After-School Programs

Each school has their own after school program run by a non-profit agency. Some schools may even work with more than one non-profit. This type of chaotic decentralization dates back to the time of Governor Schwarzenegger and his handlers who believed that distributing public money to disparate groups in a “free market” manner was the best way to serve families. More than a decade of evidence to the contrary has proven insufficient incentive to drive change in Sacramento. Most programs share commonalities such as enrichment activities, homework support, and snacks, and some have additional program specific elements. After school programs in middle and high school also include the official sports teams.

Learn more about After-School Programs

Unfortunately, no. OUSD is moving toward universal access for all students in grades TK-6, but this is constrained by an individual after school program’s capacity to higher staff, and by the campus capacity to serve students in the program. All after school programs require lower student to staff ratios than the prevailing school system, which thereby requires more classrooms to serve the same number of students. We recognize that accepting an offer to a school without also knowing the availability of after school is problematic and challenging; however, the after school program cannot offer your child a space until after you first accept an offer of enrollment.

When you apply to schools, there is a box you can check for after-school programs. After you accept an offer to a school, the representatives will contact you about next steps and what you need to do to apply for those programs. This will start in April and continue through the spring and summer. You can also proactively reach out to the school’s after school program provider once you have accepted an offer to attend the school.