The Village
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Learning and growing
The Village is Walden’s extended day child care program. We are open every school day (and some non-school holidays) Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Enrollment is open to all Walden School students.
We believe that children learn and grow though play. The Village offers a balance of structured activities and unstructured free play for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. We also provide enrichment classes for special interests.
To reach the Village during after-school care, please call 626-792-6166 x 176.
Village Programs
K-6 Village
Faculty and staff at Walden understand that children who spend all day in an academic environment have differing needs in an after-school program. Being away from family for long hours can be difficult for both children and parents alike, so the Village is a program developed to allow children to participate in a variety of activities.
Some of our activities include arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, homework assistance, specialty classes, quiet time, and socializing with friends. Within the Walden spirit, children will be encouraged to try new activities but will not be pressured to participate if they choose not to. We strive to provide an assortment of activities to spark every child’s interest.
Please click here for more information and the 2024-2025 Village registration form.
Enrichment Classes
The Village offers various classes for student enrichment. These are taught by outside and in-house vendors that charge an additional fee. Some classes require attendance from the beginning while others have a drop-in policy. Village members (those with a 2, 3, or 5 day plans) have priority and pay a lesser fee.
The following classes will be offered in the first half of the 2024-2025 school year:
Mondays
Chess
with Chess at 3
Chess at 3 includes engaging, story-based Chess and Backgammon lessons, as well as our Birchguard Quest role-playing adventure. With our immersive approach, we spark curiosity and build foundational skills like critical thinking and teamwork — all in a fun, interactive environment.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-6th
Dates: 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (6 classes)
Cost: $168
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Aerial
with Trevor Helms
Aerial is a circus-style performing art form, showcasing skills of acrobatic strength, flexibility, coordination and rhythm. This aerial class is for beginners learning the foundation of aerial silks. Class will consist of conditioning, skills, and performance. At the end of the 10-week session, there will be an optional informal showcase where students can invite family and friends to watch. Aerial Student Showcase Date TBA.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-2nd
Dates: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (6 classes)
Cost: $350
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades: 3rd-6th
Dates: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (6 classes)
Cost: $350
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Chinese for Grades 1-3
with Sophia Hamilton
Mandarín or putonghua is the national language of China and Taiwan. China's large population makes Mandarín the most spoken language on the planet!
Come join our Chinese language group, explore the culture and have fun!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: 1st-3rd
Dates: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9 (8 classes)
Cost: $240
Learn more here and sign up through Sophia Hamilton.
Tuesdays
Soccer
with Captain Kicks Soccer
For players aged 5-10, elementary soccer is about further developing core skills with additional techniques. Classes also offer players fun, non-competitive scrimmage games with positive reinforcement to help boost confidence.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-6th
Dates: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3 (6 classes)
Cost: $150
Sign up here.
Chinese for 4- to 6-Year-Olds
with Sophia Hamilton
Mandarín or putonghua is the national language of China and Taiwan. China's large population makes Mandarín the most spoken language on the planet!
Come join our Chinese language group, explore the culture and have fun!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dates: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10 (8 classes)
Cost: $240
Learn more here and sign up through Sophia Hamilton.
Wednesdays
Lego Robotics
with Parker-Anderson Enrichment
Students build new and different projects each week as they graduate from simple machines, to motorized mechanisms, to robotics with basic programming. They’ll learn all about engineering principles such as gears, wheels, axles, levers, and pulleys. This class is as fun as it is educational!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-6th
Dates: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 6/4 (6 classes)
Cost: $133
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Thursdays
Coding for Grades K-6
with Code Ninjas
At Code Ninjas, our proprietary curriculum teaches kids to code through our engaging game-based curriculum that boosts self-confidence and teaches teamwork, logic, and problem solving. Our Code Ninjas gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. Our instructors are programmers, coders, gamers, and STEM instructors all of whom are dedicated to building strong engagement with our Code Ninjas.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades K-2nd: Introduction to coding and STEM development
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades 3rd-6th: Fun, challenging and flexible coding education for developing minds
Dates: 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5 (6 classes)
Cost: $210
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Ceramics
with Marinés Adrianza
This is a 6-week hand-building class where students will learn how to manipulate clay using pinch, coil, and slab methods to create pots and musical instruments inspired by ancient civilizations. I will guide students through multiple project ideas from start to finish.
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Grades: K-6th
Dates: 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5 (8 classes)
Cost: $400 + materials fee $50
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Fridays
Leather Making
with Szilvia Bartha
In 8 weeks children will learn basic leather crafting skills such as tooling, carving,
stamping, applying snaps and rivets, special braiding techniques, stitching, staining, polishing and caring for leather goods.
Each week we are going to work on a different project and your little artists can take home the finished products. We are making timeless items that can be used by your child or gifted to a special someone.
Leather crafting is such a rewarding activity. Learning this ancient skill will sure boost their self-confidence and help them focus and boost their creativity. Children are very proud of their creations and love to show off their hard work.
A few examples: keychains, bracelets, hair-clips, necklaces, bookmarks, notebooks,
pencil cases, belts or dog collars.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-6th
Dates: 1/31, 2/21, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2 (8 classes)
Cost: $350 + 50 materials fee
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Ballet, Tap & Jazz
with Trevor Helms
Walden’s Ballet, Tap & Jazz class for K-2nd graders offers a joyful and creative introduction to dance, combining movement, rhythm, and expression in a supportive environment. Students will explore foundational techniques in ballet, tap, and jazz while developing coordination, flexibility, and a love for the performing arts. The class emphasizes creativity, self-discipline, and teamwork as students learn choreography, practice routines, and celebrate their progress. Through music and movement, participants build confidence, enhance their social skills, and connect with peers in a fun and inclusive setting. Whether your child is an aspiring dancer or simply curious to try something new, this class is a perfect way to nurture their creativity and physical development. Student Showcase Date TBA.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-2nd
Dates: 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30, 6/6 (7 classes)
Cost: $315
Sign up with Whitney Matsuno.
Chinese for Grades 3-6
with Sophia Hamilton
Mandarín or putonghua is the national language of China and Taiwan. China's large population makes Mandarín the most spoken language on the planet!
Come join our Chinese language group, explore the culture and have fun!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: 3rd-6th
Dates: 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30, 6/6 (7classes)
Cost: $210
Learn more here and sign up through Sophia Hamilton.
Pre-K Village
The Village Pre-K program is committed to furthering the children’s experience with the Walden philosophy while meeting parents’ needs for quality childcare. We recognize the distinction between school hours and the after-school sessions; however, we strive for continuity.
As an extension of our day program, the Walden philosophy, policies, and expectations for behavior and staff excellence are in effect during The Village. Excellence, positive communication, caring, and conflict resolution are not just classroom catchwords. We encourage and support the practice of these principles during the after-school program, as well as at home and in the community.