After-School Opportunities

Day of the Week: Tuesdays (2nd–4th Grade) and Thursdays (K–1st Grade)
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Sarah Spund
Cost: $230

Get ready to jump, dance, and cheer! The Lower School Cheer Team is the perfect place for young students to build school spirit, teamwork, and confidence. Each week, cheerleaders will learn fun cheers and energetic dance routines in a supportive and positive environment. Whether your child is new to cheer or already loves to perform, this team is all about movement, motivation, and making friends. Bring your energy, your spirit, and your biggest smile! The last day will feature an end-of-class showcase where parents can come watch their cheerleaders show off all they have learned!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $230

Take your dance skills to the next level in our Intermediate Dance class! This program is designed for students with foundational dance experience who are ready to expand their technique and explore more complex movement.

Through structured choreography and dynamic exercises, dancers will build strength, coordination, rhythm, and musicality. Emphasis is placed on refining technique, expressing creativity, and developing confidence both individually and in group work. Join us as we leap, turn, and flow through engaging routines that challenge and inspire every dancer!

Intro to Drama (PK–1st Grade)

Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $230

Spark your child's imagination with our Introduction to Drama class! Tailored for young performers in prekindergarten through first 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.

Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Colleen MacLean
Cost: $230

Give your child a front-row seat to the power of music! This classical music club brings timeless masterpieces to life through fun listening activities, games, and creative exploration. Kids will discover brilliant composers, dramatic stories, and beautiful pieces that spark imagination, curiosity, and wonder—with no prior experience or exposure to classical music needed. Let your child explore some great works of music that have inspired the world for centuries!

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Beth Pacione (Common Tone)
Cost: $240

Story Makers brings early elementary students together to experience a story through movement, song, and crafts. Each week, students explore a different children's book through the lens of fine arts. They will sing, play music, dance, and create a craft or prop that pairs with the weekly tale.

By the end of the session, children will have learned different ways to tell a story, how to create a narrative through music, and how to express their imagination in different ways with the help of their Story Maker community. Come and help breathe life and creativity into beloved children's literature and let your imagination run wild!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Kit Benz (Common Tone)
Cost: $240

Let your child shine like the rock star they've always dreamed of becoming! Tone Tours is a unique group lesson class that provides students with an exciting opportunity to take a deep dive into the captivating world of music through hands-on learning of a single instrument. Instead of enrolling in one-on-one music lessons, this experience provides an opportunity to embrace the joy of playing music as a group.

Tone Tours is more than just a music class—it's a nurturing environment where collaboration is key. Children are encouraged to inspire one another, work through challenges together, and provide mutual support as they navigate their musical journey. Watch as your child builds their confidence while having fun and making memories that will inspire creativity!

This session of Tone Tours will focus on the fundamentals of the piano.

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Shanita Scott
Cost: $255

It's time to become a sewing master! This class is designed to introduce our young learners to the fascinating world of sewing, aiming to enhance their creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.

Ages: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/15/25
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: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/15/25
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: 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 15
Instructor: MCA Music Faculty
Cost: $63/lesson for 6- and 12-week sessions ($378 total) and $61/lesson for 30-week session ($1830 total)

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

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Daryl Burch
Cost: $195

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 McDonogh's curriculum. Students will debate a current event and prepare for a mini tournament to which all parents are invited.

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Arkadiy Frenkel
Cost: $195
Note: Spring sessions of chess will begin on April 2, later than other Enrichment programs.

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 players lose pieces and games because they moved their pieces impulsively, they learn to resist succumbing to the quick fix of instant gratification. In contrast, when they win pieces and games because they moved their pieces patiently, players learn to savor the enduring joy of delayed gratification.

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

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

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Scherz
Cost: $225

Junior Baking Masters is a fun and enriching program for students in grades 3–5 who are ready to take their baking skills to the next level. Each week, young bakers will explore new techniques—from rolling dough and assembling layered cakes to experimenting with flavor combinations and decorating with flair. Along the way, they'll build kitchen independence, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence in both their baking and presentation skills.

With a sprinkle of math, a dash of science, and a whole lot of creativity, this program offers a well-rounded recipe for learning and fun!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Daryl Burch
Cost: $195

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 the delivery of the 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.

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dynasty Sports Academy
Cost: $230

Coed Lacrosse will focus on sport introduction and skill development, with each week bringing a different skill focus and challenge for players to learn a new sport and practice their development through simple drills and fun games. Participants will learn basic skills of the sport, common terminology, and sport strategy while honing their stick skills.

STX FiddleSTX 30-inch mini lacrosse sticks will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own sticks as well.

Day of the Week: Mondays or Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Soccer Shots
Cost: $200 (Mondays) or $230 (Wednesdays)

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.

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jonna Wahle
Cost: $195

Is your field hockey player looking for an opportunity to refine their skills? This after-school program is intended for players with prior field hockey experience to practice and polish their skills—indoors! Using indoor sticks, players will work on ball control, accuracy, and speed through drills, games, and team-building with Coach Wahle.

Players must have their own indoor stick, shin guards, and mouthguard, and be ready to have fun!

Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: RoboThink Greater Baltimore
Cost: $240

Welcome to the spectacular RoboThink Land! Your child has been appointed as the newest rollercoaster engineer, with the crucial task of building an amusement park that will leave everyone in awe.

Using the magic of motors, axles, gears, and more, they'll embark on an incredible journey to create a world of adventure and thrills. From the dazzling Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster, the possibilities are endless! No prior experience required—just bring your passion for fun and get ready to create unforgettable memories!

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Gregg Kleiman
Cost: $225

Join us and see that everything is awesome! Playful, hands-on STEAM learning with fun and engaging builds will delight and challenge students, along with exciting missions that will be the building blocks for their daily builds. There will also be time for choice builds, where students' imaginations can go wild!

Each student will also receive a LEGO® kit to take home at the completion of the class.