From left to right, Fulton Science Academy seventh-graders Steve Van Hout, of Roswell, and Kelly Dodd, of Johns Creek, perform in one of the school’s rock bands which are part of the Rock Band Club that meets after school.

The rock music was loud and the enthusiastic crowd clapped and cheered as the last guitar chords faded away. A trendy midtown club? A Buckhead nightclub? No, this cool venue was the cafeteria at Fulton Science Academy’s Charter Middle School in Alpharetta. The band members were part of the Rock Band Club during one of their performances for their friends, parents and teachers on Dec. 3. Other performers included the Orchestra, Band and Chorus which are all held as after school clubs. FSA is a public charter school open to any middle school student living in Fulton County.

With more than 30 after school clubs to choose from, students are encouraged to explore their interests from an introduction to Turkish to Championship Chess in a welcoming environment. Two of the most popular clubs are the Dissection Club and the Flash Animation Club which have to meet on more than one day to meet the demand.

Although some of the clubs are just for fun (puzzles, classic American films, etc.), a number of clubs meet with the goal of competing some time during the year. These include clubs such as Academic Bowl, Future City Design, and Odyssey of the Mind. Many of the competitive clubs will enhance their time by having working (and fun) lock-ins at the school during the year.

“The variety of clubs is amazing,” said , FSA parent  Tina Sloan. “This allows the kids the freedom to try something new in a very comfortable environment and it is usually free or offered at a minimal cost. With a school of less than 450 kids, to have this much choice is wonderful.”
As to her own son’s participation as a lead guitarist in one of the rock bands, she added an enthusiastic “Rock On!”