MADISON, Wis. -- Even on a Saturday, and even on a day that felt like summer, dozens of students at one Madison elementary school spent the morning in class.

Saturday was the final day of "Saturday School," a unique program in Madison.

It is easy to assume that kids would want to be anywhere but school on a weekend morning, but this program is proving to be different.

Every Saturday since the end of January, about 100 students have gathered for about two hours a week to get a little extra work done and to do so while having a little bit of fun.

Instead of sleepy hallways on Saturday at Lincoln Elementary School, students are gathered in classrooms, wide-eyed and learning.

"It's fun. Like, you don't really want to be bored in a classroom," said fifth-grade student Natalya Moreno.

With leftover federal Title 1 funds at their disposal, the school decided to create the Saturday Enrichment and Tutoring, or SET program.

"In our planning, we thought about, of course, making it fun and making it feel a little different than their regular school day. So we've got more relaxed time in the library and the gym," said Abby Potter, SET program principal.

Students spend an hour of tutoring in small groups, working on reading and math and another hour participating in other activities.

And instead of traditional instruction, students learn through playing games.

"It's been helping me because, the math part. I'm not so good at math. So during math, I would think about Saturday school and do my math," said Moreno.

"They are academically focused, but it's a more comfortable environment. I think that's what helps kids more," said volunteer and Madison West High School junior Enrique Olivas.

Olivas is one of nearly two dozen student volunteers helping out.

The program is also a learning opportunity for high school students working with kids while assisting teachers.

"It's different for someone younger to talk to little kids like that. When an adult talks to you, it's a different feeling," said Olivas.

In its first year, officials say the program appears to be a success, and there are hopes that it can serve as a model for other schools to follow.

"I've had other principals ask me how it's going. They were interested in how the program was set up, what were all the details. But it remains to be seen. In a tight budget year, you never know," said Potter.

The program was initiated as a means to help kids with reading and math, but quickly grew to help kids build a positive relationship with their school.

Report cards come out in mid-June.

At that point, school officials said they will have a better idea how the program has helped students academically.