From after-school clubs and student council to academic enrichment and full musical productions, Shipley’s youngest students are encouraged to explore new interests, take creative risks, and discover what excites them. These experiences foster collaboration, build confidence, and invite students to connect with peers across grade levels and with teachers they may not encounter in the regular classroom. Each opportunity helps students expand their horizons and deepen their sense of belonging in the Shipley community.

For many years, Shipley’s after school enrichment program, Encore Clubs, has offered opportunities for learning and discovering new passions. Students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 can participate in a rich array of developmentally-appropriate clubs, including arts and crafts, sports and games, and more. Clubs meet weekly and rotate seasonally. Below is a small sample of Encore Clubs:

The fourth and fifth grade students in Student Council lead projects that include surveying the school on lunch menu items, what movie to watch at Swamp Night, and planning fun activities. The little leaders also participate in admissions events, including sitting on panels for Q&A sessions with prospective families.

 

Math Olympiad is an international program that engages students in problem-solving strategies and encourages mathematical flexibility. Fourth and fifth-graders practice weekly and participate

in five Olympiad contests.

Reading Olympics is a county-wide program designed to inspire a love and the practice of reading. Students read two to four books taken from a list curated by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. The Olympics culminate in a special evening celebration and competition, where teams are asked Jeopardy-style questions about the books from the list.

Lower School Musical A highlight of the arts in the Lower School, the annual musical involves nearly 80% of fourth- and fifth-grade students. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, participants build confidence, learn collaboration, and celebrate creativity. Read more about the Lower School Musical.

Read more about extracurriculars in these stories from the Summer/Fall 2025 Shipley Magazine:

Middle School
Upper School
From the Archives: Extracurricular Life through the Decades