Knightly News

Social/emotional learning

Lower School Counselor Megan Lofland says the social/emotional value of club experiences is tremendous. At the very minimum, students can explore a new interest. Ideally, they are also developing skills such as collaboration, diligence, flexibility, compromise, patience, self-control and leadership. For example, Lofland points out that the Lego clubs help students work on their coordination and fine motor skills. Students also develop a sense of ownership and pride and the flexibility to work as a group or individually. The popular cooking clubs help with executive function skills such as planning and preparing, and the Chess club, which is a student favorite, helps participants practice strategic thinking and resilience. “These are life skills they’ll carry throughout life,” says Lofland.

Learning beyond the classroom

“Lower School after-school clubs provide families with the opportunity for their children to participate in experiences that are either an extension of our academic programming or outside of what we can offer during the school day,” says Lower School Division Head Beth Gardner. While playing chess and practicing for the Lower School choir may not be practical in a classroom setting, club time is the ideal opportunity for students to explore these interests.  Lofland says the club setting has unique advantages compared to the classroom. “Clubs are smaller and voluntary,” she says. When students willingly participate in a club experience based on their interests, there is enthusiasm and a strong desire to do more, learn more and explore more. For example, members of the Future Problem Solvers club will likely be excited to offer solutions for futuristic scenarios, and members of the Cheer club will appreciate the opportunity to learn one more move.

Unlike a traditional classroom, clubs bring students from a range of ages together. This provides the older students a leadership opportunity as they model appropriate behaviors and provides younger students with an example to follow. Clubs create community among students, which is a key component of the Episcopal experience.

Convenience

After-school clubs begin as soon as the final bell rings. This makes participation accessible and convenient for families. “It is our hope that these offerings, and there is a wide range of offerings, are not only exciting for our students, but also a convenience for our families since they are offered right after school on campus,” says Gardner.

In addition to Lower School clubs, Episcopal offers a variety of other convenient after-school options. Registration will soon open for the second semester of the Performing Arts Academy for students interested in music or choir. The Homework Helpers club is an academic support group designed to help students with study skills. Teachers recommend students for participation based on what they observe in the classroom. The extended care program is also available each day until 5:30 pm for families that need regular, after-school care.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.