2026 Spring 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

Spring 2026 After School Classes

For Spring 2026 season, most of the classes will run from March 30 to May 14. Below please see the schedule and details of all our offerings.

Monday: Mar. 30, Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, and 11
Tuesday: Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, and 12
Wednesday: Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, and 13
Thursdays: Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, and 14

Registration will open Monday, February 2nd at 12:00 pm and run through noon on Friday, February 20th. 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) (Class Canceled)

CLASS CANCELED - LOW ENROLLMENT

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 and ETC Teacher
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $245.00

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 and ETC Teacher
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $245.00

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 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: $300.00

Cooks with Books (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Calling all chefs! In this interactive culinary class, students will embark on a journey where books come to life through the magic of cooking. Each session begins with a brief storytime, allowing us to dive into captivating tales to spark the imagination. Following our book, students will roll up their sleeves and step into the kitchen to bring the stories to the table, cooking recipes, and dishes inspired by our book! Join us for a class where literature and culinary arts blend seamlessly, creating a recipe for both literacy and tasty fun!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, K-5 Academic Technologist

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Gymnastics (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this co-ed gymnastics class, students will learn forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, basic bar techniques, balance skills, and improve their strength and flexibility. No prior experience is required, and instruction will be adjusted to suit each student’s skill level. The focus is on safety and having fun! All skill levels are welcome!

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00

Mixed Media and Pottery Arts w/NYSA (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: $350.00 (all supplies included)

Stop Motion LEGO® (kindergarten - grade 3)

Course Description: “Bring your builds to life, one frame at a time!” Students will learn the art of stop-motion animation by creating their own LEGO movies! They’ll build sets, design characters, plan storylines, and use iPads to capture and edit their animations. This program combines creativity, technology, and storytelling as students become directors of their own animated adventures!

Teacher: Kodely Academy

Day: Wednesday Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (*5 classes)

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $225.00

Wacky Science Lab: Ooze, Freeze & Fizzy Fun! (kindergarten– grade 3)

Course Description: Get ready to explore, experiment, and get a little messy in this hands-on science adventure! In Wacky Science Lab, young scientists will dive into exciting experiments that bubble, fizz, ooze, and freeze. Inspired by nature and everyday materials, we’ll explore simple chemistry, seasonal science, and surprising reactions through playful investigations and guided discovery. Whether we’re making things expand, change states, or behave in unexpected ways, curiosity leads the way. This class is perfect for budding scientists who love to ask “What happens if…?” and learn by doing!

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00

Middle School Classes

Next Level Building with VEX IQ (grade 4)

Course Description: Course Description: In this course, students will build upon the concepts learned in the 4th-grade robotics unit. Throughout the course, students will apply the steps of the engineering design process as they participate in various building, driving, and coding challenges. Whether your young engineer is passionate about robotics or simply interested in learning more, this course provides a great opportunity to advance their skills in a fun and collaborative environment.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technology Teacher

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 6)

Teacher: Silver Knights Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $300.00

Kitchen Chemistry: Science You Can Eat! (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Grab your chef’s hat and your lab coat—it’s time to mix, bubble, and experiment your way through the kitchen! You’ll discover how science makes your favorite foods come to life as we create awesome gummy bears, chewy boba pearls, and mind-blowing frozen treats. It’s chemistry you can taste—get ready to cook up some seriously cool science!

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00

News, Journalism & Podcasting (grades 4-6) (Class Canceled)

LOW ENROLLMENT, CLASS CANCELED

Course Description: Discover the excitement of broadcast journalism—now featuring podcasting as our newest addition! Students will write, film, and edit their own news stories while also learning how to record and produce original podcasts. From on-camera reporting to behind-the-scenes editing, this class builds real-world media skills and creative confidence. Get ready to make the news and share your voice!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, K-5 Academic Technologist

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Speech Squad (grade 4)

Course Description: 4th Grade Speech is the perfect introduction to public speaking! This engaging class helps students build confidence through fun vocabulary exercises and projection activities. Each week, students will practice delivering impromptu speeches and receive valuable feedback. The course will end with an exciting speech showcase, giving students the chance to shine!

Teacher: Mernine Ameris, Upper School Speech and Debate Coach
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $295.00

Speech Squad (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: $295.00

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: $295.00

VEX IQ Competition: Head-Start Building Sessions (grade 5)

Course Description: This mini ETC course will allow students to begin working toward next season’s VEX IQ Competition game as soon as it is announced. No previous experience is necessary, but students should only sign up for this course if they are planning to apply for the MS competition program during the 2026-2027 robotics season.

Note: The last class date (May 28) does not have late bus service.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technology Teacher

Day: Thursday, May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (4 classes)

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $190.00 (all supplies included)

Intermediate School Classes

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)
Intro to Metal Bots for Seventh and Eighth Graders

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: $295.00

Intro to Metal Bots for Seventh and Eighth Graders

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.

Teacher: Zan Husain, Upper School Teaching Fellow

Day: Wednesday - Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, May 6, and 13

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $325.00