After-School Opportunities

Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard, McDonogh Lower School Faculty
Cost: $235

Step into the magical world of dance with our Intro to Dance class designed specifically for energetic and creative minds! 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!

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: VAC Enrichment
Cost: $240

Welcome to our energetic and imaginative KPop Demon Hunters Exploration class! In this dynamic program, young performers will step into the vibrant world of K-pop (Korean popular music) while exploring creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. With fun activities like vocal warm-ups, choreography, and character creation, students will form their own "idol groups," complete with team names, signature moves, and original lyrics.

This class combines music, movement, and storytelling to help kids build confidence, develop performance skills, and discover the power of working together. Whether they're shy or naturally outgoing, every student will shine on stage and leave with unforgettable memories of their K-pop journey!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Colleen MacLean, McDonogh Lower School Faculty
Cost: $235

Swing Kids is a high-energy club where students discover the joy of swing dancing! Members will learn authentic solo and partnered jazz steps from the golden era of the 1930s and 1940s, get inspired by film clips of legendary and contemporary swing dancers, perform group choreography, and explore their own creativity through improvisation.

There is no experience needed, just a love of music and a willingness to move. Come join the fun and find your rhythm!

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Daryl Burch, McDonogh Upper School Faculty
Cost: $200

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, National Chess Master
Cost: $200

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 nine summers.

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Scherz, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $230
Note: Potential allergens in this class include soy, sesame, wheat, eggs, seafood, dairy, and coconut.

Take a delicious journey across Asia in this hands-on cooking and culture class! Students will explore several different Asian countries while preparing fun, kid-friendly snacks such as ramen, sushi rolls, dumplings, udon noodles, and mango sticky rice. Along the way, students will learn about traditions, geography, language, and food culture while building confidence in the kitchen and trying new flavors.

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Scherz, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $230

Little Bakers is the perfect introduction to the joys of baking for our youngest chefs! Each week, students will roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on kitchen fun as they learn to measure, mix, and decorate a variety of sweet and simple treats. Along the way, they'll strengthen fine motor skills, practice following directions, and discover the importance of kitchen safety and hygiene — all in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.

With plenty of opportunities for creativity and teamwork, this class is as enriching as it is delicious. Let the baking adventures begin!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Daryl Burch, McDonogh Upper School Faculty
Cost: $200

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: $240

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: $205 (Mondays) or $235 (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: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Colleen MacLean, McDonogh Lower School Faculty
Cost: $200

Girl Fit is an empowering after-school club designed to inspire and uplift young girls through fitness, friendship, and fun! Each week, girls come together to build strength, confidence, and healthy habits through age-appropriate activities like yoga, running, fitness circuits, and team challenges.

This club is about more than just moving our bodies — it's about discovering what we're capable of, encouraging one another, and learning that we are brave, strong, and unstoppable. Girls will leave each session with a strong body and a stronger sense of self.

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Gregg Kleiman, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $200

Come join us for fun-filled afternoons and some of your favorite outdoor activities such as rock climbing, laser tag, kickball, soccer, capture the flag, frisbee golf, and more!

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

Calling all future champions and robot enthusiasts! Brace yourself for an action-packed program where you'll embark on an epic journey of building and battling with a wide variety of awe-inspiring robots. Put on your engineer's hat and bring your robot to life using gears, motors, axles, and our state-of-the-art hardware. Then, step into the arena and engage in thrilling battles and challenges that will push your skills to the limit.

No experience necessary — just come ready to battle, have fun, and let your robot reign supreme!

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Gregg Kleiman, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $230

Students will be immersed in the world of innovation. This class ignites wonder, encourages confidence, and builds essential STEM skills through collaborative and creative problem solving.

Each week, students will dive into thrilling hands-on projects like crafting marshmallow launchers, building catapults, launching kinetic rockets, designing marble mazes, and much more — and students will be able to take home their creations to continue the fun!

Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Gregg Kleiman, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $230

Join us and discover that everything is truly awesome! In this dynamic class, students dive into the exciting world of STEAM through playful, hands-on learning. Each day, they'll tackle thrilling missions that become the foundation for their creative builds. With dedicated time for choice builds, their imaginations can run wild. Plus, at the end of the class, each student takes home their very own LEGO® kit — fueling their creativity long after the class ends.

Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Gregg Kleiman, McDonogh Middle School Faculty
Cost: $230

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, and all fun! Students will be engaged in new and captivating experiments each week.

Day of the Week: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dan Wagner, McDonogh Lower School Faculty
Cost: $235

Students will participate in fun theater activities and games that teach skills for the stage that include 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.

Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $235

Spark your child's imagination with our Intro to Drama class! Tailored for young performers, 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: Thursdays
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Shanita Scott and Tracey Hill, McDonogh Lower School Faculty
Cost: $260

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.

Day of the Week and Time:

• Lesson times to be determined by teacher and student availability.
• 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.

Session Length: 6-, 12-, or 30-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of September 14.

Instructors: McDonogh Music Faculty

Cost:

• $63 per lesson for 6- and 12-week sessions ($378 total).
• $61 per lesson for 30-week sessions ($1,830 total).

McDonogh proudly offers individual music lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and musical interests that emphasize the development of skills in creating and performing music on a specific instrument.

Lessons are offered in 6-, 12-, or 30-week sessions. Students who sign up for the full 30-week sessions 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 6- or 23-week sessions.

Music instruction is offered on the following instruments:

• Drums and Percussion: Ages 5+
• Piano: Ages 5+
• Strings (Violin, Viola, and Cello): Ages 5+
• Guitar: Ages 6+
• Ukulele: Ages 6+
• Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, and Tuba): Ages 8+
• Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, and Oboe): Ages 8+
• Voice: Ages 10+

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 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.

Explore the fundamentals of horsemanship through a combination of mounted training, riding instruction, and hands-on unmounted lessons. Participants will build confidence and foundational skills both in and out of the saddle.

Please fill out the inquiry form below, and a member of our Equestrian Program will contact you with additional information about the program.

Inquiry Form: Prospective Students and Youth Riders