Lower School Afterschool Activities - Garrison Forest School, Inc.

Lower School Afterschool Activities - Garrison Forest School, Inc.
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Lower School Afterschool Activities
We are excited to offer the following afterschool options for our Lower School students! Note that offerings can change seasonally and some have capacity limits. As each program is run by a different department or administrator, please see the sign-up link listed with each activity for details on how to register your child.
Important note:
General or daily aftercare for the Garrison Forest Lower School is offered through Harford Heights. We highly recommend all families register for Harford Heights at the beginning of the school year in case you need drop-in care during the year.
Please click here to register your child
with Harford Heights. On the registration form, you are able to select the days you will need care if that is known, or you can register for drop-in care/emergency basis only.
Sports (Spring 2026)
Garrison Forest Athletics is excited to offer an opportunity for our youngest community members to carry on the Garrison tradition of excellence in athletics.  We will offer
lacrosse, field hockey and soccer
sessions that will prepare these students for a team environment, with a focus on fundamentals and FUN. This is an 8-week program of 2- 1 hour sessions per week.
Schedule:
The spring program will run from March 2nd through May 1st. The sessions will take place from
3:30-4:30 PM
in the Auxiliary Gym OR on the Lower School field adjacent to the playground.
Monday: Field Hockey for 1st-4th grade
Tuesday: Lacrosse for K-1st Grade
Wednesday: Soccer for 3rd/4th grade
Thursday: Lacrosse for 2nd-4th grade
Friday: Soccer for 1st/2nd grade
Details:
Participation will be limited to 16 students.
It is expected that all students will be picked up promptly at 4:30pm, unless your child is a regular in Harford Heights for that day. There will not be a drop in option for Harford Heights.
There will not be a session on the following dates: March 13-23, April 3, April 10, April 24.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessy Morgan,
jessymorgan@gfs.org
.
Registration:
Click here for more details and to register.
NEW FOR SPRING 2026: Run Club, 4th and 5th Grades, Mondays and Tuesdays
NEW FOR SPRING 2026: Spirit Club, 1st-5th Grades, Thursdays
Grizzly Gazette, 3rd-5th Grades, Tuesdays
Art Club, 3rd-5th Grades, Thursdays
Advanced Knitting, 4th and 5th Grades, Thursdays
Run Club, led by Ms. Korey, will be a fun and supportive way for girls to stay active and build athletic confidence after school. Whether your daughter wants to prepare for middle school cross country or simply enjoy jogging with friends, this club offers the perfect blend of fitness and fun. Through games, group runs, and skill-building activities, we will promote healthy habits and a love for running in a positive environment.
Grade levels:
4th and 5th Grades
Days offered:
Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
March 2-May 22
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up:
Click here to register!
Spirit Club led by Ms. Carter and Nasir will be a fun and spirited way for girls to stay active and show their GFS pride. Girls will be given the opportunity to cheer at GFS sporting events and Grizzly Gatherings.
Grade levels:
1st-5th Grades
Days offered:
Thursdays 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
March 2-May 22
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up:
Click here to register!
Love to write, draw, take photos, or tell stories? Then come join the Grizzly Gazette, our very own student magazine for Grades 3–5! We meet on Tuesdays and work together to create something amazing. With support from teachers, students take on exciting roles as reporters, editors, photographers, and graphic designers. You’ll help shape each issue from start to finish—choosing the stories, designing the pages, and capturing the moments that matter most in our community. The Grizzly Gazette is a joyful and creative space where your ideas and leadership truly shine. If you’re ready to collaborate, share your voice, and create something everyone will love to read—this is the club for you! Limited to 15 students.
Grade levels:
3rd-5th
Days offered:
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
Sept. 2; full-year program
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
Calling all artists in Grades 3–5! Join us on Thursday for a fun and creative Art Club where teamwork and imagination take center stage. In this club, you’ll collaborate with fellow artists to create amazing large-scale projects—think colorful murals, creative props, and even sets for school concerts! We’ll explore different materials, techniques, and styles while working together to make something truly unforgettable. If you love art, enjoy working with others, and want to see your creations come to life around the school—this is the club for you! Limited to 20 students.
Grade levels:
3rd-5th
Days offered:
Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up:
Click here
For all our amazing returning knitters from last year — welcome back! We'll build on your skills with new stitches, fun challenges, and a special project based on what you love. Want to knit a tiny animal? A cool pouch? Let’s make it happen! Limited to 8 students.
Grade levels:
4th and 5th
Days offered:
Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
Sept 4; full-year program
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
Blue Beats/Drum Line, 3rd-5th Grades, Mondays
Blue Jam/Modern Band, 3rd-5th Grades, Wednesdays
Blue Gems/Choral Group, 3rd-5th Grades, Fridays
Get ready to march to the beat of your own drum! BlueBeats is our exciting Lower School drumline and bucket band, just for 3rd–5th grade girls. Meeting every Monday, this club is all about rhythm, teamwork, and having fun while making music together! Through hands-on drumming, the girls build listening skills, boost confidence, and learn the power of working as one. Whether it's a steady beat or a bold solo, every member brings something special to the group. Let’s make some joyful noise—BlueBeats style!
Grade levels:
3rd-5th Grades
Days offered:
Mondays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
Sept 8; full-year program
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
Get ready to rock with Blue Jams, the Lower School Modern Band club for students in Grades 3–5! We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 and bring the music to life. In Blue Jams, you’ll get to rotate instruments—guitar, keyboard, drums, bass, and more—as you learn to play together as a real band. And the best part? You’ll perform at school concerts and show off your musical skills for the whole community! Whether you’ve played before or are brand new to music, this club is all about teamwork, creativity, and having fun with sound. Come jam with us and be part of something awesome! Limited to 12 students.
Grade levels:
3rd-5th Grades
Days offered:
Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
Sept 3; full-year program
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
Do you love to sing? Join our Blue Gems for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and be part of something truly special! We meet every Friday from 3:30–4:40 PM to rehearse, sing in harmony, and get ready to perform for our community.
From school concerts to special visits at local nursing homes, Blue Gems is all about sharing the joy of music with others. You’ll learn fun and inspiring songs, build your confidence, and grow as a performer—all while making music with friends! Open to up to 60 students — come sing with us!
Grade levels:
3rd-5th Grades
Days offered:
Fridays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Start/End date:
1st Trimester, Sept 5; full-year program
Cost:
$75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
The Nutcracker in the Forest, K-5th Grades, Various Days
We all love the magical holiday story of Clara and her Nutcracker! Now, your daughter can dance in this magical ballet at her school. We are excited to announce that Garrison Forest School, under the direction of Heather Malone-Wolf, Sydney Carter ‘11, and Kaila Carter will be presenting Nutcracker in the Forest! It does not matter if she is a seasoned dancer or has always wanted to perform; all performers are welcome! Please complete the parent form if you believe your daughter would be interested in auditioning for Nutcracker in the Forest.
Cost: $75
Sign-Up: CLOSED
Audition Information:
We are excited to bring this holiday tradition to the forest! Once your daughter auditions, you will find out her role on
Friday, September 5th at our Nutcracker Parent Meeting, which is from 3:30-4:00 PM in the Lower School Great Room
.
Riding, Grades K-5, Various Days
Polo, Grades 3rd-5th, Wednesdays
Applied Music, Grades K-5, Various Days
The Recreational Riding program is for students Kindergarten through 12 Grade. Designed to properly start the beginning rider, the Recreational Riding program includes lessons focusing on skill development and basic horse care, including grooming and tacking-up. Mounted and unmounted training develops a thorough base of equestrian knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as competitive edge. For continued safety and individual success of each rider, class size is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may compete in GFS sponsored events, where appropriate.
Costs for Upper School, Middle School and Lower School (effective September 1st):
$750 (once/week) $1,400 (twice/week) $1,950 (three times/week)
Lower School students ride during their already-scheduled Physical Education period. Riders may be allowed to participate in after school lessons depending on scheduling and availability and the rider's skill level. Lower School riders who are interested in riding after school in addition to a weekly P.E. lesson should contact
allisonmiller@gfs.org
Apparel and Equipment Needed: All Recreational riders must be dressed in long pants, preferably jodhpurs, boots with a heel and have an appropriate (ASTM-approved) helmet.
Questions?
Contact GFS Stables at (410) 559-3450 or
riding@gfs.org
.
Important Forms:
Riding Program Rates
Riding Program Agreement
Riding Program Policies
Introductory Polo for Grades 3-5:
Open to younger girls with coach’s approval, the introductory program for Grades 3-5 is offered once/week on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, with a game held at the end of the trimester.
Apparel and Equipment Needed: Polo players need long pants and either paddock boots or tall boots, as well as a riding helmet. All polo equipment is provided.
Important Forms
Polo Program Rates
Polo Program Agreement
Polo Program Policies
GFS Applied Music offers your students a chance to learn music privately with our faculty of expert teachers! Students can enroll in weekly private lessons to learn the instrument of their choice including Piano, Drums, Guitar, Strings, and Voice, among others. In addition to being great fun, learning music has been proven to provide long-term educational and cognitive benefits that your student will take with them forever. Become part of our music lesson community today!
Violin and viola students participate in the String Ensemble, which rehearses weekly.
Students of all levels study with artist teachers who perform with ensembles such as The Baltimore Chamber Players, The National Symphony Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Washington, DC.
Applied music recitals occur in the winter and spring in each Division.
For more information on registration,
please click here.