Monday 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Chess
The instructional program will include the basics and beyond with an emphasis on professional chess knowledge. There will be specific lessons, puzzles, and game-playing time.  For the beginning student, learning all about the board, piece movement and values, opening theory, plus basic tactics will be taught.  Life skills will be developed throughout the program for greater academic success. Exciting new vocabulary and higher math skills will be included. It will be a fun, exciting, positive, and dynamic chess class in which to participate.
 

Tuesday 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training.  Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
 

Wednesday 1:15–2 p.m.

Acting Adventures
Students will contribute their personal ideas and interests towards the creation of an original play. Students will use expressions, voices, and their bodies to create characters for the play and work together to create design elements that are used in the Final Sharing. At the end of the program, students will perform together in a Final Sharing for an invited audience
 

Thursday 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Ocean Explorer Art
In this Mixed Media Ocean Explorers class, artists will dive into a world of creativity, play, and discovery beneath the sea! Children will explore fascinating ocean creatures, imagine deep-sea adventures, and create their own submarines to travel underwater. Using a variety of sensory-rich materials, students will experiment with painting using water and ice, discovering how colors move and mix like waves. They’ll sculpt and decorate shiny “treasure,” create sea creature art, and layer textures inspired by the ocean floor. This class is designed for hands-on exploration, imagination, and creative fun. Ocean Explorers is a joyful blend of art, sensory play, and adventure—perfect for little artists who love to create and explore!
 

Friday 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training.  Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
 

Monday 3–4 p.m.

Chess 
The instructional program will include the basics and beyond with an emphasis on professional chess knowledge. There will be specific lessons, puzzles, and game-playing time. For the beginning student, learning all about the board, piece movement and values, opening theory, plus basic tactics will be taught. Life skills will be developed throughout the program for greater academic success. Exciting new vocabulary and higher math skills will be included. It will be a fun, exciting, positive, and dynamic chess class in which to participate.

Flag Football 
Coach Luke’s Flag Football class is a fun, high-energy introduction to the game designed especially for first and second graders! This class focuses on learning the basics of football in a positive, encouraging environment where every child can succeed. Players will practice core skills like running, throwing, catching, flag pulling, and teamwork through games, drills, and friendly competitions that keep kids moving and smiling. Coach Luke emphasizes sportsmanship, confidence, and effort over winning, helping kids build coordination, listening skills, and a love for being active. No prior football experience is needed — beginners are welcome! Each class is structured to balance instruction with play, making sure kids stay engaged while learning at their own pace. Most importantly, this class is about having fun, making new friends, and building confidence on and off the field. Come ready to run, laugh, and play!

Food Art
Join Easel Art Studio for this playful Food Art class, where kids will use their imagination to create colorful artworks inspired by their favorite foods and treats—without any eating involved! Students will explore how artists can make art look delicious by using shape, color, texture, and detail. From towering ice cream cones to food-inspired patterns, kids will design creative pieces that look good enough to eat (but definitely aren’t!). Using a variety of materials such as paint, paper, collage items, clay, plaster and mixed media tools, students will build skills in drawing, layering, and composition. This class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and playful expression while reminding students that art can be inspired by anything.

Music X Gaming
Learn music production with games! Imagine on your birthday hearing a song you've never heard before. The melody brings you to tears. This song was made by your child, just for you. At Overture Games, kids learn to create their own music through interactive games and technology. This program was founded by Northwestern University alumnus Aspen and Steven — featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Chicago Tribune — and is led by certified musicians. Ready to hear your child's first original song? Sign up today!

**Returning to the Music x Gaming program? Each quarter features all-new themes, content and skills.
 

Tuesday 3–4 p.m.

Karate 
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.

Kidbots
In this junior robotics course, we use a hands-on approach to STEM discovery. Students learn valuable coding concepts while tapping into their imaginations to create and program robots. This class is a great introduction for students interested in robotics and a fun, engaging way to introduce them to coding basics.

Little Sprouts: A Journey into the Plant World
Get your hands dirty and watch your knowledge grow in this exciting journey into the world of plants! In "Little Sprouts," we'll explore the amazing world of plants, from tiny seeds to flourishing flowers. We'll learn about the different parts of a plant, how they work together, and what plants need to thrive. Best of all, we'll become real-life gardeners by building our very own mini-greenhouse, planting seeds, and documenting their growth throughout the course! This class offers a fun and engaging way for young learners to connect with nature, develop a love for science, and cultivate their very own green thumbs. 
 

Wednesday 2:15–3:15 p.m.

A Culinary Adventure with Junior Chefs Kitchen
At Junior Chefs Kitchen, we do more than teach kids how to cook—we help them build life skills, confidence, and a healthy relationship with food. Our after-school classes are hands-on, fun, and developmentally appropriate, with themed weekly recipes that reinforce early math, science, and motor skills. We focus on food exploration to reduce picky eating, encourage teamwork, and foster independence in the kitchen. Each session ends with a tasting and leftovers so kids can share what they’ve learned. Plus, we are the only purveyor that cooks with all proteins and works with a Registered Dietitian. Materials fee of $100 will be applied. Recipes will be different from the Winter Term, so students can sign up again for the Spring Term.

Beginner Cello
Introduce your child to the basics of cello playing through the Suzuki method of education. The Suzuki method originated in Japan and emphasizes repetition/review, listening, parental involvement, and community learning. Students in this introductory course will learn basic cello technique, introductory pieces, and beginner music theory.

Cello rental from William Harris Lee & Co. is a requirement for participation unless your child already has a violin.

This class is not affiliated with the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Music Department or curriculum.

Chicago Fire FC Soccer 
Chicago Fire FC soccer programs are the perfect way to introduce your child to the world’s fastest-growing youth sport and develop their soccer skills. Through small-group instruction, certified professional coaches will guide students through activities structured around themes such as dribbling, passing, attacking, and defending. Chicago Fire FC soccer programs incorporate nationally recognized SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) traits and values, such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and teamwork, into their activities.
 

Thursday 3–4 p.m.

Circus Fun with CircEsteem!
CircEsteem unites the youth of Chicago through the power of social circus! In this after-school program, students will learn skills such as teamwork, resiliency, & self-confidence all while learning a progression of physically engaging circus arts, such as partner acrobatics, juggling & more! With a culminating "show-off" performance, students will build upon their balance, flexibility, and performance skills while fostering an inclusive & supportive community! Visit circesteem.org for more information.

Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.

Mixed Media Grand Masters
This Mixed Media Art class invites students on a creative journey through time, exploring how artists from the past and present used art to tell stories. Students will begin by discovering prehistoric art and move our way up to explore modern artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, maybe even along the way discover their color period like Picasso. Young artists will experiment with drawing, painting, collage, clay, plaster and texture as they create their own mixed media masterpieces. This fun, hands-on art history–inspired class encourages curiosity, self-expression, and creative confidence while helping students build skills and make meaningful connections through art.
 

Friday 3–4 p.m.
 
Basketball 
A beginner-friendly basketball class where players learn dribbling, shooting, passing, and basic strategies to enjoy the game and improve their skills.

At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and a stretching routine tailored to the sport. Following that, we will focus on gameplay. When introduced correctly, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and self-esteem.

Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants can develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Minecraft Code: K-Pop Minecraft Hunters
Welcome to the dazzling world of K-Pop stardom and Demon Hunter superhero action! In this exciting Minecraft coding class, students will create and code their own K-Pop Demon Hunter inspired world. Using Microsoft Make-code, they'll code their own Honmoon-sealing hit song, and save their world from demons! Perfect for all the K-Pop loving heroes out there!. Prior coding or Minecraft experience is not required.

Monday 3:25–4:25 p.m. 

Dance Fusion
Join Sonia Perez in this exciting and energetic class that combines various dance styles, including hip hop, salsa, and more. Designed to help students explore movement, express themselves, and build confidence, this class focuses on learning choreography and developing creativity. Students will also enhance their coordination, rhythm, and overall fitness in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether they are seasoned dancers or trying dance for the first time, students will discover the joy of dance and have fun creating their own routines. 

Robotic Challenges
Sign up for this exciting new opportunity to design and build programmable robots using motors, sensors, gears, wheels, and other technical components. Students will learn to build, test, troubleshoot, and revise their creations to improve robot performance and participate in specific challenge events (mystery mazes, speed racing, trailer-load pulling, line-following courses, etc.). Join Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, Jeremy Schwartz, in fun and engaging activities to gain practical, hands-on experience and apply critical thinking skills in programming, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Education program.  New projects will be introduced every term so students can up every session!

Track
Each session begins with a center circle stretch, setting the tone for focus and flexibility. This is followed by a dynamic warm-up tailored to the day's event, preparing the kids physically and mentally. The central portion of the class focuses on practicing or competing in specific track and field events, such as the 100-yard sprint, 200-yard sprint, 400-yard sprint, 100/200/400 relays, discus, shot put, hurdles, and more. Coaches ensure every activity is engaging and creative. The program concludes with a fun and friendly track and field meet, allowing participants to showcase their growth and celebrate their achievements.

Voices on the Rise
Does your child love to sing?  Making music is always more fun with friends!  Join Ms. Code and Mrs. Henricks for an hour of singing!  We are so excited to welcome Ms. Code back this winter!  Voices on the Rise will engage in ensemble singing focused on complex songs with partwork.  This is a great alternative to private voice lessons for young children.  Children will learn many diverse songs, rounds, and arrangements which will culminate in an “informance” to showcase our learning to family and friends. 
 

Tuesday 3:25–4:25 p.m. 

3D Printing
In this class, students will be introduced to the world of 3D designing and 3D printing at the school's MS/HS Makerspace to fabricate cool items! Every week they'll receive instructions on creating different designs (or they can just create their own) so they can be 3D printed and decorated for the next class. Students will also learn the best ways to model objects for 3D printing.

Computer Programming Challenges
Learning how to write computer programs to solve problems and create innovative digital artifacts, students participating in the “Computer Programming Challenges” activity will have fun and interact with an engaging challenge-based program. The instructor for this class will be Jeremy Schwartz, Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, and the class will take place using desktop computers in a Computer Lab space. 

Whether a student is just starting with coding or has some programming experience, this after-school activity class can help everyone take their skills to the next level. Students can register to expand their knowledge and develop new understandings in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will have repeated opportunities to select from various simple to complex programming challenges, ranging from game design, data processing puzzles, calculation and computation riddles, etc.

Additionally, students will explore coding using block- and/or text-based languages, such as Scratch and/or Python. The curriculum for each term session will be different, allowing interested students the option to sign up for this same class in the fall, winter, and/or spring of the school year, as the content will not be repeated. Students can explore new and different critical thinking and problem-solving challenges each term.

Basketball
This basketball program for 3rd-5th graders is designed to help players build confidence, sharpen fundamentals, and deepen their understanding of the game in a fun, structured environment. Athletes will focus on core basketball skills including dribbling, shooting, passing, footwork, spacing, and basic game strategy, while learning how to apply those skills in live gameplay situations.

At 1000 Watts Sports, each session begins with an engaging warm-up that incorporates movement-based games and dynamic stretching to prepare athletes both physically and mentally. From there, practices transition into skill development drills and small-sided games, allowing players to actively practice techniques while building decision-making and teamwork.
Our experienced coaches create a positive, high-energy atmosphere that challenges athletes at their level while encouraging growth, effort, and sportsmanship. Sessions are designed to improve hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and basketball IQ, while also reinforcing important life skills such as communication, discipline, respect, and confidence.

The Paper Craft Lab
The Paper Craft Lab is a fun, hands-on class where students explore creativity using just one amazing material: paper! Students will learn a variety of paper art techniques including origami, pop-up cards, quilling, sculpture, and collage. The Paper Craft Lab is perfect for students who enjoy creating with their hands, trying new art styles, and working both independently and collaboratively. Projects are designed to build fine motor skills, patience, problem-solving, and confidence while encouraging imagination and self-expression. No prior art experience is needed—all materials are provided. Students will take home finished projects and will be able to take home their Paper Portfolio that will showcase their work. Come fold, cut, roll, and create with us!
 

Wednesday 3:25–4:25 p.m. 

Chess
For the student continuing on building the chess knowledge, there will be a review of all the basics and beyond, plus move into different openings, middle game tactics and strategies, plus the end game combinations. Showing and discussing world famous games, and reviewing their own, will be part of the program. Learning how to notate their games for review is also part of this program. Finally, the development of life skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and other skills for greater academic success, will be continued. This will be a wonderful, fun, positive, and dynamic chess program for the students. 

Fashion Lab: Design Your Style
Unleash your creativity and personal flair in this fun, hands-on fashion class! Students will explore the world of fashion design through sketching, fabric play, and simple hands-on projects. Students will learn about fashion history, design principles, and current trends while developing their own unique style. Each week, we’ll learn about different styles and famous designers — both current and historical — to inspire students to create their very own designs. From DIY accessories to clothing creations, students will get the chance to bring their ideas to life. No prior sewing experience needed—just curiosity and imagination. Perfect for aspiring designers, trendsetters, and anyone who loves to express themselves through style!

Flag Football
Athletes will learn the fundamentals of flag football including throwing, catching, route running, and defense through drills and gameplay. Classes focus on teamwork, strategy, and game situations while keeping play fast-paced and fun.
 
At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and stretching routine, specifically tailored to the sport being played. Following that, we will focus on game play. When introduced the right way, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and most importantly, self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow, both physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants will have the opportunity to develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Magic the Gathering
Step into the magical world of Magic: The Gathering and discover how math, reading, and strategy come together through gameplay. In this engaging class, students learn the fundamentals of the game while building essential academic and critical-thinking skills in a fun, supportive environment. Students practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and basic probability as they track life totals, manage resources, and plan strategic moves. Reading comprehension is strengthened as students carefully interpret card text, abilities, and rules, while problem-solving and logical reasoning grow through evaluating card combinations and predicting outcomes. Through guided gameplay, collaborative deck-building activities, and friendly challenges, students explore strategy, resource management, and decision-making without the pressure of advanced competitive play. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, thoughtful choices, and good sportsmanship. This class is ideal for both beginners and students with some prior experience, offering an age-appropriate introduction to strategic thinking while showing how math skills are used in engaging, real-world contexts.

Music X Gaming
Learn music production with games! Imagine on your birthday hearing a song you've never heard before. The melody brings you to tears. This song was made by your child, just for you. At Overture Games, kids learn to create their own music through interactive games and technology. This program was founded by Northwestern University alumnus Aspen and Steven — featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Chicago Tribune — and is led by certified musicians. Ready to hear your child's first original song? Sign up today! Returning to the Music x Gaming program? Each quarter features all-new themes, content and skills.
 

Thursday 3:25–4:25 p.m. 

A Culinary Adventure Junior Chefs Kitchen
At Junior Chefs Kitchen, we do more than teach kids how to cook—we help them build life skills, confidence, and a healthy relationship with food. Our after-school classes are hands-on, fun, and developmentally appropriate, with themed weekly recipes that reinforce early math, science, and motor skills. We focus on food exploration to reduce picky eating, encourage teamwork, and foster independence in the kitchen. Each session ends with a tasting and leftovers so kids can share what they’ve learned. Plus, we are the only purveyor that cooks with all proteins and works with a Registered Dietitian. Materials fee of $100 will be applied. Recipes will be different from the Winter Term, so students can sign up again for the Spring Term.

Ceramics
This class focuses on basic hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and pressing slabs - all of which are widely applicable in making a variety of both sculptural (like a pretend bowl of noodles) and functional (like a real bowl you can use for actual, edible noodles) objects. I’ll fire all the clay pieces in the kiln, then the students have several options for decorating the surface of their pieces - including food-safe glazes. Materials fee of $100 will be applied.

Exploring Hyde Park through Architecture and Sketching
Calling all aspiring architects and artists! Join us for an immersive walking tour and sketching workshop designed specifically for students. In this class, we will hit the streets of Hyde Park to explore its diverse architectural landscape, from historic homes to modern masterpieces. Students will learn to "read" buildings by analyzing structure, style, and materials, then translate their observations into sketches. Through guided exercises in perspective, composition, and rapid visualization, participants will build confidence in their drawing skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for the built environment. Whether you dream of designing skyscrapers or just love to draw, this class offers a creative new way to see the city. No prior experience is needed - just bring your sketchbook and a desire to create!

Soccer
Coach Luke’s Soccer class is an exciting, skill-building program designed for 3rd–5th graders who want to learn and grow as players in a fun, supportive environment. This class focuses on developing core soccer skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, defending, and teamwork through fast-paced drills, small-sided games, and friendly competition. Players will learn proper technique while also improving agility, coordination, and game awareness. Coach Luke emphasizes effort, sportsmanship, and confidence, encouraging kids to challenge themselves and support their teammates. Activities are designed to keep players engaged and moving, with plenty of touches on the ball and opportunities to succeed. Whether your child is new to soccer or already has experience, this class helps them sharpen their skills, build confidence, and develop a deeper love for the game — all while having fun, staying active, and making new friends on the field.
 

Friday 3:25–4:25 p.m.  

Circus Club
CircEsteem unites the youth of Chicago through the power of social circus! Students will learn skills such as resiliency, & self-confidence all while learning a progression of physically engaging circus arts, such as partner acrobatics, juggling, and more! With a culminating "show-off" performance, students will build upon their balance, flexibility, and performance skills while fostering an inclusive & supportive community!

Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.

Minecraft Code: K-Pop Hunters (Grades 4-5 Only)
Step into a world where rhythm meets adventure! In this exciting Minecraft coding class, students will design and code their own K-Pop Demon Hunter inspired universe. Using Javascript, they'll create dazzling stage arenas, program their own musical hits, and code powerful demon-fighting abilities, all set to the beat of K-Pop energy! Students will learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and procedural understanding skills. Perfect for fans of music, creativity, and exploration, this class transforms coding into a high-energy adventure! Prior coding or Minecraft experience is not required.
 

Tuesday 3:30–4:30 p.m. 

Ceramics
This ceramics class challenges young artists to think beyond single pieces and consider how objects work together visually and functionally - taking their skills to the next level! Students are encouraged to think of sets, or objects intended to go together. For instance, one student might design a tea set with a cup, a saucer, and a spoon. Another student might create a tic-tac-toe game, with a game board and pieces. Another might create a series of figurines that have some visual commonalities. Students are encouraged to refine their hand-building skills, while also thinking about more complex design principles, such as repetition and a unifying palette. I’ll fire all the clay pieces in the kiln, then the students have several options for decorating the surface of their pieces - including food-safe glazes. Materials fee of $100 will be applied.

Dance Fusion
Join Sonia Perez in this exciting and energetic class that combines various dance styles, including hip hop, salsa, and more. Designed to help students explore movement, express themselves, and build confidence, this class focuses on learning choreography and developing creativity. Students will also enhance their coordination, rhythm, and overall fitness in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether they are seasoned dancers or trying dance for the first time, students will discover the joy of dance and have fun creating their own routines.