Specialty Classes
Our Specialty Classes are offered for our SMP girls through our seniors. We offer a variety of year-round programs and workshops from hip hop, gymnastics, and fairy tale science to SAT, ACT, and PSAT college prep courses.
Fun, discovery, and investigation await every child in a creative, supportive, and enriched environment rooted in St. Mary’s Episcopal School’s mission.
After3 is free for girls enrolled in classes from the time school is dismissed until the start time of the class. Girls must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of class or drop-in fees will apply.
- Academic Classes
- Arts Classes
- Athletics, Dance, and Movement Classes
- Early Childhood Noon Classes
- Single Day Classes
- College Prep Classes
- Music Lessons
- Specialty Class Policies & Procedures
Academic Classes
Girls Who Code and Create Club
Join us for lots of SUGAR “CODED” fun each week as we code and have fun exploring STEM Coding in this all girls club. Girls will participate in a variety of different coding experiences such as fashion shows with coding on the catwalk, creating jewelry through coding, amazing robotic challenges, and more. Our weekly meet ups enhance critical thinking skills, while building up self-confidence and teamwork all in a positive and enthusiastic learning environment. Help encourage your daughter to be part of the biggest career revolution in modern history by signing up today. Girls rule…let’s get coding!!!
Grades: JK - SK
Instructor: Computer Explorers
Dates: Wednesdays, January 22 - March 25 (no class on March 11)
Time: 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $190
Chess
Come be a part of learning one of the oldest games in history. Chess builds the skills of strategy and deep thinking. It is also fun. This class is appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned chess players.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Gwen Collier
Dates: Thursdays, January 23 - February 20
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $125
Advanced Chess
Led by Rhodes College students and recent college graduates, Advanced Chess is for those girls who have a base knowledge of chess and want to grow in their knowledge of advanced strategy and competitive tactics.
Grades: 3rd - 5th
Instructor: Mid-South Chess Staff
Dates: Thursdays, January 23- April 16 (no class on March 12)
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $200
Early Literacy
Join former St. Mary's Head of Early Childhood Dr. Wilson for an exciting, fun-filled, literature-based class focusing on all areas of foundational literacy development. This class will include opportunities to practice listening, phonological awareness, decoding print, comprehension, and writing skills through a variety of creative activities.
Grades: JK
Instructor: Dr. Jeanne Wilson
Dates: Thursdays, February 6 - April 2 (no class on March 12)
Time: 3:15-4:00
Cost: $215
This class is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please contact Raquel Capocaccia, Director of Auxiliary Programs.
Early Literacy
Join former St. Mary's Head of Early Childhood Dr. Wilson in a literature-based workshop that is tailored for early readers who are becoming more accomplished and independent in all areas of literacy: listening, reading, comprehension, and writing. Building on foundational literacy skills, students will be given opportunities to extend their individual skill sets with fun and creative activities.
Grades: SK - 1st
Instructor: Dr. Jeanne Wilson
Dates: Thursdays, February 6 - April 2 (no class on March 12)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Cost: $215
Arts Classes
Musical Theater: Beauty and the Beast
Students will learn about musical theater through weekly direction of the show Beauty and the Beast. Students will learn a mini version of the show with parts assigned by age on the third-class day. The combined classes will put on a performance for family and friends on the last day of class. Students will need a cream-colored camisole for under costume for the performance day.
Grades: PK - SK
Instructor: Memphis Musical Theater
Dates: Wednesdays, January 29 - April 22 (no class on March 11)
Time: 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $220
This class is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please contact Raquel Capocaccia, Director of Auxiliary Programs.
Musical Theater: Beauty and the Beast
Students will learn about musical theater through weekly direction of the show Beauty and the Beast. Students will learn a mini version of the show with parts assigned by age on the third-class day. The combined classes will put on a performance for family and friends on the last day of class. Students will need a cream-colored camisole for under costume for the performance day.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Memphis Musical Theater
Dates: Wednesdays, January 29 - April 22 (no class March 11)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Cost: $220
Knitting
Both beginning and advanced knitters are welcome in this sit 'n stitch knitting class! Beginning knitters will begin with finger and loom knitting to build familiarity with using yarn to create loops. Next, we will move on to traditional knitting, learning how to cast on, bind off, and make knit stitches. Each student will make a headband, fingerless gloves, a purse, and other projects according to her interest. Advanced knitters will move at their own pace and may explore purling, increases and decreases, reading patterns, and other advanced techniques. Each student will be provided with her own knitting needles and loom. A selection of yarn will be available, but feel free to bring your own if you want a specific color or texture!
Grades: 3rd - 5th
Instructor: Laura Ginsberg
Dates: Mondays, January 27 - April 20 (no class February 17, March 9, April 13)
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $215
Beginner Pottery and More
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get creative! In this hands on six week spring themed class, students will learn the basics of clay hand building. Students will get to use their imagination and create several themed clay projects from forming the clay with their hands to learning painting techniques and/or using specialty pottery glazes. At the end of the session we will have a gallery showing for the students to reveal their sculptures to their friends and families. Projects will be based on grade level.
Grades: JK - 1st
Instructor: Seize the Clay
Date: Mondays, March 16 - April 27 (no class April 13)
Time: 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $180
Pottery and More
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get creative! In this hands on six week spring themed class, students will learn the basics of clay hand building. Students will get to use their imagination and create several themed clay projects from forming the clay with their hands to learning painting techniques and/or using specialty pottery glazes. At the end of the session we will have a gallery showing for the students to reveal their sculptures to their friends and families. Projects will be based on grade level.
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Seize the Clay
Date: Mondays, March 16 - April 27 (no class April 13)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Cost $180
Sewing Club
In Sewing Club, students will learn different stitches, how to thread a needle, how to tie off, and sew on a button. Students will choose fabrics, and designs they wish to create. They may choose a new project or repeat a project from the past. This is a fun class that provides skills for a lifetime.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Gwen Collier, Heather Hendry, and Barbara Person
Dates: Tuesdays, March 24 - April 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $165
Athletics, Dance, and Movement Classes
Gymnastics Fun
Come join the fun! Learn beginning skills on floor, bars, balance beam, and vault. Develop flexibility, strength, coordination, and confidence which promote focus and healthy habits for life. A parent demonstration will take place on the last day of class, April 23.
Grades: SMP - PK
Instructor: Wings Gymnastics
Dates: Thursdays, January 23 - April 23 (no class on March 12 and April 9)
Time: 3:20 p.m. - 4:05 p.m.
Cost: $220
This class is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please contact Raquel Capocaccia, Director of Auxiliary Programs.
Gymnastics Fundamentals
Come join the fun! Learn beginning and intermediate skills on floor, bars, balance beam, and vault. Develop flexibility, strength, coordination, and confidence which promote focus and healthy habits for life. A parent demonstration will take place on the last day of class, April 23.
Grades: JK - SK
Instructor: Wings Gymnastics
Dates: Thursdays, January 23 - April 23 (no class on March 12 and April 9)
Time: 4:20 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.
Cost: $220
Intermediate Gymnastics & Tumbling
Come join the fun! Build your skills on floor, bars, balance beam, and vault. This class will move on from the beginning curriculum, focusing on balance beam tumbling skills, tying together bar skills into routines, and developing floor skills up to powerful round-offs, front and back walkovers and back handsprings. A parent demonstration will take place on the last day of class, April 23.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Wings Gymnastics
Dates: Thursdays, January 23 - April 23 (no class March 12 and April 9)
Time: 4:40 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $220
Pre-Ballet: Pinkalicious
In this class, students will learn the beautiful art of French and Russian classical ballet with a creative and fun syllabus designed by Mary Van Dyke, Artistic Director of Children’s Ballet Theater. The theme this semester is Pink a Licious and La Bayadere. There will be a parent demonstration on the final day of class. Students should wear school clothing and bring ballet slippers; tutus are provided during class.
Grades: SMP - PK
Instructor: Children’s Ballet Theater
Dates: Mondays, January 27 - May 4 (no class February 17, March 9, or April 13)
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $220
This class is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please contact Raquel Capocaccia, Director of Auxiliary Programs.
Ballet: Pinkalicious
In this class, students will learn the beautiful art of French and Russian classical ballet with a creative and fun syllabus designed by Mary Van Dyke, Artistic Director of Children’s Ballet Theater. The theme this semester is Pink a Licious and La Bayadere. There will be a parent demonstration on the final day of class and JK - 1st can perform in the spring recital on stage! Students should wear school clothing and bring ballet slippers; tutus are provided during class.
Grades: JK - 1st
Instructor: Children’s Ballet Theater
Dates: Mondays, January 27 - May 4 (no class on February 17, March 9, or April 13)
Time: 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $220
Turkeys in Training: Basketball
This program is designed to introduce Lower School girls to the wonderful world of Athletics! The Winter session held on Tuesdays will focus on BASKETBALL! Throughout this six week clinic, we will focus on passing, dribbling, shooting. We will spend our first 35 minutes each Tuesday learning basketball fundamentals and skills. Then the last 25 min we will break up into teams and play small-sided games!
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Athletics Department Staff
Dates: Tuesdays, January 28 - March 3
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Turkeys in Training: Volleyball
This program is designed to introduce Lower School girls to the wonderful world of Athletics! The Winter session held on Wednesdays will focus on VOLLEYBALL! Throughout this six week clinic, we will focus on passing, serving, and hitting. We will spend our first 35 minutes each Wednesday learning volleyball fundamentals and skills. In the last 25 minutes we will break up into teams and play small-sided games!
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Athletic Department Staff
Dates: Wednesdays, January 29 - March 4
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Swimming
Under the guidance of experienced coaches, swimmers will be encouraged to develop their swimming technique and improve their conditioning in a positive, fun, and team-oriented environment. Swimmers will receive coaching focused on technique and endurance training with exposure to all four strokes, starts, and finishes. This offering is fun and rewarding, culminating in two low-pressure swim meets against other local schools. To sign-up, a swimmer should be able to swim freestyle the length of a 25 yard pool unassisted. Practices will take place at the Nuber YMCA on Quince. Meets are on February 29 and April 4.
*Transportation to the YMCA is not provided for practices or meets.
Grades: SK - 2nd
Instructor: Nuber YMCA
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, February 3 - April 1 (no class on March 9 or March 11)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $195
Creative Movement
It’s time to get moving! In this beginner creative movement class, instructors will incorporate acro based dance technique, jazz, and hip hop each week. Students will learn the basics of each style while also learning how to comprehend musicality and choreography in a team environment. Don’t miss out on this fun!!
Grades: PK - SK
Instructor: Studio Gray
Dates: Wednesdays, February 19 - April 29 (no class on March 11)
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $215
Hip Hop: Create Your Own Dance
Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. This class will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their individual style and personality to the movements. Throughout the semester, students will learn hip hop and other dance techniques in order to successfully create their own individualized group dance to perform for family and friends. Class includes upper and lower body conditioning as well as a rigorous warm-up to help prepare students for more intense movements.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Studio Gray
Dates: Wednesdays, February 19 - April 29 (no class March 11)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $215
Turkeys in Training: Soccer
This program is designed to introduce Lower School girls to the wonderful world of Athletics! The Spring session held on Tuesday will focus on SOCCER! Throughout this six week clinic, we will focus on passing, dribbling, and shooting. We will spend our first 35 minutes each Tuesday on soccer fundamentals and skills. Then the last 25 min we will break up into teams and play small-sided games! Please bring a ball, shin guards, and a water bottle each Tuesday.
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Athletics Department Staff
Dates: Wednesdays, March 18 - April 22
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Turkeys in Training: Track
This conditioning and introduction to running class will help shake out the cobwebs of winter. The goal of the class is to improve fitness levels by emphasizing running/walking as a fun activity that can be enjoyed now and throughout life.
*Pick up from this class will be at the Upper School track.
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Holly Hensarling
Dates: Thursdays, March 19 - April 23
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is one of the most popular sports among young girls. Cheering is a great opportunity to get out and be active. Students in the class will learn proper hand and body movements along with jumping techniques. There will be a parent demonstration on the last day of class.
Grades: 1st - 2nd
Instructor: Mary Clayton Garavelli
Dates: Tuesdays, March 24 - April 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Early Childhood Noon Classes
Auxiliary Programs is thrilled to offer noon specialty classes for our girls in Pre-K and JK. Girls will have lunch as a class at 12 p.m. each day and classes are from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Girls that attend a full day of school will return to their classrooms. Girls that typically leave at 12 p.m. will have a special 1:15 p.m. carpool on the Marlene R. Shaw Early Childhood Center porch. Girls must attend school on the day that they attend a Specialty Class.
Little Miss Manners
You are cordially invited to attend our Spring themed Little Miss Manners at St. Mary’s. Girls in this class will learn party and table manners as well as appropriate manners for interacting with peers and adults. The class will conclude with a spring themed tea party.
Grades: PK - JK
Instructor: Martha May
Dates: Tuesdays, April 7 - April 21
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Cost: $85
Single Day Classes
Manners Mania 1
This class will explore basic etiquette. Through games and role-playing, girls will learn introductions, telephone/electronics manners, thank you notes, and manners related to personal hygiene. Manners Mania 1 is a companion class to Manners Mania 2 and will cover different topics; one is not a pre-requisite for the other.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Stephanie Anderson
Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Makers: Spy Hacks and Crafts
Expand your spy tools with a marshmallow shooter, invisible ink messages, and more.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Jessica Lancaster
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Junior Chefs
Icing, sprinkles, candy, OH MY! In these very popular classes, the kids will decorate their favorite desserts and create fabulous themed treats! Whip your way over to Jr. Chefs for a sweet afternoon!
Grades: SMP - SK
Instructors: Martha May and Allison Coates
Date: Friday, February 7
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $25
Tasty Treats
A cup of fun, a tablespoon of surprise, and a dash of creativity is all you need to make delicious treats in these always popular classes. The girls will whip up yummy themed treats to share and enjoy!
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructors: Heather Hendry and Mary Clayton Garavelli
Date: Friday, February 7
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Manners Mania 2: Party Party
Everyone loves a party! This class will teach you proper manners for being a fabulous guest and an amazing party hostess. We will learn about invitations, table settings and table manners, and we will also cover "sleepover manners." Manners Mania 2 is a companion class to Manners Mania 1 and will cover different topics; one is not a pre-requisite for the other.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Stephanie Anderson
Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Makers: DIY Unicorn Crafts
Are you feeling magical? Sparkle your way through this single day makers class and create your own unicorn snow globe, bookmark and more in this magical, crafty class!
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Jessica Lancaster
Date: Friday, February 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Makers: Decoupage Your Own Jewelry Box
Let’s turn something old into something new! In this single day makers class, girls will get creative and innovative to repurpose a cigar box into a cool jewelry or keepsake box.
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructor: Jessica Lancaster
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Junior Chefs
Icing, sprinkles, candy, OH MY! In these very popular classes, the kids will decorate their favorite desserts and create fabulous themed treats! Whip your way over to Jr. Chefs for a sweet afternoon!
Grades: SMP - SK
Instructors: Martha May and Allison Coates
Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $25
Tasty Treats
A cup of fun, a tablespoon of surprise, and a dash of creativity is all you need to make delicious treats in these always popular classes. The girls will whip up yummy themed treats to share and enjoy!
Grades: 1st - 5th
Instructors: Heather Hendry and Mary Clayton Garavelli
Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Mums for Moms
Roses are red, violets are blue, a bouquet of colorful flowers is waiting for you. Join Ms. Rachael for a fun single day class where the girls will create a card and a bouquet of fresh flowers to give to moms in celebration of Mother’s Day.
Grades: JK - 1st
Instructor: Rachael Scarbrough
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $35
Mums for Moms
Roses are red, violets are blue, a bouquet of colorful flowers is waiting for you. Join Ms. Rachael for a fun single day class where the girls will create a card and a bouquet of fresh flowers to give to moms in celebration of Mother’s Day.
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Instructor: Rachael Scarbrough
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Cost: $35
College Prep Classes
ACT Prep Workshops For girls and boys entering grades 10th-12th
This class provides comprehensive reviews of math, science, and verbal skills necessary for taking the ACT. Students also learn test taking strategies and complete practice tests during the class. Students need to bring a small lunch/snack and calculator they plan on using for the exam; all other materials and practice tests provided.
March Sessions: 2 Saturdays, March 21 & 28
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $350
Music Lessons
Traditional Music Lessons
St. Mary’s is pleased to offer several options for private music lessons to our students and families. Violin, piano, voice, and guitar lessons are available. Students taking music lessons after school may stay in the after care program free of charge until their lesson time and will receive a snack, enjoy recreation, and older girls will have a designated homework time. Siblings are also welcome to take lessons at St. Mary’s. Each teacher manages his/her own schedule, so please contact him/her directly regarding availability and fees.
St. Mary’s offers several different options for families interested in traditional music lessons. Traditional music lessons expose students at an early age to technique, music theory, and sight-reading.
Piano & Voice Instructor: Diane Carden 901-240-1081
Piano Instructor: Bill Fuller 901-219-7214
Piano, Voice, & Guitar Instructor: Adam Levin 901-603-2098
Violin Instructor: Priscilla Tsai 626-417-5496
Specialty Class Policies & Procedures
GENERAL INFORMATION
All policies and procedures expressed in the St. Mary’s Student Handbook apply to all Auxiliary Programs. All students must be fully potty trained to participate in any specialty class. Any questions should be addressed to Raquel Capocaccia, Director of Auxiliary Programs.
To register online, please click the "register now" button in the sidebar on the right side of this page. This will direct you to our online registration system, Ultra Camp. If you haven’t done so before, please create a complete profile for you and your child. You can register for classes as well as make payments through this site. You may also contact Kacie O’Kelley, Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs, via email or 901-537-1415 for registration and to make payment.
COURSE FEES
A $25 deposit per class is required for registration. The $25 per-class deposit is applied toward the total class fee; it is not an additional fee. The deposit reserves a space for you child, and the remaining balance is due by the start date of the class. All deposits are non-refundable. Our program accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, as well as checks and cash. St. Mary’s classes will not be prorated for any reason. Classes with insufficient enrollment are subject to cancellation with a full refund. Advance notice will be provided to those registered.
St. Mary's classes will not be prorated for any reason. A reservation must be canceled before the start date of the class to receive a refund. Dropping a class after the start date will be non-refundable.
BEHAVIORAL POLICY
Students are expected to adhere to the policies of St. Mary’s Episcopal School at all times while on campus. We reserve the right to dismiss from the program (without refund) any student whose behavior becomes unmanageable.
PICK-UP AUTHORIZATION
Only adults designated on the registration form will be permitted to pick up children from the program. Written authorization is required for pick up by someone other than those listed on the registration form. The parent or authorized adult to whom the child is being released must sign the child’s time sheet and record the time.
Your child must remain on campus to participate in after school Auxiliary Programs. If your child is checked out of school for any reason during the day, they must be checked back into their division's office before dismissal in order to participate in Speciality Classes.
Pick-up from Specialty Classes on North Campus is at the desk located outside of the cafeteria located in the Shaw Early Childhood Center. Pick-up from Specialty Classes on South Campus is at the desk inside the library in Windland Smith Rice.
LATE FEE/PICK-UP POLICY
It is important that students be picked up promptly at the end of their classes. Children not picked up within 15 minutes of the end of class will be checked into our after school program and charged a drop-in fee.
If a student is attending a class but regularly stays for After3, they should be picked up promptly at 6:00 p.m. Parents will be charged a fee of $2 per minute for the first 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, a late fee of $5 per minute will be charged. All late fees must be paid at the time of pick-up. If a student is picked-up late more than three times in a semester, St. Mary’s reserves the right to dismiss that student from the After3 program.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Raquel Capocaccia 901-537-1485
Director of Auxiliary Programs
Kacie O’Kelley 901-537-1415
Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs
Rachael Scarbrough 901-537-3150
Auxiliary Programs Manager
After3 Line (from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 901-537-3149