Island youths explore, unplug after school
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’s passenger vans with marine science educators and heads east — toward adventure and connection with nature.
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.
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,” marine science educator Austin Wise said. “During cooler winter months, the program naturally shifts to other adventures, including exploring the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) trails and preserves, beachcombing, and playing games around campus.”
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’ understanding of the coastal environment, while keeping learning fun and engaging.
The program’s 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.
Many youths return month after month, creating a close-knit community.
“The consistency is one of my favorite parts,” he said. “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.”
Information and registration for the 2026-27 school year will be released in July.
For more information, visit https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/after-school-programs/.
The Sanibel Sea School is part of SCCF.