The Lasting Benefits of Extracurricular Programs
What can provide long-term social, academic, physical, and mental benefits to children AND be fun as well? Extracurricular activities at school!
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the holistic development of children, particularly in a school environment. Not only can they provide a necessary break from academic pressure, but they also offer a platform for children to discover and nurture additional interests and talents.
St. Mark’s partners with various organizations that present after-school programs focused on science, STEM, art, chess, cooking, music, and sports. These courses, mainly designed for younger students, are offered at a nominal fee to families and are conveniently located on the St. Mark’s campus directly after school.
As students get older, they are introduced to staff-run extracurricular activities. With a robust sports program, the main purpose of St. Mark’s athletics is to develop the physical, emotional, spiritual, and scholastic growth of students. Fall includes girls’ volleyball, co-ed flag football, and co-ed cross country. Winter features basketball (with the boys’ varsity team earning the League Champions title in 2025), while spring ushers in boys’ volleyball and co-ed track and field.
For music-minded students, there are quite a few “note-worthy” activities, such as school band, handbell choir, and the praise band that leads Chapel worship each Wednesday. Students interested in acting are invited to jump on stage with the Drama Club, and eighth graders can photograph and design the annual yearbook.
STEM lovers can compete as part of the CyberPatriot Team, placing junior high students in charge of securing virtual networks. In its 14th season, the SML Broadcast Podcast is a weekly school news show featuring students as anchors, sportscasters, field reporters, and crew. Fourth and fifth grade mathletes prove that math is as easy as “pi” on the Math Olympiad team before graduating to the Math Counts program in upper grades.
Junior high students can demonstrate responsibility, practice initiative, and exhibit a high level of on-campus leadership as elected members of the Student Council, while the Leadership Exploration and Development (L.E.A.D.) program guides select eighth grade students on their journey to becoming confident leaders through giving back to the community and generating positive change.
When contemplating a school for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, consider the extracurricular experiences that will shape your child into a well-rounded individual. Consider the lasting impact that will bolster your child’s esteem and confidence. Consider the benefits that will contribute to your child’s success and growth, far beyond the walls of the classroom. Consider St. Mark’s Lutheran School.
Preschool through eighth grade enrollment opens to the public on March 9, 2026. Schedule a tour with us today!
