What It Means
An after-school program looks after school-age children between the end of the school day and when a parent can pick them up, usually with a snack, homework time and activities. Programs are run by schools, community groups, recreation departments and private providers, and fees and schedules vary from one to the next. Some are paid for by the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants, which the Department of Education gives to states for academic enrichment outside school hours.
Try It: Add Up a Year of After-School Costs
Enter your program's fees. The starting numbers are examples, not typical prices.
A program with no weekly fee may still charge for registration, trips or supplies. Ask.
How Parents Say It
- "He goes to the after-school program till 5:30."
- "Is there an after-school club on Fridays?"
- "Can you pick her up from after-care today?"
The Breakdown
Worked example. Buhata's example numbers for one child:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly fee | $100 |
| Weeks in the school year | 36 |
| Registration | $50 |
| Year total | $3,650 |
| Spread over 1010,000 stepsA popular daily step goal that began as the name of a 1960s Japanese pedometer; later studies find health benefits begin well below it. See more school months | $365 a month |
What the result means. The yearly total is what to plan for, but most programs bill weekly or monthly, so the monthly figure is the one that hits the budgetBudgetA plan for a set period, usually a month, that lists the money you expect to receive and how you'll spend or save it. See more. A family with two children doubles it unless the program offers a sibling rate.
What moves the number
- Days per week: some programs charge less for two or three days.
- Pickup time: late pickup fees can add up fast.
- School breaks and early-release days: some programs charge extra for full-day care.
- Funding: ask whether a program run by the school or paid for by a 21st CCLC grant charges a fee, and how much.
- Extras: trips, supplies and special clubs.
Good to Know
The Department of Education's 21st CCLC program is run by each state, which awards the grants to local programs, and it is aimed especially at students in high-poverty and low-performing schools. Grant-funded programs offer academic enrichment, such as tutoringTutoringExtra one-on-one or small-group teaching outside regular class time, to help a student catch up, keep up or get ahead in a subject. See more, along with other activities that complement the school day, and literacy and other educational services for families. Ask your school or your state education agency whether a 21st CCLC program serves your school. Whatever program you choose, ask about staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, the pickup and late policy, and what happens on early-release days.
FAQ
How much does an after-school program cost?
It varies by area, provider and how many days your child goes. Use the calculator with your program's own numbers to see the yearly total.
Are there free after-school programs?
Ask your school. Federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants fund after-school programs aimed especially at students in high-poverty and low-performing schools, so ask whether one serves your school and whether it charges a fee.
What's the difference between an after-school program and aftercare?
The words overlap, and each school and provider uses its own name. Ask what the hours include, such as homework time, planned activities or simply supervised play.
Do It in Buhata
Calendar, Budget, Bills (Plus)
Add the program's weekly fee in Bills (Plus) so each payment shows up before it's due, and put early-release days on the Buhata Calendar.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Tutoring
Extra one-on-one or small-group teaching outside regular class time, to help a student catch up, keep up or get ahead in a subject.
- Homework routine
A set time, place and order for doing schoolwork at home each school day, so homework starts without a fresh argument every afternoon.
- Brain break
A short burst of movement or a quick change of activity in the middle of focused work, used in classrooms and at home to help children reset and refocus.
- Title I school
A school that receives federal Title I, Part A money to help students from low-income families meet state academic standards, either schoolwide or for chosen students.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education, "Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV, Part B)"; U.S. Department of Education, "21st Century Community Learning Centers Non-Regulatory Guidance"; U.S. Department of Education, You for Youth (Y4Y), "Introduction to 21st CCLC"; U.S. Department of Education, "21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC): Overview of the Annual Performance Data, 2020-2021"
- www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/formula-grants/school-improvement-grants/nita-m-lowey-21st-century-community-learning-centers-title-iv-part-b
- www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/programs/21stcclc/guidance2003.pdf
- y4y.ed.gov/learn/introduction-to-21st-cclc
- www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/2022/11/21st-CCLC-Overview-of-the-Annual-Performance-Data-2020-2021.pdf
Last updated .