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MAX | After School Programs

Exploring to the MAX, all year long

Curiosity doesn’t clock out at 3:15. MAX invites students in preschool through Grade 8, from the Beginning School to the Middle School, to try something new, dig deeper into a subject they love, or discover a passion they never knew they had, whether in the science lab, on the court, or out on the slopes. With Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions plus Mini MAX programs in between, there’s always something new on the calendar. Courses range from hands-on enrichment to extra academic support, so every student can grow at their own pace and have fun doing it.

Coming up: between the seasons

Mini MAX programs, Pre-Winter MAX, and Ski Club keep the exploring going from November through January.
Mini MAX

Cross Training

Build strength, agility, and endurance through a mix of athletic activities.
Grades
3–8
Dates
Nov. 17 – Jan. 28
Meets
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:15–4:15 PM
Campus
Swain Campus
Instructor
Mr. Jeff Haviland
Cost
$400
No sessions on Thanksgiving or over Winter Break.
Mini MAX · Three weeks

Pre-Winter MAX

Twelve courses in art, crafts, music, movement, cooking, and sports for the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. See all twelve courses
Dates
Nov. 30 – Dec. 18
Meets
Once a week for three weeks, 3:15–4:15 PM
Campuses
Historic Downtown Campus and Swain Campus
Mini MAX · Winter Break

Winter Break Mini MAX

Three days of hands-on fun while school is out, from real science labs to a plushie party. See all three programs
Dates
Mon, Dec. 21 – Wed, Dec. 23
Hours
Morning and full-day options, varies by program
Campuses
Historic Downtown Campus and Swain Campus
Winter club

Ski Club

Hit the slopes with classmates this winter, whether it’s your first run or your fiftieth.
Dates
Friday, Jan. 8 and 29, and Feb. 5, 12, and 26
Grades
6–8
Where
Camelback Resort
Departs from
Historic Downtown Campus (SC Students will take a shuttle to HDC)
Contact
Serena Al-Bajali, salbajali@mamail.net
Cost
$275 due November 7
Families will receive full details by email.

Pre-Winter MAX courses

Twelve courses across both campuses, Nov. 30 – Dec. 18. Each course meets once a week for three weeks, 3:15–4:15 PM.
View all twelve Pre-Winter courses

Historic Downtown Campus

Creativity Corner: Holiday Edition
Mondays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14
Mr. Brian Elstein · Grades 1–5 · $100 for 3 sessions
Looking for a chance to make the handmade holiday gifts that mean the most to your family? Students will use our art room materials to create the original holiday projects they’ve been dreaming of, with fresh inspiration and guidance each week to bring their ideas to life.
The Art of Giving: Little Givers
Mondays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14
Miss Rachel Roseman · Preschool (age 3) – Grade 1 · $100 for 3 sessions
Join Miss Roseman for three afternoons of making, creating, and discovering the art of giving! We’ll begin by remembering gifts we’ve loved and sharing what made them so special. Then we’ll each choose someone we’d like to surprise, like a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, or even a pet, and make a one-of-a-kind gift just for them.
We’ll also make our own greeting cards, decorate personalized gift tags, and learn how to wrap our creations with paper, ribbons, and bows. Because even the littlest givers have BIG love to give! All gift-making, card-making, and wrapping materials will be provided.
Block Printed Greeting Cards
Tuesdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15
Mr. Brian Elstein · Grades 1–5 · $100 for 3 sessions
In this very hands-on program, students use the block printing method to create original greeting cards. Printmaking lets them make several handmade copies of their design, and the finished cards make great gifts!
Holiday Decorations
Wednesdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16
Mr. Brian Elstein · Grades 1–5 · $100 for 3 sessions
Join us as we create festive decorations for the holiday season. Students will learn to make a variety of decorative arts that will help transform your home into a winter wonderland!
The Nutcracker: Musical Movement with Miss Roseman
Wednesdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16
Miss Rachel Roseman · Preschool (age 3) – Grade 1 · $100 for 3 sessions
Can you hear a story without anyone saying a word? How might a snowflake dance? Join Miss Rachel for three afternoons exploring The Nutcracker through music, movement, and magic.
First, we’ll listen to Tchaikovsky’s famous music and let our imaginations and our bodies sway and twirl. Next, we’ll watch scenes performed by different ballet companies and see how real dancers bring the same music to life. Did they imagine what we imagined? Finally, it’s time to answer our big question: How might a snowflake dance? We’ll spend our last afternoon transforming ourselves into snowflakes and swirling through a snowstorm of our own.
Make Your Own Instruments
Thursdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17
Ms. Cora Castor · Pre-K (age 4) – Grade 2 · $100 for 3 sessions
Join Ms. Castor to make your own instruments! Students will learn about three different instruments, use craft supplies to create their own versions, and then make music together with their creations. Come join the musical fun!
Origami Ornaments
Fridays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18
Mr. Brian Elstein · Grades 1–5 · $100 for 3 sessions
Join us as we fold festive seasonal origami designs! These paper toys make wonderful decorations or gifts for the holiday season.

Swain Campus

Taste of Asia: An Asian Culinary Exploration
Mondays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14
Ms. Lucy Luo · Grades 5–8 · $100 for 3 sessions
Explore the rich cultures of Asia through flavor, history, and cooking! Working with staple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, students will build foundational kitchen skills while discovering the stories and traditions behind each dish. On the menu: smashed cucumber salad, Yangzhou fried rice, and custom sushi rolls made with cooked and vegetarian fillings (no raw fish).
Crafty Creators Holiday Studio
Tuesdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15
Ms. Leah Rubart · Grades 1–5 · $100 for 3 sessions
Unleash your child’s imagination! In this hands-on workshop, young makers will paint a seasonal canvas step by step, assemble a whimsical snow globe, and craft personalized holiday bookmarks. It’s a fun, creative space to build artistic skills, make friends, and take home festive keepsakes to display or give as gifts.
Beads and Friends
Wednesdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16
Ms. Christal Harding · Grades 1–7 · $100 for 3 sessions
Join a fun, hands-on crafting club! Students will design their own jewelry, create colorful beaded accessories, and make unique crafts to show off or share with friends, with tons of beads, colors, and possibilities to explore.
Beads and Friends: Littles
Thursdays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17
Ms. Christal Harding · Preschool – Kindergarten · $100 for 3 sessions
Join us for a fun, hands-on crafting club where you can design your own jewelry, create colorful beaded accessories, and make unique crafts to show off or share with friends. With tons of beads, colors, and possibilities to explore, you’ll get to express your creativity and turn your ideas into something special.
Tennis
Fridays, 3:15–4:15 PM · Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18
Ms. Christal Harding and Ms. Hanna Nicholls · Grades K–8 · $100 for 3 sessions
Our Tennis Program for grades K–8 introduces young athletes to the fundamentals of the game through engaging drills, skill-building activities, and friendly match play. Whether your child is a beginner or ready to advance, our coaches create a supportive, energetic environment that builds confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of the sport. Our pre-winter sessions will take place in McCann Gym.
Using Extended Care? Sign your child up for the $10 After MAX session on any Mini MAX day.

Winter Break Mini MAX programs

Three programs for the first days of Winter Break, Dec. 21 – 23. Choose a morning in the lab or a full day of creative play.
Good to know: Over Winter Break, students may sign up for programs at either campus, no matter which campus they attend.
View all three Winter Break programs

Historic Downtown Campus

Dissections!
Mon, Dec. 21 – Wed, Dec. 23 · 9 AM–12 PM
Mr. Tarik Haddad · Grades 5–8 · $250
Step into the lab and explore biology like never before! Working like real scientists, students will dissect a variety of specimens, including sheep brains, frogs, cow eyes, pig hearts, fish, insects, worms, and owl pellets. Along the way, they’ll make observations, ask questions, and discover how anatomy and body systems help living things survive.
Miss Rachel’s Party for Plushies and Stuffies
Monday, Dec. 21 · 9 AM–3 PM
Miss Rachel Roseman · Preschool (age 3) – Grade 1 · $150
Calling all plushies, stuffies, and party people! Your child’s favorite squishy friend is invited to the party of the year, but nothing is ready! Our young party planners will decorate the room and make one-of-a-kind accessories fit for a VIP (Very Important Plushie). After lunch and a cozy rest, we’ll roll out the red carpet, dance the afternoon away at the Plushie Disco, and team up to clean up, learning the creativity and teamwork that make celebrations special.
What to bring: Your favorite plushie (or two, or even three!), plus a packed lunch, a sleeping pad, and a pillow. Midmorning and midafternoon snacks are provided.

Swain Campus

Winter Wonderland with Ms. Harding
Mon, Dec. 21 – Wed, Dec. 23 · 9 AM–3 PM
Ms. Christal Harding · Pre-K (age 4) – Grade 3 · $375
Celebrate the season with three days of winter fun! Students will make individual and collaborative crafts, play games, and head outside for fun in the snow if the weather cooperates.

School-year sessions

Fall, Winter, and Spring each bring eight weeks of new academic, athletic, and creative courses, right after the school day ends.

Typical schedule

3:15–4:15 PM, once a week
Meeting days, session length, and times may vary by program.

Each season

8 weeks + 2 makeup weeks
The same rhythm for Fall, Winter, and Spring.

Before your first class

Watch for an email one week ahead
Instructors share class schedules, days off, and required materials.

MAX | Fall · 8 weeks · 2026

Sessions
Sept. 14 – Nov. 6
Makeup
Weeks of Nov. 9 & Nov. 16
No MAX classes
  • Mon, Sept. 21
  • Mon, Oct. 12
  • Tue, Oct. 13
  • Fri, Nov. 6

MAX | Winter · 8 weeks · 2027

Sessions
Jan. 4 – Feb. 26
Makeup
Weeks of March 1 & March 15
No MAX classes
  • Mon, Jan. 18
  • Fri, Jan. 29
  • Mon, Feb. 15
  • Tue, Feb. 16

MAX | Spring · 8 weeks · 2027

Sessions
March 22 – May 14
Makeup
Weeks of May 17 & May 24
No MAX classes
  • Fri, March 26
  • Mon, March 29
  • Mon, April 19

Extended Care

Extended Care is available for students in Preschool through Grade 8 on the Swain and Historic Downtown Campuses, until 5:30 PM on days school is in session.
Register and prepay through CampBrain at least 48 hours in advance.
Questions about Extended Care? Swain Campus: SwainExtended@mamail.net Historic Downtown Campus: HDCExtended@mamail.net
Early pick-up
Up to 4:15 PM
$10
Full session
Until 5:30 PM
$20
MORE TO EXPLORE Preschool-12 in the Lehigh Valley
SWAIN CAMPUS PS-Grade 8
610.433.4542 • 1100 South 24th Street • Allentown
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CAMPUS PS-Grade 8
610.868.4744 • 7 East Market Street • Bethlehem
MERLE-SMITH CAMPUS Grades 9-12
610.691.1600 • 4313 Green Pond Road • Bethlehem