Course Descriptions

Enrichment: Course Descriptions

Adventures in STEM:

Venture into the world of Minecraft in our unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your Minecart 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.

After-School Basketball:

At 549 Sports, we provide an organized after-school basketball curriculum that allows your child to learn on and off the court. Our goal is to empower children with confidence through sports. Kids are divided by age and skill level. Our fast-paced classes will cover the fundamentals of basketball through dynamic drills, fun contests, and controlled scrimmaging.

After-School Dodgeball:

549 is excited to offer our After School Dodgeball! Everyone loves Dodgeball!! We will help your child learn to dip, duck and dodge while keeping the pace fun and exciting. Our dedicated staff is passionate about helping kids grow as athletes and as people. Good sportsmanship, positivity, kindness, and teamwork is always emphasized at all 549 Sports programs.

Animal Encounters With Helen Woodward Animal Center:

Got an animal-lover that wants to work with animals some day? Come explore some of the different ways humans and animals work together while getting HANDS-ON with our animal ambassadors, interactive activities and themed games. Every week will have at least two animal encounters and an activity to go along with the daily topic including veterinarian, animal trainer, field biologist, zookeeper, educator and more.  What kinds of critters will your child meet? A huge variety of fangs (snakes and lizards), feathers (exotic parrots and doves), fur (dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs), and more (turtles and invertebrates)!

Cheerleading, Dance & Tumble:

GO! FIGHT! WIN! Use pom poms and learn the fundamentals of cheer, dance, and tumble technique, including voice projection, arm motions, kicks and jumps, cheers/chants, beginner stunting and tumbling, sideline dances, and a full routine to perform at the end of the session for family AND at the San Diego County Fair (Date TBD) 

Chess with Level UP (Carmel Creek & Solana Pacific): 

Chess enhances students’ academic performance by strengthening focus, patience, and critical thinking skills—making it an invaluable activity for learners of all levels.  Our dynamic teaching approach brings the FUNdamentals and advanced strategies of chess to life through stories, games, and interactive instruction. For more experienced players, our trained coaches introduce higher-level concepts such as endgame theory, strategic planning, and master-level analysis.  Studies consistently show that chess supports improved concentration, memory, problem-solving, and academic success.

Chess with Mountain Lake Chess:

Socratic style seminars for all levels. Practice joins theory as students learn and play together every week. "The Evans Method" is used in dozens of schools throughout San Diego and was featured on The Tonight Show and Inside Edition. Students learn in an exciting, cumulative merit forum that rewards participation with prizes every week. At the end of the session, all participants will receive an individualized trophy.

Cinematography 101:

This course introduces video scene setups and digital photography. Students will explore the importance of camera angles, shot sizes, and movements while grasping the basics of Go-Pros®, gimbals, and DJI drones. Students will discover the aesthetics of visual arts by telling a story through still-image and short clips. Participants create a non-narrative digital portfolio by learning key cinematography concepts, including composition, lighting, color, and framing. We will provide digital cameras and all equipment for class use. Students must bring an 8GB or higher USB flash drive on the last day.

Cr8 Art & Cre8art: Little Creators (Jumpstart & Kinder): COLOR ME WILD!

Get ready to unleash your creativity in a bold, bright, and wildly fun mixed media adventure! In Color Me Wild, students will dive into projects bursting with color, texture, and imagination. Inspired by wild animals, vibrant habitats, and expressive patterns, young artists will explore a variety of mediums including painting, collage, sewing, pastels, and clay. From vibrant food-inspired art to glowing animal lanterns, each piece will be full of energy and personality. This class is perfect for students who love to think outside the lines and express themselves through color and creativity!

Creative Builders II: 
Energy, Force, & Experiments! Creative Builders STEM is a hands-on, project-based class designed for students who enjoy building, engineering, experimenting, and tackling creative challenges.

Possible projects include:

• Centripetal Force Board
• Stomp Rockets
• Meteor Rocket Creations
• Laser Maze and Solar Kits
• Slingshot Rocket Construction
• Model Wood Kits
• Cool Circuits & Bristle Robot Construction
• Car Launcher Building

Coding Mind Academy:

Our courses prioritize 'Learning by Doing', incorporating project-based learning assignments for hands-on and real-world experience. We move beyond traditional teaching methods, allowing students to apply their coding knowledge through innovative projects, preparing students for coding competitions, research prospects, and startup challenges, fostering competitive, research, and entrepreneurial mindsets. Each course concludes with a personal project, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge in a practical and meaningful way.

Daring Flight Designers:

In this hands-on engineering class, you will learn the principles of aerodynamics while designing and creating your own flying machines! Conduct flight tests and show off your skills with stomp rockets, rubber band helicopters and flying saucer Frisbees! Explore the principles of lift, drag and thrust as you experiment with different materials and construction techniques. By the end of this thrilling class you will have unlocked a treasure trove of invaluable engineering skills that will empower you to conquer the skies and soar to new heights.

DIY Kids with Star Inc.: 

DIY projects and Pinterest have taken over the internet and now they have taken over our class! In this class we will create kid approved projects while learning skills along the way such as how to paint wood, apply a decal, tie knots, and tap into our own creativity. From book binding to string art students will be creating projects they are proud of while learning to follow step by step directions and new DIY techniques. 

Flag Football:

Our School Programs are designed to introduce children to the joy of flag football in a fun, structured, and educational environment. Our sessions blend movement, teamwork, and skill development — helping kids stay active while building confidence, discipline, and social skills.

Hand Sewing: 

This class is more than just “sew-sew.” It’s FANTASTIC! Learn how to sew and unleash your imagination to create projects as unique as you. Seasoned instructors will teach basic stitches and all the skills students need to create their projects. Picking fabric and colors that reflect each student’s personal flair is just one way to express creativity in a class that will keep everyone in stitches!

Hip Hop:

This fun, high-energy kid’s dance class enables everyone to let loose while developing creativity, coordination, musicality, and listening skills. Activities include hip hop and dance games in a non-stop action-packed class that will have you movin’ to the beats! All music and moves are age appropriate.

K Pop Stars Dance & Sing:

Calling all K Pop fans! Learn to dance like your favorite K pop stars in this high energy hip hop/pop stars dance and sing along class! Fun warm ups, combos, across the floors and choreographed dance routines to hit music from popular K Pop idols like Katsye, Blackpink, TWICE, BTS, Huntrix, Saja Boys, will be taught, in preparation for an end of session showcase "concert" for family on the last day! Great for making friends, gaining confidence and learning rhythm and musicality! 

LEGO Architecture:

LEGO® Architecture will allow students the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing architectural ideas from around the world and through history by building with LEGO®. Simple architectural concepts will be introduced to the students each meeting, and the children will design and build structures with LEGO® inspired by the historical examples and better building techniques detailed and explained by your fun coach! The session will end with the children showcasing the concepts they learned over the course of the class.

LEGO Engineers:

In LEGO Engineers, students become little engineers by designing and building original models using LEGOs. Instructors introduce basic engineering concepts and building principles while encouraging creativity and problem-solving.  By the end of the session, students will have the skills and confidence to design their own inventions that solve real-life challenges.

LEGO Video Creation:

Is your child crazy about LEGOs? This class combines LEGO creativity with stop-motion animation and digital storytelling.  Students learn filmmaking fundamentals such as storytelling, plot, character development, setting, and teamwork. At the end of the session, families will receive their child’s completed LEGO stop-motion video to share with friends and family.

Machine Sewing:

Students will create one of a kind creations using sewing machines and hand sewing. Focusing on strengthening the students fine motor skills and hand eye coordination, teachers will make sure to create a fun-tastic, learning environment where students will acquire skills they can use in professions like Fashion Designer, Pattern Maker, and adult. The best part? It’s all SEW easy!

Magic: Public Speaking and Performance:

Students will learn to entertain and inspire through a blend of magic and stagecraft. They’ll master card and coin tricks, sleight of hand, and the art of redirection while exploring the psychology behind misdirection and hidden information.  Alongside illusion, students will practice key public speaking skills—including vocal control, pacing, tonality, and stage presence—to build confidence, communication, and performance skills. By the end of the program, students will be ready to captivate any audience with both magic and mastery.

Minecraft: 

The immersive game of Minecraft is a crowning achievement of modern technological creativity and innovation, a tool for students to create a unique world in which to build anything they can imagine. Students will use Minecraft as a gateway into team-building, problem solving and resource management - all while having fun! This virtual world is yours to explore, build, and create in any way you want. Students explore the hidden potential of this popular game as they learn about construction and architecture in their very own computer generated world.

MONART DRAWING: African Safari:

Examples: Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Gazelle, Zebra, African Masks, etc.  Join us on an artistic safari as we explore the beauty found in Africa! From animals to masks, learn Monart drawing techniques that will help bring Africa to life. We will explore using different media such as watercolor, colored pencils, oil pastels, chalk, mixed media, and much more. A fact sheet will accompany the artwork home each week. 

Money Awareness:

Taught by the staff of Money Management 4 Kids, this innovative financial literacy program blends learning and play into an empowering adventure of financial discovery. Following Moo La, our lovable Cash Cow, kids embark on an exciting journey along the road to prosperity. They’ll explore questions like “Where does money come from?”, launch their own pizza shop, role-play, and dive into fun, interactive games that introduce key concepts such as supply and demand and the impact of quality work. Along the way, kids will tackle challenges that develop critical thinking, patience, and focus. They’ll learn to distinguish needs from wants, save for long-term goals, and understand how emotions influence financial choices—empowering them to take charge of their financial futures!

Money Management: Income & Opportunities:

Merging learning and play into a journey of financial discovery and empowerment, kids learn alongside Moo La, our Cash Cow, as she embarks on the ultimate money adventure! Setting out on the road to prosperity to find financial independence, Moo La and friends face challenges that require critical thinking, patience, and focus as they develop an understanding of needs vs. wants, setting money aside, and long-term financial planning. Together, they discover the concept of "Money Energy" and how to use that energy to identify earning opportunities and maximum earning potential. From accounting for their income to making deposits into the Bank of Moo La, this fun-filled adventure combines learning, hands-on activities, and real-world experience, teaching kids essential life skills while making learning about money fun!

Musical Theater and Dance: K Pop Demon Hunters (Solana Vista):

Casting all boys and girls! Participate in fun acting and drama games, get cast parts, learn lines, scenes, songs and a finale dance in preparation for an end of session abridged presentation of the NEW hit movie "K Pop Demon Hunters" Costumes to borrow included! Great for building confidence, teaching stage presence and making new friends!

Musical Theater & Dance: Wicked for Good (CC, SSF, SR, SH, SKY, SP):

Casting all boys and girls! Participate in fun acting and drama games, get cast parts, learn lines, scenes, songs, and a finale dance in preparation for an end-of-session abridged presentation of the hit movie musical "Wicked for Good" Costumes to borrow are included! Great for building confidence, teaching stage presence and making new friends!

Origami:

Explore the magic of paper folding and improve your child's fine motor skills with our interactive Origami Class! Our experienced instructors guide students through the basics of origami to craft intricate designs, learn patience, and improve concentration and precision. As paper folders, your students will create models, including but not limited to: Flapping bird, Penguin, Boat, Puffy Bunny, Lily, Owl. Skills your students will develop in this program include: How to read origami instruction sheets, How to fold a model from a base, Origami terms, Patience and practice, and Critical thinking.

Pickleball with TGA:

TGA is excited to introduce Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the US! Similar to tennis, this is a fast-paced, ultra-fun, and highly accessible sport for all ages. With classes held right on campus, we teach the fundamentals using real equipment (all provided) and allow students to learn through interactive games, drills, and matches. Students will also explore relevant academic concepts through gameplay while putting into practice life skills such as sportsmanship, respect, & perseverance. With a low student-to-coach ratio, TGA creates a safe environment & allows for individualized attention. All students will receive instructional materials and achievement awards.

Professor Egghead Explorers: 

Darwin. Shackleton. Earhart. Egghead? Join the ranks of the world’s greatest explorers this session as we unfurl our maps and experiment our way around the Earth! Eggheads will explore the chemical reactions behind the world’s largest volcanoes, learn how to tell time by the position of the sun, and create awesome take-home experiments like sodium alginate worms, oobleck tar pits, homemade flashlights, and more. Each week is an opportunity to make new discoveries about what makes our planet so incredible!

Running Club with Jr. Mavericks: 

Our after school program is an introduction to running and geared toward students who want to learn the fundamentals and foundation of running skills in a fun, safe and social environment. We help build confidence and support a positive spirit for all runners in an effort to develop a lifelong love of running with our approved coaches.

Snapology: Creature Creator Robotics:

In Snapology's Creature Creator Robotics class, your animal lover will create their own animal inspired robotic models. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, simple machines, and programming as they build insects, dolphins, gorillas, and much more. Your child is sure to have a wild time as they build, learn, and play.

Snapology: GameBots Robotics:

Calling all gamers! Have a blast creating robotic games each week while learning about robotics. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, programming, and pulleys as they create fun to play games. Whether creating a robotic hockey player, pinball machine, or a ring toss, your child is sure to have fun building, learning, and playing.

Snapology: GameBots Robotics w/ SPIKE:

In this game-focused robotics program, your engineer will explore the basics of robotics while playing some really awesome games with and against their classmates! While working with a partner to complete various challenges, your student will be taught how to effectively utilize sensors, how different mechanical components work in their robots, and how programming is a challenging but rewarding skill that they can master with just a little practice. We will support them in the development of their coding and building skills and inspire them with creative building challenges and awesome games!

Snapology: Minecraft Mining & Building:

Hey gamers, are you ready to travel all the way to The End with Snapology? Join us as we bring the game of Minecraft® out of the computer and into the real-world using LEGO® bricks. In this program, you will go on adventures using your imagination and even design your own worlds, full of mobs, animals, buildings, and your very own LEGO® Minecraft® character.

Snapology Scientists:

Does your child love to experiment and ask questions about the world around them? If so, it sounds like you already have a little scientist on your hands! Snapology’s Scientists program helps children explore their curiosities and cultivate a deep love for science by experiencing the different domains of scientific study. Students will engage with concepts from the fields of astronomy, earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics using LEGO® bricks and other interactive learning tools. We make science fun, exciting, and approachable at Snapology!

Sticky Fingers Cooking:

We teach the joy and creativity of cooking with whole foods. Our recipes are simple in process and complex in flavor.  Emphasis on team cooking, turn taking, eating family style, and exploring new flavor combinations.  We ensure all allergies are accommodated, and recipes are always nut-free. 

Strategic Sports:

Engage in friendly competition with Strategic Sports, where students delve into a variety of activities promoting teamwork and active lifestyles. They'll master traditional sports fundamentals like basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and football in dynamic, fun ways. At Strategic Kids, we offer tailored sports programs, allowing schools to choose specific sports or enjoy a variety. Our environment fosters athletic excellence while instilling values of sportsmanship.

Soccer: 

Our School Programs are designed to introduce children to the joy of soccer in a fun, structured, and educational environment. Whether it’s during school hours or as part of after-school activities, our sessions blend movement, teamwork, and skill development — helping kids stay active while building confidence, discipline, and social skills.

Tennis with USPTA Professional Keith Barksdale:

This class teaches basic fundamentals of tennis and proper technique for: Forehand, backhand, serves and volleys. Footwork and hand-eye coordination drills are incorporated to help children stay focused. Fun games will be played as well. Racquets are provided.  

Tiny Tinkerers:

Create, Challenge, and Launch! Tiny Tinkerers is a unique, creative, and hands-on technical class for children of any skill level who are interested in building, creating, and engineering.  Students will work on a variety of engaging and age-appropriate projects throughout the session, including:

• Stomp Rockets
• Catapults
• Blanket Forts
• And more!

Ukulele with Classics 4 Kids:

Classics 4 Kids brings music to life with our hands-on Ukulele Residency Program. Designed for students of all levels, this program offers weekly on-campus lessons in music theory and ukulele fundamentals, led by a skilled and passionate educator. Students will showcase their skills with a performance at the end of the session. All instruments and materials are provided. 

Yoga:

A yoga class that is fun, creative, and playful. Yoga sequences, breathing, balance poses, and relaxation are taught to build a child's confidence in their abilities while practicing in a non-competitive environment.