We are pleased to continue offering a wide range of fun and educational enrichment classes in our after school enrichment program. All of the courses are taught by talented and experienced instructors. Each course is designed to help students explore new and different experiences to become their best self. We are confident that you will find an enrichment class that is of interest to your child.
Please note the following:
- The enrichment classes listed in this catalog are for students in Preschool 3 through 8th grade. Preschool 2 students have set enrichment classes built into their aftercare as mentioned in Kevin Lee’s message to P2 families.
- Registration will be online and begins on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. PDT.
- Most classes begin the week of Tuesday, September 6, 2022 unless stated in the description.
- The majority of our enrichment classes will be held in person. Those that are being conducted virtually via Zoom are noted in the catalog below with a green [virtual class] tag. For virtual classes, we will be sending invitations and Zoom information to the email address you use for UltraCamp.
- In the event that a class meeting is canceled, classes will be made up after the last official class. If a makeup class cannot be offered, a prorated refund will be issued.
HOW TO REGISTER
- Please look through the course descriptions below and related details carefully.
- Online registration begins on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 7:00 a.m.
- Registration will be assigned based upon the online registration time.
Please register at UltraCamp as soon as possible. Most classes require a minimum of eight students for a class to be held. In the past, some classes had to be canceled due to insufficient enrollment resulting from a lack of timely registration. Also, please be aware that many of our more popular classes fill up quickly.
EXTENDED DAY AND ENRICHMENT CLASSES
- Students registered for in-person enrichment classes may stay in aftercare free of charge until the start of class. At the conclusion of class, students not registered for monthly aftercare will be sent to the front desk for pick up.
- Students registered for monthly aftercare may attend virtual classes on campus, all other students must attend virtual classes off campus.
CLASS CONFIRMATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
If you are able to register for an enrichment class, your registration is confirmed. If you are placed on a waiting list, you will be notified if your child is admitted to the enrichment class.
REFUND POLICIES
- There will be no refunds or changes once you have registered for an enrichment class.
- Low enrollment cancellations will be refunded.
Classes will not be held on the following dates:
- September 5 (M): Labor Day
- October 6 – 7 (Th – F): In-Service Days [Mini Camp available]
- October 10 (M): Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- October 24 (M): In-Service Day [Mini Camp available]
- November 4 (F): P/T Conference [Mini Camp available]
- November 11 (F): P/T Conference [Mini Camp available]
- November 18 (F): Early Dismissal
- November 21 – 25 (M – F): Thanksgiving Break
- December 19 – 30: Winter Break
We look forward to seeing your students and having them share in the fun during this exciting after school season!
Kevin Lee
Auxiliary Program Director
415-865-6010
k_lee@cais.org
Course Areas
Download Grid Views of the Daily Enrichment Class Schedule for Each Campus
Performing Arts Classes
APA1. Hip Hop Dance Class
If your child likes to listen to Pop music, Hip-Hop dancing is the class for them to create and explore their own dance movements. A large part of Hip-Hop dance is about creativity, improvisation, and letting the music move you. This class is a great way to encourage creativity and expression for children.
Instructor: Orina Lee
APA1-A. Preschool 3 and Preschool 4
Time/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Waller Campus
Class Fee: $455
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
APA1-B. 2nd – 3rd Grade
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Monday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $385
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
APA1-C. 4th – 5th Grade
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Wednesday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $490
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
APA1-D. K – 1st Grade
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Friday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $350
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
APA2. 6th Grade Chinese Music Ensemble [virtual class]
For students with one year of experience playing Chinese instruments and who are taking at least one private lesson a week. Admission with prior approval from Zhao Laoshi is required. Please contact Zhao Laoshi prior to registration at folkmelody@gmail.com [All lessons conducted in Chinese]
Instructor: Gangqin Zhao and music instructors from Melody of China
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m./ Tuesday
Class Fee: $530
Location: Online via Zoom
Grades: 6th Grade, Min. 3 / Max. 6 participants
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
APA3. 4th Grade Chinese Music Ensemble [virtual class]
For students who have played in the CAIS Chinese music ensemble and are continuing with private lessons. Admission with prior approval from Zhao Laoshi is required. Please contact Zhao Laoshi prior to registration at folkmelody@gmail.com [All lessons conducted in Chinese]
Instructor: Gangqin Zhao and music instructors from Melody of China
Time/Days: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. / Tuesday
Class Fee: $530
Location: Online via Zoom
Grades: 4th Grade, Min. 3 / Max. 6 participants
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
APA4. 7th – 8th Grade Chinese Music Ensemble [virtual class]
For students who have played in the CAIS Chinese music ensemble and are continuing with private lessons. Admission with prior approval from Zhao Laoshi is required. Please contact Zhao Laoshi prior to registration at folkmelody@gmail.com [All lessons conducted in Chinese]
Instructor: Gangqin Zhao and music instructors from Melody of China
Time/Days: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. / Friday
Class Fee: $380
Location: Online via Zoom
Grades: 7th – 8th Grade, Min. 3 / Max. 6 participants
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
Creative Arts
ACA1. Creative Caterpillars: Art/Mixed Media
Unlock the power of creativity with Dragonfly Designs’ Creative Caterpillars Art Class! Students will explore a variety of art mediums such as clay, paint, paper, felting, dye and more. Students will develop fine motor skills while exploring the limitless possibilities of their own creative spirits.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. / Monday
Class Fee: $440
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
ACA2. ART/MIXED MEDIA: Under the Sea / Treasure Hunt
AARGH! Little ones come aboard and create projects that will help them explore the Seven Seas! We will be creating a ship that actually floats, a map that will be painted and drawn to show the location of buried treasure, as well as some small seafarers to take on your travels! There will also be opportunities to paint, weave, and trace to create new seaworthy art projects each day; including a friendly turtle, a coral forest and fish puppets.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. / Tuesday
Class Fee: $560
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: Preschool 3 and Preschool 4
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
ACA3. Clay Exploration
Your child will be in the dough in this class! Learn all kinds of fun ways to create and learn about texture, sculpting on the surface of your clay. Make interesting forms and turn them into a variety of objects like small dishes, painted wall hangings, clay fruit and more!!
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. / Wednesday
Class Fee: $560
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
ACA4. Fall Fling! Drawing/Watercolor Painting
It’s Fall, ya’ll! We believe inspiration can be found anywhere, especially in the bounty of nature! We invite our artists to get inspiration from the magical autumn season as we create mosaic and abstract leaves, paint watercolor pumpkins and draw 3D squirrels. Students will learn the techniques and brushwork needed when working with watercolor and will even learn a few tricks on how to create the illusion of form.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. / Thursday
Class Fee: $520
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
ACA5. Introduction to Jewelry Making
Dare to dazzle with handmade jewelry pieces! Daring Dazzlers is a jewelry-making class for beginners that encourages children to explore their creativity through an introduction to interesting colors, textures, and age-appropriate jewelry-making techniques. Our classes are designed not only to entertain, but to improve hand-eye coordination, small muscle development, and pattern-making skills. Boys and girls can learn the basics of beading, finger knitting and so much more! Our highly trained and fun instructors create a relaxed, encouraging environment all children will love.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. / Friday
Class Fee: $400
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
ACA6. Jewelry Beading Basics
In this beginner beading class, get to know the tools of the trade, and all the techniques you need to know to start creating unique, dazzling beaded jewelry from scratch. Once you learn the basics, we’ll have fun creating necklaces, bracelets, anklets and more!
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Monday
Class Fee: $440
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: K – 2nd Grade. Min. 10 Students
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
ACA7. The Art of Painting
In the Art of Painting class kids will explore the process and techniques of painting using watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paints to unleash their creative imaginations. Students will experiment with color, learning how to blend the perfect shades of gray to create unique one-of-kind colors designed only for their canvas. We believe that art is for everyone and there is value and enrichment in a diverse creative experience. The Art of Painting class follows the fine art process while incorporating famous artist techniques to open-ended artful play and guided crafting sessions. Each week we will Introduce new themes building off our artist foundation, while exploring architecture, animals to space and portraiture during the course. The Art of painting will leave kids with an enriching creative experience.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Monday
Class Fee: $420 + $65 materials
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 1st – 3rd Grade
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
ACA8. Slay the Clay
Even older kids like to get their hands dirty! In this class they will be able to do just that while they learn to roll, blend color, and sculpt more advanced clay projects that may include some of the cutest polymer clay jewelry ever, fantastic wind chimes, and truly unique wall hangings. No doubt that this is tons more fun than that other “doh” they used to play with!
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Tuesday
Class Fee: $560
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 3rd – 5th Grade, Min. 10 Students
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
ACA9. Unleash Your Inner POP Artist
Discover your inner POP artist and unleash your full creative expression. In this program we will learn how to tap into our inner artistry and find inspiration from current modern day POP artists, while exploring how color and Pops of color work together to create eye catching masterpieces. Additionally we will incorporate new textures and mediums to expand and shape our creative perspective through a lens of POP art this term Each week, we will explore the artists’ process to unlock our own creative movement and expression through fun activities and projects. Our Unleash Your Inner POP Artist program is a fun freeform program encouraging kids to explore their creative passion for the arts, through drawing, painting, collaging and sculpture. Kids will walk away with the creative skills to incorporate innovative expression through color, portraiture, and texture.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Wednesday
Class Fee: $535 + $65 materials
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 1st – 3rd Grade
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
ACA10. Textile Science
Transcend into a world of color, texture, and imagination through the science of textiles. In this dynamic program, students will explore fiber arts through hands-on science activities. Here students will experiment with material processes and craftsmanship techniques to create unique usable pieces of art that embody your artist’s expression. We will explore the science of color through plants and flower pressing while transforming blank canvases into beautiful artwork of their own. Students will be introduced to weaving, fiber blending, knitting, sewing and soft sculpture. Learning these skills will enhance students’ focus, dedication and knowledge of color theory and express their individuality through their handmade wearable art.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 4:40 – 5:40 p.m. / Wednesday
Class Fee: $535 + $65 materials
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 3rd – 4th Grade
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
ACA11. ART/MIXED MEDIA: Honey, I Shrunk My Art/Magical Garden
Discover a tiny world where grass is as big as trees, pebbles are the size of boulders, and flowers make a great umbrella! Students will make a teeny tiny house with teeny tiny furniture and then decorate their little house with wall art and a little gnome to guard it! Next, it’s time to transform colorful buttons, pipe cleaners, sequins, beads, sparkly gems, glue and paper into cute bugs, pretty flowers, and cuddly animals to complete their springtime garden experience!
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Wednesday
Class Fee: $560
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: K – 2nd Grade, Min. 10 Students
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
ACA12. Sensory Art Explorers
Sensory art uniquely blends the art of science together. This dynamic class provides kids with a variety of sensory play art making activities for kids to develop their exploration for art through material process and investigative skills. By introducing unusual tools and techniques, children will find new ways of expressing their artistic emotions and ideas through hands-on activities. Each new project will unleash their 5 senses, drawing from our different sensories to create truly unique masterpieces. Young artists will be inspired to draw outside the lines while developing a newfound confidence like never before. This class is great for all artists to be pushed outside of the box, but also for beginners who may not be drawn to traditional art.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Thursday
Class Fee: $455 + $65 materials
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: Kindergarten
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
ACA13. Play with Clay
Your child will be in the dough in this class! Learn all kinds of fun ways to create texture on the surface of your clay, make interesting forms, and turn them into a variety of objects like small dishes and a wall hanging.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Thursday
Class Fee: $520
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: K – 3rd Grade, Min. 10 Students
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
ACA14. POP Art
Students will dive into the fun world of Pop Art with Ms. Taylor and Ms. Colli. We will learn how to see the world outside of the box and explore colors, textures and the point of views of amazing Pop Artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Corita Kent, Yayioi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Jean-Michel Basquiat and his collaboration with Andy Warhol, and our very own instructor—Pacolli!
Projects: We will learn about the movement and recreate artworks made by these artists such as: flower power collage, stencil art, mixed media projects; how to mix their styles and create your own; how to get your art everywhere; make a zine; promote your art in tshirts, buttons, tote bags and more!
Instructor: Patricia Colli & Issy Taylor, CAIS Art Teacher
Times/Days: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. / Friday
Class Fee: $400
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 2nd – 4th Grade
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
ACA15. Textiles & Fibers Art
Jump into the exciting world of fashion and fiber arts! This class will introduce budding designers to the basics of textile and fiber art techniques. They’ll learn how to change the surface of fabrics through processes like Shibori, Batik and tie dying, stamping and fabric painting. Then, it’s fiber arts time as we explore wool felting, weaving, and macramé. Students will learn to design, plan and execute their ideas from an abstract idea into a tangible product.
Instructor: Dragonfly Designs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Friday
Class Fee: $400
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 3rd – 5th Grade, Min. 10 Students
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
ACA16. Rockin’ Resin Play Studio
Rockin’ Resin Play studio is a fun hands-on class for kids to create, make and explore the art of playing with Resin and other fun tactile mediums. During our program course kids will create fun items like bookmarks, coasters, jewelry and paintings. We will explore different techniques each week like: Color mixing, Mold making, and Terrazzo pouring. This is a fun studio class for kids to unleash their creativity.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / FridayLocation: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $400 + $65 materials
Grades: 5th – 8th Grade
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
Math and Science
AMS1. STEM LEGO [Waller]
STEM LEGO class gets your kids talking about science, technology, engineering and math. It is not too early for young kids to learn about STEM! The class encourages kids to work with a classmate to build LEGO model builds ranging from space to modern day inventions.
Instructor: STEMful SF
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:10 p.m. / Tuesday
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Class Fee: $390
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AMS2. Legarza STEAM: Toyology
Legarza Toyology – In these exciting hands-on classes students will build, decorate, experiment with, and take home their own science toy at the end of every class. We will construct a variety of toys to discover and demonstrate major scientific and engineering concepts such as magnetism, electrical circuits, light, gravity, energy, motion, friction, and simple machines. Projects are different every session and fall project highlights will include: Buzzing Bumble Bee Kazoo, Tube Rocket, Magnetic Gaussian Roller Coaster, Roll Along Conductivity Robot, and lots more!
AMS2-A. Preschool 3 and Preschool 4
Instructor: Legarza
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Wednesday
Location: Waller Campus
Class Fee: $400
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9.
AMS2-B. Kindergarten
Instructor: Legarza
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Tuesday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $400
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8.
AMS2-C. 1st – 2nd
Instructor: Legarza
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $400
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17.
AMS3. Science Experiments [Waller]
Have you ever wondered why volcanoes erupt or how snowflakes form? Become a Genius Geologist with Moonshot Labs to explore our world’s wacky weather! Let’s create twisty tornadoes, make shivering snowstorms, and mimic epic earthquakes to discover our planet’s extreme weather.
Company
Moonshot Labs: Science Experiments introduces students to the fundamental sciences via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through hands-on experiments, students develop a scientific mindset and build creative thinking and problem solving skills to tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Our curriculum is jointly developed by sassy scientists, eclectic engineers, radical researchers, and eccentric educators from Harvard, Caltech, the United Nations, Tesla, and more. Come join us this sciencey semester!
Samples of Moonshot Labs class projects click link here
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Steph at moonshot.science@gmail.com
Instructor: Rosa Haro, Moonshot Labs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Friday
Location: Waller Campus
Grades: P3 – P4
Class Fee: $470
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
AMS4. Science Experiments: Kindergarten
Have you ever wondered why volcanoes erupt or how snowflakes form? Become a Genius Geologist with Moonshot Labs to explore our world’s wacky weather! Let’s create twisty tornadoes, make shivering snowstorms, and mimic epic earthquakes to discover our planet’s extreme weather.
Company
Moonshot Labs: Science Experiments introduces students to the fundamental sciences via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through hands-on experiments, students develop a scientific mindset and build creative thinking and problem solving skills to tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Our curriculum is jointly developed by sassy scientists, eclectic engineers, radical researchers, and eccentric educators from Harvard, Caltech, the United Nations, Tesla, and more. Come join us this sciencey semester!
Samples of Moonshot Labs class projects click link here
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Steph at moonshot.science@gmail.com
Instructor: Moonshot Labs
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $610
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AMS5. Science Experiments: 1st – 3rd Grade
Have you ever dreamed of living on another planet? What about launching a rocket into space? Join us as Adventurous Astronauts with Moonshot Labs to explore our solar system. Our journey will take us to build roaring rockets, create glitter galaxies, and design telescope tunnels to discover our universe and beyond!
Company
Moonshot Labs: Science Experiments introduces students to the fundamental sciences via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through hands-on experiments, students develop a scientific mindset and build creative thinking and problem solving skills to tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Our curriculum is jointly developed by sassy scientists, eclectic engineers, radical researchers, and eccentric educators from Harvard, Caltech, the United Nations, Tesla, and more. Come join us this sciencey semester!
Samples of Moonshot Labs class projects click link here
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Steph at moonshot.science@gmail.com
AMS5-A. Thursday
Instructor: Moonshot Labs
Times/Days: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $610
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AMS5-B. Friday
Instructor: Moonshot Labs
Times/Days: 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. / Friday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $470
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
AMS6. STEM LEGO®
STEMful uses LEGO® bricks to teach concepts of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) through a play-based model of learning. Kids construct a unique model each-week using project instructions and LEGO® kits provided by STEMful. All models are interactive and classes are thematically linked to deepen and support a child’s understanding and vocabulary for STEM concepts. Themes include outer space, world architecture, interesting inventions, amazing animals, and more. From concept to completion, kids will work with partners to complete the builds. Free-play time rounds out the class giving our students an opportunity to develop their creativity.
AMS6-A. K – 1st Grade
Instructor: STEMful SF
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Wednesday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $420 Min. 10 / Max. 14 students
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
AMS6-B. 2nd – 3rd Grade
Instructor: STEMful SF
Times/Days: 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. / Wednesday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $420 Min. 10 / Max. 14 students
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
AMS7. Adventure in STEM with LEGO® Materials
Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build engineer-designed projects and use special pieces to create your own unique designs! Projects are rotated seasonally to ensure that both new and returning students can explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO® building system.
AMS7-A. Kindergarten
Instructor: Play-Well
Times/Days: 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. / Monday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $330
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
AMS7-B. 1st – 4th Grade
Instructor: Play-Well
Times/Days: 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $390
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AMS8. SpyKids STEM
SpyKids STEM uses the fun of spying to teach science, math, and geography. Emphasizing teamwork and creativity, SpyKids is popular with both girls and boys. Fall semester, Cadets learn Walkie-Talkies, Morse code, Semaphores and compasses, then use their skills for team navigation hunts. Along the way, kids learn fundamentals of magnetism and waves through craft models and skits. (Topics are similar but class content differs for different grade-level classes)
SpyKids ensures a FUN ending to the school day!
AMS8-A: 1st – 2nd
Instructor: Jenna Nuevo, Adventurous
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Monday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $495
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
AMS8-B: 3rd – 4th
Instructor: Jenna Nuevo, Adventurous
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Wednesday
Location: Oak Campus
Class Fee: $630
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
AMS9. Little Forensic Mystery Science Makers
Every case starts with clues, but you need the scientific tools to untangle the ever evolving mysteries. Are you a curious creative mind? Join the Super Duper Squiggle Wiggle Mystery Squad as we unlock daily clues to solve the mystery at 150 Oak Street. Let’s utilize our Detective skills to become forensic scientists tapping into biology, physics, and chemistry. Over the course of the program, we will collect clues, decrypt codes, and develop tools to solve mysteries and navigate through case files.
Projects include: dusting for fingerprints, analyzing evidence, reading secret messages out of invisible ink, and crafting unique one-of-kind detective spy tools.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Tuesday
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 1st – 3rd Grade
Class Fee: $560 + $65 materials
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AMS10. Sensory Chemistry Makers
Put on your safety goggles. Join our Sensory Chemistry Makers for some messy experiments in our Makerz Lab. Let’s explore the intersection of making, mixing and the molecular bonds that establish the foundation for making everyday products like toothpaste or sunblock. So if you like playing and tactile sensory learning, then this class is made for you. We will navigate fun experiments through the lens of our 5 senses. Science and Art Projects include running experiments to create scents, non-newtonian fluids, explore natural colors and experiment with the process of making 6 types of slime. We let our student’s imaginations fly through the exploration of their world of sensory input and perceptions.
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 4:40 – 5:40 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 3rd – 4th Grade
Class Fee: $520 + $65 materials
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AMS11. Dual Mode Teaching Math Olympiad 中文奥数双师课堂 [Chinese class]
Math Olympiad is a classroom that can increase students’ interest in learning mathematics, develop problem solving math skills, and stimulate creative interest in mathematics. The teacher from Beijing, China will introduce important mathematical concepts relevant to each grade level. The teacher will also introduce problem-solving strategies while guiding students to develop the ability to use mathematics flexibly in solving problems. Math Olympiad also promotes mathematics creativity and innovation, while providing students with gratification, happiness, and stimulation when responding to challenges.
About Dual Mode Teaching: this innovative teaching method will provide both online and classroom-based instructions in the class. While students will have direct and interactive learning experience with the professional Math Olympiad teacher from Beijing, the in-class bilingual teaching assistant will be able to identify each student’s needs and questions. The TA will provide individual support on solving math problems so students will get a deeper and solid understanding of the concepts. During the class, the TA will also provide a practice sheet to students to complete in the class. This new dual mode teaching classroom will definitely enhance and ensure students’ learning experience.
The International Mathematical Olympiad is a mathematical Olympiad for pre-college students, and is the oldest of the International Science Olympiads. The first IMO was held in Romania in 1959. It has since been held annually, except in 1980. More than 100 countries, representing over 90% of the world’s population, send teams of up to six students, plus one team leader, one deputy leader, and observers.
AMS11-A. K – 2nd Grade
Instructor: IRC
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m / Tuesday
Class Fee: $540
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13. [no class: 10/4]
AMS11-B. 3rd – 5th Grade
Instructor: IRC
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Thursday
Class Fee: $540
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AMS12. Intermediate MATHCOUNTS
The MATHCOUNTS after school enrichment class is celebrating its 26th year at CAIS. MATHCOUNTS is a middle school math competition program focusing on learning advanced math. This year’s program culminates in a city-wide Golden Gate Chapter competition (date TBD, most likely Feb 2023).
MATHCOUNTS competition is open to all middle school students and is not grade specific. Students work on probability, number theory, plane and solid geometry, algebra, and proportional reasoning (fractions), among other subjects. Students will be doing a mixture of the following activities in our weekly meetings: practice problems provided by the competition organizer, practice Problem of the Week from MATHCOUNTS website, review concepts related to practice problems, and go over strategies for problem solving. Homework will be assigned weekly. And lastly, please consider purchasing a scientific calculator for your child. It doesn’t have to be fancy: Casio FX-300MS (<$10) or Casio fx-115ES (<$20) from Amazon will both work well. Part of the competition allows calculators.
The Intermediate class will focus on the fundamentals of main topics such as algebra, geometry, and probabilities. This class will be open to 6th and 7th grade students.
Instructor: Rong Pan
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Monday
Location: Turk Campus
Grades: 6th – 7th Grade
Class Fee: $350
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5.
AMS13. Advanced MATHCOUNTS
The MATHCOUNTS after school enrichment class is celebrating its 26th year at CAIS. MATHCOUNTS is a middle school math competition program focusing on learning advanced math. This year’s program culminates in a city-wide Golden Gate Chapter competition (date TBD, most likely February 2023).
MATHCOUNTS competition is open to all middle school students and is not grade specific. Students work on probability, number theory, plane and solid geometry, algebra, and proportional reasoning (fractions), among other subjects. Students will be doing a mixture of the following activities in our weekly meetings: practice problems provided by the competition organizer, practice Problem of the Week from MATHCOUNTS website, review concepts related to practice problems, and go over strategies for problem solving. Homework will be assigned weekly. And lastly, please consider purchasing a scientific calculator for your child. It doesn’t have to be fancy: Casio FX-300MS (<$10) or Casio fx-115ES (<$20) from Amazon will both work well. Part of the competition allows calculators.
The Advanced class will continue to build on what students have learned from last year and practice more challenging problems. This class will be open to previous seventh grade students as well as eighth grade students. First time students please contact the instructor before signing up for the Advanced class. Advanced class students should also be available for the competition in February 2023.
Please also note that since this class is designed to prepare students for the competition, students should be willing to work hard and stay focused for the duration of the class. Students are also expected to complete homework outside of class.
Instructor: Rong Pan
Time/Days: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Thursday
Location: Turk Campus
Grades: 7th – 8th Grade
Class Fee: $420
Dates: (12 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15. [no class 9/22]
Creative Writing
ACW1. Shuchi’s Comic and Basic Animation Workshops
Explore the world of your favorite animated character as you go on an adventure with them in your fantasy world through storyboards and narratives. Design and discover their universe, take us on a unique and fun-filled journey through comics, flipbooks, zoetropes and basic animation skills. Make your first mini comic series, your gag cartoon strips, Animated GIFs and much more!
Comic and basic animation classes focus on engaging each students’ creativity individually but also emphasizing activities that are done collaboratively as a class. Each session will be an hour long. The session will open up with a 5-10 minute ice-breaker activity, where students are required to draw still forms from their surroundings with dialogues or character expressions. This allows the class to know how their fellow students are doing and how to be supportive towards their peer group. This activity also sets pace for the main topic of the session, which lasts for 20-30 minutes.The main themes range from understanding and drawing basic comic elements like character design and development, learning character facial expressions and gestures to the use of emanata lines, sound effects, dialogues and thought bubbles, to creating self-made flip books, learning the basics of animation, to web publishing formats for comics online (The themes are appropriated to class age and size). The last 5-10 minutes of the class are for questions that students may have or an overall class critique on the work done by the students. The critiquing is always constructive and geared to make the students realize their own potential as artists and storytellers.
I encourage students to use a positive tone in their comics as I or the educator help them with their dialogues in the lesson. The class emphasizes on every story being told, heard and respected. Students learn to appreciate and inspire each other through their diverse art styles and storytelling techniques.
Instructor: Joshua Alas
ACW1–A. Kindergarten
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Wednesday
Class Fee: $560+$50 materials fee
Location: Oak Campus
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
ACW1–B. 1st – 2nd Grade
Times/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Tuesday
Class Fee: $560+$50 materials fee
Location: Oak Campus
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
ACW1–C. 3rd – 5th Grade
Times/Days: 4:40 – 5:40 p.m. / Tuesday
Class Fee: $560+$50 materials fee
Location: Oak Campus
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
ACW1–D. 6th – 8th Grade
Times/Days: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. / Friday
Class Fee: $400 + $50 materials fee
Location: Turk Campus
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
ACW2. COMICS – Storytelling Through Images
Students will learn how to tell a story through images, we will look at Comics as a way to explore their own individuality and self expression through the art of visual storytelling. We’ll learn how to develop a character, how to create backgrounds, how to use color to create a mood and how to self-publish your own comic book exploring different formats and techniques.
We’ll also self-publish our own zines throughout the program.
Instructor: Patricia Colli and Issy Taylor, CAIS Art Teacher
Class Fee: $475
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 1st – 4th
Time/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Monday
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
Other Interests
AOI1. Creative Cooking Class
In our 4ft and Up Kitchen cooking class we teach our chefs how to develop a positive relationship with food and food culture through our hands-on cooking classes. Our goal is to inspire chefs of all ages to think outside the box when it comes to their taste buds. Our cooking classes not only teach you how to cook but also where your food comes from, how to prepare it in different and interesting ways, and what nutrients it gives to your body.
AOI1-A. Preschool 3 and Preschool 4
Instructor: Chef Mo
Class Fee: $440
Location: Waller Campus
Time/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Monday
Dates: (11 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12.
AOI1-B. K – 1st
Instructor: Chef Mo
Class Fee: $560
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. / Tuesday
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AOI1-C. 2nd – 5th
Instructor: Chef Mo
Class Fee: $560
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. / Tuesday
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AOI2 – Girls on the Run
Trained coaches will guide a small team of girls to build supportive connections that help them motivate each other to set and achieve big goals, both on and off the track. Each practice consists of a social-emotional skill-building lesson, movement games, and a running workout, all from the nationally-recognized Girls on the Run curriculum. Emotional intelligence is the building block of next-generation leadership, and Girls on the Run develops these critical skills; including confidence, motivation, self-awareness, growth mindset, social connection, and empathy.
Girls on the Run is one of only three programs recognized by the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a top social-emotional-learning (SEL) experience for kids.
Instructors: Girls on the Run
Class Fee: $390
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. / Tuesday
Grades: 3rd – 5th Grade, Min. 6 / Max. 16 participants
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AOI3. Sewing with Ms. Taylor
In this new class with Ms. Taylor, students will have an intro to sewing and learn beginner techniques. These techniques will include hand sewing and using the sewing machine. Students will learn about sewing patterns and then create their own. They will then begin the process of building their own project. These projects can include clothing, pillows, bags or stuffies. In this class students will explore cutting patterns, then cutting fabric, using different types of fabrics and assembling their projects using the sewing techniques they have learned.
Instructor: Issy Taylor, CAIS Art Teacher
Class Fee: $520
Location: Oak Campus
Grades: 2nd – 4th
Time/Days: 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Thursday
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15.
AOI4. Chess Class
Chess is fun and can be learned quickly and easily! Studies have found that chess helps improve test results in reading, science, and math, and produces growth in critical cognitive skills. Beyond academia, chess influences social behavior including self esteem, respect for others, patience, and good sportsmanship. And did we mention: it’s FUN!
AOI4-A. K – 1st
Instructor: Tony Lama, The Berkeley Chess School
Class Fee: $250
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Friday
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
AOI4-B. 2nd – 5th
Instructor: Tony Lama, The Berkeley Chess School
Class Fee: $250
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 4:40-5:40 p.m. / Friday
Dates: (10 classes) Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 2, 9, 16.
AOI5. Dragon & Lion Dance Class
In this course, students will engage in fun activities to help develop their motor skills and build teamwork. Students will be taught the choreography and musical accompaniment of the dance so that they may understand the cultural significance of dragon and lion dancing. This course will foster students’ physical, mental, and creative capacities and further allow them to explore Asian cultural roots. By the end of the course students will learn both the historical traditions of the dance and its evolution to a modern-day sport. Instructor: Calvin Liu, S.F. White Crane
AOI5-A. 3rd – 8th
Class Fee: $490
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:45-4:45 p.m. / Tuesday
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AOI5-B. K – 2nd
Class Fee: $490
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:45-4:45 p.m. / Wednesday
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
AOI6. One-on-One Happy Chinese Private Session [virtual class] [Chinese class]
Happy Chinese is a leading Chinese educational software developer. This is a one-on-one course that meets regularly for 25 minutes. The instructor will engage students through their animated and lively software program (No need for ZOOM). Each student will be matched with an instructor and the course speed and level will be adjusted to match each child’s level of interest and language ability.
At Happy Chinese we strive to:
- Cultivate children’s ability to communicate in Chinese and pay attention to the correctness and appropriateness of Chinese usage.
- Help children master listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and focus on understanding Chinese characters.
- Focus on interaction and practice to create a relaxing and highly efficient learning environment.
- Optimize the teaching material according to the child’s characteristics, Chinese language, and cultural knowledge.
After registration, you will receive a sign up link. Session is available Monday to Friday 3:30-6:00 p.m. Each family will choose their desired schedule within this time frame.
Class Fee:
We will be offering 2 different packages for CAIS families this Fall:
1. Package of 10 classes $345
2. Package of 15 classes $466
Grades: K – 8th Grade
Location: Virtual Session
AOI7. Roblox Game Design [virtual class]
Do you love playing video games? Then game design might be the perfect medium to express your creativity! Learn how to create your own Roblox Games for others to play. In this class, you will use Roblox Studio to create obstacle courses and adventure story games that can be published. In this game design bootcamp course you will learn the principles of game design, coding, and 3D modeling.
Maker Studio Kids instructors are experts in Computer Science and make all of our classes fun and engaging for all ages. By the end you will become an expert at:
- Designing game ideas and bringing them to life.
- Using the Lua programming language to define the rules and mechanics of your games.
- Using 3D modeling tools to create things like spaceships.
Class Requirements:
- Mac or Windows PC Only
- Roblox and Roblox Studio installed
- WebCam
- 3 button mouse with scroll-wheel
Instructor: Maker Studio Kidz
Times/Days: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. / Tuesday
Grades: 3rd – 5th Grade
Class Fee: $535
Location: Online via Zoom
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; Dec. 6, 13.
AOI8. Elementary Speech & Debate
Topics Students Will Learn About: public speaking, oratory, how to make sound arguments, logic and critical thinking, technical writing, “claim, data, warrant, impact,” intro to Lincoln-Douglas debate, spar debate, parliamentary debate, congressional debate, impromptu speaking, the constitution, verbal static, rhetoric, crystallization, how to use analogies in debate, emotive speaking, philosophy, introduction to middle school debate and how to prepare for it, etc.
Tournament Preparation: Classes will also prepare students to compete in speech and debate tournaments. Each semester will have between 2 to 4 tournament opportunities for students. Tournaments are really fun and a great way to accelerate student learning! CAIS students have been very successful at tournaments throughout the history of the CAIS debate program.
Students will also have the opportunity to attend various Elementary-level speech and debate tournament competitions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE BEGINNER CLASS?
This class is for 4th and 5th grade students who want to dip their toes into the exciting world of speech and debate.
GOALS:
- Learn the art of public speaking
- Develop mastery over logic, critical thinking, and reasoning
- Enhance writing skills at an early age
- Fun! Learn these highly transferable skills through fun lessons like practice debates, “Debate Baseball”, “Taboo Verbal Static”, philosophical discussions, “How Loud Can You Get”, “Running for President”, “Tongue Twister Fun Speaking Exercise”, “Storytelling Games”, “Making a Commercial”, and more!
- Have the opportunity to attend online debate tournaments for elementary students. There will be 3 to 4 tournament (online) opportunities for the Spring.
Instructors: Sachin Jain
Class Fee: $1300
Location: Oak Campus
Time/Days: 3:30 – 5:45 p.m. / Monday
Grades: 4th – 5th, Max. 20 participants
Dates: (13 classes) Sep. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12; Jan. 9, 16.
AOI9. Middle School Speech & Debate
Topics Students Will Learn About: public speaking, Lincoln-Douglas debate (in-depth debates on a single topic), parliamentary debate (debate on a topic after only a short amount of preparation time), congressional debate (debate in a chamber format about various pieces of legislation), impromptu speaking (learn how to give a five minute speech on any topic with only two minutes or preparation), oratory, various speech events, argumentation, technical writing, research, evidence gathering, persuasion techniques, constitutional theory (all 27 amendments), logic, political philosophy (e.g. John Locke’s social contract theory), morality (e.g. Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative) and ethics (e.g. Aristotle), theories of justice (e.g. John Rawls’ veil of ignorance theory), current events, democratic theory (e.g. Robert Dahl’s five criteria for a democracy), issue selection in debate, writing succinctly, how to deliver closing arguments, cross-examination strategies, case preparation, blocks preparation, etc.
Classes will focus on preparing students for debate tournament competitions (which are a lot of fun!). A national committee assigns students across the country a topic for Lincoln-Douglas debate. In the Spring, students who choose to compete in lincoln-douglas debate will debate two topics: one for Jan/Feb and one for Mar/Apr/May. The topic for the fall semester was: Resolved: In the United States, colleges and universities ought not consider standardized tests in undergraduate admissions decisions. The topics for the spring semester will be announced by the national committee in December, they include topics like: “States ought to eliminate their nuclear arsenals”; “The United States ought to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels”; “Predictive policing is unjust”; etc.
In-Class Activities, Include: lincoln-douglas debates, congressional debate rounds, SPAR debates, impromptu speaking, case writing, blocks preparation, debate drills practice e.g. verbal static drills, crystallization drills, rebuttal redo drills, philosophical discussions, and occasional games like: “Debate Baseball”, “Presidential Debates”; “Do I Have a Right?”.
Tournament Preparation: Classes will also prepare students to compete in speech and debate tournaments. Each semester will have between 2 to 4 tournament opportunities for students. Tournaments are really fun and a great way to accelerate student learning! CAIS students have been very successful at tournaments throughout the history of the CAIS debate program.
GOALS:
- Learn the art of public speaking
- Develop mastery over logic, critical thinking, and reasoning
- Enhance writing skills at an early age
- Fun! Learn these highly transferable skills through fun lessons like practice debate debates, “Debate Baseball”, “Taboo Verbal Static”, philosophical discussions, “How Loud Can You Get”, “Running for President”, “Tongue Twister Fun Speaking Exercise”, “Storytelling Games”, “Making a Commercial”, and more!
Have the opportunity to attend online debate tournaments for elementary students. There will be 3 to 4 tournament (online) opportunities for the spring.
Instructors: Sachin Jain
Class Fee: $1500
Location: Turk Campus
Time/Days: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Wednesday
Grades: 6th – 8th, Max. 20 participants
Dates: (14 classes) Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14.
VIDEO:
- Check out this video to get an idea of what Athens Debate is all about. https://vimeo.com/443537611
ABOUT ATHENS DEBATE:
The debate program at CAIS is managed through “Athens Debate” – a program led by Sachin Jain. Athens Debate won the California State Championship for debate in 2022! Sachin has 18 years of experience competing and coaching Speech and Debate. His students have achieved great success at the local, state, and national levels. He completed his undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude from UC Berkeley and his Masters of Public Policy from the top ranked policy school in the country, UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Sachin has taught undergraduate students at UC Berkeley, debate at Stanford University, and at various debate academies in the Bay Area. Most notably, Sachin uses his experience in Speech and Debate to find success in the real world. He has worked in political and policy capacities at the United States Senate, White House, San Jose City Council, the Governor of California, President of the UC System, and the Mayor of San Jose. He enjoys teaching students how to make debate come alive for them and be applicable to their future pursuits. Debate changed his life and he hopes to do the same for all of his students. For a full description of the program you can visit athensdebate.com.
APPROACH
Debate has the power to be transformative. With the right approach, debate can become a vehicle that channels natural curiosity towards some of life’s most challenging subjects and vexing questions. This debate program is designed to augment natural student curiosity with curriculum and an educational pedagogy that prioritizes deep learning and content mastery. In placing a premium on the mastery of logic, writing, philosophy, communication, and public policy, students develop the intellectual toolkit to tackle any issue.
TESTIMONIAL:
“…I started with zero knowledge of debate, and with you as my coach I’ve come far. From day one, debate was made to be fun. I still can’t fathom how you made 6th graders enjoy learning about obscure topics like whistleblower protections. There is no team I have been prouder to be on than Athens Debate. The skills you’ve taught me in debate have helped me in so many aspects of my life. I’ve become a better writer and improved my research skills. I even persuaded my parents to get me a phone :)…” – student from last year
RESULTS
The debate program offered by Athens Debate has been tremendously successful. Just this past year, students from the Athens Debate program won the California State Championship and got 2nd Place at Nationals. In Elementary debate, Athens won 1st place at the California State Championships in 2022.
WHY DEBATE?
Debate is a valuable activity for students of all skill levels. Debate teaches useful skills for other academic pursuits and life more generally. Debaters build confidence speaking in public and expressing their ideas eloquently. That comfort speaking in front of others is useful in so many areas of life, from interviews to school presentations to discussions in college seminars. In having to master an issue from both sides, debaters learn to flex their analytical muscles, gain tolerance for competing viewpoints, and understand the intricacies of a world filled with nuance. According to Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education, debate is “uniquely suited” to build skills required of a modern citizen, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These skills help students express their thoughts better in their academic work, in the community, at your dinner table, college, and their future careers. The College Board recently revamped the SAT test to focus more on exactly the sorts of skills debate teaches. As the New York Times explained, students taking the new version of the test must write “a critical response to a specific argument” based on analysis rather than personal experience. Debaters are used to responding to unfamiliar arguments in time-sensitive situations; thinking critically about a written passage on the SAT is not so different from responding to an opponent’s argument in a debate round. Studies have found that debaters outscore non-debaters on every section of the ACT. Studies across the country have found that high school debate improves reading ability, grades, school attendance, self-esteem, and interest in school. For those who commit to speech and debate, it offers a lifetime of benefits. Forbes published an article titled “How to Find the Millennials Who Will Lead Your Company,” suggesting that the leaders of the future are ex-debaters. As that article notes, debate teaches “how to persuade, how to present clearly, and how to connect with an audience,” exactly the skills businesses look for in their young employees. You’ll find ex-debaters in every area of public life, from Bruce Springsteen to Oprah Winfrey to Nelson Mandela. 60% of Congressional representatives participated in debate, as well as at least a third of the Supreme Court. There are ex-debaters excelling in business, law, politics, academia, and many other fields.
Perhaps most important of all, debate is fun! You may have to cajole your son or daughter to go to their test prep class or do their homework, but debate makes learning a game; students build their critical thinking and speaking skills without it ever feeling like work. Debate gives students a rare opportunity to take ownership over their own intellectual development. And throughout the years of practice and competition, debate builds lifelong friendships and community, teaching teamwork as well.
FOR QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions, feel free to email Sachin Jain at sachin@athensdebate.com
Private Instruction Classes
The following instructors have also offered us their time and talent to teach CAIS students and other youth interested in their instruction.
A) Private Music Lessons with Brendan Getzell
Brendan Getzell has taught individual music lessons at CAIS since 2016, on piano, guitar, ukulele, and voice. Growing up, he was a Menhuin Scholar pianist at The Nueva School in Hillsborough, California, and a frequent performer with jazz bands, marching bands, school choirs, and musical theatre productions. He was Musical Director for San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s musical production of As You Like It in 2019. Currently he is the Musical Director of the very popular Kat Robichaud’s Misfit Cabaret concert series, which takes place at the Alcazar Theater in San Francisco, and is also host of the award-winning Hotel Utah Open Mic music series, also in San Francisco. His primary series of piano lesson books is Piano Adventures (Faber), and his primary series of guitar books is the Hal Leonard Guitar Method series. He also appeared on Jeopardy! in 2014. Brendan looks forward to working with your students to expand their musical horizons!
Time/Days: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $55 per 30 minute lesson
Grades: Kindergarten and up
Location: Oak Campus
Please submit this Private Music Lesson Inquiry Form for your lesson preference.
Please note: due to the nature of the scheduling, no cancellations will be allowed after a student is registered. Tuition will be billed monthly to your Ultra Camp account after the first lesson.
B) Chinese Instrument Lessons
For students who are interested in learning Chinese musical instruments, such as Guzheng, Yangqin, Moon Guitar, Pipa, Erhu, and Xiao Ruan, Hulusi and Dizi. All lessons conducted in Chinese.
Instrument rentals are available: $90/3 months, Deposit $300 (Refundable deposit upon safe return of instrument).
Instructor: Gangqin Zhao and music instructors from Melody of China
Time/Days: Monday to Friday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. By Appointment. Please email folkmelody@gmail.com for scheduling
Class Fee: $50 per 30 minute lesson
Age: K – 8th Grade
Please note: due to the nature of the scheduling, no cancellations will be allowed after a student is registered. Tuition will be billed to your Ultra Camp account after the first lesson.