In-School Residencies & After School Activities

After School Activities

Program Objectives:

Over the past two decades, CircEsteem has built programming to help students develop confidence through circus exploration. In addition to flexibility, balance, coordination and strength, CircEsteem uses a graduated learning method to allow students to build self-esteem through personal accomplishments. Our staff strive to help each student discover his or her, “Look what I can do!” moment. CircEsteem classes are designed to allow each student to work at their own pace while finding opportunities to build teamwork and collaboration. CircEsteem’s teaching method focuses on creating a positive climate and building in incremental wins. Through a culminating performance at the end of each session, students celebrate the successes of their peers and each student leaves with the understanding that there is nothing they “can’t do” if they put their minds to it!

Grades:

‍Kindergarten – 8th Grade

Time Commitment:

After-school classes usually run one hour, once per week.

Number of Students:

‍8 student minimum, 30 student maximum.

Family Engagement:

‍Parents and the school community are invited to engage in a final performance (often held on the last day of the session) where they can celebrate the accomplishments and new skills of the class participants.

Student Skills:

‍This program targets building social emotional skills, such as confidence, trust of self and others, self regulation, goal setting, conflict mediation, how to use consent, and collaboration with others. Circus skills taught vary based on the teaching artist, but often include juggling, jump rope, spinning plates, flower sticks, and acrobatics. This program is a great way to engage in physical fitness, performing arts, and social-emotional learning.

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In-School Residencies

CircEsteem travels to schools and community centers all over the Chicagoland area, bringing the joy of circus to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This cooperative interaction enables students to progress at their own pace while still working together as a team.

Residencies follow the same format as our After School Activities, however they take place during the school day and often include more sessions over a longer period of time.

CircEsteem has partnered with the following schools for After School Activities:

Cancellations – CircEsteem reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment. In such a case, a full refund will be issued.

Drops – Students voluntarily withdrawing from a class after the registration deadline do not receive a refund.

Missed Classes – CircEsteem cannot pro-rate tuition based on anticipated or unanticipated absences.

Refunds – CircEsteem does not offer refunds except in the case that a class is cancelled by CircEsteem.