After-School Programs

We regularly serve up to120 young people in our combined programs, with a student to staff ratio of approximately 12:1. We strive to provide the necessary balance between structure and free-play. We offer daily clubs taught by our staff such as basketball, cooking, fashion reconstruction, flag football, martial arts, monster sewing, newspaper, and puzzles. We serve two snacks daily: an organic fruit snack at dismissal and a prepared snack at 4:30. We make it a priority to use quality, locally-grown ingredients and avoid processed foods.

Our staff is a diverse team of energetic educators. We practice conflict resolution to empower kids to find their feelings and speak their voices. We believe in modeling as a powerful teaching opportunity and look at after-school activities as a way for kids to connect with and learn from adults with whom they identify. With developmental needs in mind, breakout groups and activities for kindergarten and first-graders are offered from August-December, and a designated staff person works with children who are new to the after-school program at the beginning of the year to help with transition.

X-Care is our after-school program for Lower School students (grades K-5) held daily from 3:00-6:00 p.m. This time after school gives children an excellent opportunity to interact and to develop social relationships with not only their peers, but also with students of other ages.

Our staff understands the importance of play in children's lives. They provide a warm, caring atmosphere where intimacy and community are cultivated. We facilitate activities such as art and crafts, cooking, musical activities and physical recreation so children can stretch their intellectual, creative, and athletic abilities. Interaction between staff and students is on both a group level and one-on-one. We set examples for students on how to have fun, how to cooperate, and how to share responsibility as team players. We also recognize the importance of children solving their own problems and conflicts. We hold students responsible for their actions and behavior, thus teaching them to be caring and thoughtful people and we offer care, guidance, and directions in this process.

Study Hall is held Monday-Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30 in the Helen Dittmer Library and is open to all 1st-5th graders. Interns and X-Care staff are available to assist students with homework, as needed.

X-Plus is the after-school program for our Middle School students held daily from 3:20-6:00 p.m. Developmentally, middle school students are quite different from younger students and have different needs. Students have their own dedicated space in the Middle School Multi-Purpose Room. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Study Hall to complete their homework. We also offer activity clubs several times per week, as well as pick-up games in the gym or Back 40. There are plenty of opportunities for much-needed socializing time.

Cost

Enrichment Classes offer students opportunities to explore talents and interests beyond the school curriculum for an additional fee. Classes are offered for twelve-week sessions starting in September and January. Previous offerings include: capoeira, carpentry, cartooning, circus arts, drama, floorball, guitar, LEGOS, Mad Science, and Mandarin.