At The Maddux School, the end of the academic day doesn’t mean the end of learning, connection, or fun. Thanks to the launch of Club Maddux, a new after-school program piloted this year, students now have a place to wind down, play, and grow in a supportive and structured environment that mirrors the school’s thoughtful approach to education.
“We have for many years heard from parents that there was a real need in our community for a program that could extend the day for our students in a successful way,” explains Jenny Engel, School Director at The Maddux School.
Running daily from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., Club Maddux was created in direct response to feedback from families. Many students had tried other aftercare programs, but those environments often didn’t align with the supportive, structured approach that helps Maddux students thrive. “The nature of those programs is the opposite of what we’re doing here during the school day,” Engel says. “So, we created an aftercare program for our students… a club where they can hang out and play.”
But Club Maddux is far more than playtime. It’s a carefully curated experience that blends fun with intentionality. Students enjoy snacks, engage in a variety of activities, and interact with peers across grade levels—all under the guidance of a team of educators from different classrooms and even different programs within the Ivymount organization. “It’s a team of teachers who are all there to help our kids be successful in a play-based, activity-filled afternoon,” Engel shares.
The mixed-age format fosters collaboration and social growth, with staff thoughtfully planning everything from seating arrangements to activity choices. “How can we help support the social interaction between some of our kindergarten kiddos and our second graders who might not have the same interests?” Engel says. “It’s very carefully planned out. And I think, masterfully executed by my team.”
Onsite Therapy Services Reduce Commute Stress
In addition to providing a safe and enriching space for students, Club Maddux also helps families manage the logistical challenges of balancing school, therapy appointments, and after-school care. “We heard from parents about the challenges of juggling priorities,” Engel says. “And we are now offering therapy services here during that Club Maddux time.” Through Ivymount Outreach, students can access services like occupational therapy, speech pathology, and even a newly launched social skills group—all without leaving the school campus.
This integrated approach has been a game-changer for families. “The families have been so grateful for the opportunity to be able to not have to worry about picking their child up at 2:30, and not having to race all over the region,” Engel notes. “It’s wonderful that they’re getting to interact with some of the professionals from the Ivymount organization as well. We have a lot of expertise under this roof, not just at The Maddux School.”
Club Maddux is a successful example of how listening to families and leveraging in-house expertise can lead to meaningful, community-centered solutions. As Engel says, “It’s a picture of how so many different people can come together and create something really awesome.”
