Program Descriptions
Lego League Team (lunch club) — Cycle Days 3 & 6 | $550
Calling all Lego enthusiasts and makers! We're considering offering Lego League build sessions during lunch on cycle days 3 and 6 this year. This year's special challenge will include competing against Middle School teacher, Mr. Coker! It's a great way to perfect your skills for the NYC Lego League competition. Whether you're a master builder or beginner, there's a spot for you on our team.
Mondays
Grades 5 and 6 Dwight Voices | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | Mr. Ferrari
Dwight Voices, led by Middle and Upper School music teacher Mr. Ferrari, is Dwight’s long-standing choral program. This weekly choral group for grades 5 and 6 will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections to fun modern acapella songs. This Fall offering will culminate in a December winter concert performance, and students will have the option to sign up again for future trimesters of choir throughout the year. Dwight Voices is ready for another successful and exciting year — we hope you’ll join us!
*Grades 5 and 6 Dwight Voices is open to all interested students, and there are no auditions to participate.*
Mondays
Basketball Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm
The Basketball After-School Club is an exciting and dynamic program designed for students who are passionate about basketball or want to learn more about the sport. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this club provides a fun and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills, improve your fitness, and make new friends.
Mondays
Skateboarding | 3-4:15 pm | Grades 5-7 | $440
Get your skates and gear on, and join our fantastic coaches for After-School in the park with the iconic Roll America. Whether you already know how to do an ollie or want to get started with skateboarding, this program is for you. Learn and enjoy the basics through advanced moves on a board. From pushoffs to fakies, this safe and awesome program will thrill you.
**This program runs outdoors in the park, and takes place weather permitting.
Mondays
Culinary Masterclass | Grades 5-7 | 3-4:30 pm | $440
Dive into a masterclass culinary experience with Workshops Essayer. Students will create delightful goodies in our Culinary Masterclass by Workshops Essayer. From dragon’s beard candy — an ancient hand-pulled confection with roots in China similar to candy floss — to swan profiteroles inspired by Italian and French pastry traditions. Students will craft food illusions, and the classic question “Would you like mayo or ketchup with your French fries?” might surprise you once students discover what the “fries” are really made of. For our grand finale, students will host a whimsical “tea” party, featuring a spread of sweet and savory treats they’ve crafted themselves. Creating delicious, imaginative dishes doesn’t have to be difficult — just fun, hands-on, and inspiring. Join us this spring trimester as we explore global techniques and craft awe-inspiring culinary masterpieces together.
Mondays
Model UN | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $440
Model United Nations might be the single best activity to show on a college application. Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN experience teaches students critical 21st-century leadership skills that are valuable for college, careers, and lifelong learning. Brought to you by ARDE.
Mondays & Wednesdays
Grades 5 and 6 Theater Production | Grades 5-6 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:15-5:15 pm | Ms. Greene
The Grades 5 and 6 Musical is back this year! Rehearsals begin in January 2026, with performances scheduled for early June 2026. Sign-ups and auditions are already underway for this year’s musical, so there is no further registration at this time. This production is designed for students who are interested in exploring their love of theater through a full show. Putting on a musical takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so all cast members need to be available for both rehearsal days with no recurring conflicts. Reach out to Ms. Greene with any questions. Break a leg!
Tuesdays
Makers Club | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | $100 Materials Fee
Join us for the after-school Makers Club in the Innovation Lab with Mr. Harp and Mr. Wang! Learn how to 3D print, laser cut, and program robots.
Tuesdays
Pickleball | Grade 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Pickleball is the world’s fastest growing sport, and is wildly popular with people of all ages. This fun and engaging program from PickleballersNYC begins with teaching students the basics of the sport, progressing towards a full understanding of all the necessary skills, game knowledge, and strategies to enjoy pickleball to its fullest. Our tailored approach of teaching the game through interactive drills and games ensures kids of all ages can engage in a fun and friendly environment. Our instructors are professionals who guide the students through the game's rules, scoring, and basic pickleball techniques.
Tuesdays
Dwight Voices | Grades 7-12 | Tuesday | 3:15-4:15 pm | Mr. Ferrari
Dwight Voices, led by Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Mr. Ferrari, is Dwight’s long-standing choral program. This weekly choral group, open to student singers from grades 7 through 12, will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections to modern acapella songs. Unique performances are planned throughout the year, including a winter caroling performance in December, community outreach performance opportunities, and a spring concert in May. This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for placement information and concert dates/additional rehearsal schedule information. Dwight Voices is prepped for another successful and exciting year!
*Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, Dwight Voices is a year-long group that prepares for performances and concerts throughout the year.*
Tuesdays
Intro to Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
If you’d like to join a band for the first time, this is the place for you! Intro to Middle School Rock Band is accepting any students wanting to learn an instrument in a collaborative and supportive ensemble environment. Singers, guitarists, pianists, bassists, drummers, and percussionists are all welcome — if you play a different instrument and would like to join, please reach out to us and confirm it is possible. We’d love to have you! This group will learn fundamentals and instrumental/vocal exercises, and will gradually prepare for an end-of-term winter performance. Students will then have the option to sign up again and continue with the group throughout the year.
*Intro to Middle School Rock Band is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate.*
Wednesdays
MOEMS Math Club | Grades 6-8 | 12-1 pm
Our Middle School Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School (MOEMS) Math Club invites students in grades 6-8 to stretch their problem-solving skills and engage in creative mathematical thinking. During lunchtime meetings, students work collaboratively on challenging puzzles, prepare for the MOEMS contests, and build confidence in tackling non-routine problems. All levels of experience are welcome — just bring curiosity and a willingness to think boldly!
Wednesdays
Instrumental Music: Strings/Winds/Brass Ensembles | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
This is an opportunity for string, woodwind, and brass musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting during the Fall term. Students learn how to perform effectively in a chamber ensemble, and will prepare a culminating performance at our Winter Concert in December. Piano accompanists are also welcome to register. Students will then have the option to sign up again and continue with the group throughout the year.
Please note: This ensemble requires attendance at each rehearsal. Repertoire and curation of this group (or multiple smaller groups) will be determined based on instrumentation/experience level of interested students, with audition videos being requested from all students who register for this opportunity.
Wednesdays
Debate | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm
In this interactive program, ARDE debate students will learn how to form their own opinions, speak to each other peacefully with differing opinions, practice empathy, and regulate their nerves before speaking in a room. The art of speech and debate also addresses how to formulate speeches and rebuttals, and their importance in a mock trial. Students will learn mindfulness with breathing, how to use the diaphragm, and play interactive games, while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.
Wednesdays
Hammer n’ Nails | Grades 5-8 | 3:10-4:10 pm | $495
Join Mr. Gilson as we learn to use real woodworking tools to make cool real projects. We'll cover all the safety we need to roll up our sleeves and use hammers, drills, and saws, combined with nails, screws, and a lot of elbow grease. We'll work on independent projects and collaborate on a large build for the community. Let's build something great together in Hammer n’ Nails!
Wednesdays
Co-Ed Soccer | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Join our very own Coach Ramirez for co-ed soccer. This program will focus on building upon learned skills, challenging both novice and experienced players alike. Partner activities will promote sharing, listening, respect, and cooperation. Physical activities include dynamic exercises like moving with pace, changing directions, and lateral agility.
**This program runs outdoors in the park, and takes place weather permitting.
Wednesdays
Model UN | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Model United Nations might be the single best activity to show on a college application. Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN experience teaches students critical 21st-century leadership skills that are valuable for college, careers, and lifelong learning. Brought to you by ARDE.
Wednesdays
Grades 7 and 8 Bentley House Theater Production | Grades 7-8 | Wednesdays and Saturdays (and select added rehearsal times); production week in early February | Ms. Guzowski
The Grades 7 and 8 Bentley House Theater Production began rehearsing in September, with performances in early February 2026. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, at the 566 Columbus Ave. Theater, with additional rehearsals TBD as the performances get closer. All performer slots are full, but there is limited room available for students who would like to design, stage manage, and help with backstage crew.
If you are performing in the production, you do NOT need to sign up again, but please understand that theater is your Wednesday commitment through February 11.
If you would like to join the production as a designer, stage manager, or backstage help, please email Ms. Guzowski.
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Thursdays
Ping Pong Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm
The Ping Pong Club is open to students who are interested in playing ping pong after school with our very own Middle School teachers!
Thursdays
Debate | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm
In this interactive program from Spark Business Academy, students will learn how to form their own opinions, speak to each other peacefully with differing opinions, practice empathy, and regulate their nerves before speaking in a room. The art of speech and debate also addresses how to formulate speeches, rebuttals, and their importance in a mock trial. Students will learn mindfulness with breathing, how to use the diaphragm, and play interactive games while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.
Thursdays
Parkour Adventures | Grades 5-7 | 3-4:15 pm | $495
The Movement Creative is thrilled to partner with Dwight School to offer Parkour Adventures this spring! Parkour is a fun and exciting physical activity for school-aged children to explore! Coaches place an emphasis on safe movement progressions when teaching skills and help students develop body awareness, strength, coordination, and mobility. Climbing, vaulting, and jumping are explored safely in nearby playgrounds and parks. Parkour skills are integrated into collaborative games that foster a sense of community and build social and problem-solving skills.
A note about outdoor, cold-weather play: The Movement Creative values outdoor play in all kinds of weather in the same spirit as the European forest schools, an educational philosophy that can now be readily found in the U.S. and even here in NYC. “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes,” is the Norwegian adage that we try to abide by. For more information on dressing for the weather, please visit our Cold Weather Guide.
**This program runs outdoors in the park, and takes place weather permitting.
Thursdays
Advanced Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
The Dwight Rock Band is set for a big year of rehearsing and performing! After determining the band’s instrumentation and musical approach, students will select a setlist in collaboration with their instructor, learn about the theory and techniques of their chosen material, and train for live performances (including a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May, among possible others). This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for audition/placement information, concert dates, and additional rehearsal schedule information.
*Advanced Middle School Rock Band is an auditioned group for students with previous experience on their chosen instrument. Audition videos will be requested from all students who sign up for these groups. Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, these are year-long groups that prepare for performances and concerts throughout the year.
Fridays
Dodgeball Mania | Grades 5-6 | 3-4:30 pm | $495
Duck and go! Mr. Panahi will offer this very popular game as an after-school activity. Whether your child likes to charge the line with an amazing throwing arm or prefers to hide and wait with the sneakiness of a chess master, a classic game of dodgeball offers fun and excitement to every style of player.
Fridays
Volleyball Club | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Back by popular demand, volleyball returns to Dwight! Learn the fundamentals of the game and dive into the mechanics and gameplay of volleyball. Players of all levels are welcome!
Fridays
NFL Flag Football | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
NFL Flag Football is brought to you by ARDE! Developed by the NFL Foundation, this program uses the National Physical Education Standards as the essential framework and guidance. Flag football equips children with the skills to build and grow their confidence levels on and off the field while instilling sportsmanship.
**This program runs outdoors in the park, and takes place weather permitting.
Fridays
Cheerleading | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Show your spirit and build your skills in this fun and high-energy cheerleading class! Students will learn the fundamentals of cheer, including jumps, tumbling, chants, and dance routines, while practicing teamwork and stage presence. With guidance from enthusiastic instructors, students will gain confidence, coordination, and leadership skills as they create and perform their own cheer routines. The session concludes with an end-of-class showcase, where students get the chance to shine and share their new moves with friends and family. This class is the perfect mix of athleticism, creativity, and school spirit!
