The afterschool dance program (Dancing Stars) run by The Future Stars at Ludlow-Taylor is incredible; I think they’re also at CHML and Van Ness now, but not sure about the dance programs there specifically.

DCYOP is by far the best intro to orchestra in DC. It’s held on Saturdays at Takoma, but has no connection to the school other than location. There are beginner lessons and then 7ish levels of orchestra from just past beginners to does an annual European tour/performs at the White House.

I personally wouldn't make any decisions based on this. I worked for one of the big DC dance organizations for many years and our school partner list changed every year – due to funding, available space, faculty, enrollment, plus the big variable of who was managing OST programs each year at each site. We would have loved a super consistent set-up, but it wasn't possible.

I have two kids in DCPS elementary now. There's one company separate from the school that oversees/manages the after-school operations and they both offer their own programs and bring in subcontractors from other organizations, plus a few of the school's own teachers offer programs for part or all of the year. It's as convoluted as it sounds My older kid has had some good experiences and others where the instructor was late or no-showed most of the time. The programs run by the school's teachers have consistently been the best.

Takoma has dance as a special once a week (in addition to art, pe, music, Spanish, library and stem). DCYOP practices at Takoma. This year beginner Saturday lessons were free and there are afterschool opportunities. There is no band or orchestra during the day- just regular music special.

All students get dance and music instruction at Inspired Teaching, and at least in the past they've offered afterschool dance and music classes. Dance usually includes some West African dance with drums, and afterschool offerings may include ballet. You'll probably find "rhythm sticks" as percussion in any PK.

Which afterschool activities are open to which grades varies, so you could ask what options there are for PK now, but no guarantees on future. PK probably more "music and movement" or "music appreciation" than a specific style of dance or instrumental class.

Anonymous wrote:We're lotterying for pre-k, and my son is fascinated by ballet and percussion. Just wondering which schools have after-school programs. I saw DCYOP has the Prelude program at a few select schools, like Takoma and Stokes East End, but I couldn't find any info on Stokes’ website. Thank you!

Most of stokes EE aftercare programs are for Kindergarten and up. Also…you’re way better off signing up for extracurriculars outside of school than to put your kid at stokes EE and risk their entire elementary education for an aftercare program.

Anonymous wrote:Eaton does orchestra/band for 4th & 5th grades and has an awesome marimba program. They have in-school dance residencies with Washington Ballet in 2nd grade and an African Dance group in 1st grade.

Eaton also has had a kindergarten modern dance program for the last two years.
Also, amazingafter school musical program for 4th and 5th graders.
Kids get to see lots of performances too.
We love Eaton!

Anonymous wrote:Eaton does orchestra/band for 4th & 5th grades and has an awesome marimba program. They have in-school dance residencies with Washington Ballet in 2nd grade and an African Dance group in 1st grade.

How neat! Thanks for sharing.

Eaton does orchestra/band for 4th & 5th grades and has an awesome marimba program. They have in-school dance residencies with Washington Ballet in 2nd grade and an African Dance group in 1st grade.

Its PK. Pick the easiest.

We're lotterying for pre-k, and my son is fascinated by ballet and percussion. Just wondering which schools have after-school programs. I saw DCYOP has the Prelude program at a few select schools, like Takoma and Stokes East End, but I couldn't find any info on Stokes’ website. Thank you!