Course Descriptions
Click on the item below to view descriptions of our Fall after-school programs.
Course Descriptions
Click on the item below to view descriptions of our Fall after-school programs.
Board Game Discovery Club
Join us after school for a fun and interactive club where strategy, creativity, and teamwork come to life through classic and modern board games! Students will have the chance to learn new games, sharpen problem-solving skills, and enjoy friendly competition with their peers. From cooperative adventures to fast-paced strategy challenges, this club is the perfect way to unwind, build friendships, and develop critical thinking—all while having a great time.
Ceramics
Our after-school ceramics program welcomes Kindergarteners through Grade 4 students to a world of creativity and natural inspiration under the guidance of Mary Flanagan Jaffe. With a profound connection to the natural world, Mary brings to her teaching a unique approach that blends functional and sculptural ceramics. Her classes will inspire young artists to explore shapes, textures, and patterns reflective of the natural landscapes and objects found in the East End of Long Island. Through hands-on activities, students will learn the basics of ceramics, emphasizing the joy of creating while drawing inspiration from the world around them. Mary's expertise and passion for ceramics promise an engaging and enriching experience for all participants.
Chess with Master Ulysses Tapley!
Dive into the exciting world of chess with our after-school program led by expert Ulysses Tapley. It's more than just chess; it's a training ground for critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Studies show chess boosts cognitive abilities, memory, concentration, and logical thinking. Our curriculum covers tactics, strategy, and endgame skills, enhancing both brainpower and social skills. Join us for this intellectually stimulating journey with Master Tapley, where chess becomes a tool for personal growth and strategic prowess. Sign up now for a mind-enhancing experience!
Crochet Club
Discover the meditative art of crochet in our welcoming after-school program designed for students in Grades 2–5. This hands-on craft experience introduces young makers to fundamental crochet techniques while fostering patience, concentration, and fine motor skill development. Participants will learn basic stitches, pattern reading, and project planning as they create practical items such as bookmarks, small pouches, and decorative pieces. Beyond technical skill acquisition, crochet offers students a calming, mindful activity that promotes focus and self-regulation—valuable tools for academic and personal success. Our supportive environment encourages creative expression while building confidence through tangible accomplishments. Students will leave each session with both completed projects and transferable skills in following sequential instructions, problem-solving, and sustained attention to detail.
Gymnastics and Tumbling
Our tumbling classes focus on the fundamentals of gymnastics, incorporating a mix of exercises, challenges, and games to build both physical and mental strength. Techniques are honed through consistent practice, aiming to show children their inherent strength and resilience in a sport they love. We encourage exploring different movement styles to find one that resonates with each child, enhancing confidence and instilling values like dedication and perseverance.
LEGOmania
Unleash engineering creativity through our dynamic Legomania program, where students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 tackle ambitious, complex LEGO sets that require sustained teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Participants learn to negotiate roles, delegate tasks, and coordinate efforts as they undertake multi-session building projects that no single student could complete independently. Through collaborative construction of intricate architectural models and elaborate themed sets, students develop spatial reasoning, mathematical thinking, and essential communication skills. The program emphasizes how complex engineering challenges require diverse perspectives and complementary skill sets, teaching students to value each team member's contributions while working toward shared goals that mirror real-world design processes.
Hip Hop Dance
Move to the rhythm of contemporary culture in our energetic Hip Hop Dance program, welcoming students from Kindergarten through Grade 2 and Grades 3 through Grade 6 to explore self-expression through dynamic movement. This program introduces fundamental hip hop techniques, rhythm awareness, and choreographic elements while building physical coordination, confidence, and cultural appreciation. Students learn age-appropriate dance moves, develop musicality, and experience the joy of collaborative performance in a supportive, inclusive environment. Beyond physical skill development, hip hop dance enhances students' ability to follow complex sequences, work as part of an ensemble, and express individual creativity within structured formats. Our curriculum emphasizes respect for hip hop's cultural origins while making this art form accessible to all participants regardless of prior dance experience. Each session combines skill-building with creative exploration, culminating in opportunities for students to showcase their progress and celebrate their growth as confident movers and performers.
Fashion
In Fashion Club, students explore their creativity through sewing and design. From sketching ideas to stitching fabrics, members will learn the basics of fashion construction while creating their own unique pieces. This hands-on club encourages self-expression, collaboration, and confidence as students bring their style visions to life.
Mathletes & Coding: Future Innovators
This dynamic after-school program is tailored for advanced students with a keen interest in mathematics and computer science. Designed for students in Grades 3–5, this program is also open to younger students with acumen in mathematics and a passion for STEAM learning. Participants are prepared for competitive success in the Mathletes competitions and the VEX Robotics challenges. Through rigorous instruction and practical, hands-on activities, students will enhance their mathematical reasoning and coding abilities, equipping them for excellence in these exciting competitions and beyond.
Multisport
Elevate your child's athletic journey with Ross School's dynamic multisport programs! Tailored for budding athletes, our curriculum blends individual prowess and team dynamics, spanning soccer and a variety of field games. Participants will dive into the essential rules and techniques of each sport. We focus on fun, skillful play, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship through engaging games and scrimmages. Join us for an exciting adventure in sports where every child shines!
Music Expression Session
The “Expression Session” is a dynamic music program designed to guide young musicians as they explore the power of music and creativity. Through interactive sessions that blend storytelling with hands-on activities, children engage in music-making using percussion instruments, chant rhythms, and dance with silk fairies, enriching their understanding and expression of love and peace. Highlighting the profound impact of their creations, children share how their music has touched lives, reinforcing the theme of unity and the belief that music can truly unite the world. This program is a celebration of creativity and communal harmony, inspiring young minds to become ambassadors of peace.
Musical Theater with South Fork Performing Arts
Join Ross School and South Fork Performing Arts' collaboration for a dynamic musical theater program. This initiative offers participants a chance to dive into all aspects of theater production, including acting, singing, and stagecraft. Through comprehensive training and creative exploration, the program develops both individual talents and collaborative skills. It culminates in a community performance, showcasing the hard work and talents of all participants. This program is an ideal platform for students looking to enhance their theatrical knowledge and performance skills in a supportive community setting.
Smartz and Crafts
Engage young creators in our Smartz&Crafts program, thoughtfully designed for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2. This multi-sensory experience combines fine motor skill development with creative exploration, introducing foundational concepts in mathematics, science, and artistic expression through hands-on project-based learning. Participants work with diverse materials and tools to create seasonal projects, simple engineering challenges, and artistic explorations that reinforce classroom learning while fostering independent creativity. Through guided making experiences, students develop spatial reasoning, follow multi-step instructions, and persist in problem-solving while building confidence in their ability to transform ideas into tangible creations. This program celebrates the natural curiosity of young learners while providing structured opportunities for skill development and joyful discovery.
Study Skills
Our after-school Study Skills program is designed specifically for students in Grades 3–5. In this program, families work closely with our committed faculty to help their children develop essential academic and executive functioning skills. Students participating in the Study Skills program receive focused attention and support aimed at cultivating key study habits and organizational skills vital to their academic success.
Ukulele Club
Discover the joy of musical expression through our Ukulele Club, specifically designed for students in Grades 3–5 who are ready for an exciting instrumental music journey. This program introduces fundamental music theory, chord progressions, and performance techniques through the accessible and culturally rich tradition of ukulele playing. Participants develop fine motor coordination, rhythmic awareness, and collaborative musicianship while learning songs that span folk, contemporary, and traditional Hawaiian repertoire. Beyond technical skill acquisition, ukulele instruction enhances memory, concentration, and emotional regulation while building confidence through both individual accomplishment and ensemble performance. Students learn to read basic musical notation, understand harmonic relationships, and experience the satisfaction of creating music both independently and as part of a supportive musical community. This program provides an ideal foundation for lifelong musical engagement while developing discipline, patience, and creative self-expression.
Butter Lane Run Club
Run Club is a fun and energetic after-school program where students build endurance, strength, and confidence through running. Each session includes warm-ups, running games, and distance challenges designed to improve fitness while making running enjoyable. The club promotes teamwork, goal-setting, and a lifelong love of staying active.
Cyber Ravens
Cyber Ravens is a competitive robotics team that challenges students to design, build, and program robots to compete in regional and national competitions. Working collaboratively, team members apply STEM skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving while tackling real-world challenges. Beyond technical skills, students also develop leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking as they prepare their robots for high-level performance in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
Flag Football
Welcome to our Youth Flag Football Skills Program, where student-athletes learn the fundamentals of flag football in a supportive and engaging environment. Tailored for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve, the program focuses on developing core skills such as passing, catching, running routes, flag pulling, and defensive strategies. Participants learn flag football rules, offensive and defensive tactics, and game scenarios through structured drills and practices. Emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship, our sessions cater to different age groups—Grades kindergarten through grade 6—to ensure effective and age-appropriate learning. Each week, coaches work on individual skill enhancement and team dynamics, integrating scrimmages and specific drills that simulate real game situations. Opportunities to join local flag football leagues are available for those interested in competitive play. Join us on the field for a fun-filled flag football season!
Super Soccer Stars
At Soccer Stars, we offer a comprehensive, developmental experience for children ages 1 to 12+. Our philosophy goes beyond teaching the fundamentals of the sport. We use the soccer ball as a vehicle to instill important life lessons, develop skills, boost confidence, and develop teamwork in every class. We are dedicated to ensuring that our young players have safe and positive experiences on the field. Our curriculum is crafted by soccer experts and child development professionals, ensuring every session is packed with fun, engaging activities.
Volleyball
Our Volleyball Program for Grade 4–6 students is a dynamic and team-focused environment for learning volleyball skills, understanding game rules, and embracing teamwork. Participants will sharpen their skills through gameplay-like scenarios and can also enhance their learning at several weekend clinics. The curriculum begins with basic techniques such as underhand serving and passing, and then progresses to advanced skills, including overhand serving, setting, spiking, and blocking. A strong emphasis on game strategy, understanding team roles, and effective communication equips young athletes to excel on and off the court while promoting collaboration and respect. Participants are automatically enrolled in DEAR/Library Time from 3:15–4 pm.
Program descriptions and registration links for after-school tennis programs are available at ross.org/tennis-programs.