After School Programming
At GFS, we believe that the hours after school are a critical component of a child’s day. We offer a wide range of fun and enriching after-school activities for Early Childhood through Grade 5, designed not only to engage and excite children, but also to reinforce the essential values taught throughout the day.
Early Childhood Extended Day
Preschool - PreK
Our daily after-school program for students in Early Childhood is available on both Main Campus and in Center City. It includes circle time and enrichment activities, such as science, art, creative movement, and of course, play! The program is led by GFS floater teachers, so the experience for children is an extension of the school day, and is both comfortable and familiar.
ASPire
Kindergarten-Grade 5
Our daily Lower School after-school program called ASPire (which stands for After School Program Imagine, Reach, Explore) captures the fundamentals of our philosophy, namely providing opportunities for children to imagine their futures, reach beyond their comfort zones, and explore new experiences. Each afternoon, students choose from an array of activities, including (but not limited to): arts and crafts, lego’s and games, homework help, and playground time.
Lower School Music ENsembles
Kindergarten - Grade 5
Music ensembles provide students with the opportunity to extend their musical knowledge in a group setting alongside friends and classmates. ORCHESTRA is open to any Lower School student who has taken private lessons for at least one year. CHORUS and WORLD PERCUSSION are open to all fourth and fifth graders, and no experience is required. Forty-five minute rehearsals occur once a week after school. Sessions run through the fall and spring, with a break in the winter. All three ensembles perform twice a year, at the end of each term.
After-School Clubs
Preschool - Grade 5
Our clubs program runs in the fall, winter, and spring, and offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities they might not otherwise encounter during the school day. We also hope that our clubs afford students the chance to spend time with students from other grades and friend groups, and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of engaging club leaders. Some of the clubs offered include Karate, Ceramics, Science Explorers, Cooking for Kids, Chess, Magic, and more.
Special Programs
Preschool - Grade 5
ASPire offers special daylong programs when GFS is closed for teacher conferences, in-service days, and certain holidays. Special program days are also offered during one week of spring break vacation. Programs take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants (who must pre-register through Active Network) will also enjoy field trips and other special activities.
Contact
Stewart Calloway
Director of After School Programming
scalloway@germantownfriends.org