Students have the opportunity to explore the beauty of string music by choosing to learn either the violin or cello. This program emphasizes strong technique, note-reading skills, and ensemble playing, with students performing in at least two concerts each school year. In addition to after-school lessons, participants will join a weekly group class during recess or PE, giving them valuable time to grow as musicians alongside their peers. Participation in this program is contingent on the student taking private lessons concurrently outside of school. Students are welcome to participate in both Strings and the PE Tennis program; instructors work closely with the coach to coordinate schedules. To register please click here: Strings Registration Form Led by LJCDS Music Educators Joan Diener and Kelley Hart

Join us as we tell the story of the beloved friendship between Frog and Toad! The musical is open to all LJCDS Middle School students - no experience required, all students will be cast. Come be part of this sweet story of your favorite characters through the seasons as they navigate adventures, life lessons and celebrate friendship and of course, a lot of eating cookies! Everyone who registers for this class is guaranteed a part in the show. Auditions are held on the third rehearsal to give all students a chance to become familiar with each other, the show, and the audition process. No matter your experience level, Miss Yin, Ms. Hansen, and Mrs. Clemente will prepare all participants to feel confident going through the audition process. Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m.: Aug. 26–Oct. 28th Tech Rehearsals: November 3-6th 3:30–5:30pmDress Rehearsals: November 11th and 12th 3:30–5:30pmPerformances: Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m., Four Flowers Theater Special dates August 28th 4:30 -5:15 p.m.: Parent Meeting, Dance Studio September 2nd: Auditions November 3-6 & 11-12: Rehearsals from 3:30-5:30 p.m. November 13 & 14: Performances at 5:30 p.m. Director/Choreographer: Christy Yin (LS/MS dance educator)Music Director: Liesl Hansen (MS music educator)Production Support: Wendy Clemente (LS music educator)

The Pine Tones is LJCDS’ Lower and Middle School choir. It is open to any student who wants to sing; no audition or prior experience is required. The Pine Tones will perform at several school and community events throughout the school year, including a day at Disneyland Resort with a Disney Cast Member choir workshop in March and a final performance on March 7th. This program runs in the fall, winter, and spring sessions from Sept. 8–March 7. There is no class on school holidays plus Jan. 5. Price includes uniforms, All Kids Create festival fees, and Disney workshop transportation and admission. Led by Lower School Music Educator Wendy Clemente, Lower School Performing Arts Educator Kelley Hart, and Middle School Music Educator Liesl Hansen.

These after-school lessons are available through a partnership with Villa Musica, a local non-profit community music center. They take place on campus and are designed to be a nurturing environment where students can further develop skills they learn during the day with music classes and ensembles directed by LJCDS music teachers. Parents will be billed through the school for lesson fees. Lesson options include: Private violin lessons (Grades 1–12) Private piano lessons (Grades 1–12) Private voice lessons (Grades 1-12) Private guitar lessons (Grades 3–12) Students with private lessons will meet with their teacher for 30 minutes between 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. one day a week. Dates: Mondays (10 sessions): Sept. 8–Nov. 17 (No class on Nov. 11) Tuesdays (12 sessions): Sept. 2–Nov. 18 Wednesdays (10 sessions): Sept. 3–Nov. 19 Thursdays (11 sessions): Sept. 4–Nov. 20 (No class on Oct. 2 and Oct. 30) Fridays (6 sessions): Sept. 13–Nov. 15 (No class on Sept 5, Oct. 10 and 24, Nov. 7) $54/private lesson $28/group lesson Led by Villa Musica instructors Once registered, please contact Aaron Bullard at abullard@villamusica.org to schedule lessons and with any questions. By signing up for lessons, you are committing to the entire quarter.

Join Seaside Arts Center’s musical theater team for an abbreviated production of Tangled, in a program emphasizing the theatrical principles of play, ensemble, and empathy. This experience not only empowers individual students to speak with full voices, stand confidently in front of others, and lead with a playful imagination, but it also empowers them within a collaborative ensemble. Led by Seaside Arts Center

In this mindful hand building ceramics class, we slow down and connect with the tactile joy of clay. Through simple, meditative techniques, you’ll learn to shape functional and sculptural pieces while cultivating presence, patience, and creative flow. No prior experience is needed—just your hands, curiosity, and a willingness to play. Led by LJCDS Visual Arts Educators Sani Vanderspek and Alexis Grinbold

Cool Cats kindergarten program teaches confidence, focus, and social skills through the fundamentals of martial arts (awareness, traditional karate, kicking, and boxing). Students receive a complimentary Freestyle Martial Arts T-shirt and white belt to wear to every class. Led by Freestyle Martial Arts Instructor Maia Hayden

The LJCDS Middle School Cheer and Dance class is open to any student who wants to learn skills in cheer and dance; no audition or prior experience is required. The class will focus on a combination of skills based technique in both cheer and dance prior to joining Upper School Cheer and Dance teams. Fall (10 sessions) 3:15–4:30 p.m. Led by LJCDS Lower School Educator and Cheer Coach Sandra Carlton and K-12 Dance and Musical Theater Educator Christy Yin

Students become young creators as they design, test, and play their very own board games. They’ll explore storytelling, logic, and strategy while learning how rules shape gameplay. By the end of the session, each student will have a fully playable game to take home and share with family and friends. Led by Kodely Team Instructors

SuperMoverz is an action-packed, all around sports adventure program for kids who like to play hard, have fun, and power up their many abilities, including: athletic skills, social emotional awareness, and overall fitness. Super Moverz Kids get to go on a wide range of special “missions”, led by Master Commander and his Guardians, allowing them to play different as they move through higher levels and learn what it takes to work together as a team. This program has been in development for more than 20 years, by a team of master PE teachers who have created a program that aims to inspire all kids to activate their movement abilities while having as much fun as possible! Led by LJCDS Coach, Physical Education and Athletics Educator Briana Benso

EcoArts Kids makes art time the best part of the week! Kids get to paint, sculpt, draw, and build with all kinds of materials. From watercolors and clay to pastels and cool recycled stuff, every project is inspired by real plants and animals, so kids can discover the amazing nature all around them. We play with color, try new art skills, and create things they’ll be proud to bring home, all while learning how to help take care of our planet. What to expect each week: Drawing & Painting Techniques Recycled Sculptures Eco -Themed Projects Art Journals for self-expression Student finale showcase Led by EcoArts Kids

Join us for an action-packed Ultimate Frisbee experience designed for grades 5-8! This fun and energetic program will teach the basics of frisbee, teamwork, and sportsmanship through exciting games and drills. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll improve your skills while having a blast with friends! Please wear athletic clothes and shoes and bring a water bottle. Fall (10 sessions) 3:30–4 p.m. Led by National Ultimate Frisbee Org. Certified Coach Emily Blazar and LJCDS Middle School Educator Noa Parker

This session blends movement with creativity. Students start with pickleball fundamentals—hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship—building confidence and physical fitness. They then transition to storytelling and game design, where they craft characters, plotlines, and interactive games that build imagination, communication, and collaboration skills. Led by Kodely Team

We’re excited to kick off the school year with the return of our 5/6 Middle School Homework Club, offered every Tuesday from 3:30–4:30 PM. This after-school program is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on homework, build strong organizational and study skills, spend time reading, and enjoy some light snacks! We have 18 spots available for this session, and enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than 30 students express interest, we’ll explore adding another day to accommodate additional participants. Families of the first 18 students to sign up will receive a confirmation email with further details about our first session, which begins on September 8th. We look forward to a productive and fun homework club! Led by LJCDS Educators Miranda Katz (Grade 5) and Sam Severe (Grade 6)

Get ready to bring the spirit! Participants will team up with our Varsity Cheerleaders to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading, motions, jumps, chants, and more, while building confidence and teamwork. Together, they’ll create an exciting routine to perform at both the Lower School Pep Rally on Thursday, October 16 (during school hours) and halftime of the Homecoming Game on Friday, October 17 (5:30 p.m. call time, 7:00 p.m. game). Every participant will receive a Little Torrey Cheer T-shirt, poms, and bows, getting them performance-ready and full of school pride. Students must wear closed toe shoes and attire they can go move and go upside down in. Please bring a water bottle. Students must be able to attend all sessions and the performance on Friday October 17th during half time of the Varsity Football Game Led by Varsity Cheerleading Coaches Christine Mitchell and Caitlynn Peregoy

This children’s yoga class is designed to support physical and emotional growth by blending movement, breath, and mindfulness in a fun and engaging way. We practice yoga postures and relaxation techniques to help students build strength, flexibility, self awareness, resilience, and confidence, helping children navigate daily stresses with greater ease and well being. Led by Certified Yoga Therapist Kla-Bada Bee

Students step into the role of developers, creating fully functional apps and games using professional tools like Unity, Pygame, and MakeCode Arcade. They’ll explore UI/UX design, coding fundamentals, and problem-solving, learning how to bring their ideas to life from concept to finished product. Projects are designed to strengthen critical thinking and provide a foundation for real-world tech skills. Led by Kodely Team Instructors

EcoArts is where your Middle Schooler's ideas come to life — big, bold, and hands-on. This year, we’re going big with ocean-themed projects and epic cardboard world-building. You’ll get the space to experiment, problem-solve, and make something you actually want to show off. This isn’t cookie-cutter art class — it’s your creativity, unleashed. What to expect each week: Drawing & Painting Techniques Recycled Sculptures Nature Collage & Eco-Themed Projects Art Journals for self-expression Student finale showcase Led by EcoArts Instructor

Begin learning the cello or continue your studies with Bing Yan for 30-minute sessions on Wednesdays between 3 and 5:30 p.m. After registering online, please contact Bing at celloyan60@gmail.com to schedule a session time. Fall ( sessions) September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19 (No class on Nov 26) Led by Bing Yan

Advanced Grade 3 and 4 students who show competency with note reading may be invited to join the Lower School Orchestra. They may audition in the fall or be recommended by the instructor. Grade 2 students who demonstrate an advanced proficiency level, study privately outside of school, and show developmental readiness may also audition or be recommended by the instructor. Orchestra members participate in two weekly group lessons during the school day and perform in at least three concerts each school year. Students are welcome to participate in both Strings and the PE Tennis program; instructors work closely with the coach to coordinate schedules. Auditions are in the Fall Led by LJCDS Music Educators Joan Diener and Kelley Hart

Students take podcasting to the next level by mastering storytelling structure, sound design, and audience engagement. They’ll learn interviewing techniques, audio editing, and how to add effects and background music for professional-quality episodes. By the end, students will have published podcasts they can showcase to peers, families, and the wider school community. Led by Kodely Team Instructors