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!

The Forest School After School Program is open to Forest School families and families in the surrounding community. Whether your child attends The Forest School, The Forest School Online, homeschools, or joins us from another local school, they are welcome here.

The general After School program is available for learners in grades 1-8. High School learners are welcome to participate in Wednesday Choir & Musical Foundations.


Program Overview

The Forest School After School Program is designed for learners in grades 1-8 (plus High Schoolers in Choir & Musical Foundations) who want to keep exploring, building, moving, creating, and growing after the school day ends.

Rooted in our belief that learning should be joyful, intentional, and self-directed, this experience gives learners the opportunity to flourish through sports, STEM, music, wellness, film, outdoor play, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

Each afternoon, learners engage in a meaningful rhythm that includes snack, Core Skills, tech-free play, and a featured program led by trusted Forest School staff and volunteers. Throughout the week, learners build confidence, strengthen friendships, explore new interests, and continue developing independence in a safe, supportive environment.


Weekly Schedule

In Session One of the 2026–2027 school year, we are happy to offer:

Monday – Game On!

Starting with flag football, learners build teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence through active outdoor games and seasonal sports that change each session, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

Tuesday – TinkerLab

Hands-on science and engineering challenges invite learners to design, build, and experiment like young inventors.

Wednesday – Yoga

Learners develop balance, flexibility, mindfulness, and healthy movement through guided yoga activities by a certified yoga instructor.

Wednesday – Choir & Musical Foundations NEW!

Upper Elementary, Middle, and High School Learners strengthen their voices while exploring rhythm, pitch, music literacy, and ensemble performance.

Thursday – Beginner Film NEW!

Learners tell stories through video as they explore filming, editing, and the basics of visual storytelling.

 

What Makes Us Different

After School at Forest is more than extra time at the end of the day. Learners are welcomed into a calm, joyful rhythm where they can build friendships, practice independence, explore new interests, and continue growing in a safe and supportive environment.

Each afternoon includes a balance of Core Skills, tech-free play, hands-on programming, and Studio Maintenance. Throughout the week, learners have opportunities to move, build, create, sing, explore wellness, and practice real-world skills like collaboration, communication, and creativity.

What sets our program apart:

  • Hands-on STEM activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving

  • Sports, movement, and wellness experiences that support both body and mind

  • Tech-free play and time to connect with friends

  • Familiar rhythms and clear expectations that help learners feel safe, settled, and independent

  • Guided support from Forest School staff and trained volunteers who care deeply about learners

  • A welcoming community for Forest School families, homeschool families, and learners from other local schools

 

What to Expect: A Sample Day

Our afternoons are designed with a simple, supportive rhythm that balances structure, independence, and fun. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

3:30 PM
Snack
Learners arrive, settle in, and enjoy a snack together.

3:45 PM
Core Skills
Learners do independent academic work (including optional academic coaching) under the care of Forest staff.

4:15 PM
Tech-Free Outdoor Time
Learners reset with outdoor play and movement. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, board games and indoor activities are offered.

4:45 PM
Main Program of the Day
Learners participate in the featured After School experience for that day, such as sports, TinkerLab, yoga, choir, or film.

5:30 PM
Studio Maintenance
Learners help care for their environment and practice responsibility as part of the Forest School culture.

5:45–6:00 PM
Dismissal
A calm and smooth end to the day as learners prepare to head home.

Note: Choir and Musical Foundations run a different schedule that focuses on musical foundations, skill building, and outdoor time.

 

Who Can Join?

After School is available for learners in grades 1-8, including current Forest School learners, homeschool families, and learners from other local schools.

High School learners are welcome to join us for Wednesday Choir & Musical Foundations.

Join us after school and watch your learner’s curiosity and competency grow even stronger.