After School Programming
Hands-on learning so fun they'll forget they're even learning.
Explorer’s Club
(Grades K-5)
Explorer’s Club is our after-school care program designed with two complementary components. It provides students with a relaxed, social environment where they can unwind after the school day while spending time with friends. In addition, students participate in focused learning sessions that extend their education through STEAM experiences, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maker Space projects. We have three specialized teachers who each lead one of our classes which either: go with our theme, technology, or art.
The program is organized into five terms, each centered around a unique theme. During every term, guest speakers and presenters visit each of the four focus classes to lead a special learning experience. At the conclusion of each term, families are invited to an Exhibition Night to explore, experience, and learn about the projects and activities students have completed in Explorers Club.
Enrollment is a year-long commitment, with students choosing to attend two or more days per week. Students are bused directly from their Edina or Richfield schools to A2D Academy, and daily snacks are provided.
Monday- Friday
2:30-4:30 pm
Extended Day
4:30-5:30pm
$30 / day
+10 extended day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
K-1
Theme
Theme
Technology
Art
Makerspace
2-5
Technology
Art
Theme
Theme
Makerspace
Term Themes: What is STEAM?, Around the World, Community Service, Entrepreneurship, and Us in the World
Download Calendar (PDF)
Download Handbook (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions About Explorers Club
How many days a week is required?
A2D Academy requires a minimum of 2 days a week for our Explorer’s Club students. These two days should remain the same from week to week.
How are the classrooms broken apart?
Explorer’s Club features two multi-age learning environments. The Evergreen classroom serves our Kindergarten and first-grade students, while the Redwoods classroom is for students in second through fifth grade. We also have occasional “family days” where all students, Kindergarten through fifth grade, collaborate on the same project in a single classroom, fostering peer support across all age groups. Our family days will be on Fridays.
What sets Explorer’s Club apart from other After School Programs?
Explorer’s Club is a dynamic after-school program designed by an experienced educator to cultivate collaboration, creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills in students. Led by licensed teachers, the program provides a structured, enriching environment where students can expand their minds and explore their passions.
The year is organized into terms, with each term focusing on subjects that are driven by student choice, encouraging curiosity and broadening their understanding of the world. This approach allows the program to feature the most engaging aspects of teaching that are often restricted by standard curriculum.
What happens if we need to cancel?
Cancellation Policy:
- Before the 2-Week Mark: Families may cancel their enrollment up to two weeks before the school year begins. In this case, the only penalty is the forfeiture of the registration fee.
- Within 2 Weeks of Start or After Enrollment: If cancellation occurs within two weeks before the student’s start date or anytime after the student has begun the program, a $2,000 cancellation fee will be charged. This fee is essential to help ensure the longevity and viability of the program.
Does my child ever get down time?
Our daily schedule incorporates several opportunities for student choice and relaxation:
- Snack and Break Time: A daily snack break.
- Physical and Creative Outlet: Time to play outdoors at Edinburgh Park, or engage in indoor creation time.
- Opt-Out Option: Students have the choice to opt-out of daily activities after attempting the activity for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Furthermore, from 4:30-5:30 PM, students engage in Self-Directed Learning Time, where they choose their own path. This time can be used for activities such as:
- Working on homework.
- Collaborating with a small group on a creative project, like writing a play.
- Independent reading.
- Building with Legos.
- Creating an art project.
My child gets homework after school, will they have time to complete it at A2D Academy?
Our program provides licensed teachers who are eager to assist students with their homework. The optimal time for homework is during our extended day hours, specifically from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, given the structure of our schedule. Although students are permitted to work on assignments during their park or free choice time immediately after school, we recommend the 4:30-5:30 PM slot, as the earlier time is often needed for students to relax and recharge after a full day of learning.
Is there bussing from my school?
A2D Academy collaborates with Edina Public Schools and Richfield Public schools to offer transportation services from five elementary schools: Concord, Cornelia, Countryside, Creek Valley, Highlands, Sheradon Hills, and STEAM School.
Please note that transportation is not available from Normandale elementary school because of its later start and end times.
I got into A2D Academy this year, but what does that mean for next year?
We prioritize the enrollment of our current A2D Academy families. Enrollment for current students and their younger siblings is offered before we open the process to the general public.
What happens on snow days?
A2D Academy’s closure policy for inclement weather aligns with Edina Public Schools (EPS). If EPS announces a snow day or early release due to weather, A2D Academy will also be closed to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
Per the enrollment contract, the first three snow days of the year are considered “voluntary absences” and are factored into the annual schedule. Daily credit will be applied to each student’s account for any missed days that occur after the third snow day.
Do you have programming for days in which school is not in session?
We offer optional individual contract days called Maker Space Days on select out-of-school days that align with the Edina Public Schools calendar. These full-day programs run from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and are entirely separate from your explorer’s club contract.
Out of school programming can be found on our site here:
Why are Clubs an additional fee?
Our clubs are entirely managed and operated by our community partners. These partners are responsible for establishing the curriculum, expectations, and tuition fees for their club. All tuition fees are paid directly to the community partner. They are skilled practitioners in their fields and are eager to share their passion and expertise with the next generation.
How do I sign up for clubs?
Our Clubs are offered in 6- to 8-week sessions. Please note that each new session requires a separate sign-up. You can find and register for all available Clubs in the “Search for Class” section of our Parent Portal.
When and where do I pick up my child?
A2D offers two different pickup times: 4:30 and 5:30. Please refrain from picking up before 4:30 as that is when they participate in their class activities for the day. Otherwise, free choice occurs from 4:30 to 5:30 and you are welcome to pick up any time before 5:30!
Pick up takes place outside of the Edinborough Corporate Center you’re able to pull up in your car near the South entrance and we will walk students out at 4:30PM and 5:30 depending on their schedule.
What Families are loving about the Explorer’s Club Program:
Enrichment Classes AKA Clubs
A2D Academy collaborates with external community vendors to offer supplementary learning opportunities. These specialized classes provide a more focused and in-depth exploration of various areas of interest compared to the standard A2D curriculum. Open to the public, these enrichment classes typically run in 6 to 8-week cycles and are offered in addition to the Explorer’s Club program, incurring separate fees. Enrichment classes typically run from 4:30-5:30 during the week. More specific information on enrollment will be provided at a later date.
