Who can join The Lab School’s after-school program?

The after-school fun is open to students in The Lab School’s Lower School and to those in 5th and 6th grade. If that’s your child, they’re in for a good time filled with homework help, snacks, and all sorts of hands-on activities. It’s tailored to younger students who still have energy left after the final bell and are ready to keep learning in creative ways. Middle and high schoolers may have their own separate routines, but this program is designed with the younger crowd in mind. If your student falls into the right group, consider this their invitation to join in the fun. And yes, they might ask to stay even longer when pickup time rolls around.

What activities are included in The Lab School’s Extended Day Program?

Plenty. Students start with a focused homework block that is surprisingly peaceful, thanks to structure and teacher support. After that, it’s time to play. For those in the After School program, activities include board games, outdoor fun, arts and crafts, and seasonal projects. It’s free-choice heaven with just enough guidance to keep things running smoothly. After School Plus kicks things up with scheduled classes like karate or creative workshops. And on Fridays, everyone comes together for a movie. There’s a little bit of everything, which means your child might come home with glitter in their hair and a math worksheet complete. They’ll be tired, happy, and probably still talking about what they made that day.

How do I sign up for after-school clubs at The Lab School?

It’s easy, but timing matters. Registration for After School and After School Plus opens at the start of each term. For Term 2, that’s January 20. Parents have until January 24 to register, and if you need to make changes, there’s a small window that lasts until January 31. Space is limited, so waiting too long could mean missing out on a favorite class or activity. Keep an eye on your email and the school’s reminders. Once you’re in, your child will be part of an after-school experience that blends structure, creativity, and a whole lot of snack breaks. Just be warned, they might start requesting to stay every single day.

What time does after-school care end at The Lab School?

After-school care wraps up at 5:30 PM, giving kids time to finish homework, eat a snack, and enjoy their activities. There’s a 15-minute grace period until 5:45 for those occasional late arrivals, but after that, the clock starts ticking. Families who arrive after the grace period more than three times will be charged a fee. If you’re running behind, a quick phone call to the staff is always appreciated. They’ll keep your child safe and entertained until you arrive, but they’re also fans of dinner at a reasonable hour. Basically, show up on time and you’ll stay in everyone’s good graces — especially your kid’s.

Why The Lab School’s After-School Program Is More Than Just Extra Time

There are schools, and then there’s The Lab School of Washington. It’s the kind of place where students don’t just go through the motions. They explore, create, question, and grow. And just when you think the day is over, The Lab School quietly says, “Hang on, we’re not done yet.” That’s where the After School Program steps in.

It’s not just a way to keep kids busy while parents finish work. It’s a well-thought-out, engaging, and surprisingly delightful part of the school day. The Lab School has taken something as ordinary as an after-school program and turned it into something meaningful. Homework? Check. Snacks? Always. Structured fun and creative exploration? Absolutely. If the regular school day is a full-course meal, the After School Program is the dessert. Satisfying, sweet, and very much worth staying for.

What Are After-School Programs?

In the simplest terms, after-school programs are structured activities that happen once the final school bell rings. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These programs play a vital role in extending learning, creating routine, and giving students a little breathing room to just be kids. Think of them as the bridge between structured academics and the freedom of home life. With a bit of homework help, some snack-fueled brainpower, and a generous sprinkle of creative play, after-school programs offer students the chance to end their day on a high note.

Why Are After-School Programs Important?

First, they help students stay on track without feeling like they’re stuck in school overtime. There’s a balance here that matters. Kids need structure, but they also need space to be themselves. After-school programs give them both. They offer a calm, consistent environment where students can complete their homework, practice essential skills, and ease into social time with friends.

Second, let’s talk about the parents. After-school programs are a hidden gem in the daily juggling act of family life. For parents who work full time, the 3:30 p.m. school bell rings far too early. The Lab School’s After School Program gives families breathing room. It means fewer logistical puzzles, less back-and-forth texting about pickup times, and most importantly, peace of mind. Knowing your child is in good hands, still learning and laughing, is a luxury that doesn’t feel like one.

What Makes The Lab School’s After-School Program Different?

The Lab School isn’t just tacking on an extra hour or two at the end of the day. It’s creating an experience. The program is divided into two offerings: After School and After School Plus. Both begin with the same ritual. Students gather at 3:30, sign in, and dive into a focused 45-minute homework session. It’s not chaotic, and it’s certainly not a free-for-all. Think assigned seats, a checklist for accountability, and trained Lab School teachers providing real-time support. Whether a student needs help organizing their math notes or encouragement to finish their reading, the environment is designed to make it happen.

Once the hard work is done, it’s snack time. There’s something comfortingly predictable about this part. Whether it’s veggie straws or popcorn, the snacks are simple, familiar, and enough to refuel young minds before they head into their next activity. And if your child prefers to bring their own? Totally fine. Dietary restrictions? Covered. It’s thoughtful in the way you wish all group activities could be.

From there, the program splits. Students in After School head off to a rotation of low-key, high-engagement activities led by After School Director Katy Venzor. They might choose to play outside, get crafty with an art project, or dive into a good board game. The vibe is easygoing and student-centered. There are structured projects woven in too, often tied to the seasons or special events. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where kids can be themselves.

Students in After School Plus take on a little more. From Monday to Thursday, they join specialized classes in arts, movement, or enrichment. These classes run from 4:15 to 5:15 (karate runs just a bit shorter). On Fridays, things slow down again and all students come together for a movie. It’s a simple tradition, but one that kids genuinely look forward to. A shared story on screen, a snack in hand, and the week wraps up with everyone in the same room, exhaling.

The program also understands that life happens. Need to make a change to your child’s schedule? There’s a window for that. Running late to pickup? There’s a grace period, and a staff member to call. There’s a kindness built into the policies that feels rare in the world of school programming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join The Lab School’s after-school program?
The after-school fun is open to students in The Lab School’s Lower School and to those in 5th and 6th grade. If that’s your child, they’re in for a good time filled with homework help, snacks, and all sorts of hands-on activities. It’s tailored to younger students who still have energy left after the final bell and are ready to keep learning in creative ways. Middle and high schoolers may have their own separate routines, but this program is designed with the younger crowd in mind. If your student falls into the right group, consider this their invitation to join in the fun. And yes, they might ask to stay even longer when pickup time rolls around.
What activities are included in The Lab School’s Extended Day Program?
Plenty. Students start with a focused homework block that is surprisingly peaceful, thanks to structure and teacher support. After that, it’s time to play. For those in the After School program, activities include board games, outdoor fun, arts and crafts, and seasonal projects. It’s free-choice heaven with just enough guidance to keep things running smoothly. After School Plus kicks things up with scheduled classes like karate or creative workshops. And on Fridays, everyone comes together for a movie. There’s a little bit of everything, which means your child might come home with glitter in their hair and a math worksheet complete. They’ll be tired, happy, and probably still talking about what they made that day.
How do I sign up for after-school clubs at The Lab School?
It’s easy, but timing matters. Registration for After School and After School Plus opens at the start of each term. For Term 2, that’s January 20. Parents have until January 24 to register, and if you need to make changes, there’s a small window that lasts until January 31. Space is limited, so waiting too long could mean missing out on a favorite class or activity. Keep an eye on your email and the school’s reminders. Once you’re in, your child will be part of an after-school experience that blends structure, creativity, and a whole lot of snack breaks. Just be warned, they might start requesting to stay every single day.
What time does after-school care end at The Lab School?
After-school care wraps up at 5:30 PM, giving kids time to finish homework, eat a snack, and enjoy their activities. There’s a 15-minute grace period until 5:45 for those occasional late arrivals, but after that, the clock starts ticking. Families who arrive after the grace period more than three times will be charged a fee. If you’re running behind, a quick phone call to the staff is always appreciated. They’ll keep your child safe and entertained until you arrive, but they’re also fans of dinner at a reasonable hour. Basically, show up on time and you’ll stay in everyone’s good graces — especially your kid’s.