Key dates and our after-school timeline are listed here. 

Registration opens Sunday, February 23, at 12 pm, and closes Sunday, March 2, at 12 pm.

After-school programs run from 3-4 pm.

Please note: Programs are subject to change before registration opens, as schedules are finalized.

Program Descriptions

If you have questions about Music Conservatory lessons, please email our Conservatory Coordinator, Emma Mooradian; and for questions about performing arts activities, please email Head of Performing Arts Eric Novod. *As stated in each music group below, students will automatically continue in their year-long Music ensemble(s), to prepare for performances throughout the year. There is no new registration for these groups, but you may contact Eric Novod with any questions/interest,.etc.*

If you have questions about athletics teams (separate from the sports clubs below), please email our Director of Athletics, John Pelin. 

Mondays

Middle School Voices | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 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 will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections, to modern acapella songs. Unique performances are planned, including a winter caroling performance in December, 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! 

*Middle School Dwight Voices is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate. 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.

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

Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $550

Kicks Run Club is NYC's leading running experience for children ages 4-18. The primary goal of Kicks is to help young athletes become better runners and happier, healthier kids! Each session will include a warm up, brief lesson, running game, age-appropriate distance run in varied locations, and lots and lots of fun! Each season, runners will train in a fun and supportive environment and participate in exciting community races. Running is scientifically proven to make children physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. Through team running, children begin to set and achieve goals while learning the importance of sportsmanship. Studies have shown that children who run outdoors experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and gain focus and concentration in their everyday lives. In a time where screens take center stage, it is more critical than ever to get our children outside, breathing fresh air, and running! Most importantly: it’s super fun!

Mondays

Debate | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm

In this interactive program, 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 and how to use the diaphragm as well as play interactive games while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.

Tuesdays

Makers Club | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | $75 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 | $550

Pickleballers NYC Children's After-School Program is designed to teach children the game of pickleball in a fun and interactive environment. Children learn the basic skills and rules through games and drills that teach students to play and keep score in games by the end of the program. The course's emphasis is on having fun and improving each and every session.  

Tuesdays

Intro to Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 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, and 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 gradually prepare for an end-of-year concert that showcases all they have learned throughout the year. This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for additional information and concert dates/additional rehearsal schedule information. 

*Intro to Middle School Rock Band is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate. 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.

Tuesdays

Co-Ed Soccer| Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $250

Welcome to Middle School Soccer Club with Mr. Ramirez! Our club is open to students in grades 5 and 6 who are eager to learn or improve their soccer skills while having fun in a team-centered environment. Whether a student is new to the game or has some experience, everyone is welcome! This soccer program will focus on teaching your child to be comfortable with the ball by further developing soccer skills, such as dribbling and shooting, and an introduction to passing. 

**This class is run outdoors and is weather permitting. 

Tuesdays

Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $550

Kicks Run Club is NYC's leading running experience for children ages 4-18. The primary goal of Kicks is to help young athletes become better runners and happier, healthier kids! Each session will include a warm up, brief lesson, running game, age-appropriate distance run in varied locations, and lots and lots of fun! Each season, runners will train in a fun and supportive environment and participate in exciting community races. Running is scientifically proven to make children physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. Through team running, children begin to set and achieve goals while learning the importance of sportsmanship. Studies have shown that children who run outdoors experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and gain focus and concentration in their everyday lives. In a time where screens take center stage, it is more critical than ever to get our children outside, breathing fresh air, and running! Most importantly: it’s super fun!

Wednesdays

Photography | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $250

Join Mr. Gilson’s after-school photography class! This unique class focuses on framing, angles, lighting, and capturing a subject’s essence to bring the photographer's vision to life. Integrating industry-specific techniques and tricks, students will explore how to tell a story through a phone camera lens. We'll explore our local environment — including ample excursions to Central Park — to blend the urban with the natural as we develop diverse portfolios. Students will put their individual stamp on the world so life can be seen through their eyes!

Wednesdays

Co-Ed Soccer| Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $250

Welcome to Middle School Soccer Club with Mr. Ramirez! Our club is open to students in grades 5 and 6 who are eager to learn or improve their soccer skills while having fun in a team-centered environment. Whether a student is new to the game or has some experience, everyone is welcome! This soccer program will focus on teaching your child to be comfortable with the ball by further developing soccer skills, such as dribbling and shooting, and an introduction to passing. 

**This class is run outdoors and is weather permitting. 

Wednesdays

Instrumental Music: Strings/Winds/Brass Ensembles | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty 

This is an opportunity for string/woodwind/brass musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting throughout the school year. Students learn how to perform effectively in a chamber ensemble, and will prepare for performances at various events throughout the school year (including a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May). This ensemble requires attendance at each rehearsal. Note: Repertoire and curation of this group (or multiple smaller groups) will be determined based on instrumentation/experience level of interested students. 

*Instrumental Music (Chamber Strings/Winds/Brass) 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, so results will be known before these ensembles begin. 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.

Wednesdays

Debate | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm

In this interactive program, 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 and how to use the diaphragm as well as play interactive games while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.

Wednesdays

Bentley House Theater Production | Grades 5 & 6 | Wednesdays & Fridays* | Ms. Greene

The Theater department is pleased to announce that, for the first time this year, fifth and sixth graders will present their very own theater production. Rehearsals for the Grades 5 and 6 Theater Production will begin in January, with performances in early June 2025. Please reserve Wednesday and Friday afternoons if you are participating. 

The Grades 5 and 6 Production has already been cast and been in rehearsals. We are no longer accepting sign-ups at this time. 

Thursdays

Co-Ed Soccer| Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $550

Join us for an exhilarating After-School soccer program where players in grades 7 and 8 will develop their fundamental skills while fostering a deep love for the beautiful game. This class provides an engaging environment that emphasizes individual growth and team collaboration, helping players build confidence and forge lasting friendships with teammates. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to soccer, this program provides the perfect opportunity to elevate your game and become part of a supportive team that celebrates each player's development and contribution to our soccer community.

**This class is run outdoors and is weather permitting. 

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

Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-7 | 3-4 pm | $550

Kicks Run Club is NYC's leading running experience for children ages 4-18. The primary goal of Kicks is to help young athletes become better runners and happier, healthier kids! Each session will include a warm up, brief lesson, running game, age-appropriate distance run in varied locations, and lots and lots of fun! Each season, runners will train in a fun and supportive environment and participate in exciting community races. Running is scientifically proven to make children physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. Through team running, children begin to set and achieve goals while learning the importance of sportsmanship. Studies have shown that children who run outdoors experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and gain focus and concentration in their everyday lives. In a time where screens take center stage, it is more critical than ever to get our children outside, breathing fresh air, and running! Most importantly: it’s super fun!

Thursdays

Molecular Gastronomy: Science of Food | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:30 pm | $600

In this "Science of Food" class, students will embark on a culinary journey that delves into the fascinating scientific principles behind everyday cooking and baking. This hands-on course is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young chefs as they explore the magic that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals and treats. Each lesson combines fun activities with educational content, allowing students to see, touch, and taste the science at work in their food. Throughout the course, students will engage in various experiments and cooking projects that highlight key scientific concepts. They will learn how enzymes can create liquid centers in candies, explore the properties of viscosity and elasticity by making edible slime, and discover how different densities affect the layering of liquids in colorful drinks. By extracting natural food dyes and comparing the gelling properties of agar and gelatin, students will gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind their favorite foods. Additionally, they will experiment with molecular gastronomy techniques, such as spherification, and learn how to transform liquids into powders using maltodextrin. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the science of food, equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue experimenting in their own kitchens. 

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, and concert dates/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, so results will be known before these ensembles begin. 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 5-7 | 3-4:30 pm | $495 - NOW OPEN TO GRADE 7

Duck and go! Mr. Presti and 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

Molecular Gastronomy: Science of Food | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:30 pm | $520

In this "Science of Food" class, students will embark on a culinary journey that delves into the fascinating scientific principles behind everyday cooking and baking. This hands-on course is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young chefs as they explore the magic that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals and treats. Each lesson combines fun activities with educational content, allowing students to see, touch, and taste the science at work in their food. Throughout the course, students will engage in various experiments and cooking projects that highlight key scientific concepts. They will learn how enzymes can create liquid centers in candies, explore the properties of viscosity and elasticity by making edible slime, and discover how different densities affect the layering of liquids in colorful drinks. By extracting natural food dyes and comparing the gelling properties of agar and gelatin, students will gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind their favorite foods. Additionally, they will experiment with molecular gastronomy techniques, such as spherification, and learn how to transform liquids into powders using maltodextrin. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the science of food, equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue experimenting in their own kitchens. 

WORLD LANGUAGE DROP-IN — NO SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED

Once a week students can drop in and receive assistance with their homework grammar content, access extra materials, or engage in language-related activities. We look forward to seeing all World Language learners and supporting them in their language learning journey! We will offer support in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and German. More information will be provided once school begins.

MATH LAB DROP-IN — NO SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED

Middle School Math Lab Drop-in offers students an opportunity to get a jump-start on their math homework. They will have the help and structure they need to complete their assignments. More information will be provided once school begins.

LUNCH CLUBS:

The Open Art Studio Drop-In

The Open Art Studio with Ms. Hanlon in Wonder Lab is an after-school club designed for young artists at Dwight who want to explore visual arts and hone their creative skills. No sign-up is required — feel free to drop in and work on your personal art projects or seek guidance as needed. 

Thursdays – During lunch | Advisor: Ms. Hanlon | Grades 6 and 7 only

Talent Show Club

Is your spark performing? Do you have a skill no one knows about, like juggling or playing the tuba? Perhaps you've been developing a new TikTok dance that needs to debut on a stage before going viral. If this sounds like you, join the Bentley House Talent Show Club this Fall! Dancers, singers, artists, comedians — whatever your talent — are welcome to join this club for practicing, supporting, collaborating, and planning an exciting talent show, which will be presented at the end of the fall trimester. 

Tuesdays – During lunch | Advisors: Ms. Hanlon and Ms. Mooradian | Grades 6-8

Lego League Team — Cycle Days 3 & 6

Calling all Lego enthusiasts and makers! We're considering offering Lego League build sessions during lunch on days 3 and 6 this year. This year's special challenge will include competing against your 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.