Middle School Co-Curricular and After-School Programs
Park offers a wide range of co-curricular and after-school programs to meet our students’ range of interests.
The after-school opportunities vary in terms of commitment: some are year-long programs whereas others are seasonal; some meet almost every day each week, whereas others meet once or twice per week.
All opportunities noted below are considered part of Park’s academic and/or co-curricular program (no additional cost) — with the exception of individual music lessons (through Peabody Prep) and after-school enrichment classes (fee-based).
Important! When making choices about opportunities that take place outside the school day, we encourage families to have frank conversations with their children about their interests and priorities, as it is not possible to participate in all of the opportunities listed below. Students are more likely to have a meaningful experience if they are not over-scheduled and are able to fully engage in the activity without juggling too many commitments. Please see the charts below to learn about the variety of offerings, as well as an overview of which combinations work and which ones do not.
An Overview of After-School Offerings
| Offering | Full-Year or Seasonal | Days Per Week | Cost | Size Limit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 4–5 days per week (typically 3:30-4:30 p.m. for practice, longer on game days) | None | None | No registration required. Tryout information can be found here on the Athletics page under Preseason Information. |
| Robotics | Seasonal (September-January) | 2 days per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:25-4:30 p.m.) | $200 | 18 | Register in CampBrain starting August 11 at 9 a.m. |
| Jazz Ensemble | Full-Year | Thursdays 3:30–4:30 p.m. | None | None | No registration required. See site for audition information. |
| Chamber Strings | Full-Year | Thursdays 7:30–8:20 a.m. | None | None | No registration required. See site for audition information. |
| Individual Music Lessons through Peabody Prep | Full-Year | 1 day per week (weekly time slot assigned upon enrollment) | See site for cost | None | Register with Peabody Prep starting in August. |
Enrichment Classes | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 1 or 2 days per week (depends on class) | See site for cost | Varies based on class | First-come, first-served. Register in CampBrain starting August 11 at 9 a.m. |
| Clubs | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 1 or 2 days per week (depends on club) | None | None | No registration required. |
| Middle School After Day | Full-Year | Open every school day 3:15–6 p.m. | None | None | No registration required. |
FALL: Beginning of September through the beginning of November.
WINTER: Beginning mid-November through end of February.
SPRING: Beginning in March through late May.
Seasonal Calendars
Calendars are updated on a seasonal basis. The fall calendar includes all offerings for Fall 2025, and the winter and spring calendars will be updated with additional information shortly before winter and spring registration open.
Fall registration opens August 11 at 9 a.m.
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Dance 101: A Journey Through Styles (enrichment class) | Robotics | Wilderness Explorers (enrichment class) | Robotics | |
| Chamber Strings (morning) | ||||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||||
| Rookly Chess League (enrichment class) |
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Robotics | Robotics | |||
| Chamber Strings (morning) | ||||
| Jazz Ensemble |
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Chamber Strings (morning) | ||||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||||
| Rookly Chess League (enrichment class) |
| COMBINATIONS THAT WORK BETWEEN 3:15–5 p.m. | COMBINATIONS THAT DO NOT WORK BETWEEN 3:15–5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Athletics + Jazz Ensemble | Athletics + any two other afternoon activities (including Jazz Ensemble, Outdoor Theater, religious school, after-school tutoring, etc.) |
| Athletics + any single-afternoon activity | |
| Athletics + Robotics (student would miss Robotics 1x/week) | |
| Morning music ensembles + any afternoon activity |
Activity Information
Athletics
The goal of athletics at Park is to provide positive and significant experiences for all students who participate in the program. There is no better place to learn life’s lessons than on an athletic field, court, or course. Cooperation, leadership, emotional control, confidence, resilience, and commitment are just a few of the numerous benefits that participation on a team can help instill or develop. We want to challenge students to take chances with advanced training techniques, with new sports, and with new roles on teams, and also to compete outside their comfort zones. As students hopefully prepare for their Upper School careers as student-athletes, we encourage them to try a sport this year, regardless of experience. There is a place for everyone in our program!
During the fall, Park offers teams in Cross Country (coed), Soccer (boys and girls), and Field Hockey (girls). On Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m., the Athletics Office will host a Parents/Coaches meeting on Zoom. Coaches will present their experience, coaching philosophies, and expectations for the season. You will also hear from the Athletic Directors about programmatic details and expectations. Information about winter and spring athletics teams will be shared with families during the school year. Click here to visit the Park Athletics website.
Robotics
In this semester-long activity, students will delve into the exciting world of robotics, engineering, and teamwork as they participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program. Students will learn fundamental engineering principles, coding skills, and problem-solving techniques as they design, build, and program their own robots to complete specific challenges. With a hands-on approach, students will work collaboratively in teams to brainstorm ideas, prototype designs, troubleshoot technical issues, and refine their robots for optimal performance. Additionally, students will develop invaluable communication, leadership, and project management skills essential for success in the FTC program and beyond. By the end of the semester, students will not only have gained technical proficiency but also a deeper understanding of the real-world applications of STEM concepts and the importance of collaboration in achieving common goals.
Participating students will compete with their robot in at least one FTC competition with 26-36 other teams in December and/or January. The season will culminate with a demonstration and celebration with families.
Arts
The Park Arts’ Department’s mission is to encourage authentic artistic development and support the rich inner lives of our students; our co-curricular and enrichment offerings complement and build on our rich curricular performing and visual arts program. We encourage students to participate in our ensemble-based music, theater, and dance programming when possible, as we know that participation in music, theater, and dance ensembles helps students to develop essential life skills. Opportunities to practice and strengthen cooperation, collaboration, commitment, confidence, creative problem-solving, empathy, expression, healthy risk-taking, leadership, resilience, and self-regulation are just some of the benefits community-based arts experiences offer young people. Acting, playing music, singing, and dancing are also all wonderful ways to connect in person with peers, unplug, and have fun!
Music Ensembles (Chamber Strings and Jazz Ensemble)
In addition to their three years of ensemble-based curricular music study (during the school day), Middle School students are eligible to participate in any or all of our audition-based, co-curricular musical ensembles that meet before or after school. Music teachers will provide more information about co-curricular audition dates and sign-ups during music classes in the first week of school. Click here to read the co-curricular ensemble audition requirements.
Chamber Strings
Click here to access a folder with PDFs of the suggested audition pieces for Chamber Strings and B#s (B-Sharps). Students have the option of playing the suggested piece or a piece that they have already been working on outside of school. Students will also be asked to play a scale of their choice and to sight read a provided excerpt. Please contact Strings Director Doug Jameson at (djameson@parkschool.net) to schedule an audition.
Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Guitarists, bassists, and pianists who would like to audition for Jazz Ensemble will be asked to play a song with chords. Drummers will be asked to play a swing rhythm and a rock rhythm. All students auditioning will be asked to sight read a provided excerpt. Click here to sign up. Contact Chris Peterson (cpeterson@parkschool.net) and Maeve Royce (mroyce@parkschool.net) with questions.
Individual Music Lessons and Dance Classes through Peabody Preparatory
Peabody Preparatory offers dance and music programs that take place in the Wyman Arts Center (music rooms and dance studio) during weekday afternoons and evenings. Peabody Prep oversees and manages all facets of the program, including registration, scheduling, and billing. Visit the Peabody at Park website to learn more about their offerings and register.
After Day
Middle School After Day is a free, supervised program for students that provides a relaxing space for students at the end of the day from 3:15-6 p.m. Registration for After Day is not required in advance. The program is for students who are not picked up by 3:15 or are participating in another school-sponsored program. Typical activities include board games, arts and crafts, open gym, and quiet time for homework. Students are encouraged to choose the activity that aligns with their needs and interests. Middle School After Day takes place in the Middle School Commons and surrounding areas. Students are required to sign-in at 3:15 and stay in one of the supervised activities until they get picked up. No food will be provided during After Day; students should bring their own.
Please note that After Day is not day care. It is a cost-free convenience provided for families who are unable to pick up their children after school. And while Park is able to sponsor athletics, various clubs, and some after-school care, we are not able to provide enough space or supervision for every Middle School student to stay at school at the end of the day. As much as we love that the kids want to stay at school, we ask that families resist their child’s request to stay later than necessary and to pick up their child when the school day ends or after afternoon activities are finished.
It is the students’ responsibility to update the sign-in sheet with their current location so that we can find them quickly. Please note that students will be monitored during their time in After Day, but not directly supervised at all times.
- Pull into the lot and dial 410-339-7070.
- Tell our supervisor the name of your child (first and last, and their grade level).
- Tell the supervisor your relationship to the student.
- The supervisor will radio our Director, who will then locate your child and send them out to you.
The Middle School Rule for Community Living is core to the after-school experience and will help us keep the students safe and accounted for. We need parental support for this to happen. Middle School students who have difficulty following these guidelines will be asked to leave school at 3:15 p.m. or at the end of their athletic practices/rehearsals. Parents will be expected to pick up children who cannot follow the rules for community living.
Enrichment Classes and Clubs
Enrichment Classes
Enrichment classes are offered on a seasonal basis to students in Grades 6-8. Registration takes place in CampBrain and classes are available seasonally on a first-come, first-served basis. Fall enrichment class descriptions will be posted on August 1, and registration opens on August 11 at 9 a.m.
| SEASON | DATES | REGISTRATION OPENS |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 8-October 31 | August 11 |
| Winter I | November 10-December 19 | Mid-October |
| Winter II | January 5-February 20 | Mid-October |
| Spring | March 2-May 22 | Mid-February |
DANCE 101: A JOURNEY THROUGH STYLES • Grades 6-8
Cost: $225
We will explore a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical.
Students will learn the fundamentals of each style, build confidence, and express themselves creatively through movement. By the end of the class, students will have a taste of each style and newfound skills to continue their journey in the art of movement! Students should wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle each day. Please note that this class is taught by Park’s MS Faculty member, Julia Strouse, and is not part of Park’s partnership with Peabody Prep.
WILDERNESS EXPLORERS • Grades 6-8
Cost: $225
Have you ever wanted to explore the great outdoors, get your hands dirty, and connect with nature in a meaningful way?
In Wilderness Explorers, students will dive into hands-on outdoor adventures while learning useful, eco-friendly skills that help protect and sustain our planet. From planting and gardening to trail exploration, environmental stewardship, and basic wilderness know-how, this class offers a fun and active way to develop your green thumb and deepen your appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re a budding environmentalist or just love being outside, Wilderness Explorers is the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and environmental care.
ROOKLY CHESS LEAGUE • Grades 6-8
Cost: $300
Offered through our new partnership with Rookly Chess, The Rookly Chess League offers students a chance to compete as a team against top schools throughout Maryland and beyond.
Designed to build both skill and confidence, the league helps players grow on and off the board—learning how to win, how to learn from setbacks, and how to approach chess as a team sport. Whether you’re new to competition or ready to level up, the Rookly Chess League turns individual improvement into shared success. The league is both a fall (October-December) and spring (March-May) commitment, and the cost covers participation in both seasons. Please note that the league does not begin until early October, but we ask that families avoid other Thursday conflicts during the fall and spring seasons.
Each class has a minimum number of students needed to run. Classes that do not meet the minimum will be canceled, and families will receive a full refund or can apply the credit to a different enrichment class. Classes also have a capacity with a waitlist available once the class is full. Full payment for classes is due upon registration in CampBrain.
In the past, we have had the occasional instance when children have dropped out mid-session due to lack of interest in the class. If after the first week a family decides to withdraw, a refund for the remaining sessions minus a $50 administrative fee will be provided. However, there will be no refunds for an after-school enrichment class following the first week of the class.
All classes run from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Middle School faculty and staff help students transition from school-day activities into after-school classes. At the end of class, students are either picked-up by the school’s main entrance from 4:30-4:45 or join the Middle School After Day program.
Clubs
Middle School Clubs provide a low-key environment for students with shared interests to gather on a weekly basis. Examples of clubs include Math Circle, Volleyball, Video Game Club, and Dungeons and Dragons. Some clubs are seasonal, whereas others are year-long, and students are welcome to transition into and out of a club at the seasonal transitions based on their other after-school commitments.
Although clubs do not have a fee, we ask that families not schedule other commitments at the same time so that the student can participate in the club unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Club information is shared with students and families during the first weeks of school.
Questions?
Please contact afterschoolprograms@parkschool.net. We look forward to hearing from you!
