On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, something special happens when the school bell rings at The Sanibel School. Instead of heading home or logging on to a screen, a group of K–5 students climbs into Sanibel Sea School’s passenger vans with marine science educators and heads east — toward adventure and connection with nature.

The after-school program is exclusive to Sanibel School students and offers a refreshing way to spend the late afternoon. After being picked up directly from school, students travel to Sanibel Sea School’s Flagship campus. There, they change clothes, drop off backpacks, and enjoy a snack if they’ve brought one along. Then, the real fun begins.

The heart of the program is unstructured, outdoor free play.

“Our goal is to get students to the beach and into the water as often as possible — snorkeling, splashing, exploring tide pools, and discovering marine life firsthand,” says Sanibel Sea School Marine Science Educator Austin Wise. “During cooler winter months, the program naturally shifts to other adventures, including exploring SCCF’s trails and preserves, beachcombing, and playing games around campus”.

At its core, the afterschool program provides children with something increasingly rare: time away from screens and space to simply be children. Research shows that unstructured outdoor play supports creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and emotional well-being. Those benefits are evident every day as students invent games, build friendships, and learn how to work through challenges together.

“As educators, we love this time just as much as the kids do,” adds Wise. “Being outside, laughing, and slowing down — it’s good for all of us. It’s a reminder that we all need space to reconnect with nature.”

Educators mix in a variety of structured activities throughout the year, including seine netting, surfing, art projects, and hands-on science experiments. These activities deepen students’ understanding of the coastal environment while keeping learning fun and engaging.

The program’s flexible registration makes it easy for families to participate and build a schedule that works best for them. For $60 per month, parents can enroll month-to-month, for several months at a time, or for the entire school year.

Many students return month after month, creating a close-knit community. “The consistency is one of my favorite parts,” Wise explained. “We really get to know these kids — their personalities, interests, and strengths. In some programs, we might see a child once for a few hours. Here, we get to spend the whole year together.”

With several months of the school year still ahead, now is a great time to join. Families interested in enrolling can register today and become part of this vibrant afterschool community. Register here: https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/after-school-programs/.

Information and registration for the 2026–2027 school year will be released in July, with sign-ups opening before the start of school.

“We look forward to welcoming more young explorers to afternoons filled with curiosity, connection, and ocean discovery,” says Wise.

Sanibel Sea School is part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).