Discovering Your Passions: Exploring Extracurricular Offerings at Forest Ridge

At Forest Ridge School, learning and self-discovery extends beyond classroom walls. From student-led clubs and athletics to our vibrant arts and leadership offerings, extracurricular opportunities empower students to explore their passions, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships.

Through participation in clubs, sports, and service initiatives, students develop leadership skills, friendships, and a sense of community. Whether they are performing on stage, competing on the field, or advocating for social change, Forest Ridge students embrace opportunities to explore their interests and grow as individuals.

Let’s explore the many opportunities available beyond the classroom and hear from students about how these extracurricular activities have helped them grow and discover more about themselves.

Student Clubs & Leadership Opportunities 

At Forest Ridge, we encourage every student to lead in some capacity during their time with us, challenging themselves to step outside their comfort zones and take active, meaningful roles in shaping our campus and broader community. Ways to lead include, serving on ASB or as a grade-level representative, participating in SALT (Student Athletic Leadership Team), leading an affinity group, or acting as an enrollment ambassador. 

"I enjoy being a grade level representative because it gives me the chance to build stronger connections with my classmates and work together to improve our high school experience. I decided to run because I am passionate about representing my peers and actively contributing to shaping our year." - Skylar S. '26

"I love being an 11th-grade representative because I work with the school's leaders to make sure all of my classmates feel heard and represented at FR. I decided to run for grade-level rep because I wanted to foster a stronger bond within our grade and use my voice to lift up others' which I now have the honor to do daily!" - Katelyn T. '26

Student-led clubs are also popular at Forest Ridge. Clubs in the Upper School include Art Stud II (visual arts club), Environmental Club, ForkNFilm, Forest Ridge Red Cross Club, Instrumental Music Club, Neuroscience Club, OneLove Club, Service Club, STEM Club. Clubs in the middle school include Chess Club, Doughlicious Delights, Foodie Club, Gym Games, Horsie Club, Slime Club, and The Everything Club. Club offerings rotate throughout the school year.   

"Service Club helps plan service days, educates about the importance of service for community building, and introduces students to an array of volunteering opportunities. I have loved uplifting school culture through service learning and getting to know everyone’s gifts for collaboration." - Vega Z. '25

Students can propose their own club idea by completing an online form and submitting a slide or flyer for their club. For Middle School, only 8th graders can propose clubs, while any Upper School student may propose a club. We then hold a “Club Fair” where students present their club proposals to their classmates. 

Affinity groups are a cohesive group of students that share an identity marker with similar experiences and backgrounds. Affinity groups meet every week and are led by elected upper school students. They host heritage month assemblies, build community with games and activities, and promote a social awareness that impels to action. 

Affinity groups at Forest Ridge include Black Student Union, Latine Student Union, Multi-Racial Student Union, Asian American Pacific Islander Student Union, International Student Union, and Queer Straight Alliance. 

Athletics 

The Athletics Program at Forest Ridge teaches our student athletes resilience, discipline, and leadership while building lasting friendships and cheering on their teammates. Whether experienced or new to sports, every student has a place on one of our teams thanks to our participation-based program and no-cut policy.

In Middle School, students can join a variety of teams, from cross country and soccer in the fall to basketball in the winter, and ultimate, golf, tennis, and volleyball in the spring. 

Upper School students have the opportunity to compete on JV or varsity teams in volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and golf. As a member of the Emerald City League, our student athletes play in over 22 teams across three seasons. 

Performing & Visual Arts

At Forest Ridge, every student has the opportunity to find their voice—whether through singing, speaking, or dancing. Our arts program is designed to foster creativity, inclusivity, and self-expression, offering various ways for students to explore their passions and showcase their talents. Our arts offerings include theater, Chamber Choir and Glee, Handbells, fine arts and ceramics, and dance. 

"Arts education is integral to all education. We are teaching students to be problem solvers and find their own artistic voice, and that mistakes are welcomed"  - Carol Gould, Ceramics Teacher 

"It teaches you how to be a part of a community" outside of just the classroom setting - Jeremy Dumont-Eton, Director of Upper School Theater. 

The 300-seat Lee Theatre serves as the heart of our performing arts program, hosting a variety of productions throughout the year, including a winter play and a spring musical for both middle and upper school. Recently, the Upper School brought the musical masterpiece Mean Girls: The Musical to life, while the Middle School put on the play Still Life with Iris. 

"There is a lot more to theater than just getting up on stage and reading from a paper, their is emotion, confidence, you have to be in character, and I think that will help me go far in the future." - Morgan K. '30

The powerful sounds of Glee and Chamber Choir fill the Chapel with uplifting melodies. Both choirs recently performed at Benaroya Hall along with 400 other students from partner schools during the annual choir festival. 

Additionally, dance students shine during the annual Dance Fest, showcasing styles from hip hop to jazz to traditional Chinese Fan dances. 

Handbell performances, with their festive annual holiday concerts, add a unique touch to our arts offerings. Handbells provides students with a collaborative musical experience, helping them develop rhythm, teamwork, and precision while bringing joy to the community through their beautiful, one-of-a-kind sound. Handbells also perform at many all-school assemblies and at graduation in June. 

In the fine arts, students participate in Ceramics, Advanced Studio Art, and Art Foundation Classes, developing their artistic vision through hands-on mediums. The Mod schedule provides students with extended blocks of time, allowing them to focus on and refine their art pieces. Many Advanced Ceramics students are currently working on creating teacups and other creations of their choosing. Beginning Ceramics also recently created candlestick holders, perfect for the dark and rainy winter months. 

The arts program at Forest Ridge empowers students to explore their passions and embrace new challenges, providing them with the tools they need to thrive both personally and artistically.

Experiential Learning & Travel 

One of the unique aspects of attending a Sacred Heart school is the chance to be part of a global community. With over 150 Sacred Heart schools spanning 41 countries, students in grades 8–12 have the exciting opportunity to participate in our Sacred Heart Exchange Program, either by studying abroad or hosting students from other Sacred Heart institutions.

"The Sacred Heart Exchange Program gives students the opportunity to build community beyond the boundaries of their school campus and exercise their wise freedom in a new environment. Participating in an exchange is often reflected on as one of the most meaningful, transformative (and fun!) school experiences that students have while at Forest Ridge.  It is a unique opportunity for students to be immersed in another language and/or culture, to grow in their adaptability, and to develop life-long relationships across our Sacred Heart Network." - Ms. Koerber, Sacred Heart Network Exchange Coordinator

"Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I made at Forest Ridge. I went to Montreal during my 10th grade year, where I was able to be independent navigating the city by myself, practice  my French skills in real time, and make some of the best friends I could ask for. My favorite memory was on my last day when my friends all surprised me with a tour of old Montreal and we got to watch the sunset at Saint Joseph's Oratory" - Maddy D. '25

Every fall, we offer Exchange Information Sessions for students interested in the program. Those interested in exchange are also welcome to contact Exchange Coordinator, Meg Koerber at mkoerber@forestridge.org. 

Extracurricular activities are an essential part of a Forest Ridge education. Whether students are competing on the field, leading a club, creating art, or engaging in service, at Forest Ridge, your experience is yours to own.

For our current families, we encourage you to stay engaged with your student’s extracurricular journey—attend performances, cheer from the sidelines, and celebrate their achievements. Your support helps shape a community where students feel empowered to explore their unique interests. 

For prospective families, the best way to experience the vibrant extracurricular life at Forest Ridge is to hear directly from our students. We invite you to connect with our admissions team to learn more by emailing admission@forestridge.org or visiting our admissions page.