After-School Program Curriculum Ideas

After school programs give students the chance to explore their interests, try something new, and build relationships with peers and adult mentors in a pressure-free environment. This list of after-school program curriculum ideas gives students from K-12 a chance to discover art, coding, game design, bird watching, graphic design, and more. Pick a curriculum or two, check out some tips for creating a successful after-school program, and you’re ready to launch for your kids!

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Discover After-School Program Curriculum Ideas

Here are some fun after-school program examples and ideas for kids in elementary school, middle school, and high school.

You might want to consider theming the days or weeks of your program. For example:

Mondays = STEM/STEAM Exploration

• Activities: Hands-on science experiments, coding projects, robotics, engineering challenges, and math games.
• Goal: To ignite curiosity and critical thinking by engaging students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Tuesdays = Arts and Crafts

• Activities: Drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, crafts, and creative writing.
• Goal: To foster creativity and self-expression through various forms of art, encouraging students to explore their artistic abilities.

Wednesdays = Physical Activity and Wellness

• Activities: Gym games, sports, yoga, mindfulness exercises, and outdoor play.
• Goal: To promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits while providing a fun break from academic tasks.

Thursdays = Academic Enrichment

• Activities: Homework help, reading clubs, math games, and educational puzzles.
• Goal: To support academic achievement by providing time and resources for students to complete homework and engage in additional learning activities.

Fridays = Fun and Social Activities

• Activities: Movie day, board games, group projects, nature walks, or special events like talent shows or cooking lessons.
• Goal: To end the week with a relaxed, social environment where students can unwind, build friendships, and enjoy their favorite activities.

Theming the days or weeks of your after-school program provides structure, predictability, and variety, which are essential elements for creating an engaging and effective learning environment. Here's how and why theming makes sense:

• Structure and Predictability: By theming the days, students know what to expect each day of the week. For example, if Monday is always "Art Day," students can mentally prepare and look forward to the activities planned. This predictability reduces anxiety and helps students feel secure. When students know the routine, they can transition smoothly between school and after-school activities, which is particularly beneficial for younger children or those who thrive on consistency.
• Balanced Skill Development: Different themes focus on various skills—art nurtures creativity, building develops spatial and engineering skills, physical activities on gym day promote health and teamwork, while board games and computers enhance critical thinking and digital literacy. A well-rounded program ensures that students are not only engaged but are also developing a wide range of skills. Theming helps ensure that all areas of development—cognitive, creative, physical, and social—are addressed throughout the week.

After-School Curriculum Subjects For Elementary School

These activities are great for engaging elementary school students in grades K-5. Whether your students are interested in art, coding, games, or storytelling, they will explore and learn something new – and have fun doing it!

1. Beginner Coding

Learn core coding concepts in the most popular platforms for kids and set a strong foundation. Students can enjoy learning to code using beginner-friendly, drag-and-drop programming with Scratch with an experienced live teacher. Learn how to make games and animations, and use core coding concepts like sequence, loops, and conditional statements.

Start free: Try out the interactive session Free Intro to Scratch Coding to see if entry level coding classes ignite a new passion in your students.

2. Digital Art

If your children like to draw, design, and tell stories then an art-focused learning path could work for them. Encourage them to try out a new art activity each week with the Budding Artist class including mediums such as stop-motion animation, comics, shape art, architecture, and more.

3. Creative Arts and Crafts

If your student just loves to make art, Art Tango has lots of ideas for grades K-5. Each lesson lists simple instructions, materials, and examples of student artwork. There are 30 lessons for each grade level and each project builds on the last as a whole curriculum.

Start free: Lessons for grades K-5 are all free and listed in order on the Art Tango website.

Elementary After-School Curriculum Innovative Ideas

If you're thinking about how to create a program with innovative themes, here are a few broader ideas to implement.

1. Imagine and Innovate: Creative Problem-Solving through Design Thinking

Introduce students to the principles of design thinking, encouraging them to become young innovators. This curriculum would guide kids through the process of identifying real-world problems, brainstorming creative solutions, prototyping their ideas, and presenting their inventions.

• Activities:
  • Empathy Exploration: Students would start by observing their school or community to identify problems or areas for improvement.
  • Ideation Workshops: Using tools like mind mapping and storyboarding, kids would brainstorm a wide range of creative solutions.
  • Prototyping Play: With materials like cardboard, clay, and simple electronics, students would build prototypes of their ideas.
  • Pitch Presentation: The program would culminate in a "pitch day" where students present their inventions to their peers and teachers.

  2. Magical Money: Financial Literacy through Storytelling and Play

  Combine the power of storytelling with the fundamentals of financial literacy. This curriculum would use engaging narratives and role-playing games to teach students about saving, spending, budgeting, and entrepreneurship.

  • Activities:
    • Storybook Savings: Students create their own storybooks featuring characters who face financial challenges and make smart money decisions.
    • Role-Playing Game: Kids participate in a "marketplace" simulation where they earn and spend "classroom currency," learning to budget and save for special items or experiences.
    • Entrepreneurship Challenges: Students would come up with small business ideas, create simple business plans, and "sell" their products or services to classmates.

    3. World Builders: Cultural Exploration through Interactive World Creation

    Encourage students to explore and celebrate global cultures by creating their own "worlds" based on real or imagined societies. This curriculum would blend geography, history, art, and storytelling to help kids understand diverse cultures and the interconnectedness of our world.

    • Activities:
      • Cultural Research: Students would pick a culture to study, focusing on aspects like language, traditions, food, and architecture.
      • World Creation: Using art supplies, digital tools, or even Minecraft, kids would design and build their own "worlds" that reflect the cultural elements they've learned.
      • Cultural Exchange Fair: The program would end with a "World Expo," where students present their worlds, share food, music, and stories, and learn from each other's creations.

      After-School Program Curriculum For Middle School

      Students in grades 5-8 will enjoy these activities that allow for deeper explorations of a topic. These online opportunities will be lots of fun for middle schoolers who are interested in learning to code, designing games, graphic design, or video production.

      1. Girls Who Code Club

      Girls can join a “sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world” as they learn computer science, web development, Python, Scratch, and more. The Girls Who Code Club curriculum and facilitator guide is free to use for school districts, libraries, and other after-school programs. Apply here.

      Start free: Girls Who Code at Home offers plenty of free downloadable lessons as well.

      2. Game Creators

      If your student is a gamer and wants to build their own games, this learning path would be perfect to explore after school. Create and modify games in Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, and more to get a foundation in coding and game design.

      Start free: Learn Minecraft coding by completing a series of challenges with code to save the future by solving mysterious mishaps in time.used to power blocks around them in different ways, guided by a live expert instructor in this Minecraft event.

      3. Art Minded

      For your art-minded middle schooler who likes to tell stories, design, and make art try out the Art Minded learning pathway. Design games and animations with Scratch coding, apply color theory to design we see everyday, then learn graphic design and video editing with Canva and website design with WIX.

      Start free: Start out designing games and animations right away with a free live interactive session Accelerated Scratch.

      4. Career Spotlight Series

      Enrich your after-school program by inviting industry professionals, artists, or scientists from around the world to join sessions via video calls. These virtual guest speakers can offer students invaluable real-world insights and inspiration, making learning more dynamic and engaging. Imagine a “Career Spotlight” series where each week, students get to meet and interact with a different professional. They could learn about a wide range of careers—everything from software development to environmental science, art restoration to robotics engineering. This direct connection to experts not only broadens students' horizons but also shows them the diverse paths they can explore in their own futures.

      Start free: Start out with free open computer science classes providing children a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the biggest experts in their fields, from NASA, Pixar, Apple, and more.

      After-School Curriculum Innovative Ideas For Middle School

      If you're thinking about how to create a program with innovative themes, here are a few broader ideas to implement for middle school students.

      1. Tech Titans: From Idea to App

      Middle schoolers dive into the world of app development, learning the essentials of coding, user interface design, and entrepreneurship. This curriculum empowers students to create their own mobile apps, from brainstorming and wireframing to coding and marketing.

      • Activities:
        • Innovation Incubator: Students brainstorm problems they want to solve with an app, sketch their ideas, and develop wireframes.
        • Code Creation: Using beginner-friendly programming languages and tools like Swift Playgrounds or Thunkable, students start coding their apps.
        • Pitch and Launch: The program culminates in a demo day where students pitch their apps to peers, teachers, and potentially even local tech entrepreneurs.

        2. The Imaginary World Project: Interactive Storytelling and Game Design

        Students create immersive, interactive stories or games, combining creative writing, digital art, and basic game development skills. This curriculum lets students bring their stories to life through text-based adventures, RPGs, or visual novels.

        • Activities:
          • World-Building Workshops: Students design their story’s setting, characters, and plot using storyboarding and character design techniques.
          • Game Design Basics: Using platforms like Twine or RPG Maker, students learn the fundamentals of game design, including branching narratives and character development.
          • Playtesting and Publishing: Students share their games with classmates, gather feedback, and refine their projects for a final presentation.

          3. The Innovator's Workshop: Engineering Challenges and Prototyping

          Challenge middle schoolers to think like engineers by solving real-world problems through hands-on projects. This curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, teamwork, and practical skills in areas like robotics, electronics, and sustainable design.

          • Activities:
            • Engineering Challenges: Weekly challenges might include building a bridge with limited materials, designing a solar-powered vehicle, or creating a simple robot using kits like VEX robotics.
            • Prototyping and Testing: Students design, build, and test their prototypes, learning from failures and iterating on their designs.
            • Showcase and Reflect: The program concludes with a showcase where students present their projects, explain their design process, and reflect on what they learned.

            After-School Program Curriculum For High School

            High school students in particular are ready to apply their learning to real-world problems. With these computer science opportunities they can design games for social change, apply data science to their own data set, or develop a website.

            1. Cloud Computing

            In this learning path, students can learn the essentials of cloud computing used by every large online company using professional software engineering tools. Web development, app development, cloud computing, and Python for AI are all included in this curriculum track.

            Start free: Try out a Free Intro to Python Programming session with a live teacher to get started.

            2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science

            Students cover computational biology, data science, and machine learning in this advanced pathway. In addition to learning the basics of Python, and how to harness the power of the Pandas library in Python for advanced data analytics, students learn how the future of medicine is being transformed by Nanobots and how to apply machine learning to create their own Python apps.

            Start free: Try out a Free Intro to Python Programming session with a live teacher to get started.

            Innovative After-School Curriculum Ideas For High Schoolers

            If you're thinking about how to create a program with innovative themes, here are a few broader ideas to implement for middle school students.

            1. Future Visionaries: Start-Up Academy

            High school students delve into the world of entrepreneurship by developing their own start-up ideas. This curriculum takes them through the entire process of launching a business, from identifying market gaps to pitching their ideas to investors.

            • Activities:
              • Market Research and Ideation: Students begin by researching market trends, identifying problems, and brainstorming innovative solutions that could be turned into viable businesses.
              • Business Model Development: They learn how to create business plans, design products or services, and develop marketing strategies using tools like Lean Canvas.
              • Pitch: The program culminates in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch competition where students present their start-ups to the school and teachers, or maybe even a panel of local entrepreneurs and investors, receiving feedback and potentially even funding.

              2. The Lab: Advanced Innovation and Prototyping

              Inspired by Walt Disney's Imagineering, this curriculum would challenge students to design and prototype futuristic inventions. It could combine elements of engineering, design, and storytelling to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.

              • Activities:
                • Concept Design: Students start by imagining future technologies or environments, such as a new theme park ride, a smart home device, or a sustainable city of the future.
                • Prototyping and Simulation: Using tools like 3D printers, Arduino, or VR platforms, they build prototypes and create simulations of their inventions, learning advanced skills in engineering, coding, and digital design.
                • Imagineering Showcase: The program ends with a public exhibition where students present their creations, demonstrating their prototypes and explaining the design and engineering processes behind them.

                3. Life 101: Mastering Adulting

                This curriculum focuses on teaching high school students essential life skills that they will need as they transition into adulthood. It could cover practical topics like financial literacy, healthcare navigation, personal organization, and basic legal knowledge.

                • Activities:
                  • Financial Foundations: Students learn the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and managing credit. They create their own budgets, simulate managing a checking account, and explore the consequences of debt and interest rates.
                  • Healthcare Navigation: Students practice making doctors' appointments, understanding insurance, and learning how to advocate for their health. They might also explore mental health resources and self-care strategies.
                  • Tax Basics and Legal Literacy: The curriculum includes a primer on taxes, where students learn to fill out a basic tax form, understand deductions, and explore the importance of staying organized with their financial records. Additionally, they are introduced to basic legal concepts such as signing contracts, understanding renters' rights, and the importance of reading the fine print.
                  • Real-Life Simulations: The program could include role-playing scenarios like renting an apartment, buying a car, or negotiating a salary. These simulations help students practice decision-making in a low-risk environment.
                  • Guest Speakers and Workshops: Invite professionals such as financial advisors, healthcare providers, and lawyers to lead workshops and Q&A sessions, giving students real-world insights into adult responsibilities.

                  4. Storytellers of Tomorrow: Digital Media and Film Production

                  High school students explore the art of storytelling through the lens of digital media and film production. This curriculum equips them with the skills to create compelling content, from short films to digital campaigns, using industry-standard tools and techniques.

                  • Activities:
                    • Scriptwriting and Storyboarding: Students begin by developing their stories, writing scripts, and creating storyboards for their films or digital content.
                    • Production and Editing: They learn the technical aspects of film production, including camera work, lighting, sound design, and video editing using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
                    • Film Festival: The program culminates in a student-led film festival where they screen their projects, discuss the creative process, and receive feedback from peers, teachers, and industry professionals.

                    What Makes A Successful After-School Program?

                    After-school programs provide an opportunity for student enrichment, mentorship, and even fun. Here are a few tips for providing a consistent and supportive environment for kids.

                    1. Provide Student Choice: During the school day, students don’t always have a say in which classes they will take. Survey students about their interests or let them choose from a variety of topics to maximize their engagement in the program.
                    2. Build Relationships: Student relationships with instructors and facilitators are the foundation of a successful program, whether it is online or in-person. Take a mentorship approach when working with students - the social-emotional learning can take center stage when you don’t have to worry about teaching to a test.
                    3. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate early and often to parents, students, and instructors. Set a clear schedule and sign up procedures, emergency procedures, and chain of contact for parents. Discuss behavior expectations with students and parents on the first day (and even before!).
                    4. Keep It Consistent: Think about the flow of each day and create consistent routines and procedures for students and staff. What do they do when they arrive? What clean up do students need to help with before they leave? Make the program last as much of the year as makes sense for your situation. Research has shown that a longer sustained program has better outcomes for students.

                    Popular Free After-School Program Resources For Educators

                    1. Create & Learn's Activity Class

                    From Scratch to data science, pick the class your children will be most excited about from ten fun computer science subjects. Then get in touch, and our live expert instructor will lead your class for a group of 10+ students through your free session. We partner with schools and educators to make computer science accessible to all students through an additional variety of service options. Learn more here.

                    2. Google for Education's Applied Digital Skills

                    Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free, project-based curriculum designed to teach students practical digital skills. It offers a wide range of lessons that help students learn everything from basic computer literacy to more advanced skills like coding, budgeting, and project management. The lessons are ready-to-use, align with real-world applications, and are suitable for various age groups.

                    3. Khan Academy

                    Khan Academy offers free, high-quality educational resources across a wide range of subjects, including math, science, economics, and more. The platform includes practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard. The platform’s personalized learning approach allows students to progress at their own pace. There's also an app for kids ages 2-8.

                    4. Edutopia

                    Edutopia, created by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, is a comprehensive resource offering a wide array of articles, videos, and guides on best practices in education. It covers everything from classroom management to social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and innovative teaching strategies. The site also offers case studies and success stories from other schools, providing ideas on how you can implement an effective program.

                    What Are Some Fun After-School Activities To Do With Students?

                    Here are some free bonus curriculum resources for students K-12 to explore art, computer science, and the natural world.

                    1. Art for Kids Hub

                    The Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel is free and packed with tons of step-by-step drawing lessons that students ages 5 and up love. The videos feature a kid drawing alongside an adult so lessons are accessible for both young and older students. The Art for Kids Hub Membership features ad-free videos in more categories and lesson plans to go with each project.

                    2. Bird Explorers

                    The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has plenty of resources for grades K-12 exploring birds, ecology, and scientific investigation. Many resources are free and all are organized by grade bands. Try out the Beast Box to make beats while learning about animal habitats or download the BirdSleuth Explorer’s Guidebook to take on a nature walk with students and identify the birds in your neighborhood.

                    3. Google CS First

                    Google has created a library of 1-hour coding lessons and longer units that connect to many other subject areas such as ELA, social studies, and science. Each lesson includes videos and hands-on activities using Scratch coding. With a connection to Google Classroom you can easily track student progress throughout the units.

                    Enjoy After-School Program Curriculum Ideas

                    Students online and in-person gain a lot from choosing their own path for learning and trying something new with adult mentors. Hopefully some of these resources have provided inspiration for your next after-school program.

                    Written by Annie Schmitt, a Computer Science Teacher and Teaching Artist from Pennsylvania. She loves using art, technology, and science together to create exploratory hands-on learning experiences for students in grade K-12. As a Teaching Artist, she travels to schools and organizations in her state to teach children stop-motion animation, game design, and visual outdoor art. Annie has taught thousands of students from states all over the U.S. and countries around the world.