College for Kids provides an enriching, educational, and fun experience for K - 8th grade students! This innovative program gives children the chance to expand their horizons by exploring a topic of interest. Children will work with experts (JMU staff/students, teachers, etc.) to discover talents they never knew they had, explore new ideas/fields of study, and develop a new passion for learning!


 

GRADES: K - 8th

DATES: Saturdays, from January 24th – February 21st, 2026

(There will be an inclement weather date of Saturday, February 28th, 2026 if we have to cancel a Saturday due to weather.)

TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM each Saturday

PROGRAM FEE: $240

LOCATION: JMU's King Hall/Engeo Buildings (unless otherwise specified below) 

Register Now!

Course Options:

Arctic Adventures (K – 2nd Grades): Bundle up for a good time as the weather gets colder and join us in exploring the wonders of the Arctic. During this experience, students will make their own snowy scientific creations, participate in chilling challenges, discover the unique wildlife native to the Arctic, and become a true explorer. Don't miss this snowy adventure like no other! 

Wiggle, Giggle, and Groove! (K – 2nd Grades): This energetic and imaginative course invites young musicians to explore music through movement, singing, and play. Students will learn songs by using echo singing, creative actions, and expressive movement to discover key musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and tempo. Some activities will also encourage students to move through different levels and textures while developing body awareness, coordination, and musical expression. Each class combines storytelling, laughter, and creativity to help children connect music with imagination and joyful exploration.

Out of This World: Space Adventures (K – 2nd Grades): Blast off into a galaxy of fun! In Out of This World: Space Adventures, young astronauts will explore planets, stars, and rockets through crafts, experiments, and stories. We’ll learn how astronauts live in space, create our own constellations, and even build mini rockets! Each day combines discovery, imagination, and creativity for a stellar week of learning about the universe.

Storybook Stage: Bringing Tales to Life! (1st – 3rd Grades): In Storybook Stage, students will explore their favorite picture books in a whole new way — by stepping right into the story! Each week, we’ll read a new book together and then use acting, crafts, and movement to bring the story to life. From building props and costumes to acting out characters and scenes, students will use their imagination, creativity, and teamwork to create their own mini performances. Designed for 1st – 3rd graders, this class encourages confidence, expression, and a love of storytelling — all while having tons of fun!

Junior Travelers (1st – 3rd Grades): Each week your Junior Traveler will get to use their own passport and travel around the world for an adventure! Your traveler will “visit” a new country or two each Saturday to explore the music, art, food, culture, and traditions by hands-on crafts, experiments, and stories. Each student will collect passport stamps in their very own passport and learn about our amazing world! The countries we will travel to include, France, Japan, Mexico, Kenya, Egypt, Canada, England, and lastly the United States!

Magical Makers: Art, Adventure, and a Little Bit of Magic (3rd – 5th Grades): Step into the enchanting world of magic and adventure with this Harry Potter-themed course! During our time together, we will explore the magical world of wizards through hands-on crafts, science, and our own imaginations! Students will design Harry Potter themed items, mix kid safe potions, and use their creativity to figure out their magical identities. Every week, we will focus on a new topic based on Hogwarts. We’ll figure out what house we are in, learn about magic spells, and do lots of hand-on activities. Join us for an unforgettable week filled with wonder, friendship, and magic!

3D Art (3rd – 5th Grades): This 3D art course will focus on using different sculpture media such as Model Magic, paper clay, found objects, and cardboard. Assemblage and additive techniques will be used as students create unique masterpieces. Our inspiration will come from artists such as Jean Tinguely, Louis Nevelson, Yayoi Kusama, and Jeff Koons. Join us as we unlock our inner artists!

Scientists in Training (3rd – 5th Grades): What's the best part about science? Doing crazy experiments and learning how to apply them to real life! Learn more about the world of science through fun activities and hands-on experiments. Be prepared to get creative and messy as we explore a broad range of topics, including space, the environment, volcanoes, and more!

Design to Reality: Intro to 3D Printing for Young Creators (4th – 6th Grades): This hands-on course introduces students to the exciting world of 3D design and printing. Students will learn the basics of 3D modeling using beginner-friendly software, explore how 3D printers work, and create their own custom-designed objects. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and creativity! Note: This course involves the use of tablets/some screen time (tablets are provided).

Jukebox Juniors (4th – 6th Grades): Get ready to turn pop songs into musical numbers! Jukebox Juniors introduces the idea of jukebox musicals to students. This course also covers character work through interactive theatre games! Together, students will select two pop songs and create stories for each song, bringing them to life like jukebox musicals. Students will learn basic acting, singing, and choreography to transform both pop songs into musical performances!

Beginner Olympic Fencing (5th – 8th Grades): *THIS COURSE WILL TAKE PLACE IN GODWIN HALL.* Students will learn the basics of fencing (i.e. modern sword fighting) as practiced by Olympic athletes, specifically how to fence with an Epee. One of only five sports contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896, fencing challenges participants both physically and mentally in a safe and fun environment. All standard practice and safety gear will be provided. Activities will include: instruction in techniques and tactics, rules and refereeing, safety and equipment; conditioning exercises and practice drills; fencing-based games; sparring matches; and a tournament to show off everything learned at the end.

Dungeon Masters: A Dungeons & Dragons Adventure (6th – 8th Grades): Embark on an epic journey through a world of imagination! In this beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons campaign, students will create their own characters, develop their storytelling skills, and navigate a thrilling five-day adventure. Through this adventure, we’ll learn the basics of role-playing games and work together to overcome challenges in a fantasy world. Whether you're new to D&D or a future Dungeon Master, this course will take you on an unforgettable quest! 

Code Explorers: Discover the World of Computer Science (6th – 8th Grades): Ever wondered how apps and games like YouTube, Roblox, Fortnite, or Google actually work? How your phone somehow knows where you are and what to do next? Or how Artificial Intelligence aka ChatGPT magically seems to know everything? What if you could tell a computer what to do, and it actually listened? What if there was a computer so powerful it could solve problems faster than every supercomputer on Earth–even the ones the world's smartest scientists haven't cracked yet? In Code Explorers, students uncover the magic behind technology and are introduced to computer science through fun games, hands-on crafts, and creative coding. From guiding "robots" around obstacle courses, to designing digital animations, to crafting secret binary bracelets, students will learn that computer science is about logic, creativity, and problem-solving–not just screens and typing. Note: This course involves the use of computers/some screen time (computers are provided).

Introduction to Engineering and Simple Technology (6th – 8th Grades): Does your child enjoy problem-solving, understanding how things work, and working with their hands? Try out the Introduction to Engineering and Simple Technology Course! In this course, we'll be looking at the engineering design process and touching on technical skills such as sketching. We'll have a hands-on activity every week. At the end of the course, we'll watch Big Hero 6 as a case study on the engineering design process and its progression to help wrap up all that we've learned. It'll be a super fun time filled with lots of learning opportunities! All you'll need is imagination, creativity, and an innovator's spirit!

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