CDS After-School Programs

After-School Programs

In addition to our athletics program, we offer fun and engaging after-school programs throughout the year designed to enrich the diverse interests, passions, and strengths of our students. Whether they're looking for ways to sharpen their creativity, try new athletic pursuits, or challenge their minds, your children will find a wide variety of clubs and activities to excite them at CDS.

Many of our after-school programs are developed and taught by our talented faculty and staff, as well as in partnership with Pittsburgh-area arts and education organizations. With new offerings to sign up for three times a year, students always find something interesting to explore.

For questions or more information, please contact Enrichment Program Coordinator Stacey Parker.

Fall 2023 Registration

Learn Where to Draw the Line (Gr. 3-5)

Mondays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Grades 3-5
September 11, 18; October 2, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13
8 sessions, $120
Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 15

REGISTER HERE

From basic shapes to 3D drawings, enrich your afternoon with artist Mo Harris (from the front office). Learn how to draw things in the world around you. We will explore styles such as cubism, pointillism, surrealism, Pop Art!, abstract, and more in this fun and engaging afternoon art program.

Dungeons and Dragons (Gr. 5-8)

Mondays, 3:45-6 p.m. (NOTE LATER TIME!)
Grades 5-8
September 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6
8 sessions, $120
Minimum of 4 students, maximum of 10

REGISTER HERE

Join Erin Walker as we delve into another great adventure in the Forgotten Realms using 5th edition rules. Bring your own snacks—and dice if you have them, but we can share. No experience required; we can teach you!

Tuesday Programs

Knight School Pittsburgh - Chess (Gr. 2-5)

Knight School Pittsburgh - Chess (Gr. 2-5)

Tuesdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Grades 2-5
September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
8 sessions, $200
Minimum of 5 students, maximum 15

REGISTER HERE

The Knight School’s philosophy is that chess is for everyone! TKS chess classes set themselves apart by going above and beyond to invest in the child’s experience and build up a love for chess. Zany video clips, colorful "Tactix Bands" that are a reward for mastery of new skills, and engaging coaches keep kids focused and having fun throughout the lesson. We will learn some awesome and challenging chess tactics, while creating a welcoming social environment with an emphasis on good sportsmanship.

Wednesday Programs

Mandarin Explorers (Gr. 2-5)
Little Medical School: Wilderness Medicine (Gr. 2 & 3)

Mandarin Explorers (Gr. 2-5)

Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Grades 2-5
September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1
8 sessions, $200
Minimum of 3 students, maximum of 10

REGISTER HERE

Explore Chinese language and culture after school! This class will introduce beginner students and those more advanced to the core elements of Chinese language through lessons built around games, activities, and stories. Students will progress through the course learning pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening, and will gain confidence in their ability to learn Chinese and to speak it. Class will also feature interactive video and audio to help build language and cultural fluency. Students will love upbeat, fun, and engaging after-school Chinese class. Learning Chinese as a foreign language will provide many advantages that will spill over to every area of a child's education. Manhattan Mandarin has been providing after high-quality school and private classes for six years in New York City and Washington D.C., recently expanding to Pittsburgh.

Teacher Bio:
Xiao Yu (Scarlett) Shi is a second-year master's degree candidate at University of Pittsburgh studying Education and Social and Comparative Analysis in Education. She graduated from university in Changchun, China with a B.A. in English. Scarlett has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at an International Summer School in Beijing, as well as at a school in Indonesia teaching English to elementary school students. She also works part-time in the University of Pittsburgh school store.

Little Medical School: Wilderness Medicine (Gr. 2 & 3)

Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Grades 2 & 3
September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1
8 sessions, $200
Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 15

REGISTER HERE

Embark on an incredible adventure at Wilderness Medicine School, where learning becomes an exciting expedition! Calling all future emergency medics who are ready to explore the thrilling world of the wild. Join us as we unravel the secrets of bug bites, snake encounters, and mysterious poisonous plants. But don't worry, we'll transform these wild encounters into fun challenges that will leave you feeling like a true hero. From crafting ingenious tools for survival to fashioning unique wilderness accessories, you'll be amazed at what you can do. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer and become a fearless wilderness medic!

Thursday Programs

Mad Science: Future Space Explorers (K & Gr. 1)
Tennis with Mark Haffner (Gr. 2-5)

Mad Science: Future Space Explorers (K & Gr. 1)

Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Kindergarten & Grade 1
September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 26; November 9, 16
8 sessions, $150
Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 15

REGISTER HERE

From our Earth’s atmosphere to the outer reaches of our solar system, in NASA: The Academy of Future Space Explorers, participants will go on a quest for exploration! Comets, planets, stars, and more are all waiting to be discovered in this hands-on program. Learn about the four forces of flight, the challenges of space travel, participate in a rocket launch, and more!

Tennis with Mark Haffner (Gr. 2-5)

Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Grades 2-5
September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 26; November 9, 16
8 sessions, $200
Minimum of 7 students, maximum 15

REGISTER HERE

Join Mark Haffner, USTA 2010 Tennis Pro of the Year, PTR Certified Teaching Pro, and AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, for fun-filled tennis instruction after school for beginner and intermediate players. Mark stresses the importance of agility, movement, and strength in his tennis program, which he has been offering for more than 25 years. All activity supplies will be provided.

Friday Programs

Pittsburgh Soccer Academy (K & Gr. 1)

Pittsburgh Soccer Academy (K & Gr. 1)

Fridays, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Kindergarten & Grade 1
September 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 10, 17
8 sessions, $150
Minimum of 12 students, maximum 20

REGISTER HERE

Come and play soccer with Pittsburgh Soccer Academy, a coaching organization that helps players of all levels to meet their fullest potential. PSA assists with technique to help players build a strong foundation from which to grow. They make sessions fun and informative for soccer players of all levels of ability and experience. No equipment is necessary.

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