Academics
Lower School | PreK–Gr. 5

After School Programs

Shipley Lower School offers two distinct after school programs: Encore Clubs and Later Gator. 
 
Encore Clubs offer opportunities for learning and discovering new passions beyond the typical school day. A rich array of developmentally-appropriate clubs is offered to students in preschool through Grade 5. 

Later Gator aftercare program provides a safe setting where students can play, do homework, and spend time with friends under the supervision of a caring staff.
Later Gator provides a safe setting where students can play, do homework, and spend time with friends under the supervision of a caring staff. On In-Service and Conference Days, Later Gator will be offered from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Later Gator offers advanced registration or drop-in service, and students can join Later Gator after attending an Encore Club. 

Sample Schedule
3:00-3:15 pm Snack
3:15-4:30 pm Outdoor Play/Gym 
4:30-5:00 pm Homework/Quiet Activities
5:00-5:15 pm Snack
5:15-5:50 pm Arts & Crafts, Games, Puzzles

List of 7 items.

  • Cost

    • Drop-In Service - $13/hr, one-hour minimum
    • Year - $3,600
    • Semester - $1,800
    • Month - $475
    Shipley also offers childcare on Conference and In-Service Days, as well as during Early Dismissal PD Fridays. 
    • Conference Days/In Service Days - $68.25
    • Early Dismissal Half Day Care (Until 3:00 pm) - $15/1 child, $20/2+ children

  • Hours

    All Regular School Days, 3:00 – 5:50 pm

    In-Service & Conference Days , 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

    Early Dismissal PD Fridays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
    (Regular Later Gator Aftercare is available from 3:00 - 5:50 pm)

  • Drop-In Service

    Children may use our drop-in service on any given day. Families are responsible for paying on the same day that they use Later Gator.

  • How to Enroll

    If you wish to enroll your child in Later Gator for the full year, semester or a full month, please fill out the registration form. A completed form is required before your child can attend.

  • Attendance

    Attendance is taken daily at Later Gator between 3:00 and 3:10 pm, verifying changes such as absences and drop-ins. For safety reasons, children must be signed out when they are picked up. If there are any changes in pick-up or attendance, please notify the Lower School office at 610-527-6851.

  • Conduct

    Later Gator and the Encore Clubs are an extension of the Shipley Lower School. Therefore, students are expected to conduct themselves as they would during the regular school day. In addition to rules for safety and following directions, our primary expectation is for the children to treat others the way they want to be treated. Children who cannot follow these rules or who have other disciplinary issues may be restricted from participating in Later Gator and the Encore Clubs.

  • Late Pick-Up Policy

    Once the program ends at 5:50 pm, a 10-minute grace period is allowed, during which time no late fee is applied. After 6:00 pm, late fees apply and should be paid to the attending teacher at the time of pick-up. The charge is $30 for the first fifteen-minute interval (up to 6:15 pm). A $50 charge will be applied for pickups later than 6:15 pm, with no exceptions.
Encore Clubs offer opportunities for learning and discovering new passions beyond the typical school day. A rich array of developmentally appropriate clubs is offered to students in preschool through Grade 5. Clubs meet weekly and are offered Monday-Friday. Students are picked up from classrooms and provided a snack before clubs begin. There are three sessions during the year, fall, winter, and spring.

Time: Clubs run from 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Cost: The registration fee for all clubs is $200 per session. Please see the registration form for specific pricing information. (Cost for clubs meeting fewer than 8 times will be prorated.)

Cancellation Policy: 
  • If a family drops a club after the first day (one week), they will be charged for the one day attended.
  • If a family drops a club after the second session (two weeks), they will be charged for the two days attended, plus a drop fee of $50.
  • If a family drops after the fourth day (four weeks), they will be charged for the full session.

Winter Clubs

List of 6 items.

  • Schedule

    MONDAY
    TUESDAY
    WEDNESAY
    THURSDAY
    FRIDAY
    12/8
    12/9
    12/10
    12/11
    Early Dismissal
    12/15
    12/16
    12/17
    12/18
    Winter Break Begins at Dismissal
    1/5
    1/6
    1/7
    1/8
    1/9
    1/12
    1/13
    1/14
    1/15
    Early Dismissal
    MLK Jr. Day
    1/20
    1/21
    1/22
    1/23
    1/26
    1/27
    1/28
    1/29
    1/30
    2/2
    2/3
    2/4
    2/5
    2/6
    2/9
    2/10
    2/11
    2/12
    2/13
    President’s Day
    In-Service Day
    2/18
    2/19
    2/20
    2/23
    2/24
    Over
    Over
    2/27
    3/2
    Over
    Over
    Over
    3/6
     

  • Mondays

    Crafts and Treats (Grades 2-5): Ms. Marcee
    This fall, our After School Club will be full of creativity and delicious fun! Students will enjoy tasty snacks like cupcakes, cookies, Rice Krispies Treats, and popcorn. Each session will also include a hands-on craft project that your child can proudly take home.

    Read with Me (Grades K-2): Ms. Sklow
    Highlight a different author each week by reading a story and learning about the author. A follow-up with verbal comprehension questions and a writing activity will also be done each week.

    Sculpture Lab (Grades 1-2, MAX 13): Ms. Clinkscales
    Students will explore, discuss, and practice sculpture techniques and styles to create three-dimensional works of art. From paper sculptures to clay creations and more, each project will involve observation, creative problem-solving, and design thinking. Students will also have opportunities to collaborate and learn more about art history and artist references.

    Zumba Kids: Move, Groove & Feel the Beat! (Grades 2-5, MAX 13): Dra. Malavé
    Focus: Fitness, rhythm, and fun through global dance. Get ready to dance, sweat, and smile! In this high-energy Encore Club, students will experience the excitement of Zumba – an upbeat dance fitness program that blends Latin and African rhythms with fun, easy-to-follow moves. Each week, students will move to the beat of lively music, learning routines inspired by salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, and more. The focus is on self-expression, confidence, and joy through movement – no dance experience needed! Zumba class creates a judgement-free zone where every student can let loose, have fun, and discover how great it feels to stay active.
     

  • Tuesdays

    Adventures in STEM using LEGO Materials (Grades K-2) Play-Well TEKnologies
    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.

    Bollywood Dance (Grades K-5) Ms. Walecha
    This club will be a fun and energetic way for students to explore dance while learning about Indian Culture, meditation, and India's geography. 

    Pokemon – Build and Battle (Grades 3-5) Vineyardappcamp
    Welcome to Pokémon: Build & Battle, where the world of Pokémon meets math, literacy, and strategic thinking! This program invites young trainers to explore the art of building powerful Pokémon trading card decks, while developing essential skills in problem-solving, mathematics, literacy, and strategic decision-making. Students will have the chance to battle each other within a fun, competitive, and supportive learning environment. Each day will focus on building different aspects of the game—deck construction, understanding card abilities, math for calculating damage, reading comprehension for card details, and strategy for winning battles. By the end of the program, students will participate in a culminating tournament where they can showcase their skills!
     
    Sculpture Lab (Grades 3-5, MAX 14): Ms. Clinkscales
    Students will explore, discuss, and practice sculpture techniques and styles to create three-dimensional works of art. From plaster sculptures to cardboard creations and more, each project will involve observation, creative problem-solving, and design thinking. Students will also have opportunities to collaborate and learn more about art history and artist references.
     
    Work those Fingers! (Grades K-2): Ms. Leschinsky
    We will create and craft during the cold winter afternoons in the library. Crafts will include Rainbow Loom, Model Magic, Perler Beads, stickers, and lots of other fun ideas. 

  • Wednesdays

    The Clever Connector (Grades 2-5): Ms. Marcee
    This club is designed for students who enjoy putting puzzles together and solving logical and mystery puzzles. Feel free to bring in a puzzle you never got to complete at home. We will glue the puzzles together with Mod Podge once complete. 

    HYGGE HANGOUT (Grades PreK-5): Ms. Grillo and Ms. Raab Snyder
    Hygge (HOO-GAH) is the Danish practice of getting comfy and cozy, especially in the dark winter months. Join Ms. Raab-Synder and Ms. Grillo for nature-based crafts, activities, and winter-themed fun! We will put on the virtual fireplace, make winter crafts, and sip warm cider or cocoa for each club meetup. Some crafts to look forward to are bird feeders, fairy terrariums, finger crocheting, macrame, and much more. Come get cozy with us!
     
    Pequeños Músicos: Spanish Songs & Dance Adventures (Grades PreK-1, MAX 13): Dra. Malavé
    Focus: Spanish language enrichment through music and culture. ¡Pequeños Músicos! invites our youngest learners on a joyful journey through the sounds and rhythms of the Spanish-speaking world! Each week, children will explore the Spanish language through music, instruments, and dance. From lively salsa beats to playful songs and movement games, students will sing, play, and dance their way to a deeper appreciation of Latin culture. Through hands-on activities and repetition in Spanish, children will naturally build vocabulary, rhythm, and confidence, all while having fun with friends!
     
    Rowing Club (Grades 3-5): Coach Gavin-Wisniewski
    Rowing is a sport that brings people together like few other activities. In this Intro to Rowing Encore Club, students will learn the fundamentals of the sport in a fun, engaging, team environment. Our State-of-the-art indoor rowing center on the Upper School Campus provides a safe, indoor rowing facility for students to explore this wonderful sport. Parents and Caregivers must pick up students at the Upper School Campus at our facility adjacent to the parking garage and tennis courts at 4:15 pm. 

    Sewing and Crafts     (Grades 2-5, MAX 14): Ms. Leschinsky
    A typical afternoon in Sewing Club consists of a lot of sewing and a lot of fun! We will learn how to hand sew and then apply what we’ve learned to make fabulous projects.

  • Thursdays

    Knights, Captures, Action! (Grades K-5): Shining Knights Chess
    Whether you are new to the game, learning to push pawns for the first time, or have played in numerous tournaments and want to sharpen your skills, come to a Shining Knights Chess Club! We have trained numerous state champions and national trophy winners. We have trained even more kids to enjoy the game that they can spend hours playing with friends and family. So, whether you want to win games in your living room against parents or win tournaments in other states, come join us and learn how to play chess or play better chess!

    Henna Club (Grades K-5): Ms. Walecha
    Come enjoy the calming process of drawing intricate patterns and discover the beauty of this ancient art form. Whether you are a beginner or simply love art, this class is a fun and hands-on way to express your creativity. 

    STEM FUNdamentals using LEGO® Materials (Grades 1-5): Play-Well TEKnologies
    Level up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects. Projects are rotated seasonally to ensure that even returning students get a new experience, so join us to design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.

    Young Rembrandts     (Grades PreK-5)
    Keep your young artist engaged during the winter months! Our creative drawing club returns to Shipley with all-new lessons every week! A realistic bird house, cute penguins, and our own version of Grant Wood’s American Gothic are planned for this session. Students of all abilities are welcome in our club—no experience needed. Our step-by-step teaching method ensures that all young artists can follow along and go home with a drawing that is 100% their product, from the first stroke of pencil to the last colored detail. All new lessons are taught every week, every session—no projects are repeated. Claim your spot now!

  • Fridays

    Crafty Science (Grades PreK-2): Vineyardappcamp
    In each session, students will explore real scientific concepts through exciting experiments and creative projects designed just for young learners. From fizzy reactions and non-toxic slime to straw rockets and colorful neuron models, each session transforms big scientific ideas into hands-on, age-appropriate adventures. Using everyday materials, kids explore topics like static electricity, chemical reactions, and the five senses—all while building science-themed art they can be proud of. Designed for curious minds and crafty hands, this class helps children build confidence in asking questions, experimenting, and making connections to the world around them. It’s a playful, creative way to spark a lasting love of science—one fun project at a time!

    Sports Cards (Grades 3-5): Lukas Farrell ’25 with Mr. Wareikis assisting
    Come share some of your sports card collection and have fun trading! Sports card club lessons will cover topics such as understanding card types, the importance of card grading, how to identify mint-condition cards, buying and selling strategies, and so much more.  
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.