Lower School After School Programs

In addition to after school care, STE offers a number of programs after school for its lower school students. Parents may choose to sign up their students to participate in any or all of these programs at an additional cost (in some cases).

Highland Dance

Students interested in competing in Highland dance may participate in classes which are offered after school. Classes are available for beginner (K-1st), intermediate (2nd-3rd), and advanced (4th and up) levels. The beginner class meets on Thursdays and the intermediate class meets on Thursdays.

The advanced class, designed for experienced dancers who wish to compete and perform outside of school, meets on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. Competitive dancers typically compete at highland games in Salado, Houston, and Arlington. Our dancers also perform for the annual Burns Dinner, Dickens on the Strand, and for various elementary school and church groups in the Houston area.

iKids

This optional program allows students to learn computer skills with exciting theme-based projects. The curriculum moves from basic to advanced, and addresses keyboarding, word processing, desktop publishing, digital media and more. Two types of classes are offered: Little iKids computer and LEGO robotics. Classes are split by grade levels K-2nd and 3rd-5th.

Visit www.ikidsinc.com for more information.

Mad Science

In this optional program students participate in fun science enrichment classes after school. One session is offered in the fall and two are offered in the spring. Each session features a variety of hands-on activities. A small sample of the themes includes: Mission: Nutrition, Detective Science, Life in the Sea, Junior Reactors, and much more. Students from grades K-Bridge through 5th may participate.

Visit http://www.madscience.com/locations/houston/SchoolAgeClasses.aspx?sm=12810 for a full list of the classes offered.

Choir

"B" Choir

This after school program is for 3rd graders meets on Thursdays after school from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. The class size is limited to approximately 30 students. Participants must pass a brief audition, be well-behaved, and attend the weekly rehearsals. 

School performances include: Christmas Concert (December), Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (January), and Four Choirs Concert (April). In addition, the choir periodically performs community service concerts (e.g., Policemen's Luncheon, the church's Epiphany celebration, and at a local retirement home).

"A" Choir

This choir, which is part of the school's curriculum, is for 4th and 5th grade students. In addition to the class, which is a graded elective, participants rehearse on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. The class size is limited to approximately 30 students. "A" choir members may be automatically accepted upon reaching the 4th grade. Auditions for 4th or 5th grade students wishing to enroll in choir are held in late May or early September to fill any vacant positions.

School performances include: Grandparents' Day (November), Christmas Concert (December), Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (January), and Four Choirs Concert (April). In addition, the choir periodically performs community service concerts (e.g., Policemen's Luncheon, the church's Epiphany celebration, St. Thomas' church anniversary, and at a local retirement home).

String Instruments

Beginner Violin/Cello

STE offers instruction (using a modified Suzuki approach and pedagogy) in beginner violin and cello for 1st - 3rd grade students who have never played before. Parents attend class with their students to take notes and help with practice at home.

Classes meet on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. Classes are tuition-free, but participants are charged a nominal materials fee. 

Beginners have their first performance by joining other orchestra students in the Spring Concert.

Lower School Strings

STE offers violin and cello instruction for 1st to 3rd grade students with previous experience either at STE or elsewhere. New students audition to determine their level of playing. Study continues with Suzuki literature, traditional songs, and beginning work on reading skills.

Classes meet on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Classes are tuition-free, but participants are charged a nominal materials fee.

These students perform in the December Christmas concerts and the Spring Orchestra concert in April.

Junior String Ensemble

The Junior String Ensemble is for 4th-6th grade string students with prior training (Suzuki Volumes I, C, D, G, and A scales and arpeggios), good posture foundation, and music reading experience. Student have their first experience playing in an orchestra and following a conductor, work at playing parts in sections, and hone music reading and ensemble skills. 

Classes meet on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Classes are tuition-free, but participants are charged a nominal materials fee.

In addition to the annual Christmas and Spring Orchestra concerts, these students participate in Chapel and community service performances throughout the year.

Private Music Instruction

STE has engaged a fine group of music teachers to provide private lessons in piano, voice, organ, violin, viola, cello and flute after school.

Sports Teams

STE offers its lower school students the opportunity to participate in Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA) teams in the fall and in the spring. Teams, which are available for Under-8 through Under-12 age groups, practice after school two days a week and play their games (against other HYSA teams) on Saturdays. Teams must have a minimum of 10 players and a maximum of 12 players.

Students in the fifth grade are eligible to participate on the following sports teams in addition to Youth Soccer: cross country, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track & field.