Engaging, Preparing, and Inspiring Youth Through Dynamic Offerings

Program Overview

Our after-school enrichment programs for elementary-aged students (X-Care, Grades K-5), and our middle school students (X-Plus, Grades 6-8), are dynamic programs designed to provide a safe and engaging place for the kids to interact after-school. We regularly serve up to 120 young people in our combined programs, with a teacher to student ratio of about 1:12. We have multiple structured activities for kids, but they are not required. We strive to provide the necessary balance between structure and relaxation. We also offer activity clubs taught by our staff. Examples include: Clay Club, Costume Club, Creativity Club, 4-Square Club, Running Club and X-Games. In addition, we have enrichment classes for an additional fee, which have included capoira, cartooning, drama, guitar, piano and yoga.

We serve two snacks daily. An organic fruit snack at 3:30, and a daily prepared snack at 4:30. We offer cooking classes everyday. We make it a priority to use quality ingredients and avoid processed foods. We offer study hall four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Our staff is composed of a diverse team of energetic educators. We practice conflict resolution as a means of empowering kids to find their feelings and speak their voice. We also believe in modeling as a powerful teaching opportunity, and therefore look at after-school activities as a way for kids to connect with and learn from teachers they resonate with.

For children who are new to the community, we will have a point person on staff at the beginning of the year to help with transition. There will also be special breakout groups and activities for our Kindergarten and first-graders. If you have any questions about our program please feel free to contact me.

See you around the playground!

Meredith Spencer, Director of Enrichment and After-School Programs

X-Care

X-Care is the Extended Care Program for Lower School students held daily from 3:00-6:00. This time after school gives children an excellent opportunity to interact and to develop social dynamics with not only their peers, but also with students of other ages.

Our staff understands the importance of play in children's lives. They provide a warm, caring atmosphere where intimacy and community is cultivated. The staff believes that it is important for children to use their imagination and creativity. We facilitate activities such as art and crafts, physical recreation, musical activities and cooking.

We also know the importance of children solving their own problems and conflicts with each other. We hold the students responsible for their actions and behavior, thus teaching them to be caring and thoughtful people. We offer care, guidance and directions in this process.

Study Hall is held in the library Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30 and is open to First through Fifth graders. Interns and X-Care staff are available to assist students with their homework.

Interaction between the staff and the students is on both a group level and a one-on-one basis. We set examples for students on how to have fun, how to cooperate and how to share responsibility as a team player.

X-Plus

X-Plus is the Extended Care Program for Middle School students held daily from 3:20-6:00. Developmentally, Middle School students are quite different from Lower School students and thus have different needs. With the completion of the new Middle School multi-purpose room, students will have their own space dedicated to X-Plus after school. In X-Plus, students are encouraged to take advantage of study hall and complete their homework. We offer activity clubs 1-2 times per week as well as pick-up games in the gym or BK-40. Students also have the opportunity for socializing with each other.

Costs

Unlimited Usage can be purchased with student contract: $2,200 per year

Hours can be purchased with student contract: $10 per hour with a minimum purchase of 20 hours

Drop In Rate purchased as needed: $12 per hour

Extended Care is billed in 1/2 hour segments beginning at 3:30 for grades K-5 and 3:45 for grades 6-8 and ending at 6:00 p.m.