter 766 approvals, and expanding the board—signal a deliberate pivot toward a higher-margin, publicly funded specialized-education service line layered on top of the existing community-based programs.

Name

South Shore Stars

Legal name

South Shore Stars, Inc.

Website

https://southshorestars.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

South Shore Stars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1970 that delivers early childhood, afterschool, summer, family support, and specialized K-8 literacy programs to more than 1,300 children and families annually across 23 communities on Massachusetts's South Shore.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education and Youth Development

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

After-School Academic Support Programs (Centers & Clubs) (EDAJALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO), Summer School & Extended-Year Academic Catch-Up (EDANAJAH)

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Youth development programs
• Afterschool care services
• Specialized dyslexia school
• Family support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Weymouth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Program Fees and Child Care Vouchers: Revenue generated from tuition/fees for early education, afterschool, summer camp, and Stars School programs. The organization accepts child care vouchers as payment, indicating state/federal subsidy revenue streams.
2. Donations and Fundraising Events: Annual fundraising through events including Fore Stars Golf Tournament (raising $510,000 since 2015, $75,000 goal for 2026), Love of Literacy Luncheon ($25,000 raised in 2026, $20,000 in 2024), Stars Aligned Gala ($165,000 in 2023, $110,000 in 2020 virtual gala), and individual donations.
3. Chapter 766 Public Funding: Stars School & Learning Center received full Chapter 766 approval, allowing partnership with public school systems and access to public funding for educational services.
4. Government Grants: Two-year $50,000-a-year grant from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to expand Youth in Motion program.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

South Shore Stars is a nonprofit organization that delivers early childhood education, afterschool programs, summer camps, and family support services to children and families on the South Shore of Massachusetts. It also operates Stars School & Learning Center, a DESE-approved specialized school for students in grades K-8 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. The organization serves more than 1,300 children, youth, and families annually across 23 communities.

Product overview

South Shore Stars provides a comprehensive portfolio of early education and youth development programs organized across multiple service lines: (1) Stars School & Learning Center - a DESE-approved specialized school for grades K-8 serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences; (2) Early Childhood Programs - preschools in Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years; (3) Afterschool Programs - five distinct programs serving grades K-5 across Quincy and Weymouth locations with literacy focus, homework help, creative arts, sports, and technology activities; (4) Middle School Programs for adolescent youth development; (5) Summer Programs (grades 1-6) at multiple locations; and (6) Family Support Services. The organization serves more than 1,300 children and families annually from 23 communities across the South Shore, Greater Boston, and surrounding regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stars School & Learning Center: A DESE-approved specialized school serving students in grades K-8 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, offering structured, evidence-based instruction in a small, supportive environment.

Products and services

• Stars School & Learning Center DESE-approved specialized school for students in grades K-8 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, offering structured, evidence-based literacy instruction, language development, and executive functioning support.
• Early Childhood Programs (Preschools)
• Afterschool Programs (K-5) Afterschool enrichment programs for elementary students in grades K-5 with literacy focus, homework help, creative arts, sports, technology, and social-emotional development. Includes transportation from local elementary schools.
• Middle School Program Youth development programs for middle school students.
• Summer Programs (Grades 1-6) Summer camp and enrichment programs serving children entering grades 1-6 at multiple locations including Stars Camp at Hale Education.
• Family Support Family support and kinship services including counseling, resource connection, crisis support, and financial hardship assistance delivered by Family Support Clinicians.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 1,300+ children and families annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBCBS conducts annual Day of Service volunteer activities at Stars locations. Multiple volunteer days at Randolph Preschool and other locations including grounds beautification, playground maintenance, and camp preparation at Stars Camp at Hale Education.
• State StreetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRecurring corporate volunteer partner conducting site cleanups, grounds maintenance, and facility improvements across multiple Stars locations including Randolph Preschool, Quincy Preschool, Libbey Parkway headquarters, and camp preparation.
• Morgan StanleycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner assisting with camp preparation, playground maintenance at Weymouth Afterschool, and outdoor space preparation for seasons.
• DeloittecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual IMPACT Day volunteer visits with large teams (36 volunteers) conducting interior painting, landscaping, and outdoor space preparation at Weymouth Afterschool and other locations.
• Point32HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner for Stars Camp at Hale Education preparing camp facilities, clearing ground debris, and distributing wood chips.
• Quincy Mutual GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer team assisting with moving and unpacking Weymouth Preschool supplies to new location at 163 Libbey Parkway.
• J.JillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExecutive Leadership Team volunteer days at Quincy Preschool with grounds refresh, playground cleanup, and vegetable garden creation. Also donated $1,000 from J.Jill Compassion Fund.
• United Way of Massachusetts BaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing partnership providing funding support including Summer Step Up Funds for early childhood learners and grants for students with disabilities.
• Lastinger Center for Learning (University of Florida)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstructional coaches providing professional development support to Early Education teachers and administrators through Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care's Early Childhood Support Organization (ECSO) Initiative.
• Hale EducationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership hosting Stars Summer Camp at Hale Education facilities, enabling camp programming for children and youth.
• Massachusetts Cultural CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts funding through Weymouth Cultural Council supporting Visionary Voices digital art program for afterschool students.
• South Shore Savings BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLiteracy partner supporting Love of Literacy initiatives and financial literacy programs.
• Decoding Dyslexia-MAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocacy partner for dyslexia awareness and specialized literacy instruction. Board member Nancy Duggan serves as emcee for Love of Literacy events.
• Harvard PilgrimminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner conducting site cleanup activities at Stars Preschool locations.
• Cradles to CrayonsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership providing essential items valued at over $3,000 including clothing and school supplies for families facing financial hardship. Also provided 50 boxes of books valued at nearly $8,000 for National Reading Month.
• Quirk Subaru of BraintreeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSubaru Loves to Help campaign providing 300+ pairs of new sneakers and socks through Operation Warm partnership.
• Coastal DealershipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProviding free digital billboard placement on Route 3 in Rockland for community service announcements promoting Stars programs.
• Freemasons of Delta Lodge (Braintree)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer team assembling cribs and preparing new Weymouth Preschool location for opening.
• Hollywood AgencyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated $1,000 enabling five children and families to attend Company Theatre's Royal Tea Party event.
• The Barn StoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Golfer Gift Partner for Fore Stars Golf Tournament, providing ForceFlex Performance Sunglasses and Protective Cases for golfers.
• Pozerski Hatch & Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoard Treasurer Chris Ernest and colleagues volunteering at Randolph Extended Day location for playground cleanup and grounds maintenance.
• FoxRockminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer team constructing sandbox for Stars Quincy Preschool children.
• Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Iota ChapterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBook donation supporting early childhood literacy initiatives.
• State Street Investment ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated stuffed animals for preschoolers and volunteered time at headquarters.
• McDonald Electrical CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHoliday toy donation for Stars Afterschool Program.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• YMCA of Greater Boston: Regional multi-service nonprofit delivering early childhood education, afterschool programs, summer camps, and youth development across Greater Boston. Directly comparable to South Shore Stars in programming mix, target demographic, and community-based operating model.
• Horizons for Homeless Children: Massachusetts nonprofit operating early childhood centers and enrichment programs for children experiencing housing instability. Closely comparable in combining subsidized early education with family support services and a multi-site, multi-program structure.
• KIPP Massachusetts: Charter school network operating DESE-approved K-12 public schools in Greater Boston with extended day programming. Comparable as a regional K-12 nonprofit education provider serving similar communities on the South Shore and Greater Boston.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester: Greater Boston-area youth development nonprofit providing afterschool, summer programming, and family support to underserved youth. Comparable mission, member population, and community-led GTM motion to South Shore Stars.
• Little Sprouts Early Education & Child Care: New England-based multi-site early childhood education provider offering infant, toddler, and preschool programs across multiple Massachusetts locations. Comparable in operating multi-site preschool centers with subsidy acceptance and corporate partnerships.

Emerging players

• The Lab School of Washington: Independent specialized school serving students with language-based learning differences including dyslexia. Directly comparable as a specialized K-12 school for dyslexic learners, though at a different geographic scale and tuition model.

Broad incumbents

• Bright Horizons Family Solutions: Largest U.S. provider of employer-sponsored child care, early education, and afterschool programs. Comparable in early childhood and afterschool product lines, though operating as a for-profit national incumbent rather than a regional nonprofit.

Others

• Ascentria Care Alliance: Massachusetts-based human services nonprofit operating early education, family support, and community programs. Comparable as a multi-site nonprofit serving children and families in Massachusetts with mixed government and philanthropic funding.
• United Way of Massachusetts Bay: Regional funder and partner of South Shore Stars providing grants for early childhood and disability programs. Comparable ecosystem role as a multi-program nonprofit leader and convening organization in Greater Boston human services.

Regional players

• Thompson Island Outward Bound: Boston-based nonprofit delivering youth development, summer programs, and experiential learning. Comparable in mission and corporate volunteer/partnership model, though focused on outdoor and experiential education rather than classroom-based early childhood.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC8Ml9BJkVCx5EbxJji2trVg
• Xx.com/southshorestars
• Facebookfacebook.com/southshorestars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-shore-stars

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Shore Stars