Vermont Schools

Kids on the Ball is a no-cost program offered to Vermont schools. Jake, Jack, and Cody see 200 students every day. Jake and Kids on the Ball have been in school gyms and cafeterias in Vermont and beyond.

VT Schools KOTB visits:

Champlain Elementary School (Burlington)

C.P. Smith Elementary School (Burlington)

J.J. Flynn Elementary School (Burlington)

Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler Elementary School (Burlington)

Sustainability Academy at Barnes Elementary School (Burlington)

Edmunds Elementary School (Burlington)

Edmunds Middle School (Burlington)

Hunt Middle School (Burlington)

Burlington High School (Burlington)

Chamberlin Elementary School (South Burlington)

Orchard Elementary School (South Burlington)

Folsom School (South Hero)

Albert D. Lawton School (Essex)

Summit Street School (Essex)

Hiawatha School (Essex)

Thomas Fleming School (Essex)

Essex Middle School (Essex)

Essex High School (Essex)

Shelburne Community School (Shelburne)

Williston Central School (Williston)

Allen Brook School (Williston)

JFK Elementary School (Winooski)

Champlain Valley Union High School (Hiensburg)

Camel’s Hump Middle School (Richmond)

Browns River Middle School (Jericho)

Mount Mansfield Union High School (Jericho)

Milton High School (Milton)

MT. Abraham Union Middle and High School (Bristol)

Otter Valley Union Middle and High School (Brandon)

Want to bring Kids on the Ball to your school?

Physical Education (P.E.)

For 25 years, Kids on the Ball has visited P.E. classes in local schools to offer a tennis unit. Low-compression tennis balls and portable nets allow most spaces to be turned into courts for games. This equipment creates 2-4 indoor courts in school gyms and cafeterias where we play year-round. Jake, Jack, and Cody share a schedule with P.E. coaches at a VT K-12 school for 1-2 weeks, thus decreasing the coach: player ratio. Through games like Buckets, Numbers, Doubles Top Dog, and Elimination, students build their skills and play for prizes. At the end of every class we share wristbands, stickers, tattoos, pencils, and candy.

Kids on the Ball brings SPEC TENNIS to Schools!

Kids on the Ball added an exciting twist to our schools with Spec Tennis. This fun, fast-growing sport is a great introduction to tennis for students of all ages and abilities.

By using a low-compression ball and a paddle, Spec slows down the pace of play, making it easier for kids to rally, connect with the ball, and develop proper swing mechanics. The paddle design encourages students to swing through the hitting zone with control and confidence.

Since introducing paddles, we’ve seen a boost in participants, longer rallies, and, most importantly, smiles on the courts. It’s tennis made fun, accessible, and engaging for every student.

After School

KOTB coordinates with After School Directors and Counselors at The Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, The King Street Center, and local VT schools to offer After School tennis. The KOTB coaches bring equipment to play in gyms and cafeterias year-round.

2025-2026 After School Schedule:

Tuesdays - Boys and Girls Club of Burlington

Wednesdays - Chamberlin Elementary (S. Burlington)

Thursdays - Orchard Elementary (S. Burlington)

Ripple Effect

Kids on the Ball programming improves how a student feels emotionally, physically, and socially. KOTB believes that if a student’s mood improves, then a ripple effect spreads positivity around that student. Teachers, classmates, friends, and family at home have remarked on how KOTB’s program exposes students to tennis and through games, creates a comfortable environment for students to win, lose, and, most importantly, persevere.

Joe Resteghini, Principal, Champlain Elementary School:

"Kids on the Ball has made a difference in the lives of young people, expanded horizons, and improved the overall school experience for students and staff members alike. At Champlain Elementary School, in Burlington Vermont, where we welcome students from around the globe there is always a level playing field when it comes to KOTB. Jake and his staff encourage an introduction to a lifelong sport in a way that has no boundaries. KOTB continues to be a bright spot and an example of excellence in the mind-body connection that is so especially important at the elementary school level."