Extracurricular Activities

Throughout the school year, Plato Academy typically offers four sessions of After School Activities designed to enrich students’ interests and talents. These extracurricular offerings may include yoga, engineering with LEGOs, arts and crafts, cooking, acting and improvisation, ballet, creative drama, and music. Students may choose to participate in these classes for a nominal fee.

After School Activities run from 3:10–4:10 p.m. and take place at Plato Academy. Offerings are subject to change each session based on instructor availability and student interest.

After School Activities are offered based on instructor availability and the level of student interest. A sample of previously offered activities includes the following:

Life Skills

Students learn practical skills that build confidence and independence. Activities include finding, planning, and refining recipes; baking and cooking dishes; creating and maintaining a budget; and developing organizational skills. This program is designed to prepare students for real-world success.

Let’s Build It – Robotics

Students enter the exciting world of robotics through this hands-on STEAM program. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, students design, build, and test their own robots. Projects may include remote-controlled cars, claws, cranes, crawlers, and battle bots. Concepts explored include gear ratios, mechanical design, electronics, and robotics engineering. No prior experience is required.

Fun Fitness

Fun Fitness introduces children to healthy movement through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Students participate in obstacle courses and high-energy interval exercises such as lunges, squats, jumping jacks, and other cardio-based movements.

Ballet

Students are introduced to basic ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination. Using creative movement and gross motor development, dancers learn in a supportive and playful environment.
Note: Ballet shoes are recommended but not required. No leotards are needed. Students may remove only their uniform jumper or skirt if wearing leggings underneath.

Stop Motion Animation

Students explore creativity and technology by producing their own stop-motion films. Participants develop a movie concept, create storyboards and dialogue, design characters and sets using LEGOs or models, and film their projects using provided devices.

Soccer

Students learn fundamental soccer skills including dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting, and defense. The program emphasizes fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through fun games and activities. Older students focus on skill development and gameplay in a more structured setting.

Let’s Go to Greece… A Greek Enrichment Experience

This immersive enrichment program allows students to plan and design a virtual trip to Greece. Students explore Greek geography, history, mythology, and culture while budgeting travel expenses, researching landmarks, choosing accommodations, and practicing Greek language skills related to travel. Math skills are reinforced through metric system usage and currency conversion. Each student creates a personalized travel book by the end of the program.

Yoga

Students practice yoga poses, stretches, games, and mindfulness activities. The program also introduces breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation strategies.

Let’s Code It

Students are introduced to computer programming using Scratch, a block-based coding platform developed by the MIT Media Lab. Projects include game design, animation, and interactive media that combine coding with music and art. Topics include logic, variables, conditionals, user interface design, and synchronization. Students must bring and be responsible for their own laptop or Chromebook.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts meet monthly. Programs are offered for all grade levels (Daisies, Brownies, etc.). Activities may include crafts, cooking, athletics, camping, service projects, traditions, songs, celebrations, and cookie sales. Girl Scouts builds courage, confidence, and character.

Adventure Club

Adventure Club meets on the second or third Friday of the month (depending on age group) from 3:10–4:30 p.m. Students learn outdoor and recreational skills in preparation for activities such as ice skating, fishing, camping, canoeing, and exploring local forest preserves and parks.