On Monday and Wednesday, 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\u2019s passenger vans with marine science educators and heads east \u2014 toward adventure and connection with nature.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel Sea School reported that the after-school program is exclusive to island students, offering a refreshing way to spend the afternoon. After being picked up, the youths travel to its flagship campus, where they change clothes, drop off backpacks and enjoy a snack if they have one. Then the fun begins.<\/p>\n
The heart of the program is unstructured, outdoor free play.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to get students to the beach and into the water as often as possible \u2014 snorkeling, splashing, exploring tide pools and discovering marine life firsthand,\u201d marine science educator Austin Wise said. \u201cDuring cooler winter months, the program naturally shifts to other adventures, including exploring the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation\u2019s (SCCF) trails and preserves, beachcombing, and playing games around campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Educators mix in a variety of structured activities throughout the year, including seine netting, surfing, art projects and hands-on science experiments. The activities deepen students\u2019 understanding of the coastal environment, while keeping learning fun and engaging.<\/p>\n
The program\u2019s flexible registration makes it easy for families to build a schedule that works best for them. They can enroll month-to-month, for several months at a time, or for the entire school year.<\/p>\n
Many youths return month after month, creating a close-knit community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe consistency is one of my favorite parts,\u201d he said. \u201cWe really get to know these kids \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Information and registration for the 2026-27 school year will be released in July.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit https:\/\/sanibelseaschool.org\/programs\/after-school-programs\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Sanibel Sea School is part of SCCF.<\/p>\n