After School

Where curiosity continues, even after the school day ends.

Our Mission: Every child will find a calling that changes the world—even after school!


Program Overview

The Forest School Afterschool Program is designed for Forest School learners ages 7–15* who want to keep exploring, building, and creating long after their core day wraps up. Rooted in our belief that learning should be joyful, intentional, and self-directed, this experience helps learners flourish through creativity, storytelling, design thinking, and collaboration.

Each afternoon (four days a week,) learners dive into a variety of engaging activities—STEAM challenges, theater and storytelling, arts enrichment, world languages and culture, physical movement, and more—led by trusted Forest staff and our amazing volunteers.

*Theatre and Storytelling meets separately and welcomes 16-18 year olds for this program only.


Weekly Schedule

In Session One of the 2025-2026 school year, we are happy to offer:

Movement Mondays (Sports, Fitness, + Wellness) or Theatre + Storytelling (Middle/High School only; meets separately from the rest of the program)

STEAM Tuesdays (Engineering + Arts focus)

World Wednesdays (World Language: French + Culture) or Theatre + Storytelling (Middle/High School only; meets separately from the rest of the program)

STEAM Thursdays (Science + Math focus)

 

What Makes Us Different

Our afterschool program isn’t just an add-on—it’s an extension of the Forest School journey. Here's what sets it apart:

  • Hands-on STEAM activities that spark creativity and innovation

  • Physical movement to energize both body and mind

  • Familiar spaces thoughtfully designed for focus, flow, and freedom

  • Guided support from Forest staff and trained volunteers who know and care about your child

  • Real-world skills like goal setting, collaboration, and storytelling

  • Self-directed learning means that some build, some read, some sketch or talk through ideas. Every learner chooses their path - and is supported as they walk it.

 

What to Expect: A Sample Day

Our afternoons are structured to promote creativity, collaboration, and independent growth—while keeping learners engaged and energized. Here's a sample day that blends movement, focused work, and hands-on fun:

3:30–3:45 PM
Arrival, Snack, Icebreaker
Learners unwind with healthy snacks and a short community-building activity.

3:45–4:45 PM
STEAM for older learners / Core Skills for younger learners
Split by age—older learners dive into a hands-on STEAM challenge (like building a miniature roller coaster to test ride duration), while younger learners read or work on personalized academic goals.

4:45–5:00 PM
Tech-Free Outdoor Time or Board Games
Time to reset with movement or low-key social play.

5:00–5:45 PM
STEAM for younger learners / Core Skills for older learners
Now it’s the younger learners' turn for creative exploration, while older learners continue their independent academic work.

5:45–6:00 PM
Dismissal
A calm outdoor wind-down before heading home.

 

Why It Matters

For Learners:

  • Grow confidence through creativity and goal setting

  • Strengthen self-direction with support from familiar Guides

  • Deepen friendships and social skills through collaboration and play

  • Explore passions through meaningful, hands-on projects

For Families:

  • Feel peace of mind knowing your child is safe, seen, and supported

  • A steady place for growth, play, and purpose - in rhythm with your family’s week

 

What We Offer

  • STEAM exploration

  • Theatre and Storytelling

  • Physical movement and games

  • Academic coaching

  • Creative projects and storytelling

  • A safe, supportive space for flourishing

 

Join us after school—and watch your child’s love for learning grow even stronger.