Monday
Little Engineers (Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
Students explore fundamental engineering principles through hands-on building projects that bring big ideas to life. Whether designing airplanes, assembling cars, and creating imaginative amusement parks, they experience the engineering design process in a safe, age-appropriate way. Using kid-friendly Thames & Kosmos kits, young engineers plan, test, and refine their creations, building confidence as they discover how ideas can turn into working designs.
Martial Arts (Grades 1 and 2)
Martial Arts program offers elementary students a dynamic way to build confidence, character, and respect. Through learning self-defense techniques, students gain practical skills that help them feel secure and self-assured. As they develop discipline and determination on the mat, they often see these qualities carry over into their academic work, improving focus and persistence in school. The program places a strong emphasis on self-respect, helping students better understand their own strengths and challenges, which in turn fosters greater respect and empathy for others. By combining physical training with personal growth, this class supports students in becoming confident, thoughtful, and respectful members of their community.
Junior Gardeners (Grades 1 – 3)
Celebrate the beauty of fall in this hands-on gardening adventure created especially for students. Junior Gardeners encourages children to explore the natural world through planting, observing, creating, and discovering. Students will plant seeds, learn how flowers and vegetables grow, explore fall leaves and seasonal changes, and investigate the important role of soil, insects, and pollinators in a garden. Through fun activities and creative projects, children will build confidence, curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature. Each session includes interactive learning, hands-on gardening projects, nature-based crafts, and sensory exploration designed to keep young gardeners engaged and excited to learn.
Girls on the Run (Grades 3 – 6)
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs to inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others. This program will run both Monday and Thursday from 3:15 – 4:45. Please note that students should plan to attend both days. All female identifying students may join. We want everyone who is interested to be able to join. Please reach out if you would like tuition assistance.
Electronic Game Design (Grades 3 – 4)
Young designers create games using the innovative Makey Makey device and programming with Scratch. Makey Makey is a customizable circuitry tool that students transform into a controller for their games and bring their imaginations to life. They’ll learn about how circuits work with computers, coding, and how to design and build a fun game. Students combine their love for games with their drive to learn in this hands-on STEAM course.
Model UN (Grades 5 – 8)
The Middle School Model UN program offers students a dynamic opportunity to step into the shoes of global diplomats and engage in thoughtful debate, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants will research current international issues, represent different countries, and work together in simulated United Nations committees to draft resolutions and propose solutions to global challenges. Through this program, students will strengthen their public speaking, critical thinking, and negotiation skills while gaining a deeper understanding of world affairs and the importance of diplomacy.
Acting Studio (Grades 6–8) 3:30 – 4:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Designed for students ready to dive deeper into performance, this class explores character development, scene work, objectives, and storytelling. Through collaborative exercises and rehearsal, students will strengthen their acting technique while building confidence on stage.
Theatre Design & Production (Grades 5-8) 4:30 – 5:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Perfect for creative minds who enjoy working behind the scenes, this hands-on class introduces students to the world of theatrical design. Participants will explore set, costume, prop, lighting, and sound design while learning how visual storytelling helps bring a production to life
TUESDAY
Soccer (Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
Knucklebones Soccer Club is a fun and active afterschool program for young children that introduces the fundamentals of soccer in a playful, supportive environment. Led by experienced Knucklebones coaches, students will build coordination, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship through age-appropriate games and activities that teach basic skills such as dribbling, passing, kicking, and movement. The program emphasizes participation, creativity, and having fun while helping children develop a lifelong love of physical activity and teamwork.
Fairy Houses Building (Grades 1 and 2)
Step into a world of wonder and imagination as we design and build magical fairy houses! In this class, young creators will use natural materials like sticks, leaves, stones, and pinecones, along with craft supplies, to construct tiny homes perfect for fairies, gnomes, or woodland creatures. As we build, we’ll explore ideas about nature, storytelling, and design. Each session will include time for outdoor discovery, collecting materials, and sharing our creations with friends. No two fairy houses are ever the same—just like the imaginations behind them!
Martial Arts (Grades 1 and 2)
Martial Arts program offers elementary students a dynamic way to build confidence, character, and respect. Through learning self-defense techniques, students gain practical skills that help them feel secure and self-assured. As they develop discipline and determination on the mat, they often see these qualities carry over into their academic work, improving focus and persistence in school. The program places a strong emphasis on self-respect, helping students better understand their own strengths and challenges, which in turn fosters greater respect and empathy for others. By combining physical training with personal growth, this class supports students in becoming confident, thoughtful, and respectful members of their community.
Chess Team (Grades 3 – 6)
Rookly Chess Club offers students a fun and engaging way to develop their strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills through the game of chess. Designed for players of all levels, the club meets regularly for lessons, practice games, and friendly competition. Through Rookly’s online platform, students also have the opportunity to represent their school and compete against peers from over 145 schools across the country—all without having to travel. Whether your child is new to the game or a seasoned player, Rookly Chess Club fosters a supportive environment where players can grow, connect, and enjoy the thrill of the game.
Bobby’s Bake Off (Grades 5 – 8)
Bobby’s Bake Off is a dynamic afterschool baking program designed for middle school students who are ready to build real kitchen skills while having fun with friends and food. Students will learn the fundamentals of baking and dessert creation, including measuring, mixing, decorating, recipe planning, and kitchen safety, while working both independently and collaboratively on exciting weekly challenges. The program encourages creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork in a supportive environment, giving students the opportunity to develop practical life skills and culinary independence while creating delicious treats to share at home.
Math Counts (Grades 6 – 8)
Do you love math? Do you enjoy math contests and want to get better at them? In this afterschool we will practice math contest questions from Noetic Learning, Math Counts, the Deerfield Math Contest, and others. We will watch videos on problem solving techniques and learn to use strategies like examining a smaller case, working backwards, writing an equation, guess & check, and more. We will spend time on topics that often get less attention in standard math classes but are prevalent in contest questions, like geometry and probability. This afterschool is great preparation if you’d like to become a member of the Lesley Ellis Math Team, the Calculating Carnivores.
Creative Movement & Dance (Grades 1–2), 3:30 – 4:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Young dancers will explore movement, music, and imagination through creative dance activities, storytelling, games, and introductory dance technique. This energetic and supportive class helps students build coordination, confidence, body awareness, and self-expression while developing a strong foundation in dance.
Dance & Choreography (Grades 3–5), 4:30 – 5:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Students will build dance technique, learn choreography, and explore a variety of movement styles in a fun and encouraging environment. Through creative exercises and performance opportunities, dancers will develop musicality, coordination, confidence, and teamwork. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
WEDNESDAY
My First Piggy Bank (Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
Kids will explore the exciting world of money through interactive math games and hands-on activities designed to teach essential financial skills like earning, saving, spending, budgeting, and smart decision-making. Along the way, students will also discover the importance of philanthropy by learning how donating to charity can make a difference in their communities. To top it all off, every child will create and take home their very own personalized piggy bank—a fun reminder of the valuable lessons learned! This program is offered through our continued partnership with with SPARK Business Academy.
Ninja Warrior (Grades 1 and 2 )
Get ready to jump, climb, balance, and conquer challenges in Ninja Warriors with Knucklebones! This high-energy program combines obstacle courses, movement games, teamwork, and skill-building activities that keep kids active, engaged, and having fun. Students will build confidence, coordination, strength, and perseverance as they take on exciting “ninja” challenges in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether they’re racing through courses or mastering new moves, every child will feel like a true Ninja Warrior!
Chess Club Grade (Grades K – 2)
Step into the exciting world of strategy, creativity, and critical thinking with Chess Wizards! This engaging program introduces elementary students to the timeless game of chess through fun lessons, interactive challenges, and friendly competition. Whether beginners or experienced players, students will develop problem-solving skills, focus, patience, and confidence while learning new strategies and mastering the game. With a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, Chess Wizards makes learning chess fun, rewarding, and magical for every child!
Martial Arts (Grades 3 – 5)
Martial Arts program offers elementary students a dynamic way to build confidence, character, and respect. Through learning self-defense techniques, students gain practical skills that help them feel secure and self-assured. As they develop discipline and determination on the mat, they often see these qualities carry over into their academic work, improving focus and persistence in school. The program places a strong emphasis on self-respect, helping students better understand their own strengths and challenges, which in turn fosters greater respect and empathy for others. By combining physical training with personal growth, this class supports students in becoming confident, thoughtful, and respectful members of their community.
Sewing Class with Hipstich (Grades 4 – 6)
Let’s get creative together. Learn how to thread a needle, different sewing stitches. Each week, Hipstich teachers will introduce students to new skills to create cute stuffies and seasonal projects. Projects include making stuffed pandas, stuffed Otters, a handbag, and more. It’s going to be SEW much Fun!
Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 5 – 6)
Dungeons & Dragons Program offers students a creative and collaborative space to build storytelling, problem-solving, and social skills through the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing game. Participants work together in small groups to create characters, embark on imaginative adventures, and overcome challenges using teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. The program encourages creativity, confidence, and inclusive community-building while fostering literacy, math, and strategic thinking in a fun and engaging environment. No prior experience is necessary—new and experienced players alike are welcome to join the adventure.
Magic the Gathering (Grades 6 – 8)
Magic the Gathering invites students to explore the exciting world of strategy, storytelling, and critical thinking through this classic trading card game. Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or brand new to the game, the club offers a welcoming space to learn the rules, build decks, and engage in friendly battles with peers. Players will sharpen their math, logic, and decision-making skills while immersing themselves in a richly imaginative universe. The club emphasizes good sportsmanship, creativity, and fun, making it the perfect for fans of games and fantasy alike.
Songs & Scenes: Annie (Grades K-2), 3:30 – 4:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Annie. Through acting, singing, movement, and character exploration, participants will develop performance skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork while bringing the story to life. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
Songs & Scenes: Annie (Grades 3 + 4), 4:30 – 5:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Annie. Through acting, singing, movement, and character exploration, participants will develop performance skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork while bringing the story to life. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
THURSDAY
Little Gardeners (Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
Celebrate the beauty of fall in this fun, hands-on gardening adventure designed especially for young learners! Little Gardeners introduces students to the wonders of nature through planting, exploring, and creating. Students will plant seeds, learn about flowers and vegetables, discover how plants grow, and explore the colors and changes of the fall season.
Each session includes interactive activities, hands-on planting projects, sensory exploration, and opportunities for children to get curious about the natural world. Through gardening, children build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.
RoboCoding (Grades 1 and 2)
RoboCoding gives students a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of both coding and robotics by challenging them to build and execute programs with real robots. Using award-winning Cubelets, students combine robotic cubes to craft machines that can light up, move, and interact with the world around them. Collaborating on coding activities reinforces life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, and completing challenges leaves students feeling confident and proud.
Junior Chefs Club (Grades 1–2)
Junior Chefs Club invites students to explore the joy of cooking through hands-on experiences in a fun and collaborative environment. Each week, students will prepare a simple, age-appropriate recipe while learning foundational kitchen skills such as measuring, mixing, spreading, peeling, and following a recipe. Along the way, students will explore healthy ingredients, discover foods from different cultures, and build confidence, teamwork, and independence as they create and share their culinary creations.
We will make every effort to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Virtual Reality (Graders 3 – 4)
This program empowers students to develop games and immersive experiences using CoSpaces. By creating their own unique worlds, students express creativity and engage with cutting-edge technology that builds important STEAM skills like programming and logic. Students may design and build a 3D museum or their own zoo, explore them with augmented reality on their device or with cardboard viewer goggles, and then share it with their friends. With this innovative software, students build 21st-century technology skills that are out of this world.
Girls on the Run (Grades 3 – 6)
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs to inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others. This program will run both Monday and Thursday from 3:15 – 4:45. Please note that students should plan to attend both days. All female identifying students may join. Please reach out if you would like Tuition Assistance.
Literary Magazine (Grades 5 – 8)
Calling all writers, poets, artists, and dreamers! In Literary Magazine Club, students will work together to create and publish a magazine that showcases original stories, poems, essays, artwork, and photography. From brainstorming themes to editing and designing pages, club members will have a chance to share their voices and ideas while learning about the creative publishing process. This is a space for self-expression, collaboration, and bringing imagination to life on the page. At the end of the session, we’ll celebrate with a published magazine to share with friends, family, and the school community!
Magic the Gathering (Grades 6 – 8)
Magic the Gathering invites students to explore the exciting world of strategy, storytelling, and critical thinking through this classic trading card game. Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or brand new to the game, the club offers a welcoming space to learn the rules, build decks, and engage in friendly battles with peers. Players will sharpen their math, logic, and decision-making skills while immersing themselves in a richly imaginative universe. The club emphasizes good sportsmanship, creativity, and fun, making it the perfect for fans of games and fantasy alike.
Creative Drama (Grades 3-5), 3:30 – 4:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Through theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and character exploration, students will develop creativity, communication, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and self-expression while introducing foundational acting skills.
Improv (Grades 5-8), 4:30 – 5:30
In partnership with Lesley Ellis and Arlington Children’s Theatre. Think fast, take risks, and have fun! Students will learn the fundamentals of improvisational theatre through engaging games and exercises that build confidence, creativity, listening skills, and collaboration. No memorization required—just a willingness to say “yes, and!”
FRIDAY
Hiking Club (Grades 3 – 5)
Hike local wilderness areas such as the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Prospect Hill and the Western Greenway, led by our experienced guides. Engage your curiosity, seek out adventure, build camaraderie, and increase your stamina on hikes of varying distances and challenges. Gain confidence as you learn navigation techniques and to read the forest for clues about the non-human life around us. Each season culminates in a full-day hike in the White Mountain National Forest to use all of the experience you’ve gained! The club provides all equipment needed. Please note that this club will run until 4:15 PM.
Sports Club (Grades 6 – 8)
Get ready for an action-packed adventure! Lesley Ellis is thrilled to partner with SoccerTop of Melrose, a brand new state-of-the-art sports facility featuring indoor turf fields, top-quality equipment, and a comfortable parent lounge. Each Friday, students will travel to SoccerTop to experience an exciting new sport, including Lacrosse, Flag Football, Rugby, and more! This high-energy program gives students the chance to build skills, stay active, try new challenges, and have fun with friends in a dynamic and supportive environment. Don’t miss this exciting new opportunity to be part of a one-of-a-kind sports experience at Lesley Ellis!
Service Learning (Grades 4 – 6)
We are proud to continue our partnership with Service Stars, an inspiring organization that empowers young people to turn compassion into action and make a positive impact in the world. Through engaging discussions and hands-on projects, students will learn about organizations that support people, animals, and the environment while discovering how even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. From community service activities to creative projects that give back, students will build empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility as they become active changemakers in their communities and beyond.
