Extended Education

Specialist-led classes, Mon–Thu 3:00–4:30 PM.

Extended Education is Tradewinds' after-school specials program: small, specialist-led classes from 3:00–4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Some instructors are also part of the core Tradewinds day; others come in specifically for Extended Education.

Every class is thoughtful, engaging programming — an extension of the Tradewinds school day, crafted with gifted kids in mind by the instructors in partnership with our team. Small groups, real depth, and instructors chosen for their expertise in the field. Enrolled Tradewinds families have priority enrollment, and when space allows classes are also open to qualified students from outside the school.

Fall 2026 programs

Two programs run this fall for students in grades 2–5, each meeting two afternoons per week (no class on school holidays). Enrollment is for the full fall semester.

Robotics

Mondays & Wednesdays · 3:00–4:30 PM

Grades 2–5

Scholars design, build, and program LEGO robots while developing engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through FIRST LEGO League. Depending on age and experience, students may participate in either FIRST LEGO League Explore or Challenge. Explore teams focus on foundational STEM concepts through hands-on model building and presentations. Challenge teams tackle a robot game and an innovation research project using LEGO robotics technology.

Serena Legg

Instructor: Serena Legg. Serena is the founder and lead coach of Oahu Longnecks Robotics, a nonprofit FIRST LEGO League organization for homeschoolers. Longnecks teams have advanced to the Hawaiʻi State Championship and have earned an invitation to the 2026 FIRST LEGO League World Championship in Houston. She also teaches robotics during the Tradewinds school day.

$1,000

twice a week starting Aug 17, 2026, ending Dec 16, 2026

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Photography

Tuesdays & Thursdays · 3:00–4:30 PM

Grades 2–5

Photography is learning to see. Scholars work with real cameras on composition, light, and story, and build a portfolio of images they're proud of — shooting, critiquing, and refining their work across the semester.

Nicole Zimmerman

Instructor: Nicole Zimmerman. Nicole is a professional portrait and brand photographer based on O'ahu, with a working portfolio spanning family, portrait, and commercial work. Scholars learn how a working photographer sees, composes, and uses light.

$1,000

twice a week starting Aug 18, 2026, ending Dec 17, 2026

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Registration takes about two minutes. We'll confirm space in the class and email you a payment link — card or bank transfer — and your spot is locked in once payment is complete. Class sizes are small. Enrolled Tradewinds students have priority; remaining spots are open to the wider community on a first come, first served basis. Questions before registering? Email info@tradewinds.school.

Have a kindergartner or first grader? This fall's programs are designed for grades 2–5, but we're building Extended Education around community demand. If your younger child would be interested, reach out at info@tradewinds.school — enough interest and we'll add offerings for younger students.

Looking ahead

The spring 2027 lineup will be announced during the fall semester. Programs in development include Math Circles — problem-solving, puzzles, and mathematical play in the tradition of the great university math circles — and Filmmaking, telling real stories with camera, sound, and edit.

Who teaches Extended Education

Working artists, craftspeople, athletes, naturalists, musicians, designers, and engineers — as well as traditional classroom teachers. Part-time roles, flexible scheduling, semester-long commitments. We're looking for depth in a field and a real love of helping bright, curious elementary students discover new abilities.

If you know someone who might be a fit, please point them our way.