Clubs & Activities
When the school day ends, our campus continues to buzz with energy and exciting after-school activities!
Since its founding in 1982, Almaden Country Day School has understood and embraced the importance of experiential learning. Children learn and thrive when they are engaged in activities that are relevant, enjoyable, and meaningful to them. After school activities can play a crucial role in this type of learning.
Our campus is host to a variety of after-school activities that extend the interests and talents of our students in wholesome, exciting ways. The following are a sample of the after school activities provided at different times during the year at ACDS. Please contact the Student Life Office for more information about this year’s after-school activity schedule.
ACDS Speech and Debate Team
Grades 6 - 8
Students in Grades 6 - 8 are encouraged to join our middle school speech and debate team. Students interested in joining the squad must take the Competition Speech elective during the first trimester. For more information, please contact Coach Chris Wardner.
For more information on our speech and debate program, please visit this page. Do you have questions about competition Speech and Debate Team? We hope we answered them here.
MakerSpace: 3D Modeling
Grades 1 - 8
Ever wondered how your favorite toys, video games or animated movies are made? Our 3D Modeling 101 class encourages students to dive into the amazing world of 3D design! In this exciting club, students learn how to create their own 3D models from scratch using Tinkercad by Autodesk. Imagine designing your own inventions, building cool virtual worlds, or making fantastic creatures come to life! While students explore 3D workspaces, they learn to measure and combine shapes to create more complex objects - and perhaps add motion! They also learn about types of filament and how different types of 3D printers turn digital designs into physical objects. Students leave with basic design skills and the ability to prepare designs through the slicing and printer settings procedures needed for successful 3D prints.
Cougar Choir & Cougar Chorus
Grades 2 - 8
The Cougar Choir and Cougar Chorus, both led by choral director Mrs. Abouav, offer students exciting opportunities to sing and perform on stage. The Cougar Choir, for grades 5-8, is a year-long commitment where students will sing pop and current music, explore harmony, and perform at events like the Winter and Spring Concerts, holiday caroling, and optional off-campus shows, including a Disneyland stage performance. Meanwhile, students in grades 2-4 can join the Cougar Chorus, learning pitch, melody, and harmony through unison singing and Curwen Hand Signs. Cougar Chorus sessions run September-December and January-April, with performances at the Winter Concert, holiday caroling, and ACDS assemblies.
Dungeons and Dragons
Grades 6 - 8
Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy adventure role-playing game where players take on the role of adventurers, working together to explore a magical and fantastical realm. Also referred to as D&D, this game that exists in our collective imagination encourages theater of the mind, improvisational acting, creativity, social interaction, collaborative problem solving as well as building basic math skills and probabilities.
Running Club
Grades 5 - 8
If your child loves to run, wants to start running, or cross train for the upcoming track and field season, join the running club! The running club will provide the students the opportunity to practice and improve their ability in running, and focus on practicing the skills and techniques of running, such as the running form, pacing and strength training. The goal is to gradually boost the student's ability to run comfortably in the distance of 2 to 3 miles.
Math Club
Grades 1 - 4
Math Club welcomes all 1st - 4th grade students interested in furthering their math skills, fundamentals, number sense, and interest in math. The group plays games and engages in activities that involve number strategy and math facility.
Cougar Vanguard Percussion Ensemble
Grades 4 - 8
Led by Mr. Ford, a versatile musician with a Bachelor's of Music in Education from San Jose State University, the ensemble offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of percussion while also developing skills on a secondary instrument. Mr. Ford, a seasoned performer with experience on over 33 instruments, brings a rich background in both Jazz and Classical music, including performances on prestigious stages like Madison Square Garden.
As students dive into the nuance of bass and snare drum "groove-a-nomics," they explore music theory with a strong focus on rhythmic counterpoint and the incorporation of a diverse array of musical genres and styles. Instruments offered at this time include the bass drum and field snare. Performances are an integral part of the ensemble, with showcases planned throughout the year, including a special performance at the end of the first trimester and a feature at the Blacktop Bash.
Chess Club
Grades 4 - 8
Chess is a game full of creativity, imagination, challenge, and strategy. Our chess club offers our students the opportunity to flex their creative and positive thinking to explore the basics of chess in a fun, enjoyable yet competitive environment. Students learn, study, and discuss game tactics, puzzle-solving, openings, and endgames. More importantly, students not only learn and enhance their strategic decisions and skills, but also appreciate the beauty and art of chess. All levels are welcome to join!
Arts & Crafts Club
Grades 3 - 8
Our Arts & Crafts Club is for any student who enjoys sculpting, painting and crafts. The club brings students on a creative journey through a range of processes and techniques, including: ceramics, watercolor and glass art. All levels welcome!
Robotics
Grades 3 - 8
LEGO Robotics Club allows students to flex their imagination, creativity, and skills to build various robots in a collaborative, hands-on, and fun learning way. Students at different levels use LEGO Mindstorm Inventors kits and Education EV3 kits to design, build, and code different robots to solve fun yet challenging tasks. Some of our previous projects include a driving base, robot puppy, pinball machine, obstacle course, and classroom tissue dispenser. Students at any level are welcome. Beginners will start with the basics and move to more advanced projects as they learn and develop their abilities and skills. Experienced students will explore new and challenging Robotics projects.
Costume Club
Grades 1 - 4
The Costume Club is where creativity and imagination come to life! This club is a blend of imaginative play and hands-on crafting, where kids design and build their own unique costumes from scratch. Through fun and engaging activities, young designers learn various techniques for creating their costumes, from choosing materials to assembling their designs. Costume Club is a magical experience where every child’s costume dreams can become a reality!
Cougar Cheer
Grades 4 - 8
Want to learn the foundations of cheer pyramids, try a tuck jump, or gain a new tumbling skill? Cougar Cheer is an enthusiastic team that gathers every Wednesday to ignite school pride! Our cheer squad focuses on teamwork, leadership, and building confidence while learning dynamic cheers, routines, and new skills. Members will develop strength, coordination, and rhythm, all while creating unforgettable memories. You'll have the opportunity to cheer on our sports teams at games and infuse the entire school with a vibrant sense of unity and togetherness. No matter your skill level, we welcome all students, grades 4-8, who are ready to support their school and most importantly have fun! Go Cougars!
The Orchard: Extended Day program
Students can take advantage of complimentary before-school care where they can read, do homework, or create with mini-makerspace-themed projects. The Orchard: Extended Day Program offers after-school care for all Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 students. Every day, The Orchard students will practice social-emotional skills, engage in service learning, have opportunities to build community, strengthen executive function skills, and more.