After-School Enrichment at Cottonwood
Our after-school enrichment classes for TK–8th grade students provide the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and learning—all conveniently located on the Cottonwood campus. From arts and STEM to cooking, dance, drama, chess, and more, students can explore new interests, build confidence, develop valuable skills, and make lasting friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Most classes include 600 minutes of instruction, typically offered as 10 weekly 60-minute sessions. Some specialty classes meet for 90 minutes per session over 9 or 10 weeks, and tuition is adjusted to reflect the additional instructional time.
MONDAY Classes
Hip Hop Dance
Dates: 08/24/2026 - 11/09/2026
Day & Time: MONDAY, 03:05 PM - 03:55 PM
Grades: 1st to 5th
Classroom: C106
Excluded Date: Labor Day - Sep 7, Early Release - Oct 12, Conference Week - Oct 26
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $270.00
Regular Price: $290.00
Monday - Aug 24, 31 | Sep 14, 21, 28 | Oct 5, 19 | Nov 2, 9
9 sessions x 50 minutes
Our Hip Hop classes are full of energy, creativity, and fun! In our positive and encouraging environment, every child is supported to grow, feel seen and heard, and dance with confidence.
Along with learning hip hop choreography, we guide dancers as they explore their creativity by creating and sharing their own movement phrases, building confidence, self-expression, and teamwork.
Our thoughtfully designed lesson plans keep students active, engaged, and challenged while developing rhythm, coordination, musicality, and performance skills.
Startup Stars: Young Entrepreneur in the Making
Dates: 08/24/2026 - 11/09/2026
Day & Time: MONDAY, 03:05 PM - 04:12 PM
Grades: 4th to 7th
Classroom: C105
Excluded Date: Labor Day - Sep 7, Early Release - Oct 12, Conference Week - Oct 26
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $320.00
Regular Price: $340.00
Monday - Aug 24, 31 | Sep 14, 21, 28 | Oct 5, 19 | Nov 2, 9
9 sessions x 67 minutes
Where Kids Learn to Think Like Entrepreneurs!
In this hands-on, interactive class, kids step into the shoes of real entrepreneurs — from generating their first business idea to pitching it with confidence in front of a panel, Shark-Tank-style.
What Your Child Will Learn:
● Idea Generation – How to spot problems, brainstorm solutions, and shape a simple business concept
● Budgeting Basics – Understanding costs, pricing, and how to plan a basic budget for their idea
● Personal Finance Foundations – Core concepts like saving, spending wisely, and understanding profit
● Pitch & Presentation Skills – How to structure a clear, persuasive pitch and present it with confidence
● Public Speaking & Poise – Practice speaking in front of an audience and handling questions on the spot
Along the way, they build essential life skills in money management, a real business idea and pitch it live- walking away with confidence that goes far beyond the classroom.
TUESDAY Classes
Chinese for Young Learners
Dates: 08/25/2026 - 11/10/2026
Day & Time: TUESDAY, 03:05 PM - 04:05 PM
Grades: K to 5th
Classroom: C206
Excluded Date: Early Release - Oct 13, Conference Week - Oct 27
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $300.00
Regular Price: $320.00
Tuesday - Aug 25 | Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Oct 6, 20 | Nov 3, 10
10 sessions x 60 minutes
Designed for students of all Chinese backgrounds—from complete beginners to heritage and intermediate learners—Joyful Thoughts offers a structured, topic-based Chinese enrichment program that makes language learning engaging, practical, and meaningful.
Students explore real-world topics through hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and meaningful communication. Every lesson is built around a purposeful Final Delivery, giving students a clear goal while encouraging active language use throughout the learning process.
Lessons develop listening, speaking, reading (Simplified Chinese), and introductory writing through exploration, creativity, and real-life communication. Each semester introduces new interdisciplinary topics while systematically revisiting and expanding previously learned language, allowing both new and returning students to make continuous progress through fresh learning experiences.
Program Highlights
• Designed for learners of all Chinese backgrounds
• Structured, topic-based Chinese enrichment
• Learn Chinese through exploration and real-life communication
• Every lesson builds toward a meaningful Final Delivery
• Hands-on projects and collaborative learning
• New interdisciplinary topics every semester
• Spiral language progression aligned with the YCT and HSK frameworks
• No prior Chinese experience required
Soccer Stars Fall 2026
Dates: 08/25/2026 - 11/10/2026
Day & Time: TUESDAY, 03:05 PM - 04:05 PM
Grades: PRE_K to 5th
Classroom: FIELD
Excluded Date: Early Release - Oct 13, Conference Week - Oct 27
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $330.00
Regular Price: $350.00
Tuesday - Aug 25 | Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Oct 6, 20 | Nov 3, 10
10 sessions x 60 minutes
Soccer Stars blends soccer skill-building with plenty of afterschool fun, small-sided games, and confidence-building coaching. Classes are grouped by age/grade level (typically TK-2nd and 3rd-5th, depending on enrollment), with opportunities for groups to play each other throughout the season.
Each week follows a simple, energizing rhythm:
Warm-Up: Drills that build speed, agility, and coordination.
Skill of the Week: A new foot-skill focus each week — toe taps, turns, tricks, and dribbling combinations — building ball control and confidence one step at a time. Skills are simple enough to practice at home, too!
Rule of the Week: Age-appropriate rules introduced and reinforced during live play, so kids learn the game naturally.
Game Time: Small-sided matches that maximize touches on the ball and keep the focus on fun over competition.
Coaches guide rather than over-direct, letting players learn through experimenting and observation — building teamwork, self-esteem, and a love of the game.
The season wraps up with our BIG GAME: a celebration of small-sided matches, team spirit, and a closing ceremony where every player receives a medal — parents are invited to come cheer their child on!
The Actor’s Workshop
Dates: 08/25/2026 - 10/20/2026
Day & Time: TUESDAY, 03:05 PM - 04:20 PM
Grades: 1st to 5th
Classroom: C203
Excluded Date: Early Release - Oct 13
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $275.00
Regular Price: $295.00
Tuesday - Aug 25 | Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Oct 6, 20
8 sessions x 75 minutes
It’s confidence, creativity, and fun with our after-school drama club – The Actor’s Workshop!
Through theater games, acting exercises, and playful scene work, students will build confidence, improve communication skills, and learn how to express themselves in front of others. This beginner-friendly class introduces the fundamentals of acting in a supportive environment where every student gets to shine.
Students will explore the “three tools of the actor” – voice, body, and imagination – while learning how to create characters, think on their feet, and work as a team. Along the way, they’ll discover important life skills such as:
Speaking with clarity and confidence (great for school presentations!)
Using body language and expression to communicate effectively
Overcoming shyness and stage fright
Supporting and encouraging others in a team setting
The program culminates in a fun, informal showcase where students perform short scenes and monologues for family and friends — a celebration of their creativity and growth.
Best of all, this is a program students can take more than once! Each session introduces new games, activities, and performance pieces, ensuring kids are always challenged, inspired, and growing their skills.
The Energy Lab
Dates: 08/25/2026 - 11/10/2026
Day & Time: TUESDAY, 03:05 PM - 04:35 PM
Grades: 2nd to 5th
Classroom: C205
Excluded Date: Early Release - Oct 13, Conference Week - Oct 27
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $425.00
Regular Price: $445.00
Tuesday - Aug 25 | Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Oct 6, 20 | Nov 3, 10
10 sessions x 90 minutes
Calling all curious minds, creative builders, and future innovators!
Get ready for an exciting hands-on journey into the world of energy! Through fun engineering challenges and interactive projects, students will discover how energy makes things move, light up, spin, and create sound while exploring the science behind the world around them.
Each unit ends with an exciting take-home project that students design, build, and proudly share with family and friends.
Our Adventure Map
* Mechanical Energy – Potential, kinetic, elastic, and gravitational energy
* Renewable Energy – Solar and wind power
* Light Energy – Reflection, refraction, and color
* Sound Energy – Vibrations and sound waves
* Electrical Energy – Electricity, conductors, insulators, and simple circuits
* Magnetism & Invisible Forces – Magnetic fields and interactive magnetic projects
* Hydraulic Energy – Build systems powered by liquids and real-world engineering concepts
At TinkerOn, we believe children learn best by building, experimenting, and creating. Our project-based approach develops creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence while making science exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.
WEDNESDAY Classes
Champion Chefs
Dates: 08/26/2026 - 11/04/2026
Day & Time: WEDNESDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:05 PM
Grades: 1st to 5th
Classroom: C202
Excluded Date: Conference Week - Oct 28
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $350.00
Regular Price: $370.00
Wednesday - Aug 26 | Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21 | Nov 4
10 sessions x 60 minutes
This fall-themed cooking class invites young chefs in grades 1–5 to celebrate the flavors, colors, and traditions of the autumn season. Students will explore classic fall ingredients—such as apples, pumpkins, and warm spices while learning foundational cooking skills tailored to their age level. Throughout the class, children will practice measuring, stirring, safe chopping with kid-friendly tools, and following sequential recipe steps.
Throughout the course, young chefs will prepare cozy, seasonal dishes such as No Bake Pumpkin Pies, Apple Pie Snack Cups and in season Veggie Pinwheels. As they cook, the instructor will highlight what makes fall produce unique, discussing topics such as harvest time, plant cycles, and why certain foods are plentiful in autumn.
Enroll today and let your child stir, create, and savor the flavors of fall!
Price includes a $40 materials fee; all required supplies are provided.
Creative Electronics
Dates: 08/26/2026 - 11/04/2026
Day & Time: WEDNESDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:35 PM
Grades: 2nd to 5th
Classroom: C201
Excluded Date: Conference Week - Oct 28
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $425.00
Regular Price: $445.00
Wednesday - Aug 26 | Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21 | Nov 4
10 sessions x 90 minutes
Calling all curious creators, imaginative inventors, and future engineers!
Discover the exciting world of electronics through hands-on building and creative engineering challenges! Students will learn how electricity flows, how circuits work, and how electronic components come together to power the devices we use every day.
Each unit ends with an exciting take-home project that students design, build, and proudly share with family and friends.
Our Adventure Map
* Introduction to Electronics – Circuits, conductors, insulators, and first light-up builds
* Circuit Foundations – Series & parallel circuits, switches, and custom creations
* Motors in Motion – Motors, fans, and movement-powered inventions
* Science of Sound – Buzzers, audio devices, and sound-based projects
* Magnetic Switches – Touch-free circuits and magnetic engineering
* Green Power Circuits – Solar energy and sustainable electronics
At TinkerOn, we believe children learn best by building, experimenting, and creating. Our project-based approach develops creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence while inspiring the next generation of innovators and engineers.
THURSDAY Classes
Chess from Beginner to Master
Dates: 08/27/2026 - 11/12/2026
Day & Time: THURSDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:05 PM
Grades: 1st to 5th
Classroom: C104
Excluded Date: No School - Oct 15, Conference Week - Oct 29
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $280.00
Regular Price: $300.00
Thursday - Aug 27 | Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 22 | Nov 5, 12
10 sessions x 60 mins
Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! Offered to all levels (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) this program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, cultivate champion psychology, stay focused, and make new friends.
Each lesson consists of interactive instructions, analysis, and tournament games during which students play against each other. Lessons are fun and easy to follow, and include individual instructions to practice at home. Kids are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons (boards, pieces, clocks, demonstration tools).
Math Tycoon: Theme Park
Dates: 08/27/2026 - 11/12/2026
Day & Time: THURSDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:35 PM
Grades: 1st to 5th
Classroom: C101
Excluded Date: No School - Oct 15, Conference Week - Oct 29
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $390.00
Regular Price: $410.00
Thursday - Aug 27 | Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 22 | Nov 5, 12
10 sessions x 90 minutes
Build a new theme park every class—water parks, space parks, safari adventures. Students are park designers and business owners: every math problem solved invites customers, builds rides, and grows the park. Behind the play is real grade-level math, Common Core-aligned and adjusted to each student's skill level, and after every class families get a recap of completed and challenging problems.
Example Classes this Session:
* Water Park: Manage water rides and the hydration station, solving problems fast to keep customers happy—the mini game is splashing ducks with addition equations.
* Pirate Park: Build ship rides and run pirate snack stands, using math to construct parts and track progress—learning how small steps build toward a larger goal.
* Space Park: Launch the park into space—math turns strategic; the mini game is constellation-drawing geometry.
* Real grade-level math: addition and subtraction, place value, measurement, early data, multiplication and division, and fractions.
* Math as a tool for making decisions—practice with purpose.
* Grades K–3; no experience needed. Students can take this class more than once—the parks change every session.
Lando is a WASC-accredited program with awards including STEM.org Best in STEM, Academics' Choice, and Parents' Picks.
Ted Talks - Learn Powerful secrets of Speaking & Presenting
Dates: 08/27/2026 - 11/12/2026
Day & Time: THURSDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:05 PM
Grades: 3rd to 5th
Classroom: C102
Excluded Date: No School - Oct 15, Conference Week - Oct 29
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $320.00
Regular Price: $340.00
Thursday - Aug 27 | Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 22 | Nov 5, 12
10 sessions x 60 minutes
This engaging fall program helps students find their voice and become confident, thoughtful communicators. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, students will strengthen their speaking and listening skills while learning how to share ideas clearly and confidently.
Students will explore:
• Creative writing to develop ideas and organize thoughts
• Confidence-building activities that reduce stage fright and encourage self-expression
• Introductory debate to practice respectful discussion, reasoning, and persuasion
• Structured presentations that teach students how to speak clearly in front of an audience
Throughout the session, students will learn how to organize their ideas, support opinions with reasons, and communicate effectively with peers and adults. The class also introduces students to creating simple visual aids—such as posters, charts, or slides—to enhance presentations, culminating in a final presentation during the last class.
By the end of the program, students will gain:
• Increased confidence speaking in front of others
• Stronger critical thinking and reasoning skills
• Improved listening, articulation, and organization
• Greater readiness for classroom presentations, group work, and leadership opportunities
This class provides a supportive, encouraging environment where every student’s voice matters—helping young speakers grow into confident communicators both in and out of the classroom.
FRIDAY Classes
Creative Computing with Micro:bit
Dates: 08/28/2026 - 11/13/2026
Day & Time: FRIDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:35 PM
Grades: 3rd to 5th
Classroom: C201
Excluded Date: No School - Oct 16, Conference Week - Oct 30
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $425.00
Regular Price: $445.00
Friday - Aug 28 | Sep 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 23 | Nov 6, 13
10 sessions x 90 mins
Turning Code into Real-World Creations
Calling all young innovators, coders, and future engineers!
Bring code to life with the Micro:bit—a pocket-sized programmable computer packed with LEDs, buttons, sensors, and endless possibilities! In this hands-on, project-based course, students learn coding, electronics, and engineering by building interactive games, smart devices, alarms, wearables, and more.
No prior coding experience is needed. Each class combines guided lessons with plenty of time to build, test, customize, and take home new skills.
Our Adventure Map
* Meet the Micro:bit – LED animations and scrolling messages
* Buttons & Interactivity – User input and event-driven programming
* Game Design – Create fun interactive games
* Sound & Music – Build alarms, sound effects, and musical projects
* Smart Sensors – Explore light and temperature sensing
* Motion Technology – Create step counters and motion-controlled projects
* Smart Electronics – Program LEDs, motors, and buzzers to create exciting electronic inventions.
* Smart Device Challenge – Combine coding, sensors, and electronics to build a fully functional invention
At TinkerOn, we believe children learn best by building, experimenting, and creating. Our project-based approach develops computational thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence while inspiring the next generation of coders, engineers, and inventors.
STEM Odyssey by Mad Science
Dates: 08/28/2026 - 11/13/2026
Day & Time: FRIDAY, 02:05 PM - 03:05 PM
Grades: K to 3rd
Classroom: D203
Excluded Date: No School - Oct 16, Conference Week - Oct 30
Early Bird End Date: 08/21/2026
Early Bird Price: $390.00
Regular Price: $410.00
Friday - Aug 28 | Sep 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 23 | Nov 6, 13
10 sessions x 60 minutes
NEW VENDOR / CLASS!
Discover the excitement of STEM through fun, hands-on experiments! Young scientists will explore fascinating topics such as heat, light, sound, magnets, electricity, nutrition, and optics while learning how science shapes the world around them. Each week features exciting activities that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire a love of science.
Price includes materials fee; all required supplies are provided.
OTHERS
Please select the buttons below, if you need more information. If you still need more help, contact DPIE on info@dpie.org.
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Testimonials
We love all the classes that you offered. Thank you for continuing to provide great resources for the after-school program.
I would like you to add more new classes at DPIE. We like the Money Matter class and right now our kids are enjoying the class. Good to add a class with financials like that, then at least they can learn some basic.
Appreciate DPIE and all of the awesome classes you bring to the community!
We are grateful that these diverse classes are offered at DUSD and always changing/improving. Thank you!!
Over everything else, the quality of the classes and my son’s enjoyment are the most important things to me. I also really appreciate the convenience, and the diversity of classes offered. Thank you, DPIE!
