After School

Grades: Seventh and Eighth
Teacher: Daryl Burch
Day: Thursday
Minimum Class Size: 5
Maximum Class Size: 15
Class Cost: $160

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.

Grades: Kindergarten to sixth
Teacher: Arkadiy Frenkel 
Day: Monday
Minimum Class Size: 5
Maximum Class Size: 25
Class Cost: $160

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 important!) 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 provided.

Grades: Kindergarten to seventh
Teacher: Gregg Kleiman
Day: Thursday
Minimum Class Size: 7
Maximum Class Size: 20
Class Cost: $160
Supply Cost: $25

Do you like tinkering and making things? Then this is for you. Students will be doing different builds in every class. Some include rubber band rockets, catapults, ring toss, catapults, and many more. Bring your imagination and creativity!

Grades: Kindergarten to fourth
Teacher: Sierra Waldman
Day: Wednesday
Minimum Class Size: 5
Maximum Class Size: 15
Class Cost: $160

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

Grades: Kindergarten to seventh
Teacher: Gregg Kleiman
Day: Tuesday
Minimum Class Size: 7
Maximum Class Size: 20
Class Cost: $160
Supply Cost: $25

Do you love science or just mixing stuff together to get a cool reaction? Well, then this is the right class for you. Come join us as we do many experiments that involve different reactions. Some of the experiments that we will be doing are creating hail in a test tube, testing properties of Oobleck, making ice cream, and many more.

Grades: Fifth and sixth
Teacher: Daryl Burch
Day: Wednesday
Minimum Class Size: 5
Maximum Class Size: 15
Class Cost: $160

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.

Grades: First to seventh
Teacher: Gregg Kleiman
Day: Monday
Minimum Class Size: 7
Maximum Class Size: 20
Class Cost: $160

Whether you are brand new to climbing, have had some experience or are a veteran looking to continue your progression, our rock climbing wall is a great option for a co-curricular activity this year! We will go through climbing safety, climbing technique, and critical thinking skills to increase success on the wall as well as grow confidence. Foster a love for a sport you can enjoy for a lifetime! Students from kindergarten through seventh grade are welcome to sign up.

Grades: Kindergarten to seventh
Teacher: Gregg Kleiman
Day: Wednesday
Minimum Class Size: 7
Maximum Class Size: 20
Class Cost: $160

Have you ever seen Ninja Warrior Junior and said, "I want to do that?" Well, now you can. Come out to our Adventure Complex and climb the 35-foot tower. Then head over to our challenge obstacles and channel your inner ninja. Scale the army wall, test your balance on the tightrope, or see if you can successfully cross the Tarzan Swing. Can you successfully conquer these and the many others?