2026 Fall ETC

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Grace Burgett
Auxiliary Programs Coordinator
(703) 873-6143

Semedra Thomas Fields
Director of Extended Day and After School Educational Program
(703) 749-6307

Shveta Khullar
Director of Auxiliary Programs
(703) 749-6380

Fall 2026 After School Classes

For the Fall 2026 season, most of the classes will run from October 5 to December 4. Below, please see the schedule and details of all our offerings.

Monday: Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Tuesday: Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, and Dec 1
Wednesday: Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, and Dec 2
Thursdays: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, and Dec 3

Registration will open Monday, July 13 at 10:00 am and run through noon on Friday, September 11. To view our offerings at a glance, click here. Information about our cancellation and refund policy can be found here.

Lower School Classes

Adventures in Spanish - Beginner Level (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this class, students will explore the Spanish language and culture through conversations, games, and songs. They will engage in storytelling, creative movement, art, and more, all designed to immerse them in the language. This experience will help them develop an “ear” for spoken Spanish, including its tones, accents, and rhythms. The goal is to make their introduction to Spanish a relaxed, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

Teacher: Nancy Alarcon-Levy, Potomac School Substitute, ETC Teacher
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $300.00

Adventures in Spanish - Intermediate Level (grades 1- 3)

Course Description: In this class, students will build on their Spanish language foundation by expanding vocabulary and developing sentence formation skills. They will learn to count up to 50 and explore topics such as food, animals, and body parts through engaging, age-appropriate activities. As they strengthen their language skills, students will also take a cultural journey through Spanish-speaking countries, discovering music, traditions, celebrations, and daily life. This integrated approach encourages students to embrace both the language and the rich, diverse cultures it represents, fostering curiosity, connection, and global awareness.(Prerequisite: One year of Potomac’s ETC Spanish – Beginner Level)

Teacher: Nancy Alarcon-Levy, Potomac School Substitute, ETC Teacher
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $300.00

Checkmate Adventures (grade 1-6)

Course Description: Let’s have some FUN while learning a new skill! Class time is divided between lessons and practice games. Lessons range from the basic rules to advanced tournament strategies. Students will have the opportunity to play in tournaments (in-person and online) outside of club time. This in-person club includes free online extras including weekly practice tournaments, a Chesskid Gold membership, and an event with a chess celebrity. All chess supplies provided. All skill levels are welcome!

Teacher: Silver Knights Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $350.00

Gymnastics (Beginner level) (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Flip, swing, balance, and build confidence in this fun, co-ed introduction to gymnastics! Perfect for beginners, this class teaches foundational skills on the floor, bars, beam, and vault while developing strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body control. Students will learn rolls, handstands, and cartwheel progressions, bridges, beam balances, bar swings, and introductory vault skills in a safe, supportive environment. Instruction is tailored to each child's skill level, with an emphasis on proper technique, confidence, and a love of movement. No prior gymnastics experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00

Gymnastics (Intermediate level) (grade 1-5)

Description: Build on foundational skills and take the next step in gymnastics! This co-ed class is designed for students ready to progress beyond beginner-level skills while continuing to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness on the floor, bars, and beam. Athletes will refine technique and grow confidence as they work toward intermediate skills in a fun, supportive environment. Instruction emphasizes proper form, skill progression, and safe advancement through more challenging movements. Skills may include handstands and variations, bridge kick-overs and walkovers, cartwheels and roundoffs, pull-overs and back hip circles on bars, jumps and turns, donkey kicks, and introductory vault skills such as handstand flatbacks.

Prerequisites: Students must be in 1st grade or above and have completed at least one year of gymnastics or three seasons at The Potomac School. Athletes should demonstrate a bridge, cartwheel, and progressing donkey kick toward a handstand, along with a solid understanding of basic gymnastics positions and a readiness to learn advanced skills.

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $400.00

Mixed Media and Pottery (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this course, students engage in exploratory art-making across multiple mediums, combining drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture with introductory ceramics instruction. Emphasis is placed on process, craftsmanship, and sensory engagement through the manipulation of materials. Students develop fine motor skills, creative thinking, and artistic confidence while completing both 2D and 3D works. Pottery projects are glazed and kiln-fired for durable, long-lasting results.

Teacher: NYSA (New York School of Arts) Instructor

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $425.00 (all supplies included)

Woodland Adventures Nature Explorers (kindergarten– grade 3)

Course Description: Grab your boots and your explorer’s net. It is time for a fall adventure right here on The Potomac School’s beautiful wooded campus! Join Mr. Wolfe as we explore how nature changes in the autumn months. We’ll search for animal tracks, study how plants change for the fall, and adventure through Potomac’s green pastures.

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $280.00

Middle School Classes

Checkmate Adventures (grade 1-6)

Teacher: Silver Knights Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $350.00

Fine Art (grades 4-6)

Course Description: This engaging fall art class invites young artists to explore creativity through a variety of hands-on projects in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Guided by experienced instructors, students will experiment with new artistic techniques and materials while building confidence, technical skills, and their own unique artistic voice.

Each session offers fresh, inspiring projects designed to spark imagination, encourage creative risk-taking, and support skill development in a fun and supportive studio environment.

Teachers: NYSA (New York School of Art)

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $425.00 (all supplies included)

Gymnastics (Intermediate level) (grades 1-5)

Course Description: Build on foundational skills and take the next step in gymnastics! This co-ed class is designed for students ready to progress beyond beginner-level skills while continuing to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness on floor, bars, and beam.

Athletes will refine technique and grow confidence as they work toward intermediate skills in a fun, supportive environment. Instruction emphasizes proper form, skill progression, and safe advancement through more challenging movements.

Skills may include handstands and variations, bridge kick-overs and walkovers, cartwheels and roundoffs, pull-overs and back hip circles on bars, jumps and turns, donkey kicks, and introductory vault skills such as handstand flatbacks.

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: 400.00

Middle School Speech (grades 5-6)

Course Description: In this speech class, students will develop practical skills in constructing clear arguments and delivering them effectively. They will focus on content-based skills, such as ensuring logical flow and supporting their claims with evidence, as well as delivery-based skills like maintaining eye contact and projecting their voice. Under the guidance of their instructor, Mernine Ameris, 5th-6th grade students will apply these skills, building a solid foundation of confidence in their public speaking abilities.

Teacher: Mernine Ameris, Upper School Speech and Debate Coach
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $330.00

The Epic Debaters (grade 6)

Course Description: Discover public speaking and discourse through extemp debate! Led by Head Coach Harry Strong, Upper School Speech and Debate teachers, and Varsity students in the competitive program, this class introduces students to debate by focusing on the fundamentals. Students will have plenty of opportunities to enhance their public speaking skills on engaging and relevant topics. At the end of the session, the group gets to showcase their skills by participating in an in-house tournament.

Teachers: Upper School Speech & Debate Coaches

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $330.00

Trailblazers: Outdoor Adventures (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Step outside and discover the adventure waiting just beyond the classroom! Join Mr. Wolfe as we explore The Potomac School's beautiful wooded campus through hands-on outdoor activities, nature exploration, and exciting group challenges. Learn practical outdoor skills, discover the changing seasons, observe local wildlife and plants, and build confidence while exploring the natural world. Each week brings a new adventure filled with discovery, teamwork, and fun.

Whether you enjoy hiking, exploring, or simply spending time outdoors, Trailblazers: Outdoor Adventures is the perfect place to unplug, get active, and experience the wonders of nature this fall.

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $280.00

VEX IQ Competition Team (grades 5-6)

Course Description: Potomac’s VEX IQ competition team provides students with a hands-on, collaborative experience where students will work in teams to design, build, and program a robot to compete in the 2026-2027 VEX IQ robotics competition season. The competition season runs from September through March with weekly practices and two weekend events. Teams that qualify for the state tournament will also have the opportunity to compete in the Virginia State Championships in March.

Please note:

Consistent, weekly attendance at practices is expected.
Families should expect 2-3 single-day weekend commitments.
Team members must be available for the Potomac’s VEX IQ Tournament on January 16 or 17, 2027.

This is a great opportunity for students to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering skills in a supportive and competitive team environment. Please complete the attached interest form if your child is interested in competing in the 2026-2027 season.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technology Teacher

Day: Tuesday or Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $925 (all supplies included)

Intermediate School Classes

Intro to Metal Bots (grades 7-8)

Course Description: Dive into the exciting world of robotics with this introductory course designed for Intermediate School students new to metal bots! In this hands-on program, students will explore the fundamentals of designing, building, and programming robots using the VEX EXP metal robotics system. Students will develop skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving. They will learn how to use tools to construct sturdy robot frames, integrate motors, and write basic programs to control their bots using VEXcode software. As part of the course, students will collaborate to complete mini-tasks and prepare their robots for friendly classroom competitions. These activities encourage creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork while introducing students to the exciting field of competitive metal robotics.

This ETC class is now a prerequisite for the competition team. Eighth graders who complete this class in the fall and show interest and skill may be eligible to join the competitive eighth-grade teams. Intro to Metal Bots is a three-season ETC class offering.

Teacher: Zan Husain, Upper School Teaching Fellow

Day: Wednesday - Sept. 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, and Dec 2, 9, and 16

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $435.00

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)

Course Description: Explore public speaking and discourse through debate! Guided by Coach Harry Strong and led by Coach Ryan Levesque and varsity students in the competitive program, participants will start by practicing debate fundamentals. The class offers numerous opportunities to enhance public speaking skills with engaging and relevant topics. During the session, students can participate in a tournament in addition to showcasing their skills by participating in an in-house tournament at the sessions’ end, which is a great way to showcase the skills practiced in class. Those who join this class will be well-prepared for the Upper School’s award-winning competitive program.

Teachers: Upper School Speech & Debate Coaches

Day: Wednesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $330.00

VRC Robotics (grade 8)

Description: Welcome to VEX VRC Robotics! The competitive VRC robotics program runs from September 18 through late February, with potential continuation based on qualification tournaments. Students work in teams of three to four students to design, build, and code metal robots for the new 26-27 VEX Challenge. In this program, students must attend each Wednesday practice, 3:15-5:30 pm. Students will also be expected to dedicate at least one conference block a week and at least one hour outside of class for design notebook, coding skills, and/or research as posted on Google Classroom. As well, students must also be able to commit to the following tournament schedule:

FrostByte VRC Tournament at Potomac - December(all day) in Chester Gym
Potomac Classic Skills Only Tournament - Jan 16 or 17 in Spangler
Glen Allen Tournament - February
Virginia State Tournament for qualifying teams - late Feb/early March, TBD

Teacher: Upper School Robotics Team

Day: Wednesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $1315.00 (all supplies included)