enrichment Courses

At ECDS, we believe in fostering well-rounded individuals by offering a variety of enrichment programs that go beyond the traditional classroom experience. These programs are designed to nurture students' talents, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. From the fine arts to public speaking, our enrichment courses provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and teamwork.

K-12

fine arts

At ECDS, we believe in nurturing every child’s artistic talent and creativity. Students enjoy art classes twice a week, with additional classes for those with a special interest in the arts. Our hallways are adorned with student artwork, celebrating their creative expression. Students also participate in local art contests and showcase their pieces in our annual art show—a highlight for our community!

music

At ECDS, every student enjoys vocal music classes twice a week, with options for individual instrument lessons as well. Music is a key part of our arts program, working closely with the drama department on our two big annual productions in December and May, where the whole student body shines on stage.

DRAMA

Drama is a highlight of the ECDS arts program! Each year, we stage two major performances, including at least one musical, and welcome all students from Kindergarten up to participate. The Drama department also encourages family involvement, with parents often helping with costumes, sets, and lighting. Students in Grades 5-8 have the option to participate, making it a truly inclusive and collaborative experience for all.

spanish

At ECDS, students build language skills from a young age with regular Spanish instruction, even for Pre-Schoolers. Grades K-12 attend Spanish classes multiple times a week, exploring Hispanic culture through songs, games, and writing. By Grades 3 and 4, Spanish becomes the primary classroom language, with students confidently responding in Spanish. This immersive approach gives ECDS graduates a strong foundation, making their high school language transition seamless.

bushcraft

Bushcraft is the acquisition of skills and knowledge to be able to thrive in the wilderness and natural environment. These skills include fire-craft, tracking, hunting, fishing, shelter- building, foraging, water sourcing, hand-carving wood, and rope and twine-making, among others.

additional languages

Mandarin joins Spanish as a language option beginning in Kindergarten, giving students an early start in global communication. In Grade 5, they can broaden their language journey by adding or switching to Latin or German.

Grades 5-8

public speaking

This course builds foundational skills in effective speaking, from approaching the podium confidently to engaging the audience with eye contact and posture. Students learn techniques for hand positioning, voice projection, and overall presence, empowering them to develop their unique speaking style and confidently address any audience.

Debate

Debate provides a great opportunity to sharpen critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills in a fun and supportive environment.

home economics

Home Economics equips students with essential life skills, from cooking and nutrition to budgeting and home management. Through hands-on activities, students learn practical skills that promote independence, creativity, and responsibility in everyday life.

Student Council

Student Council provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, represent their peers, and make a positive impact on the school community. Through planning events, voicing student concerns, and collaborating with faculty, members gain valuable experience in teamwork, organization, and decision-making.

Grades 9-12

art portfolio

This is an upper level course offered for serious art students who would like to pursue the arts at a post-graduate level. Students undertake greater artistic challenges through the practice of sustained art-making involving more complex compositional, technical, and conceptual problems. By succeeding in this course, the student will make sophisticated decisions in their work with a technical understanding of materials and increased ability to articulate the significance of their art to others.

Forensic Science

Forensics Science is an integrated science which applies the use of multiple scientific disciplines that assist in answering the investigation of criminal or civil questions of the law. In this course students use biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science to analyze and interpret evidence within the realm of the US legal system. It begins with an introduction to scientific inquiry and the process of forensic investigation and evidence collection. Then the knowledge of research is applied to the analysis of crime scene evidence such as trace evidence (hair, fiber, etc.), fingerprints, DNA, blood, handwriting, bones, and/or soil. Also, students study ballistics, how to determine time and manner of death, and drug identification and toxicology.

esl- English LAnguage Aquisition

ECDS partners with the Sacred Heart University English Language Institute to offer our international students an entirely online, individualized, professor-led, English language program of study. Our online program is a complete twelve-level English language course designed to orientate students to the culture of the United States, help them achieve their personal, academic and professional goals while recognizing and addressing each student’s individualized educational needs and cultural backgrounds. This program allows students to quickly acquire the English-speaking skills necessary in being admitted and successful at the post-graduate level.

Additional courses offered to high school students based on interest and demand:

  • Computer programming

  • Electronics & robotics

  • Screenwriting 

  • Civil engineering 

  • History of Warfare

  • Automotive History