Beyond the Bell

Slime & Stories (K-5)

Each week, Mr. Ayers will begin the class by engaging participants in a work of children's literature. When the story is over, the fun is just beginning! Students will be provided a different sensory experience each week that ties into the book. Participants should bring a big t-shirt from home to cover their uniform, because things may get MESSY, which is probably the most fun of all. Students will bring home their creations (contained and sealed) at the end of each class to enjoy, with permission, of course.

• Materials Fee: $125
• Instructor: Mr. John Ayers
• Capacity: 20

Action Sports (K-5)

Lace up your sneakers and unleash your inner athlete in this high-energy, action-packed Beyond the Bell class for Grades K–5 at The Buckley School! From the fast-paced thrill of Quick Stix—a kid-friendly twist on lacrosse—to the heart-pounding excitement of GaGa Ball, students will build strength, speed, and strategy while having a blast. Master the art of Frisbee Golf and Ultimate Frisbee, perfect your aim with Funnel Ball, and challenge your mind and body with real-world Orienteering adventures. Every session is a new journey through teamwork, movement, and fun. Whether you're dodging, striking, jumping, or navigating, this dynamic program is designed to develop athletic skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of active play in a wildly fun, supportive environment. Athletes will bring all equipment home at the end of the session! The game is on—don’t miss out!

• Materials Fee: $75
• Instructor: Mrs. Sarah Levitt
• Capacity: 20

Getting Crafty (K-2)

Calling all crafters! Join Miss Brown for a fun filled afternoon of relaxation and creativity. Participants will be able to hone their fine motor skills and practice using school materials while cutting, gluing, painting, pasting and assembling their own treasures while socializing with peers.

• Instructor: Miss Whitney Brown
• Materials Fee: $80
• Capacity: 12

Science Thru Star Wars and Marvel (2-5)

Science isn't ALL fiction! Join Mr. Fox to explore STEM in this exciting and interactive class that draws on what students already know from their favorite galaxy far, far away and the Marvel Universe to expand their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles. Together, we will investigate how lightsabers work, if traveling at lightspeed is possible, what exactly is the force, and so much more! Let's join together to see if we might beat Han Solo and complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs!

Prior knowledge is not a prerequisite to this SUPER powered course.

• Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Fox
• Materials Fee: $25
• Capacity: 12

Sewing (K-5)

Learn to hand sew and embroider with Miss Shannon's Sewing School. All projects teach different sewing skills beginning with learning how to sew on a button. All materials, supplies, and sewing kits are included.

• Instructor: TBD from Miss Shannon's Sewing School
• Materials Fee: $70
• Capacity: 12

GGG (1-3)

This program will cover many of the games and activities that we study in physical education. Students will play a variety of sports while working on skill development, sportsmanship, and team work. This program is designed for the children to find success while having fun!

• Instructor: Coach John Holland
• Materials Fee: $0
• Capacity: 20

TechKids: Game Design & Coding (K-2)

Students will learn how to design and modify their own exciting arcade-style video games using Scratch, Hopscotch, Code.org, and more! They will learn how to control characters, objects, and outcomes in their games as they increase the difficulty level and add more features.Create your own animations, programs, and games with MIT’s Scratch, Code.org, Box Island, and more! Computer programming helps with brain development, math skills, and logic, and is tons of fun!

• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Materials Fee: $0
• Capacity: 14

Dare to Draw (1-3)

Sharpen your pencils and ignite your imagination! Ms. Richards is excited to share her love of art and literature in this fun and heartfelt program. Each week, a fresh and engaging children’s book will be presented, followed by a step-by-step drawing activity inspired by the beloved story. In a warm, tranquil learning atmosphere, technical expertise will be emphasized and creativity encouraged. Students will build a diverse portfolio of their masterpieces to take home and cherish for years to come.

• Materials Fee $65
• Instructor: Ms. Kylene Richards
• Capacity: 20

Intermediate Chess & Board Games (3-5)

Are you in third through fifth grade and looking to sharpen your chess skills? Join Mr. Fox for this exciting enrichment program that teaches elementary-aged students the basics of chess. Students will improve their concentration and strategic thinking. Class time will include guided instruction as well as the opportunity to play other opponents, and alternate between chess and other games of strategy and logic.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Fox
• Capacity: 12

Fun Fitness (K-2)

Join Coach Cole for an afternoon filled with fun and fitness. Favorite games will be explored each week with an emphasis on keeping active and creating a kind and inclusive playground community.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Coach Susan Cole
• Capacity: 12

Jazz Funk (1-5)

Jazz Funk blends the sharp, high-energy style of jazz with the attitude and grooves of hip hop. In this dynamic class, dancers will learn expressive choreography that mixes technique with sass, style, and musicality. Perfect for those who love to perform and want to build both skill and stage presence.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Ms. Adi Licht
• Capacity: 20

Rocket Science & ChemKids (K-2)

Ready, set, blast off! Explore the universe as we launch everything from Film Canister Rockets to Water Bottle Blasters, Hoopster gliders, and much more! Our adventures will take us through the solar system and beyond as we learn about comets, constellations, and our galaxy! This class is out of this world! Chemistry is amazing! Conduct physical and chemical experiments and learn what makes them work. Investigate acids and bases, polymers, static electricity, and so much more! You’ll learn about atoms and the Periodic Table through fun experiments including Elephant Toothpaste, insta-snow, and a Mentos-Coke explosion! Chemistry has never been so fun!

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Capacity: 14

Newsroom Ninjas (3-5)

In our journalism class, students will develop essential skills in typing, writing, and communication, including interviewing techniques. They’ll also learn to design eye-catching layouts using Canva. By the end of the course, your child will proudly contribute to creating our lower school newspaper, building confidence and teamwork along the way.

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: Miss Whitney Brown
• Capacity: 16

Reader's Theater (K-2)

Reader's Theatre is a low stress and high engagement strategy for developing oral reading fluency through performing stories. Students will be assigned parts from teacher selected scripts created from familiar children's literature, fables and fairytales and practice reading them aloud to improve accuracy, speed and expression. Performing a script helps students gain a deeper understanding of text, character and plot. Reader's Theatre also includes components of social and emotional learning as students collaborate to bring a script to life, fostering teamwork, communication and compromise. The interactive and dramatic nature of this work tends to captivate students and make reading a more enjoyable experience. Studies show that participating in this kind performance also boosts students' confidence in public speaking and presentation skills. Win! Win! Win! Rehearsal and performances will all happen during Beyond the Bell program time and students may share their work with each other or Buckley faculty and staff to keep the focus on the process of reading and not the product of performance

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: Mrs. Roslyn Perez
• Capacity: 12

Backgammon (2-5)

Set sail on a math-filled treasure hunt that teaches kids to play one of the world's most beloved strategy games, backgammon! Two intrepid sailors race around the Bay of Gammon in search of glory, encountering magical creatures and fun challenges at every turn. Along the way, students learn probability, and statistics, all while having a blast.

Milestone: Playing a full game of backgammon with a beginner's understanding of probability and statistics.

Academic Skills: Pattern Recognition, Deductive Reasoning, Addition & Subtraction

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Chess at Three
• Capacity: 14

Ceramics (K-5)

Using various hand-building techniques, students will create ceramic sculptures and vessels, inspired by some of their favorite literary, cartoon, or their own original character creations. Their sculpted pieces will glazed, fired in a kiln, and return at the end of the term.

• Materials Fee: $362
• Instructor: TBD from Little Yellow House Art
• Capacity: 14

Dungeons & Dragons (4-5)

Our D&D experience is a fun filled adventure spent making new friends and role playing a heroic character while cooperative storytelling inside a choose your own adventure style game. We'll explore critical thinking and logic skills in order to traverse puzzles and realistic scenarios in an ever-expanding adventure. We'll learn to play a game that involves imagination, acting, reading, and creative writing. By the end of the session, players know how to play the world-famous roleplaying game: Dungeons & Dragons!

Come join us! Be a hero, adventure with friends and find treasures!

• Materials Fee: $20
• Instructor: Mr. Matthew Poage
• Capacity: 10

Hip-Hop (K-2)

This fun, high-energy class introduces young dancers to the basics of hip hop in an upbeat and encouraging environment. Students will learn age-appropriate moves, build rhythm and coordination, and gain confidence as they groove to kid-friendly music. A great way to get moving, express creativity, and have a blast!

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Ms. Adi Licht
• Capacity: 20

Kids Acting (K-2)

Acting exposes students to characterization, plot structure, ensemble acting, creativity, the art of listening and silence, and following directions all through the use of various theatre games. Come join the fun!

• Materials Fee: $0
• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Capacity: 12

Tennis (K-1)

Designed to enhance hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and gross motor skills through active play such as running, jumping, and stretching, students will learn the basics of tennis, engage in fun games, and understand the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. Players will be placed in groups of similar skill for drills and practice.

• Materials Fee: $190
• Instructor: Henry The Sports Bug
• Capacity: 20

Culinary Kids (2-5)

CKA is a revolutionary and amazingly FUN, educator created, cooking program that empowers youth to expand their culinary comfort zones, increase their self-esteem and encourages independence - all while learning standards aligned academics... Oh, and they're having a BLAST while they do it! Be it Math, Science, History, Language Arts, Safety or Nutrition, CKA utilizes an engaging and entertaining “stealth teaching technique” that has students completely unaware they are growing in vitally important and impactful ways. Students may think they are just having fun cooking phenomenally delicious recipes for an hour, but what they are truly doing is having experiences that will serve them well both socially and academically for a lifetime. Please note that the 1:35 p.m. section is for second graders who have participated in CKA before-fifth graders. The later session is available for kindergarten-second graders.

• Materials Fee: $290
• Instructor: Culinary Kids Academy, Chef Danny
• Capacity: 16

Compassion in Action (K-5)

Join Mrs. Levitt each week to do good for both our Buckley community, the greater Los Angeles area, across the country or around the world! In this fun and uplifting enrichment, students will spend the afternoon learning about how they can do small things to help others in big ways before putting that knowledge and compassion into action. Activities in the past have included packing meals for the YMCA, making dog treats and blankets for the animal shelter, hosting a Lemonade Stand fundraiser and painting kindness rocks to beautify a community. All time spent in Compassion in Action is eligible for Buckley community service hours. Do good. Feel good.

• Materials Fee: $75
• Instructor: Mrs. Sarah Levitt
• Capacity: 20

Intermediate Hip Hop / World Dance / Young Choreographers (2-5)

This high-energy class builds on hip hop fundamentals with more complex choreography, musicality, and performance skills. Dancers will strengthen their technique, pick up combos more quickly, and push their creativity through freestyling and dynamic routines. Perfect for students with previous hip hop experience who are ready to level up.

In the young choreographers portion of class, students step into the role of choreographer—experimenting with movement, storytelling, and music to create their own original dances.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Ms. Adi Licht
• Capacity: 20

Griffins Club (K-5)

Join us for a fun and flexible after-school program where kids can unwind, explore, and learn at their own pace! Each day includes time for outdoor play, a rotating mix of creative art or hands-on science projects, board games to build social and critical thinking skills, and a quiet study hall to finish homework or read. It’s the perfect balance of movement, imagination, and focus in a relaxed and supportive environment.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Miss Whitney Brown
• Capacity: 20

Ceramics (K-5)

Using various hand-building techniques, students will create ceramic sculptures and vessels, inspired by some of their favorite literary, cartoon, or their own original character creations. Their sculpted pieces will glazed, fired in a kiln, and return at the end of the term.

• Materials Fee: $362
• Instructor: TBD
• Capacity: 14

Beginning Chess (K-1)

Chess at Three teaches children complex subjects through the art of storytelling. Through group classes, private lessons, and regular tournaments, children fall in love with the game of chess by learning from our story-based curriculum, designed to captivate any young mind.

Students learn how each chess piece moves, one captivating story at a time. Our curriculum introduces each piece as a character with simple reasons for moving the way they do on the chessboard, enabling even the youngest students to recall the rules and play with enthusiasm.

Milestone: Playing a simple game of chess using all the pieces correctly.

Academic Skills: Working Memory, Critical Thinking, Fine Motor Skills

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Chess at Three
• Capacity: 12

Upcycle (K-5)

Full STEAM ahead! Make, play, and reuse with Mr. Ayers as we cut, fold, and connect cardboard. Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with hands-on activities and dreaming up creative cardboard inventions.

• Materials Fee: $100
• Instructor: Mr. John Ayers
• Capacity: 20

Mock Trial (3-5)

Are you a person of passion and conviction, with a love for critical thinking and dialogue? In this class, students learn to use logic and other rhetorical tools to support their positions and to express themselves succinctly and skillfully. Students learn to walk and talk with assuredness and purpose, overcome jitters, and deliver speeches with confidence and animation!

• Materials Fee: $0
• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Capacity: 14

Culinary Kids (K-2)

CKA is a revolutionary and amazingly FUN, educator created, cooking program that empowers youth to expand their culinary comfort zones, increase their self-esteem and encourages independence - all while learning standards aligned academics... Oh, and they're having a BLAST while they do it! Be it Math, Science, History, Language Arts, Safety or Nutrition, CKA utilizes an engaging and entertaining “stealth teaching technique” that has students completely unaware they are growing in vitally important and impactful ways. Students may think they are just having fun cooking phenomenally delicious recipes for an hour, but what they are truly doing is having experiences that will serve them well both socially and academically for a lifetime. Please note that the 1:35 p.m. section is for second graders who have participated in CKA before-fifth graders. The later session is available for kindergarten-second graders.

• Materials Fee:$290
• Instructor:Chef Danny
• Capacity: 16

Tennis (K-5)

Designed to enhance hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and gross motor skills through active play such as running, jumping, and stretching, students will learn the basics of tennis, engage in fun games, and understand the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. Players will be placed in groups of similar skill for drills and practice.

• Materials Fee: $190
• Instructor: Henry the Sports Bug
• Capacity: 20

Student Choreography Lab (1-5)

Student Choreography Lab is a space for young dancers to become dance-makers, crafting and refining their own routines. With guidance and feedback, each young artist learns how to shape their ideas into expressive, meaningful pieces. This class nurtures creativity, leadership, and artistic confidence.

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Ms. Adi Licht
• Capacity: 20

Code & Create (3-5)

Our elementary coding class introduces students to the basics of coding in a fun, interactive way. The goal is for each child to create 2-3 of their very own websites by the end of the program. This class helps build problem-solving skills and digital literacy that will benefit them across all subjects.

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: Miss Whitney Brown
• Capacity: 20

Hot Wheels (K-5)

Students will use hands-on discovery and learn through a means of exploring scientific concepts such as velocity and gravity, kinetic energy and more through the platform of iconic Hot Wheels! Our student engineers will design, crash, and test all things Hot Wheels to prove the science of force and motion through play. Through inquiry and investigation, students will share moments of joy, excitement, curiosity, and wonder. All topics will be presented in a developmentally appropriate way. This class will help promote a Growth Mindset and develop critical thinking skills.

• Materials Fee: $100
• Instructor: Mrs. Sarah Levitt
• Capacity: 20

Diamond Games (1-3)

This program will focus on the skills, drills, and thrills of games like Kickball, Tee Ball, and Baseball. The children will be in a safe and fun environment so that they can comfortably learn new games. We will work to develop hand-eye coordination, and introduce and review throwing and catching mechanics, base running skills, and batting fundamentals. The children will learn teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving, and engage in mini games. We will consistently reinforce having fun, trying your best, and being kind and respectful.

• Materials Fee: $0
• Instructor: Coach John Holland
• Capacity: 20

Anime, Cartooning, and Comic Book Creation (K-2)

Cartooning is a great way to learn how to sketch and draw. You will learn to create your own characters as well as popular characters from Disney, Anime, and more! Learn about storylines, design, coloring, and lettering, as you create your very own comic book!

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Capacity: 12

Birchguard Quest (K-5)

The first game of its kind for this age group, this tabletop roleplaying game leads students on a rollicking ride through the fantasy realm of Arborheim, as they strive to become members of the legendary Birchguard. Investigate mysteries, solve puzzles, and topple baddies while exercising academic, social, and reasoning skills.

Milestone: Using teamwork to successfully complete a mission and being able to present a plan to their peers.

Academic Skills: Problem Solving, Quantitative Reasoning, Diplomacy, Collaboration

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: TBD
• Capacity: 8

Woodworking (K-5)

This class is a fun-filled introduction into the world of woodworking, specifically designed for beginners. Students will use fine motor skills to forge a strong connection between the hands and the mind. They are encouraged to try new ideas, exercise their imagination and creativity, and are allowed to make mistakes in a safe environment. With the guidance of an experienced artist/woodworker, children learn how to use tools safely, effectively, and (ultimately) independently. Students will have the opportunity to build a number of take-home projects that increase in the complexity as they progress through their session.

• Materials Fee: $323
• Instructor: TBD
• Capacity: 14

Puzzles & Brain Teaser (3-5)

Unlock the power of your mind in this engaging enrichment class, where you'll tackle a variety of challenging puzzles and brain teasers designed to boost problem-solving skills and creative thinking. From logic puzzles to word games, NYT puzzle games like Wordle and Connections, and other brain busting games, each session is sure to provide a fun and stimulating way to enhance your cognitive abilities while having fun with friends!

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Fox
• Capacity: 12

Nature Trail (K-5)

Calling all nature lovers! Buckley Griffin wants you to join him and Mrs. Levitt, aka Mrs. Possum, each Friday afternoon under the canopy of coast live oak trees and chaparral in the Santa Monica Mountains on our famed nature trail to explore, observe, play, sketch, meditate, and enjoy the natural beauty right in our school canyon. Students will each receive their own nature toolkit with materials chosen to enhance their experience. Buckley Griffin and Mrs. Levitt cannot wait to explore with you!

Please note: Your adventurous self may get dirty so please bring a change of shoes and clothes, a water bottle, hat, your sense of fun and a desire to explore.

• Materials Fee: $50
• Instructor: Mrs. Sarah Levitt
• Capacity: 20

Brain Games (K-5)

Bring your friends to end the week with fun and engaging games that will improve problem-solving skills, concentration, pattern recognition, and visual perception, while enhancing spatial recognition and increasing reaction time. Students will work alone and in pairs or groups to challenge themselves in a non-competitive and enjoyable way.

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: Mr. John Ayers
• Capacity: 20

Basketball (4-5)

Our basketball program is designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of the game in a fun, supportive environment. Through engaging drills, team-based games, and hands-on activities, children will develop key skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defense—all while learning the importance of teamwork, effort, and good sportsmanship.

• Materials Fee: $140
• Instructor: Henry the Sports Bug
• Capacity: 14

Magic Academy (3-5)

Ever wonder how a Magician does a magic trick? This class unlocks some of the secrets to the techniques of magic. Students will gain skills in acting, comedy, and memorization that are essential to a magician’s performance. Students will learn some cool simple tricks using a variety of normal household items such as cards, coins, cups, balls, and rope!

• Materials Fee: $25
• Instructor: P.A.E.
• Capacity: 12

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (4-5)

Our new Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) class is designed specifically for students who know how to play (or have played) D&D and are looking to continue their experience or find a new campaign to join!  This class is for players ready to adventure forth into a more advanced, fun filled campaign. We won’t waste time learning the basics, we’ll jump right into the heart of the game. Please note, students in this class must understand basic D&D gameplay – we will create characters and embark on an exciting adventure right away. If you would like to learn the basics of how to play, please join our regular D&D class. 

• Materials Fee: $10
• Instructor: Mr. Matthew Poage
• Capacity: 8

• Since these programs take place after the completion of the regular school day, bus transportation is not available. We encourage families to form carpools, if possible.
• The number of classes held in the Beyond the Bell session determines instruction fees. 
• A student is enrolled in order of receipt of the application. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent via email. If a selection is closed, a student will be automatically placed on a waiting list in order of registration. In case a vacancy occurs during the session, the waiting list is honored. Classes are subject to cancellation if under-enrolled.
• Teachers base their curriculum materials upon initial enrollment, therefore Beyond the Bell purchases are non-refundable.
• Students may switch to another class after the first meeting and prior to the second meeting, within the same Beyond the Bell Session, with the approval of the program director. No changes are allowed after the first class.