The premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Elmwood Franklin School
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After School Clubs

Mondays

​Chess Club (TEN WEEKS)
Think fast, plan ahead, and outsmart your friends! In this after-school club, students will learn the basics of chess—and sharpen their skills through friendly matches. Guided by the Buffalo Chess Association, players will discover strategies, build confidence, and have a blast competing in the ultimate game of kings and queens. Whether you’re brand-new or already a budding chess master, this club is your next great move!

  • Open to students in Grades 1–8
  • Ten-Week Club: January 12–April 20
    NO CLUB 1/19, 2/16, 3/9, 3/30, 4/6
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Buffalo Chess Association
  • Cost: $300
  • Register: https://square.link/u/Fg9cY2lT


Tuesdays

Eagle News Team 
Lights, camera, action! Every week, US students take over the newsroom to produce a school-wide broadcast that keeps EFS in the know. Want to dig into the latest stories? Be the face of the broadcast? Or do both? You get to choose! From researching and writing to going on-camera, there’s a role for everyone. Best part? Joining the News Team is completely free—just bring your creativity, curiosity, and school spirit!

  • Open to students in Grades 5–8
  • January 13 through Spring Break
  • 3:15-4:00 p.m.
  • Led by Mrs. Cheryl Colpoys and Mr. Mike Hopkins
  • There is no charge for this club, but registration is appreciated.
  • Register: https://square.link/u/Fg9cY2lT
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Little Dragons Club (FIRST SESSION)

Say nǐ hǎo to Mandarin! The EFS Mandarin Speaking Club invites students of all experience levels, even complete beginners, to jump into spoken Chinese through games, movement, and the musical rhythm of classic poetry. Over five fun-filled weeks, students will learn simple, everyday Mandarin phrases while bringing famous Tang poems like《静夜思》,《春晓》, and《登鹳雀楼》 to life. We’ll clap, chant, gesture, and perform as we explore clear tones, expressive rhythm, and the beauty of the Chinese language. Each session mixes conversation practice with poetry play, helping students build confidence, improve pronunciation, and discover Chinese culture in a joyful, encouraging environment. No reading required—just curiosity, energy, and a willingness to try!

  • Open to students in Prep I–Grade 1
  • Five-Week Club: January 13–February 10
  • 3:15-4:15 p.m.
  • Led by Mrs. Jun Wang
  • Cost: $150
  • Register: https://square.link/u/WaWLFOPf​

Clay Club (SECOND SESSION)
Get ready to get your hands dirty in the best way! Each week brings a brand-new clay adventure—sculpting, carving, glazing, and even taking a spin on the pottery wheel. Students will explore real ceramic techniques, discover how soft clay transforms into finished art in the kiln, and build skills and confidence with every creation. Sessions are relaxed, social, and creative—perfect for experimenting, making mistakes, and cheering each other on.

  • Open to students in Grades 4–8
  • Five-Week Club: February 24–March 24
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Ms. Amy Hartman
  • Cost: $150
  • Register: https://square.link/u/DSLvsWcm


Wednesdays
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Sing-A-Long Stars Club (TEN WEEKS)
Warm up those voices and get ready to shine! Singing Club is a playful, high-energy introduction to music and performance for Beginners through 1st grade. Each session mixes singing and movement through kid-friendly karaoke, silly songs, simple theatrics, and fun dances that invite kids to wiggle, imagine, and express themselves. Children will explore rhythm, volume, and emotion while building confidence in a supportive, cheer-everyone-on environment.

  • Open to students in Beginners–Grade 1
  • Ten-Week Club: January 14–March 25
    NO CLUB 2/18
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Ms. Sarah Breen and Ms. Ashley Baer
  • Cost: $300
  • Register: https://square.link/u/bPt2QlyT

Creative Connections Club (FIRST SESSION)
Twist, knot, and create! In this hands-on afterschool club, students in grades 2–5 will design and make colorful friendship bracelets using embroidery thread and classic boondoggle. Whether making gifts for friends or keepsakes for themselves, students will leave with wearable creations and a big sense of pride. This club celebrates creativity, patience, and connection—one knot at a time.

  • Open to students in Grades 2–5
  • Five-Week Club: January 14–February 11
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Ms. Amanda Hollenback
  • Cost: $150
  • Register: https://square.link/u/FqVI3nzp

Dungeons and Dragons Club (SECOND SESSION)
Roll the dice and let the adventure begin! In this after-school club, students in grades 4–7 will dive into the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons, where storytelling, strategy, and teamwork come together in epic ways. Whether your child is brand new to D&D or already knows their way around a character sheet, this club offers a welcoming, inclusive space to build confidence, stretch their imagination, and form friendships through shared adventures. Every session is a new story—and every player matters.

  • Open to students in Grades 4–7
  • Five-Week Club: February 25–March 25
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Ms. Amanda Hollenback
  • Cost: $150
  • Register: https://square.link/u/j32daoTP


Fridays

Maker’s Club (SECOND SESSION)
Create, build, and invent! In Maker’s Club, students dive into hands-on making as they experiment with animation, digital design, laser cutting, and more in an exciting makerspace environment. Each session invites students to try new tools, test ideas, and turn imagination into real creations. Whether they’re coding motion, designing objects, or crafting something entirely original, makers will build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence through exploration and play.

  • Open to students in Grades 4–8
  • Five-Week Club: February 27–April 17
    ​NO CLUB 3/20, 4/3, 4/10
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Led by Ms. Amy Hartman
  • Cost: $150
  • Register: https://square.link/u/Njguopwg
About After School Clubs

NEW THIS YEAR: Clubs meet one day per week for either five- or ten-week sessions.
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  • Students are welcome to sign up for more than one club. 
  • Families with students in the 5:45 p.m. Horizons pick-up program get 50% off all clubs! ​(Discount codes have been emailed to families registered. If you did not receive it, please contact Jennifer Brady at [email protected].)

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Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.


© Elmwood Franklin School | 104 New Amsterdam Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14216
[email protected] | 716-877-5035 | fax 716-877-9680

​Elmwood Franklin School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. 

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