After School Academy

Academic Competitions
- American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
- Drone Competition
- FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics
- FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
- Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Hernandez
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Students compete in various individual and team events, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and statistics. Students work to solve problems under time constraints, enhancing their problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. The club encourages students to engage with math in a fun and competitive environment. The program promotes the analytical skills needed for future careers.
Drone Competition
Sponsor/Advisor: A. Ece and S. Caparoglu
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Drone Competition Club introduces students to the world of drone technology, flight skills, and engineering design. Through hands-on learning, students will build, code, and fly drones while working in teams to prepare for local or regional drone competitions. All students in the club will participate in a drone competition, applying their skills in real-world scenarios.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics
Sponsor/Advisor: I. Abdykalykov and A. Ece
Grade Level: 6th-8th FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) is a robotics competition for middle and high school students that challenges teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in a series of challenges. Using a combination of off-the-shelf components and custom-built parts, teams create robots that must perform specific tasks in a game-like environment. FTC promotes STEM education by encouraging students to learn about engineering, programming, and problem-solving. The competition emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and innovation. In addition to building robots, participants also develop skills in project management, communication, and leadership as they work together to solve complex engineering challenges.
FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Sponsor/Advisor: K. Martinez, K. Orduna, and I. Abdykalykov
Grade Level: 6th-8th
FLL (FIRST Lego League) is a robotics competition for students ages 9 to 16 that combines robotics, coding, and problem-solving to engage young minds in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Teams build and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits to complete tasks related to a yearly theme, which includes real-world challenges. In addition to robot design and programming, FLL teams also research and develop solutions for a specific problem related to the theme. The competition emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and innovation, while fostering skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. FLL inspires students to explore STEM fields while working together to solve complex problems.
Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Sponsor/Advisor: K. Orduna and M. Zuniga
Grade Level: 6th-8th
HOSA offers 58 competitive events, ranging from skill-based to leadership and team-based. The event groups are as follows: Health science, health professions, leadership, and recognition events. Members compete at the regional, state, and international levels. Those who place in the top three positions at the state level are given the opportunity to compete at the international level.
Athletics
Basketball Boys
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Sanchez and M. Reyes
Grade Level: 6-8
The Basketball program provides student-athletes with opportunities to develop athletic skills, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship through competitive play. Players build fundamental and advanced basketball skills, including shooting, passing, dribbling, defense, and game strategy, while improving their physical fitness and mental discipline. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and perseverance as athletes work together to achieve individual and team goals while building confidence and character both on and off the court.
Cheerleading
Sponsor/Advisor: A. Aguilar
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Cheerleading program provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, school spirit, and athletic skills through performance and support of school activities. Participants learn cheer techniques, chants, jumps, motions, and routines while building confidence, coordination, and communication skills. The program promotes sportsmanship, dedication, and school pride as students work together to encourage and represent their school in a positive and professional manner.
Esports
Sponsor/Advisor: P. Alaniz and J. Garza
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Gaming club is an opportunity for students to socialize and have fun together based on their hobby of playing video games. Students will have an opportunity to play multi and single player games, and spend time discussing gaming strategies and preferences.
Soccer
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Zuniga and A Gonzalez
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Soccer program provides student-athletes with opportunities to develop athletic skills, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship through competitive play. Players strengthen fundamental soccer skills, including passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control, and defensive techniques, while improving endurance, coordination, and strategic thinking. The program emphasizes discipline, communication, and collaboration as athletes work together to achieve individual growth and team success both on and off the field.
Volleyball
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Enriquez
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Volleyball program provides student-athletes with opportunities to develop athletic skills, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship through competitive play. Players strengthen fundamental volleyball skills, including serving, passing, setting, attacking, and blocking, while improving communication, coordination, and strategic thinking. The program emphasizes dedication, perseverance, and collaboration as athletes work together to achieve individual growth and team success both on and off the court.
Mentoring & Organizations
College Readiness and Leadership Program (CRLP)
Sponsor/Advisor: L. Mendoza and P. Alaniz
Grade Level: 6th to 8th
The College Readiness and Leadership Program (CRLP) helps students prepare for college and future careers by focusing on leadership skills and academic readiness. The program supports students with college applications, scholarships, and study skills. It also offers camps, mentorship, and community service opportunities to build essential skills like time management and goal setting, ensuring students are well-prepared for both higher education and their future careers.
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
Sponsor/Advisor: E. Solis, C. Flores, and L. Santana
Grade Level: 7th-8th
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the nation's most prestigious organizations established to recognize exceptional middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership acknowledges students’ achievements and encourages them to grow through active participation in school activities and meaningful community service.
Curricular Clubs
- Arts and Crafts Club
- Chess Club
- Leadership Club
- Newsletter / Yearbook Club
- Painting Art Club
- Spanish Club
Arts and Crafts Club
Chess Club
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Medina and L. Banuelos
Meetings: Mondays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Chess is a strategic board game that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Chess club offers students the opportunity to develop these skills through regular play, tournaments, and practice. Players learn to think several moves ahead, enhance their focus, and improve decision-making. Chess also fosters sportsmanship and provides a platform for students to challenge themselves, compete with others, and build confidence in their abilities. Chess is open to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Leadership Club
Newsletter / Yearbook Club
Sponsor/Advisor: C. Castillo
Grade Level: 6th-8th
A student publication is a media outlet such as a newspaper, magazine, television show, or radio station produced by students at an educational institution. These publications typically cover local and school-related news, but they may also report on national or international news as well. Most student publications are either part of a curricular class or run as an extracurricular activity.
