Winter/Spring 2025-26 Enrichment Classes
Registration opens January 8, 2026 at 9:30 AM.
These programs are open to TK - 8 students who attend any AUSD or Alameda public charter school.
Prices will increase by $10 after January 29, 2026.
Please keep checking these listings for the latest information on classes. Note that all AEF program schedules are subject to change.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Registration Information
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- Registration is online. Please click the “Register for Otis Classes” button below to view classes and access the online registration system when the registration period has started.
- Please be sure you understand the Policies and Procedures of the After School Enrichment Program before you register. Read them by clicking here.
- You will be sent a 'welcome' email the day before class starts that includes information on class locations. (Please be sure to check your spam folder if you do not receive this.)
AEF Registration and Refund Policies
- Registration closes at 11:59 PM 2 business days prior to start of class.
- Late enrollments will be accepted as space allows. There is a $20 processing fee for late registrations.
- If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund.
- Transfers must be requested a minimum of 7 days prior to the start of class. There is a $20 processing fee for transfers.
- Cancellations up to 14 days before the class start date can be made via your account on Active Online Camp and Class Manager for a refund back to your original form of payment minus a $20 fee. If you cancel between 14 and 7 days prior to the start of the class via your account on Active Online Camp and Class Manager, credit will be applied to your AEF account minus a $20 processing fee. There is no refund for cancellations within 7 days of the class start date.
- Children enrolled in most on-site after care programs are welcome to take AEF classes and will be picked up by instructors.
Scholarships for Enrichment classes are available as follows:
- Student/family is enrolled in a California State assistance program – 90%
- Student/family qualifies for assistance under the McKinney-Vento Act, Alameda Point Collaborative, or similar program – 100%;
- Scholarships are granted for one class or camp per student each season. The seasons include Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.
- For parents or guardians requesting assistance but who are not covered under the above conditions, please contact AEF at [email protected].
To request a scholarship for your student, please click here and fill out the online form. Upon completion of the application form you must scan/email proof that your student is enrolled in a California State assistance program. The scholarship will not be approved until proof is received. You MUST send within 48 hours of completing this form. We will not follow up and ask for the proof. It is your responsibility to get this to us. Scan and email it to [email protected].
CLASS TYPE COLOR CODING:
Visual Art, Creative Writing & Crafting Classes
Performing Arts Classes
Sports & Fitness Classes
S.T.E.M. Classes
Finance Classes
Language Classes
Does your child have adaptive needs?
Students with adaptive needs are welcome to join AEF programs. Please note that if a student needs a one-on-one assistant or paraprofessional during the school day (Behavioral Plan/504 with Permission), they must also have an assistant or a paraprofessional to work with them during the enrichment class or camp. Please contact AEF at least three weeks before the program starts to coordinate this. Assistants/paras must have Livescan and TB clearance on file with AUSD. If AEF makes the arrangement for the paraprofessional, AEF pays the cost for this service for the first 5 families to request per season. If we receive requests beyond five, we will charge a small fee to cover the cost. If you cancel the class less than 7 days from the start of the class, you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee that will be paid to the paraprofessional.
PLEASE NOTE: The classroom or location will be sent in the welcome email that parents/guardians will receive at least one day before the class starts.
3D Video Game Design
Grades: 2 - 5
Provider: CodeAdvantage
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Mondays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 23 (No class Feb. 16, Mar. 16)
Class Fee: $285
Materials Fee: $35
One of the best ways to get kids excited is to allow them to create something of their own. In class, students bring their imaginations to life in full, 3D color and create games they can play including Frogger Freeway, Underwater Diving, and Sports Games. Utilizing block coding, this class helps young learners focus on the coding concepts (not typing) to learn about loops, variables, and constructors while having a blast!
Chess: Beyond the Basics - Winter
Grades: 1 - 8
Provider: Alameda Chess Castle
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Tuesdays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 17, 24 (No Class Feb. 17)
Class Fee: $320
Materials Fee: None
This post-beginner/intermediate level class is for those with a solid grasp of chess fundamentals. Potential students are expected to already know: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the very crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette. Potential students unfamiliar with more than a couple of these basic topics would probably be better off enrolling in the AEF/ACC novice/beginner level class, "Learn How to Play Chess".
AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are divided (roughly in half) timewise between instruction and supervised play. Instruction will focus on learning tactics and strategy through the explanation of games and positions from historical players and events, and/or current top-level competitions. The instructor will organize and run an unofficial tournament during the last 4-5 weeks of this level course, with labeled medals as awards for all participants upon completion.
All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.
With its nearly 1500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning & playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!
Chess: First Year - Winter
Grades: 1 - 8
Provider: Alameda Chess Castle
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Tuesdays
Time: 4:15 - 5:15 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 17, 24 (No class Feb. 17)
Class Fee: $320
Materials Fee: None
This novice/beginner level class teaches and reinforces (through sample/model games & positions) the fundamentals of chess. Topics to be covered include: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette.
Students are only ready for the AEF/ACC post-beginner/intermediate level chess class, "Chess Beyond the Basics", when they have a solid foundation based on the fundamentals, and can achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning. For most younger students (1st-3rd graders), at least two semesters of chess instruction are generally needed to reach this level of proficiency (older students may only require one). The ACC instructor can advise parents, guardians, and/or students themselves when they are ready for the next level class.
AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.
With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!
Experimental Art
Grades: K - 5
Provider: Linda Nygard
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Tuesdays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24 (No class Feb. 17)
Class Fee: $310
Materials Fee: $40
Pour your paints with Acrylic Pour! Splatter paint like Jackson Pollock! Create like Pablo Picasso! In this workshop your child will explore abstract art and alternative methods to create art. It's fun! It's messy! It's Experimental Art!
CANCELLED Kicks (Soccer)
Grades: TK - 2
Provider: Premier One-on-One Sports
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 (No class Feb. 18)
Class Fee: $270
Materials Fee: None
Does your child love to play soccer? Do you want them to learn new skills or improve the ones they already have? Then sign them up for After-School Kicks. They will participate in practice drills that teach the proper techniques of ball control, shooting, passing. They will also play skill-based games, teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship, and most importantly having fun! No matter their skill level, One on One Coaches will adjust their lesson plans to fit each child!
ANTS Tennis - Winter
Grades: K - 3
Provider: ANTS Sports
Location: Krusi Tennis Courts
Week Days: Wednesdays
Time: 1:10 - 2:10 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 25, Mar. 4, 18, 25 (No class Feb. 18, Mar. 11)
Class Fee: $290
Materials Fee: None
You'd never believe tennis could be so fun! ANTS tennis class will be an encouraging team environment with positive coaching, learning, and fun tennis games for your children. Our program welcomes all new and experienced players of all skill levels, even those who have never touched a racket. Our approach is to teach the FUNdamentals of tennis through individual hand-eye coordination, partner activities, and fun team tennis games. Using modified equipment that has been adopted by the USTA (smaller nets and rackets and easier to hit balls), our program allows your child to explore tennis at the right pace. In class we’ll focus on building healthy habits, team camaraderie, and good sportsmanship on and off the court. Come join us at ANTS Tennis! Please note: Students must provide their own racquet. ANTS Sports will have racquets for sale. ANTS Sports will email a link the day before the class starts which will enable parents to buy a racquet which will be provided on the first day of class. Racquets are $35.
LEGO® Gadgets & Gizmos
Grades: 1 - 5
Provider: Bricks 4 Kidz
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Thursdays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Jan. 22, Feb 5, 26, Mar 5, 19, 26 (No class Feb. 12, 19, Mar. 12)
Class Fee: $255
Materials Fee: None
Learn the world of simple machines made of LEGO and how much fun can be had with these unusual gizmos such as: a paper crinkler, spin machine and 3-in-a-row spinning mini-figure game! These Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® builds are fun to build and even more fun to interact with.
SPRING CLASSES
NEW! Cooking Science
Grades: K - 3
Provider: Susan Tom
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Monday
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Mar. 30, Apr. 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 (No class Apr. 13)
Class Fee: $290
Materials Fee: $40
Get ready for some cool kitchen science! In this hands-on class, young chefs will explore the fascinating science behind delicious cold treats like ice cream, jello, and fruit pops. We'll mix, measure, and experiment with different ingredients to see how they change from liquids to solids, all while learning about concepts like freezing points, emulsions, and polymers in a fun and tasty way. Come join us and discover the yummy science of cold foods!
Chess: Beyond the Basics - Spring
Grades: 1 - 8
Provider: Alameda Chess Castle
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Tuesdays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 (No class Apr. 14)
Class Fee: $320
Materials Fee: None
This post-beginner/intermediate level class is for those with a solid grasp of chess fundamentals. Potential students are expected to already know: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the very crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette. Potential students unfamiliar with more than a couple of these basic topics would probably be better off enrolling in the AEF/ACC novice/beginner level class, "Learn How to Play Chess".
AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are divided (roughly in half) timewise between instruction and supervised play. Instruction will focus on learning tactics and strategy through the explanation of games and positions from historical players and events, and/or current top-level competitions. The instructor will organize and run an unofficial tournament during the last 4-5 weeks of this level course, with labeled medals as awards for all participants upon completion.
All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.
With its nearly 1500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning & playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!
Chess: First Year - Spring
Grades: 1 - 8
Provider: Alameda Chess Castle
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Tuesdays
Time: 4:15 - 5:15 PM
Start/End Dates: Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 (No class Apr. 14)
Class Fee: $320
Materials Fee: None
This novice/beginner level class teaches and reinforces (through sample/model games & positions) the fundamentals of chess. Topics to be covered include: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette.
Students are only ready for the AEF/ACC post-beginner/intermediate level chess class, "Chess Beyond the Basics", when they have a solid foundation based on the fundamentals, and can achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning. For most younger students (1st-3rd graders), at least two semesters of chess instruction are generally needed to reach this level of proficiency (older students may only require one). The ACC instructor can advise parents, guardians, and/or students themselves when they are ready for the next level class.
AEF/ACC after school chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.
With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!
After School Multi Sports
Grades: TK - 3
Provider: Premier One-on-One Sports
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Start/End Dates: Apr. 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27 (No class Apr. 15)
Class Fee: $270
Materials Fee: None
Multi Sports is a fun filled sports program. Sports may include, but are not limited to dodgeball, kickball, soccer, basketball, and capture the flag, and camouflage tag. Come join our One on One Sports team for this fun activity for your students.
ANTS Tennis - Spring
Grades: K - 3
Provider: ANTS Sports
Location: Krusi Tennis Courts
Week Days: Wednesdays
Time: 1:10 - 2:10 PM
Start/End Dates: Apr. 1, 8, 22, 29, May. 6, 13, 20, 27 (No class Apr. 15)
Class Fee: $325
Materials Fee: None
You'd never believe tennis could be so fun! ANTS tennis class will be an encouraging team environment with positive coaching, learning, and fun tennis games for your children. Our program welcomes all new and experienced players of all skill levels, even those who have never touched a racket. Our approach is to teach the FUNdamentals of tennis through individual hand-eye coordination, partner activities, and fun team tennis games. Using modified equipment that has been adopted by the USTA (smaller nets and rackets and easier to hit balls), our program allows your child to explore tennis at the right pace. In class we’ll focus on building healthy habits, team camaraderie, and good sportsmanship on and off the court. Come join us at ANTS Tennis! Please note: Students must provide their own racquet. ANTS Sports will have racquets for sale. ANTS Sports will email a link the day before the class starts which will enable parents to buy a racquet which will be provided on the first day of class. Racquets are $35.
NEW! Innovative Writing: Motion and Matter
Grades: 2 - 5
Provider: Talentnook, Inc.
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Thursdays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Apr. 2, 9, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 (No class Apr. 16)
Class Fee: $320
Materials Fee: $10
This program integrates STEM concepts with writing, helping students strengthen observation, description, and explanation skills through structured practice. By engaging in hands-on projects, students learn to connect scientific exploration with effective communication, building both technical understanding and language proficiency. The approach fosters creativity, clarity, and confidence in expressing STEM ideas.
New! Acrylic Studio: Paint Like a Master!
Grades: TK - 5
Provider: Mandar Wagholikar
Location: Otis School
Week Days: Fridays
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Start/End Dates: Apr.10, 24, May. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (No class Apr. 17)
Class Fee: $295
Materials Fee: $35
Join us for an epic world of acrylic painting where you’ll finish a new painting every class. Learn about the painting styles of the old masters and paint one of their famous paintings from Van Gogh’s swirls and Monet’s lilies to Da Vinci’s portraits and Turner’s stormy seas. We’ll master light, shadows, and textures while recreating masterpieces by Degas, Munch, and Vermeer. Grab a brush and take home a beautiful new masterpiece every week! See Mandar’s art and testimonials at www.mandarfineart.com
