Social Skills Development at The Burkard School: After-School Programs That Work

If you think after-school programs are just about killing time until pickup, you clearly haven’t met The Burkard School. While other places hand out juice boxes and call it a day, TBS is busy shaping future conversation kings, empathy experts, and all-around great humans. Their after-school Social Groups for grades K to 6 are not just good. They are the gold standard for helping kids build real-world social skills while actually having fun.

How The Burkard School Teaches Social Skills After School

Picture this. Small groups of kids work toward personalized goals in an environment that is structured and genuinely fun. That is the Burkard recipe. Whether you are in kindergarten or gearing up for middle school, you will find yourself in a group tailored to your age. Students learn the art of conversation, how to take turns like a champ, and why it is okay if things do not always go your way.

This is not just free playtime with a snack. These sessions are thoughtful and packed with purpose. Each one includes sharing daily highs and lows, direct skill instruction through discussion or games, and team-building activities that bring everyone together. Then there is the famous “Friendship Tokens” system. Think of it like classroom currency for kindness, cooperation, and compliments.

The best part? The skills stick. Goals are not made up on the fly. They are created with input from each student’s classroom team. The result is progress that actually carries over into school life.

Parent Reviews: The Benefits of Burkard School After-School Social

Let’s talk about what really makes this program sing. Heart. These Social Groups are packed with empathy, encouragement, and just the right amount of challenge. Kids walk in as learners and walk out as little leaders. They leave with stronger self-talk, better frustration tolerance, and the confidence to handle real-life social moments.

Mistakes are not shamed. They are teachable moments. The environment says, “You are growing, we see you, and we are cheering you on.” Once kids finish with a screen-free reward activity of their choice, they are not just proud of what they did. They are proud of who they are becoming.

The Burkard School Advantage: Developing Social-Emotional Intelligence After School

Honestly, if you’re a parent, you will wish you had something like this growing up. The Burkard School is not just helping kids learn how to get along. They are building emotionally intelligent, kind-hearted people. And they are doing it with structure, play, and a whole lot of care.

If more schools made empathy this cool, the world would be a much better place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Burkard School’s after-school Social Groups roll out the welcome mat for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Whether your child is just figuring out how to wait their turn or perfecting the fine art of middle school chatter, there is a group ready for them. Kids are split into two squads, K to 3 and 4 to 6, so everyone is learning and laughing at the right pace. This is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Each group is built to meet kids exactly where they are, both socially and emotionally. Think of it as a social skills bootcamp, but way more giggles, way fewer drills, and a lot of shiny friendship tokens waiting to be earned.

  • Right now, The Burkard School’s after-school Social Groups are a TBS-exclusive club, and honestly, that is part of the magic. The staff knows the kids, the kids know the staff, and together they create a tight-knit team that keeps the good vibes going long after the last bell rings. It is like having your own personal cheer squad, but one that also teaches life skills. Sure, it would be amazing to invite the whole world, but keeping it in the Burkard family makes the groups small, focused, and packed with real connection. This is not just another after-school hangout. It is an extension of everything that makes TBS feel less like a school and more like a second home.

  • The after-school Social Groups at The Burkard School are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They usually meet once a week, right after classes wrap up, giving kids a smooth and stress-free glide into some seriously fun social learning. The exact days and times are not plastered all over the internet, but trust us, the sessions are designed to fit easily into your family’s afternoon flow. Each one clocks in at about an hour, which is just the right amount of time to learn, laugh, and grow without running out of steam. From team games to reflection time to screen-free rewards, there is a little something for every kid. If you want the inside scoop on times, the Burkard team is always ready to help.

  • Get ready for a mix of fun, learning, and just the right dose of structure. Each Social Group session at The Burkard School follows a rhythm that keeps kids engaged and growing. It starts with “Peaks and Pits,” where students share a highlight and a challenge from their day. Then comes a social skill spotlight, taught through discussion, worksheets, role play, or even games. After that, it is time to team up for a collaborative group activity like obstacle course design or creative challenges. Finally, there is Centers, aka reward time, where kids pick from screen-free activities as a celebration of their progress. It is fun with a purpose, and every moment is designed to build skills and confidence.