After-School Opportunities

Age: 3*
Time: Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m. 
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 + $50 registration fee (yearlong)

*Age 3 by the first day of the fall semester. 

Our 3-4-year-old students are introduced to independently dancing in a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. This includes fundamental movement/locomotive activities that build vocabulary, physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. They will also practice rhythmic awareness, social engagement, and self-expression through group activities.  

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Age: 4
Time: Saturday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. 
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)

Our 3-4-year-old students are introduced to Independently dancing in a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. This includes fundamental movement/locomotive activities that build vocabulary, physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. They will also practice rhythmic awareness, social engagement, and self-expression through group activities.  

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Age: 5-6
Time: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)

Our 5-6-year-old students are introduced to performing the fundamentals of beginner ballet training (placement, port de bras, footwork, and simple vocabulary) in an integrative and creative learning environment — practicing body alignment, non-verbal storytelling, studio etiquette, and team-building skills.; memorizing choreographed combinations through ensemble work; and utilizing ballet technique and training as a vehicle of imagination, creativity, and mindfulness.

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Age: 6
Time: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)

Our 5-6-year-old students are introduced to performing the fundamentals of beginner ballet training (placement, port de bras, footwork, and simple vocabulary) in an integrative and creative learning environment — practicing body alignment, non-verbal storytelling, studio etiquette, and team-building skills.; memorizing choreographed combinations through ensemble work; and utilizing ballet technique and training as a vehicle of imagination, creativity, and mindfulness.

REGISTER HERE

Ages: 7-12
Day: Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12;00-1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968  (yearlong)

Level 1 is the introductory level to the Primary Ballet Program and provides an important foundation for students who wish to progress to higher levels. All students are required to take two 60-minute Level 1 ballet classes per week for at least one year before moving forward in the program, even those with previous training as a young child. To maintain classroom consistency and build a cohort of students who are working on the same concepts, the student must attend both of their classes at the same campus. Students work on fundamental vocabulary at the barre and begin to concentrate on body alignment, rotation from the hip sockets, traveling across the floor with coordination, and expressive port de bras with the arms. They continue to build on exercises and activities designed to increase flexibility, develop core strength, and improve rhythmic awareness.

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THIS CLASS IS FULL. Visit the REGISTER HERE link to be placed on the waitlist.
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard 
Cost: $225

Step into the magical world of dance with our Introduction to Dance class designed specifically for energetic and creative minds aged 4-5! In this engaging program, students will embark on a journey of self-expression and movement exploration and will be led through the basics of dance, fostering coordination, rhythm, and a love for creative expression. Through imaginative play and age-appropriate choreography, your child will develop confidence and grace in a supportive and fun-filled environment. Join us as we twirl, leap, and dance our way into a world of creativity and joy!

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Ages: Second-Fourth Grade
Day: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Amy Stanziale & Patty Welch
Cost: $225

You know that Eagles can fly, but did you also know they can dance? Come join the Lower School Dance Troupe on Wednesdays after school! We will learn different dance routines together to popular songs. Let’s get our Eagle wings flapping and toes tapping!

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Ages: Second-Fifth Grade
Day: Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $225

Get ready to move and groove with our exciting Jazz & Hip-Hop Dance class! Designed for kids in 2nd to 5th grade, this class blends the energetic and rhythmic styles of Jazz and Hip-Hop dance. Our friendly and experienced instructors will guide students through fun and easy-to-follow routines, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Students will learn basic dance techniques, explore new moves, develop coordination and balance, and work toward a fun end-of-session presentation to showcase their new skills. Whether your child is a beginner or has some dance experience, our Jazz & Hip-Hop class provides a positive and supportive environment for all levels. Join us for an unforgettable dance adventure filled with music, movement, and lots of fun!

REGISTER HERE

Ages: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/16/24
Instructor: MCA Dance Faculty
Cost: $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson), $366 (6 weeks, $61/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual dance lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and dance interests. MCA Dance Lessons emphasize the development of skills in creating and performing dance in various genres. The lessons are 30 minutes. If lessons are missed due to sickness or other school-imposed conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; one make-up lesson is built into the fall session to accommodate these conflicts. Please note: 24-hour advance notice is required for missed lessons, and no credits are given due to unexcused student absences. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons. 

REGISTER HERE

Ages: Second-Sixth Grade
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $275

Are you ready to get dirty? The ceramic process has been around for thousands of years and is one of the oldest art forms known to humankind, but ceramics is more popular today than ever! In this 10-week course, students will learn hand-building techniques to create unique sculptural and functional artwork. From creative animal sculptures to your very own ice cream bowl, students will pinch, pull, press, and squeeze their ideas into existence! This class includes all materials and firings. No prior experience is required. All functional pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe. 

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Ages: Third-Sixth Grade
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Allison Bacher
Cost: $275

In this hands-on course, tradition and innovation collide. We'll kick things off by delving into the world of embroidery with foundational stitches and skills. Once students have acquired a solid understanding and confidence in the basics, they can set their creativity free by stitching their imaginative touch onto fabric to craft a unique embroidery design. Throughout the course, we'll sprinkle in lessons on art history. No prior experience is necessary and supplies included in the class can be taken home at the end for students to continue their creative journey.

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Ages: First-Third Grade
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Evelyn Hoffmann
Cost: $225

Join Ms. Hoffmann and turn recycled materials into unique and creative pieces of art. Students will learn how to upcycle materials such as cardboard, CDs, crayons, bottle caps, and plastic to create individual projects. They will be shown multiple images as inspiration each week and learn how to manipulate the materials to make their ideas a reality. Students will go home with a variety of upcycled projects ranging from decorative lanterns, cardboard animal portraits, water bottle fish mobiles, and much more! All materials will be provided.

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Ages: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/16/24
Instructor: MCA Visual Art Faculty
Cost: $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson), $366 (6 weeks, $61/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual art lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and art interests. MCA Art Lessons emphasize developing skills in creating visual art in various mediums. The lessons are 30 minutes. If lessons are missed due to sickness or other school-imposed conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; one make-up lesson is built into the fall session to accommodate for these conflicts. Please note: 24-hour advance notice is required for missed lessons and no credits are given due to unexcused student absence. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons. 

REGISTER HERE

Ages: Six months-three years
Day, Four Sessions: Wednesday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, 4:00-4:45 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.; Saturday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $240

Commonplay provides interactive moments for caregivers to sing, play instruments, dance, and connect with their children as they develop confidence and music appreciation through playful exploration. In every class, you will experience live music that is dynamic and imaginative and will encourage everyone to move, sing, and create together. Grab a scarf and play with us!

REGISTER HERE

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music. 

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Ages: PK-First Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $240

Try-Tones is a community of students who celebrate confidence and build essential skills through singing, movement, and playing authentic musical instruments in an ensemble setting. Every student will have the opportunity to explore engaging musical concepts on the guitar, piano, and various percussion instruments. These concepts will be applied in class as students learn how to play a collection of captivating songs for a culminating performance at the end of the session.

REGISTER HERE

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music. 

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Ages: Fifth-Eighth Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $275

Students in ToneLab will get to experience the thrill of making music with their own band! From choosing a band name to playing a set list in front of a live audience, each musician will be fully immersed in the process of creating, promoting, rehearsing, and performing in a band. With the guidance of Common Tone teachers, students will be given artistic control over their band’s musical genre, image, and sound which will encourage collaboration, communication, active listening, and problem-solving. Bring old friends, make new ones, and tune up the band!

REGISTER HERE

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music. 

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Ages: Second-Fourth Grade
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $240

Students in ToneLab will get to experience the thrill of making music with their own band! From choosing a band name to playing a set list in front of a live audience, each musician will be fully immersed in the process of creating, promoting, rehearsing, and performing in a band. With the guidance of Common Tone teachers, students will be given artistic control over their band’s musical genre, image, and sound which will encourage collaboration, communication, active listening, and problem-solving. Bring old friends, make new ones, and tune up the band!

REGISTER HERE

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music. 

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Ages: Five and up
Day/Time: Lesson times to be determined by teacher and student availability
Session: 6-, 12-, or 30-week sessions offered, lessons begin the week of September 16
Instructor: MCA Music Faculty
Cost: $1770 (30 weeks, $59/lesson); $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson); $366 (6 weeks, $61/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual music lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and musical interests. MCA Music Lessons emphasize the development of skills in creating and performing music on a specific instrument. Middle and Upper School lessons are 30 minutes and Lower School lessons are 25 minutes. Lessons are offered after school and in the evening. Lessons are also offered to McDonogh students during the school day; lessons scheduled during the day do not interfere with academic programs.

This year, lessons will be offered in 30-, 12-, or 6-week blocks of time. Students who sign up for the full 30-week block will receive a discounted lesson rate and will be given priority for daytime lessons. Daytime lessons cannot be guaranteed for those students who sign up for 12 or 6 weeks of lessons.

Music instruction is offered on the following instruments:

• Drums and Percussion: Ages 5 and up
• Brass (trumpet, trombone, and tuba): Ages 8 and up
• Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe): Ages 8 and up
• Guitar: Ages 6 and up
• Piano: Ages 5 and up
• Strings (violin, viola, and cello): Ages 5 and up
• Voice: Ages 10 and up
• Ukulele: Ages 6 and up

If lessons are missed due to sickness or other school-mandated conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; three make-up lessons are built into the 30-week session to accommodate for these conflicts. One make-up lesson is built into the 6- and 12-week lessons for this same reason.

Please note: 24-hour advance notice is required for missed lessons and no credits are given due to unexcused student absence. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons.

REGISTER HERE

Ages: PK-First Grade
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $225

Spark your child’s imagination with our Intro to Drama class! Tailored for young performers in Prekindergarten through 1st grade, this class introduces the magical world of theater through playful and engaging activities. Our nurturing and enthusiastic instructors will guide students as they explore basic acting skills, express themselves through creative storytelling, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Kids will learn to work together.

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Ages: Second-Fifth Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dan Wagner
Cost: $225

Students will participate in fun theater activities and games that teach skills for the stage including improvisation, character development, script reading, scene work, and unarmed stage combat. Students will gain confidence and self-esteem as they learn and improve their skills in a supportive, ensemble-building, and teamwork-focused environment.

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Ages: Second-Eighth Grade
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Cal Davis
Cost: $225

In an 8-week frenzy, a diverse group of Lower School and Middle School students will devise and develop an original 10-minute show, complete with music, sets, a story, and hopefully very little sense. In the final session, we will share (and record) a live outdoor performance.

REGISTER HERE

Grades: Kindergarten-Sixth Grade
Teacher: Arkadiy Frenkel 
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

**This program will start the week of September 23

Chess is a fun game that helps kids learn life skills: how to concentrate, recognize patterns, solve problems, think creatively, cultivate teamwork (among their pieces), execute short-term tactics, develop long-term strategies, manage time, and (most importantly!) exercise impulse control. When kids lose pieces and games because they moved their pieces impulsively, they learn to resist succumbing to the quick fix of instant gratification. When kids win pieces and games because they moved their pieces patiently, they learn to savor the enduring joy of delayed gratification.

Based on their skill level and age, players are divided into two groups that alternate between 30 minutes of lessons and 30 minutes of friendly games. Beginners are welcome!

Arkadiy Frenkel is a U.S. Chess National Master and full-time chess coach. He also has directed the Chess Camp for McDonogh Summer Camps for the last eight summers. All chess supplies are provided.

REGISTER HERE

Grades: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Teacher: SPARK Business Academy
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Do you like to shop until you drop? Join SPARK Little Shoppers to get your fill at the marketplace! Students partake in experiential bartering and purchasing to internalize key concepts about money choices, budgeting, and needs versus wants. Students analyze marketing power, put their cashier computing skills to the test, and create their own unique shops to showcase to their peers.

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Grades: Third-Fifth Grade
Teacher: Vineyard Apps
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Have you ever wanted to play the nationally-known game Dungeons and Dragons? Stretch your imagination by telling stories with your friends and build useful creative skills? What about play the game they do in Stranger Things? Well this is your chance! In this class, we'll be exploring collaborative storytelling through Dungeons and Dragons. Along the way, we'll develop social and emotional skills that will serve us well outside of this role-playing game.

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Grades: Seventh and Eighth Grade
Teacher: Daryl Burch
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Award-winning debate coach Daryl Burch, along with members of McDonogh's Upper School varsity debate team, will train and coach Middle School students in the skills of competitive debate. Participation in the program teaches public speaking, critical thinking, and research skills that are highly valuable in every facet of the school curriculum. Students will debate a current event controversy and prepare for a mini tournament to which all parents are invited.

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Grades: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Teacher: VAC Enrichment
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Discover the world of baking in our beginner's baking class designed for children! Led by our experienced instructors, young bakers will explore the art of baking while fostering creativity and teamwork. Through a carefully crafted series of beginner-friendly activities, children will master the fundamentals of baking. They will enhance their skills throughout the course by participating in exciting projects like Cookie Decorating, Fudge Making, crafting Caramel Popcorn, and creating mouthwatering Caramel Apples. Students will also learn essential baking skills and safety techniques along the way. Join us for a hands-on experience where the joy of baking intertwines with the excitement of learning!

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Grades: Third-Fifth Grade
Teacher: SPARK Business Academy
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Students select a food truck theme, design menus, estimate expenses, determine prices, and develop financial projections. They will also develop a business plan with a marketing strategy, capital-raising needs, and more. This unique program offers a tasty way to develop business savvy!

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Grades: Fifth and Sixth Grade
Teacher: Daryl Burch
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

The number one fear most people have is speaking in public. This class will motivate and encourage students to speak in public. Students will work on understanding speech, invoking emotion and pathos in delivering a speech, conveying appropriate tone and sentiment in the speech content, and enunciating the speech. The goals are to help students become better orators and to create interest among Middle School students for the Upper School debate program.

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Grades: Kindergarten-Eighth Grade
Teacher: Greg Kleimann
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $190

Students will climb the high ropes tower and participate in team-building activities. Some activities include the army wall, wobbly log, spider's web, and many more. Whether you are brand new to rock climbing and ropes courses, have had some experience, or are a veteran looking to continue your progression, our rock wall and ropes courses are great options for a co-curricular activity this year! We will go through climbing and rope course safety and technique and critical thinking skills to increase success on the wall. Your confidence will grow as you foster a love for a sport you can enjoy for a lifetime!

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Grades: Kindergarten-Seventh Grade
Teacher: Greg Kleimann
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $220

Come join us to see that everything is awesome! Students will be engaged through playful, hands-on STEAM learning with fun and engaging builds. Kids will be challenged to complete exciting missions that will be the building blocks for their daily builds. There will also be time for choice builds, where their imagination can go wild! Each student will also receive a Lego kit to take home at the completion of the class.

REGISTER HERE

Grades: Kindergarten-Seventh Grade
Teacher: Greg Kleimann
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $220

Students will be immersed in the world of innovation. The class will ignite wonder, encourage confidence, and build essential STEM skills through collaborative and creative problem-solving. Each week we will be doing an exciting hands-on build. Some include the marshmallow launcher, catapults, kinetic rockets, marble maze, and many more. Everyone will be able to take home their creations each week.

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Grades: Kindergarten-Seventh Grade
Teacher: Greg Kleimann
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $220

Come explore the wild, weird, and wacky wonders of science. Create chemical chaos with slime and colored geysers, and explore how stuff works. It's a bit of magic and a bit of science. Students will be engaged in fun and new experiments each week!

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Grades: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Teacher: RhoboThink
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $240

Get ready to rumble, RoboThink-style! join us for an electrifying program where students will unleash their inner engineers by building and customizing an incredible variety of battle robots. Once the construction is complete, it's time to enter the arena and compete in thrilling activities that will put your robot to the ultimate test. With gears, motors, axles, and our special hardware, your child will experience the battle of a lifetime! Sign Up now, no experience necessary-just come ready to battle and have a blast!

REGISTER HERE

Grades: PK to First Grade
Teacher: Soccer Shots
Days: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m. or Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m. (Tuesday session is full)
Class Cost: $210

Soccer Shots focuses on individual skill, fitness, and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through soccer skills, fun games, and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.

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Grades: Second to Fifth Grade
Teacher: Soccer Shots
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $210

Soccer Shots focuses on individual skill, fitness, and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through soccer skills, fun games, and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.

REGISTER HERE

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