Auxiliary Programs - Charles River School

Early Birds, Before School Care

CRS offers before-school care, free of charge to all families, beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day. Located in the Library, the Early Birds program is fully staffed by a faculty or staff member. Students can choose a quiet activity or book to read.

Drop in weekly sign up

The Extended Day Program Philosophy

The Extended Day Program (EDP) at CRS is an extension of the school day, and the EDP staff reinforces a strong sense of continuity for students. Our program provides children with the freedom to make individual and group choices and stresses the development of interpersonal social skills and the importance of building community.

EDP provides children with both the structure of directed activities and the opportunity to make their own personal choices during free time, during which children have time to play, interact, and communicate in positive ways. Throughout the program, we encourage children to make creative choices that will enhance their personal growth. As a part of EDP, we offer optional enrichment activities several times a week in areas including STEM, martial arts, dance, and the creative arts.

EDP Sign Up Form

The Joy of Childhood Throughout the Day

Children have opportunities to play in small groups, simulating a neighborhood playgroup. Multi-age grouping enriches personal relationships among the children and provides opportunities to develop new perspectives and ideas.

Enrichment Classes

Each season, we offer a variety of enrichment classes in the afternoons for an additional fee. These activities give students an opportunity to explore a new interest or take a deep dive into an area of interest. Classes are age-based and have included: STEM Lab, Martial Arts, Theater, Dance & Improv, Arts & Crafts, Entrepreneurship, and more.

Enrichment Spring Offerings & Sign Up Form

We are excited to offer the following after school enrichment classes for the spring which will start the week of March 24.

Current Enrichment Offerings
For CRS students only based on availability. Enrichments offered for an additional fee. Please see current offerings below.

Mondays: Chess Wizards
Chess Wizards is a premier chess education company providing fun, informative, and challenging chess lessons to students in PreK-8th grade. Our program is made for children at every step of their chess journey – no matter the skill level – with classes that build upon each other, starting with the basics and moving toward more advanced lessons as your child progresses from one session to the next. Chess Wizards teaches children how to problem solve, think critically, win graciously, and accept defeat with dignity and sportsmanship. Students will be divided into groups according to their chess experience. At the end of this session, each student would have had the chance to participate in a mini-chess tournament.
This class is open to students in K – 5 and will be held Mondays from 3:15 – 4:15pm, beginning March 31 and ending June 2. The cost is $385 for the 8 sessions.
Tuesdays: Blend It Up
Does your child enjoy exploring new flavors and creating tasty treats? Our Blending Basics program introduces young enthusiasts to the art of making smoothies, dips, and more. Students will learn to blend a variety of nutritious and delicious recipes from around the globe, including Mediterranean Hummus, Mexican Guacamole, and American Smoothies. Our sessions are packed with fun, offering kids the chance to learn blending techniques, understand safety protocols, and enhance their culinary vocabulary. Join us for a blending adventure where your child will discover how simple ingredients can be transformed into exciting and healthy creations!
This class is open to students in K – 5 and will be held Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:15pm, beginning April 1 and ending May 20. The cost is $385 for the 8 sessions.
Wednesdays: iCode Scratch Jr.
Scratch Junior is an introductory programming language for young children that allows them to code their own playful stories and games. With the help of colorful and engaging block-based programming, Scratch Junior encourages kids to develop fundamental coding, problem-solving and math skills, while having tons of fun. Students will continue to learn and create complex stories and projects like Fidget Spinner, musical instruments,Dance party, etc. Students will also work on fun challenges, quizzes while learning and having fun.
This class is open to students in grades PreK – 2 and will be held Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:15pm, beginning April 2 and ending May 21. The cost is $400 for the 8 sessions.
Thursdays: Super Hero Movie Making
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Superkid!! Join CinemaKidz as we invent, design, and become an original superhero to star in a short film! Participants will begin with drafting up a look and power for their hero. Using the CinemaKidz costume kit, children will then learn to create a costume and build props for their original character. After storyboarding a short film and making a comic, kids will then learn to use a green screen and film a short video to star in! Participants will learn how to add special effects and bring their character to life for the big screen, as they create their superhero action film.
This class is open to students in Grades PreK-2 and will be held Thursdays from 3:15 – 4:15pm, beginning April 3 and ending May 22. The cost is $400 for the 8 sessions.
Fridays: Minecraft Engineering using LEGO® Materials
Venture into the world of Minecraft in our unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your mine cart to harvest raw resources, and battle to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Come explore the endless possibilities of LEGO® with a trained Play-Well instructor.
This class is open to students in PreK – 3 and will be held Fridays from 3:15 – 4:15pm, beginning March 28 and ending June 6th. The cost is $350 for the 7 sessions.
Fridays: Game Design for Older Students
In this beginner Game design course, students will go beyond playing games, and get a behind-the-scenes experience, learning the art and science of game development. With hands-on projects, students will be exposed to game creation tools. They will create Asteroids, Pong and other games.
This class is open to students in 3rd – 5th grade and will be help Fridays from 3:15-4:15, beginning March 28 and ending June 6. The cost is $350 for the 7 sessions.

Elizabeth's Charles River School Point of View

CRS not only honors the pursuit of academic excellence but also recognizes creativity, experiential learning, and collaboration as core to the learning process. We offer before-school care, after-school care and programming, enrichment classes, and a full summer camp experience that all echo the mission of Charles River School.

Elizabeth Clayton
Associate Head of School

Private Music Lessons

For CRS students only based on availability. Lessons offered for an additional fee.

CRS Music Lessons Sign Up Form

Offerings include piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, violin/viola, and voice lessons.

Lessons take place after school from 3:00 – 5:30pm once per week. Length of lessons range from 30 – 60 minutes.

How do music lessons work if my child plays sports?
Our coaches are flexible and children may attend practice a bit late or leave a bit early to accommodate a lesson. Games take priority and should not conflict with music lessons. If a lesson is missed due to a game, we will work to reschedule based on the availability of the instructor but cannot make guarantees.
What grades can sign up for private music lessons?
Generally, students in grades 1st – 8th participate. Vocal lessons are recommended for grades 5-8. For PreK/K interest, please contact Mica Moellering, Head of Performing Arts.
Does CRS offer Chorus?
Yes! All CRS students grades 4-8 are also welcomed to join CRS Chorus at no additional fee. For more information, please contact Mica Moellering, Head of Performing Arts.