Early Grasshopper Program

Dropping off at GDS before 7:40 a.m.? Register for our free Early Grasshopper Program! Students will have the opportunity to engage in exciting, low-key, and hands-on activities each morning before classes start or choose to have free time if not registered for a class. (This is a pilot program for the 2019-20 school year.)
 
When?
The program runs from 7:00–7:50 a.m. daily. In the case of a delayed start, only drop-in supervision will be offered, starting one hour prior to the start of school. Students may not be dropped off earlier than the Early Grasshopper start time. 
 
Where?
Lower/Middle School
 
How much does it cost? 
This program is totally free for the 2019-20 school year. Students do need to register to participate.
 
Who should participate? 
  • Lower/Middle School families who need to drop their children off before 7:40 a.m.
  • Children interested in the daily class offerings
Why?
  • It is a great way to start each morning!
  • Breakfast snacks are provided to students who arrive by 7:30 a.m.
  • Starting in fall of 2020, all families choosing to drive on campus will be required to have at least two students in their cars unless their children are in pre-K or kindergarten or their children are dropped off before 7:20 a.m. as part of our Early Grasshopper Program. Read more about other ways to get to school »
What is being offered?
  • Preferred Activities: When you register, you will select a preferred activity for your child. You will have an option between a daily class or down time / free play. We call these preferred activities because we know students are tired in the mornings and may not be up for classes each week. Please note that in case of large classes, students who are not registered for a class as their preferred activity may not be permitted to drop-in. 
  • Down Time/FreePlay: Students who are not registered for a class will be able to opt into either supervised down time / free play in the lobby, library, big toy, field, or gym (depending on weather and season). Middle School students will have a separate gathering space designated for them. 
  • Class Times: Classes will generally run from 7:15–7:50 a.m. and will include a series of low-key and engaging activities.
  • Snack: A light morning snack will also be offered each morning from 7–7:20 a.m. in the multipurpose room for registered students.
Fall 2019 class schedule:
  • Mondays: Movement, Mindfulness, and Meditation (Teacher TBD)
    Start your week off with some calm. Classes will include yoga, creative movement, mindfulness activities, and some meditation practice at an age-appropriate level.
  • Tuesdays: Morning Math Games with GDS Math Teachers Bryan Williams and Susie Loutoo
    Join Bryan and Susie for morning math games to get your mind moving and support math skill development!
  • Wednesdays: Coding Bootcamp with GDS Technology Educator Elvin Peprah
    Join Elvin for a range of weekly morning coding activities! The morning program will provide an open-ended coding space where students will have time to explore the world of coding with the help of an instructor. There will be daily challenges, instruction, and open explore time for students of all levels and we'll use a range of programs including Scratch, Hopscotch, Hour of Code, and Robotics Programming Systems (Vex Robotics, Ozobots).
  • Thursdays: Morning Sports with Coach Pete Robinson
    Participate in a variety of indoor or outdoor sports activities with Coach Pete! Depending on the weather, activities may range from tag to basketball to t-ball to soccer to flag football and more!
  • Fridays: Friday Fundays with Coach Pete Robinson
    Each Friday, participate in a seasonal activity based on the season and occasionally inspired by the National Day of calendar. For instance, September 6 is National Read-A-Book Day and September 13 is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, so look for book and cooking themed activities respectively.
Please note: In some cases, a teacher of an enrichment class may be unable to attend or may become ill. When possible, we will let you know or find a substitute. When a substitute is not available, students will join drop-in programming.
How do I register? 
Register in Campbrain, our online software for extended day programming. Registration continues on a rolling basis throughout the year. Because students will opt into the various classes based on their own interest level, parents will indicate a preference for class so that we can encourage students to attend. We will not require students to attend if they are not feeling up to participating for the day.

LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL

4530 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Washington, DC 20007

HIGH SCHOOL

4200 Davenport Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016


Georgetown Day School is a coed, preK-12, non-sectarian private school in Washington, DC with small class sizes and a diverse school community. Our comprehensive, innovative curriculum includes hands-on learning, honors and AP classes, as well as advanced-level math and STEM courses. An education is not just college prep and SAT scores. GDS teachers focus on providing the best education for each child, from elementary grades through high school. The school performing arts program includes theater, dance, and music. The athletics program offers competitive sports for student athletes, including cross-country, track, soccer, lacrosse, and crew/rowing. With our strong commitment to financial aid, an independent school tuition is affordable.