After School Program

"ASPire" stands for "After School Program: imagine, reach, explore." Imagine, reach, and explore are the foundations of everything we do from the minute the children arrive to the moment they depart.

Each week focuses on a theme, most of which are suggested by ASPire students. The afternoon begins with a moment of silence followed by a five-to-ten minute “opening meeting” related to the week’s theme. Students then learn about the six daily activity options, which always include homework, games, and playground in addition to theme-related cooking, construction, and art projects.

Enrollment in ASPire takes place in the fall, winter, and spring, and students can be enrolled for the full five days per week or for one, two, three, or four days. In addition, two pick-up options are available, 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., and students may attend ASPire on a drop-in basis. To register for ASPire, please click here.

GFS offers a wide range of clubs for students. Most clubs meet after school.

Registration

Registration for clubs takes place in two parts. First, current families will fill out a Google form, which is sent via email. Then, payment will take place on Active Network. 

If there are more students interested in a club than there are spots, students will be selected via a random number generator. If a student has already been selected for two clubs, they will not be placed into any additional clubs (the only exception to this would be a situation where a club has not reached capacity).

Club Grade Levels

Although clubs are designed for particular grade levels, we may be able to accommodate interested students from outside of the designated grades provided space is available and the instructor approves. Please contact scalloway@germantownfriends.org for further information.

To register for clubs, please click here.

Designed to complement the Lower School musical curriculum, Music Ensembles allow students to take part in World Percussion, Chorus, and Orchestra after school, free of charge.

To participate, we ask that you please enroll your child here once you have received word from Debbie Stahl or Taia Harlos that your child is eligible to participate.

See the full description of the Music Ensembles here. 

Private Music Lessons at GFS

See information about private instrumental music lessons here.

ASPire offers special programs for parent/teacher conference days and all-school in-service days. In addition, special program days are offered for the days immediately before the school-year opens as well as during one week of spring break vacation.

During the ASPire Special Programs, participants (who must pre-register through Active Network) will enjoy field trips and other special activities. Students may visit museums, explore caves, run through a sprinkler, or lie on the grass finding shapes in the clouds.

Children should wear weather-appropriate attire, and bring a packed lunch and beverage. We will supply snacks and fun.

Please note: Pre-registration and payment one week in advance is required for all ASPire Special Programs.

To register for ASPire Special Programs, please click here.