At the end of the school day at NIS, classrooms don’t empty—they transform.
Down one hallway, a group of Elementary students gathers around a table, experimenting with art materials and ideas. Outside, another group is already in motion, running drills and cheering each other on.
In another space, older students lead younger ones through an activity, offering guidance, encouragement, and the occasional high-five. This is CCA time at NIS—and for many students, it’s one of the most anticipated parts of the day.
More Than an After-School Activity
While CCAs might look like a typical after-school program at first glance, they are deeply connected to the learning experience at NIS. These are not simply add-ons or ways to pass the time—they are an extension of the school day, where students continue to explore, create, and grow in a more social and flexible environment.
It’s no surprise, then, that approximately 85% of NIS students participate in CCAs, making them a central part of student life.
Elementary CCAs: Exploring and Growing
For younger students, CCAs are about exploring and discovering. Students in Grades 1–5 are encouraged to try new things in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Options range from sports and the arts to academic and wellbeing-focused activities, providing something for every interest and personality.
Here, students:
- step outside their comfort zones
- build friendships across classes
- develop confidence through trying something new
A unique feature of the program is the involvement of Secondary students, who often support Elementary CCAs. These moments create natural mentorship opportunities—older students stepping into leadership roles while younger students gain positive role models.
Secondary CCAs: Choice, Commitment, and Leadership
As students move into Secondary School, CCAs become increasingly shaped by student choice and ownership. Students sign up independently and often participate in multiple activities, balancing interests that range from Dolphin Athletics to clubs like robotics, Model United Nations, performing arts, and service groups.
Activities are organized across five key areas:
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Community Engagement & Leadership
- Academic & Intellectual Pursuits
- Experiential & Practical Skills
- Health, Wellness & Sport
Many of these clubs are student-led, giving students the opportunity to take initiative, lead their peers, and develop a strong sense of responsibility.
Learning in a Different Way
What makes CCAs especially powerful is how they extend classroom learning into real-world experiences.
Skills introduced during the school day—like critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—are applied in new and meaningful contexts. A student who explores problem-solving in class might deepen that thinking in robotics. A student building communication skills might find their voice through performing arts or leadership opportunities.
In CCAs, learning becomes more visible, more social, and often more personal.
A Program That Evolves with Students
CCAs at NIS run in three rotations throughout the year, giving students the flexibility to explore a wide range of interests. This structure keeps the program dynamic—responsive to student interests and shaped by the passions and expertise of teachers and student leaders alike. It also means students can take risks, try something new, and then discover something entirely different in the next rotation.
Across both Elementary and Secondary, CCAs support the development of skills that reach far beyond the classroom.
Students grow:
- Socially, through teamwork and friendships
- Personally, through confidence and resilience
- Academically, through creativity and problem-solving
In Secondary, students also build independence, time management, and leadership—skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.
A Place for Everyone
For students who may feel unsure about joining, CCAs offer an easy and welcoming place to start. With a wide variety of options and the flexibility to explore different activities throughout the year, there is truly something for everyone. Whether a student is trying something completely new or continuing a long-held interest, CCAs provide a space to grow, connect, and discover.
At NIS, learning doesn’t end when the final bell rings. It continues in art rooms, on playing fields, in collaborative spaces, and in the moments where students come together to explore what interests them most. And in doing so, they begin to shape who they are becoming.
