Bring Learning to Life in NBPS’ Lower School Enrichments Program

North Broward Preparatory School’s after-school enrichments program brings learning to life for Lower School students. There are over 35 enrichments for families to choose from, under five wide-ranging categories: arts and crafts, life skills and personal development, hobbies, STEAM, and sports. NBPS’ enrichments last an hour and take place throughout campus, creating a practical pickup for parents and opportunities for Lower School students to explore new interests and learn without limits.

“When I began developing the after-school program, I wanted to create something that was truly centered around our students — their passions, interests, and the things they genuinely enjoy,” said Denise Irwin, Director of Afterschool Programs and who spent 27 years teaching pre-k and kindergarten here.  “I love incorporating fun into learning and creating experiences that children are excited to participate in.”

Where Interests Come to Life

Enrichments run after school every day, and each class meets once a week. Enrichments last for one semester, although a select few are for the entire school year. At the turn of the semester, traditional favorites stay, such as sports or chess, but new enrichments come on the calendar, ensuring your child has the opportunity for a new, fun, and engaging after-school experience.

“We listen to our students and families. If a class is extremely popular, we look for ways to continue offering it. If something isn't connecting with students, we are willing to change it. At the same time, we continually introduce new opportunities, so students have something fresh to look forward to.”

A Place for Every Passion

There is something for everyone in NBPS’ afterschool programs. Some families prefer their child to have a more structured enrichment where they continue to grow their skills, such as Portuguese. Others prefer a chance to try something new, like taking part in Pottery or Lego Robotics. All enrichments are designed to be personalized experiences, with class sizes ranging mostly from 10-20 students and usually split into age groups of kindergarten through second grade and third grade through fifth grade. The familiar setting allows students to feel comfortable, grow at their own pace, and have an individualized focus.

“We intentionally keep many of our classes small, which allows instructors to provide more individual attention and get to know each child as a learner and as a person. We have many of our own NBPS teachers teaching after-school classes. That gives students the opportunity to learn from someone who is an expert or passionate about a particular sport, hobby, or subject, while also having an educator who already knows them and understands their individual needs.”

We also have our aftercare program, and like enrichments, is split up by grade level, allowing kids the freedom to play at their own pace. Aftercare runs every day after school and goes until 5:30 in the evening, giving parents flexibility while students let loose. At NBPS, we know that every child has their own unique interests, and there is an option for everyone in our after-school program to best fit their individualized needs.

Growing Beyond the Classroom

Enrichments enhance what students are learning in the classroom. One example is the Little Lego Engineers enrichment held on Wednesday afternoons for pre-k and kindergarten students. Learners add onto their foundation in STEAM while letting their minds explore using Legos. The enrichment provides a nurturing environment for learning, while giving students a chance to let their personality shine. In our Spanish Fun enrichments, learners expand on what they discovered in their language elective during the school day. Enrichments are a powerful way for learning to become fun as students step outside their comfort zone in an engaging, safe way.

“Students get the chance to try new things, discover new interests, solve problems, and work with other students,” said Mrs. Cara Rosenberg, a NBPS pre-k teacher and leader of the Little Lego Engineers enrichment. “I love watching them become more confident as they take on challenges and realize that it’s okay if something doesn’t work the first time. They learn to keep trying, think in different ways, and work together. These are skills that help them both in the classroom and in their everyday lives.”

Discovering More at North Broward

Enrichments are an incredible extension of the classroom for students to enhance their skills, create meaningful connections, and most importantly, have fun! Students grow together throughout the semester and often bring home what they create in their enrichment. They are a phenomenal way for your child to immerse themself in all that North Broward has to offer and take advantage of all the amazing facilities and faculty on campus.