WALDEN ExtracurricularS

 

From Lower to High School, we encourage all of our students to get involved with programs that nurture a passion for scholarly and interest-based activities. In addition to augmenting a robust scholarship application, our clubs bolster student camaraderie and Walden community involvement. Each club is sponsored by at least one faculty or Walden parent who facilitates club competitions, meetings and activities. Read more below about the variety of clubs offered in each school division!

 
 
 
 

LOWER SCHOOL

 
 

Chess Club • Ryan Valez

Learning to play chess has the benefits of increasing your child’s perception and their ability to concentrate.  Chess can also be an integral and valuable aid to a child’s analytical and conceptual development, in addition to being a very enjoyable sport! Click here to learn more.

DATES: Wednesdays, fall and winter sessions


Chinese Club • Leyah Durham

Discover all things Chinese with the Lower School Chinese Club hosted by Walden's very own Durham Family! Club participants will learn about Chinese Zodiacs, songs, stories, characters, paintings, crafts, games, the use of chopsticks, and the four tones for speaking Chinese.


COSTUME DESIGN CLUB • EMILY TOWER

Students will experience behind-the-scenes magic for the school play by assisting with the production of the costumes. Designing, measuring, cutting, and sewing are some of the skills that students will learn during this club.  Collaboration with students, teachers, and volunteers helps make the Walden school play so special and the costume design club is a great way to let creativity shine!


Flamenco Club

Flamenco is an exciting way for men and women to express their feelings with beauty and strength. In this club, students will be up on their feet to try Flamenco rhythms and dance moves while learning about the Spanish language, culture, and history.  Led by a member of Flamenco Louisville's professional company who has lived and studied in Spain. Bring your creative self, your cultural curiosity and get ready to shout "Ole!"


French Club • 2nd-4th Grade

Discover the richness of the French language, its vibrant culture, diverse arts, and much more! In Lower School French Club, students explore familiar French words used in daily life, nurturing curiosity and deepening their appreciation and understanding of this beautiful language and culture.

  • Introductory conversation

  • Video of cultural France

  • French folklore through song and dance

  • Tour of France with monuments and their importance

  • French folklore through song and dance

  • Fables de La Fontaine


Girl Scouts

  • Kindergarten • Megan Smith and Lexi Livingston

  • 1st-4th Grade • Genevieve Montgomery and Emily Tower

  • 6th-8th Grade • Kristie Goodwin

Discover the world of Girl Scouts, an organization founded in 1912 that empowers girls through personal development, leadership, and community engagement. Participants enjoy outdoor adventures, service projects, and skills workshops, promoting teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. Research shows Girl Scouts gain life skills, improve academic performance, and enhance civic engagement. Family involvement is crucial, with parents supporting their daughters' activities and fostering a strong support network. Join this vibrant community for fun, learning, and lasting friendships that create meaningful change.


K-4 lego Club • Jennifer Green & Tracy Kessler

Aspiring LEGO enthusiasts will love this exploratory club that is focused on building not only amazing LEGO creations, but teamwork and creative thinking. No experience required!

DATES: Fall and Spring


MINI MATH MONSTERS • Kelly Kunkel

Design, engineer, tinker, and explore principles of mathematics using nontraditional activities and craft projects.

Presto Strings! • Louisville Youth Orchestra

Presto! Strings places violins and violas in the hands of 3rd-5th grade students for entry-level string music education. The Louisville Youth Orchestra comes to you to provide affordable and convenient group music instruction.


Summer Garden Club • Dr. Kristie Goodwin

Over the summer, Lower School students tend to the Walden vegetable and pollinator gardens. Weeding, watering, and planting both gardens are excellent opportunities for volunteer service. You might even be able to harvest a few veggies!

DATES: June-July

 
 
 
 
 
 

Middle School

 
 

Allies for Racial Equity (A.R.E.) • Nakita Allen

The goal of this club is to provide BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students and allies with an opportunity to engage in activities and discussions designed to help foster a better understanding of experiences and issues that impact BIPOC communities. This club provides a table for rich discussion, understanding, and acceptance - along with mentoring opportunities, school-wide activities, and hopefully, a field trip.

BAnned Book Club • David Gross

What's all the fuss about banned books? Join our Banned Books Book Club to learn more! Each month(ish), we'll read a book banned by some community in the United States, discuss why it was banned, discuss the book, and hopefully have a good time fighting the good fight against ignorance and fear!


Board Games Club • Molly Austin

Strategy, teamwork, and fun are the highlights of Board Game Club! Games include Pictionary, Scrabble, Sorry, Qwirkle, Scattergories, chess, Connect 4, Uno, and more. Students sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while collaborating with new partners each week. From classics to modern favorites, every game encouraged creativity, communication, and friendly competition.

Builders Club • Sam Brown & Jayne Ernstberger

Builders Club is a service organization for Middle School students (Grades 5-8), sponsored by the St. Mathews chapter of Kiwanis International. The club meets on Fridays during lunch about twice per month. The club participates in We Day by sponsoring at least one local and one global service project annually. An invitation to join this club will be announced in September.

Chess Club • Ryan Valez

Learning to play chess has the benefits of increasing your child’s perception and their ability to concentrate.  Chess can also be an integral and valuable aid to a child’s analytical and conceptual development, in addition to being a very enjoyable sport! Click here to learn more.

DATES: Wednesdays, fall and winter sessions

Circus Club • 7th-8th Grade • Emily Marks

No experience necessary! Circus Club is a space where you can learn to juggle (balls, rings, clubs, etc.). If interest grows, we can expand our circus skills to plate spinning, balancing, and the diablo yo-yo!

DATES: September

Creative Writing Club • David Gross

A place where stories, poems, and ideas come to life! We explore different styles of writing, share our work, and inspire each other through fun prompts and activities. Whether you love crafting worlds, writing heartfelt poems, or just playing with words, this is your space to create and share.

Crochet Club • Amber Korte

The Crochet Club offers students the opportunity to learn the basics of crochet in a supportive and creative environment. This club fosters creativity and focus, inspiring students to explore a timeless skill grounded in tradition.


Environmental Club • Amber Korte

Walden's Environmental Club brings together environmentally-minded students who have a passion for bettering our community.  Their main activity is running Walden's recycling program. Each year these students push Walden to be more environmentally conscious and to lessen our impact on the earth.

Juggling Club • Emily Marks

Learn to juggle, practice your skills, and have fun in a supportive space! Whether you’re a total beginner or can already juggle like a pro, we’ll explore tricks, challenges, and new skills.

LEGO CLub • Molly Austin

Creativity and collaboration is at the center of our LEGO Club! Students work together to design, build, and problem-solve, turning simple bricks into imaginative creations. Each meeting encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and hands-on fun while giving students the chance to share their unique ideas. From individual builds to group challenges, LEGO Club is a space where students can explore, create, and connect.

Laser Club • 6th-7th Grade • Ben Luken

The Walden Laser Makers Club aims to provide high-quality, personalized laser carving and engraving services while fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and teamwork among club members. Students will learn to cut and engrave various materials (wood, acrylic, paper, etc.) while customizing products with text, images, and designs. The club will meet the entire semester.  The number of days per week will be flexible and depend on the projects the student(s) decide to produce. This club is limited to 5 participants.

DATES: Two sessions (1st and 2nd semester)


Middle School KUNA

Middle School KUNA (Kentucky United Nations Assembly) is offered for students interested in international issues and cultures. This club is open to students in the 6-8th Grades with meetings held generally during lunch on a weekly basis. The club is part of the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. A statewide conference is held every spring where students select a United Nations member country and represent the country at the conference.

Middle School KYA • Jahnna Harvey and Rachel Yan

The Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) is an expanded, educational opportunity in which students serve as part of a model state government. KYA offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with their peers from around the Commonwealth.

DATES: Mondays, October-December

Photography Club • Peter Tower

Kids will participate in unique photo shoots that emphasize a specific photography skill. Kids will have the opportunity to print 4x6 prints, with no limit to the quantity they can create, using Mr. Tower’s photo booth printer. In addition to this, two 8x10 enlargements from a local printing lab will also be included in the experience. At the conclusion of the club, participants can choose their top two favorite photos, allowing them to take home cherished memories.

DATES: January-February


Pride Club • Emily Marks

Students diligently work to create informative and thoughtfully designed zines, posters, and slideshows on a variety of important LGBTQIA+ topics. Their aim is to share these meaningful projects with their peers and teachers, fostering awareness and understanding within the school community.

Student Council • 7th-8th Grade • Pamela Zipper

The 7th-8th Grade Student Council at Walden School empowers students to develop leadership skills and actively contribute to the school community. Council members collaborate on events, represent their peers' interests, and promote a positive school culture rooted in respect and responsibility. Through service projects and open dialogue, students foster a sense of partnership and engagement, reflecting the school's commitment to curiosity, creativity, and community.

The Great History Challenge • 5th-8th Grade

The Great History Challenge is an easy way for you to show students that history can be fun! Give your kids a chance to shine just as star athletes celebrate their big wins and physical feats.

DATES: Winter Semester

Yoga Club • Nakita Allen

Walden’s Yoga Club offers students a welcoming space to explore mindfulness, improve flexibility, and reduce stress through guided yoga practices. Grounded in the principles of balance and self-awareness, the club encourages curiosity and creativity while fostering physical and emotional well-being.

 
 
 
 
 
 

High School

 
 

Allies for Racial Equity (A.R.E.) • Kim Sorise

The goal of this club is to provide BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students and allies with an opportunity to engage in activities and discussions designed to help foster a better understanding of experiences and issues that impact BIPOC communities. This club provides a table for rich discussion, understanding, and acceptance - along with mentoring opportunities, school-wide activities, and hopefully, a field trip.


Astronomy Club • Tina Henning

If you have a love for space, then you are in the right place. This club has been newly revived and we are ready to bring Walden’s interest in the cosmos back into the spotlight. 

Once the club meeting kicks off, we can gauge interest in how the club would like to proceed. We have  telescopes available for those who want to explore the planets and stars during observation nights, an eager teacher who has experience teaching an Astronomy course, and a wide range of possible activities to keep things fun and interesting.

BAnned Book Club • David Gross

What's all the fuss about banned books? Join our Banned Books Book Club to learn more! Each month(ish), we'll read a book banned by some community in the United States, discuss why it was banned, discuss the book, and hopefully have a good time fighting the good fight against ignorance and fear!

Chess Club • Ryan Valez

Learning to play chess has the benefits of increasing your child’s perception and their ability to concentrate.  Chess can also be an integral and valuable aid to a child’s analytical and conceptual development, in addition to being a very enjoyable sport! Click here to learn more.

DATES: Wednesdays, fall and winter sessions

D&D and Gamers Club • Thomas Hirn

Are you an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons? Do you find yourself lost in fantastical realms, battling fearsome creatures, and unraveling intriguing mysteries? Look no further! The ever-popular D&D Club at Walden School eagerly invites you to join us and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of imaginative gameplay.

Environmental Club

Walden's Environmental Club brings together environmentally-minded students who have a passion for bettering our community.  Their main activity is running Walden's recycling program. Each year these students push Walden to be more environmentally conscious and to lessen our impact on the earth.


Game Design Club • Isaac Hout

Game Design Club gives students the opportunity to learn to create and design all types of games, such as board games, card games, and video games. Ideally, students will create a complete game by the end of the year or will have worked towards getting the skills to create a complete game in the future.

Girl Up • Ayla Murrell

The goal of this group is to explore and promote inclusion and equity -- especially surrounding issues of gender -- and to grow individual members' leadership skills. We also hope to be a source of information and awareness for the Walden student body.

Hispanic Club

It is open to all students in the high school, with a maximum number of 15. Priorities will be given to Spanish students. Officer positions include:

  • President: Organize, coordinate, and lead the Club activities together with the faculty sponsor. 

  • Vice-President: Help the President, and take their role in their absence.

KUNA • Haley Mann

The Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) is a 3-day experiential learning conference in which students participate directly in simulated international diplomacy. KUNA offers students the opportunity to experience the richness of cultures from around the world, develop empathy, and hone their critical thinking skills while engaging with a wide variety of perspectives and global issues.

KYA • Jahnna Harvey

The Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) is a 3-day experiential learning conference in which students serve as part of a model state government. KYA offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with their peers from around the Commonwealth.

PRIDE Club • Cait Waits

We seek an active, inclusive membership and would like our members to be people who will step forward and are willing to do things for their community. We will have a President who will provide leadership, vision, and the ability to big picture plan;  the President will also be expected to facilitate meetings; the Secretary will keep track of attendance as well as take and disseminate meeting minutes; the communications officer will act as a liaison between Pride club and administration and other entities.

 

National Honor Society • Susie Hencye

The National Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students.  NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship (cumulative 3.75 GPA), leadership, service, and character. Students are considered for membership - and invited to apply - each spring semester that they become eligible (beginning sophomore year).

There is an application process to join the NHS. Unsolicited applications cannot be accepted.

Expectations: Belonging to the NHS is an honor, and NHS members are expected to be role models.  Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 are invited to apply.

Service Club/Y Club • Haley Mann

Service Club is a leadership and service organization that focuses on providing opportunities for students to take on leadership roles through the planning and execution of service projects. These projects may include activities related to Walden, including trick-or-treat/haunted house at Monster Mash, as well as within the local community. Y-club members may identify, develop, and execute service projects that involve the rest of the club, as well as Walden students more generally.

Spanish National Honor Society

For Spanish Honor Society eligibility, students must be in 10th Grade or higher, be currently taking Spanish 4 or higher, have an A or a B in Spanish 1-4, and an overall GPA of 3.0. The Spanish National Honor Society Induction Ceremony is in spring of the school year. 

Expectations: Students are expected to attend meetings, participate in community service activities, tutor Spanish students for 10 hours, but any other society hours also count.


WALDEN LITERARY Journal • Dr. Adam Coombs

Members of this club will help create the Wild and Free Literary Journal. Staff members participate in editing and organizing different sections of the journal. 

The Editor-in-Chief of the Wild and Free Literary Journal will be responsible for:

  •  working closely with the academic advisor to manage proofreading assignments for other staff members

  • organizing the entries that will be in the journal

  • writing supplementary content (such as an introductory letter and section descriptions)

  • helping make other creative decisions.

Student Editors will be responsible for:

  • Brainstorming and executing any recruitment or advertising initiatives

  • Gathering and evaluating student submissions

  • Organizing the layout of the journal

  • Support the Editor-in-Chief as needed.

Walden Student Council • Pamela Zipper

Walden Student Council represents student interests, acts as the liaison to the administration of the School, and organizes high school activities and events. WSC comprises four students elected by their peers: Student Body President, Student Body Vice-President, Student Body Treasurer, and Student Body Secretary.


Yearbook Club • DR. ADAM COOMBS

The yearbook staff is responsible for creating the school yearbook - participation includes designing pages, compiling candid and portrait photos, and editing pages. The book is completed and submitted to print in early March. Students may take different positions while working on the yearbook, and Yearbook members who make significant contributions to the yearbook, defined as contributing writing, designing, and/or taking original photographs for 10 pages, will be eligible for a free yearbook. 

  • Editor-in-chief: responsible for organizing meetings, page assignments, and monitoring the progress of members

  • Page designer: Responsible for selecting or taking photographs and designing visual elements of pages

  • Quality control: Responsible for checking facts, spelling, and grammar on all pages.

  • Photographer: Responsible for attending Walden activities and taking photographs

  • Feature reporter: Responsible for writing feature articles on assigned or original Walden-related topics

  • Marketer: Responsible for organizing, executing, and measuring the progress of campaigns to raise awareness of yearbook sales as well as recruit submissions for articles.