When families register for your school, they’re trusting you to provide their children with the best education possible. For many families, that means providing an afterschool program. Extending the school day with structured activities is a powerful way to support student growth, create connections with families, and strengthen your community.
Let’s review some of the top benefits of these activities so your school can design a successful after-school program.
Often, students only interact with peers from their own classes during the standard school day. With an afterschool program, however, students can connect with peers from different classes or grade levels whom they might not otherwise have met. This expands students’ social circles and strengthens your school’s community by building new bonds.
Afterschool programs also offer a more relaxed setting for students to interact. For example, a busy lunchroom might not be conducive to building deep relationships, especially for students with sensory sensitivities. However, a smaller group of students in a quieter environment that is less connected to the stress of grades can help students develop crucial social skills.
Try incorporating group projects or team activities into your program to encourage communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. For example, you might create a “buddy system” where older students mentor younger ones in an activity. You could also ask students to get involved in planning your next fundraiser, teaching them to work together while doing good for your school. These positive social connections are vital for emotional development and building a strong sense of community.
Afterschool programs provide a dedicated space to reinforce what students are learning during the day. Successful afterschool programs have been shown to increase test scores, homework completion rates, and attendance.
These academic benefits help students pave the way to college and career readiness. They also serve as key performance indicators (KPIs) of your school’s effectiveness, ultimately impacting your ability to secure funding and strengthen your school’s reputation.
To ensure your program offers these benefits, go beyond simple supervision. Train staff to provide homework assistance, asking guiding questions rather than providing direct answers. You can also partner with community members or university students to run specialized enrichment clubs, like a STEM club, a creative writing workshop, or a reading group. You can even host sessions that offer big-picture academic advice on study techniques and time management. These offerings encourage students’ curiosity and help them apply classroom knowledge in a practical way.
The hours between dismissal and when parents return from work can be a vulnerable time for students. Data shows that this window is when students are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can cause harm. For working families, knowing that their children are in a safe and supervised environment provides immense peace of mind.
An accessible afterschool program builds trust between you and the parents or guardians of your students. This trust is the foundation for future parent engagement and a positive school reputation.
To ensure reliable supervision, develop clear check-in and check-out policies and procedures. You can allow vetted members of your parent-teacher organizations to register as chaperones after a background check. CommunityPass also suggests using an afterschool program management software with authorized pick-ups and digital attendance tracking to make sure every student is accounted for at all times.
Well-designed programs have been proven to positively impact students’ mental health and reduce instances of “problem behaviors,” such as tantrums, bullying, and rule-breaking. Many behavioral issues actually stem from unmet needs, like a need for movement, positive attention, or a sense of control, rather than an inherent problem.
By offering engaging activities and providing a supportive setting where students can de-stress from the academic day, your school can proactively meet these needs and ultimately reduce behavioral issues.
Try incorporating physical activity into your program, whether that’s through structured sports, dance, or simply organized free play. Movement helps students manage their energy and regulate their emotions. Similarly, you might try implementing mindfulness practices, like meditation or breathing exercises, into your routine to help students re-center themselves. This focus on the whole child contributes to better mental health and a more positive school climate.
An afterschool program is a powerful bridge between the school and the home. Parents and guardians will see all of the great benefits your program offers their child, from academic gains, to social and emotional growth, to safety and security after school ends. These offerings build incredible goodwill and loyalty, making parents more likely to get involved in the future.
Afterschool programs also create new, less formal touch points for parent interaction. You can host a "Program Showcase" once per semester, inviting families to see what their students have been building, writing, or practicing. This lets students show what they’ve been learning and helps parents strengthen their connection to your school.
Furthermore, you can use the program as a hub for volunteers. Parents and community members can share their skills by leading a specialty club, such as chess, art, or music. This brings valuable resources into your school and deepens the community’s investment in your students' success.
Don’t forget to solicit parents’ feedback using surveys to measure the efficacy of your program and pinpoint areas for improvement. Send surveys at consistent intervals to show families you care about making your program as good as it can be for their child.
Offering afterschool programs is an investment in your students' futures. They provide a crucial combination of academic support, safety, and social-emotional development. By dedicating thought, care, and effort to the development of your program, you can address the needs of the whole child and strengthen your partnership with families, ultimately building a more supportive, connected, and resilient school community.