Before and After School Program Curriculum Development
What are Expanded Learning Academies?
Expanded Learning Academy's ACADEMIES stand out as a transformative approach to before and after school programming, meticulously designed to nurture children's academic growth while cultivating essential life skills. Each Academy is tailored to align with students' interests and community needs, offering diverse themes ranging from STEM exploration and arts integration to leadership development and wellness. This dynamic curriculum fosters a robust learning environment where children can engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and connect lessons from school to real-world applications. With a focus on enriched learning experiences, the Academies not only enhance students' understanding of core subjects but also promote critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development. By bridging the gap between traditional education and informal learning, Expanded Learning Academy ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive both academically and personally in an ever-evolving world.
Academy Design
Turning Ordinary Afternoons into Extraordinary Experiences
Expanded Learning Academy is designed to take the best parts of the school day through learning, creativity, and connection, amplified in a fun, exciting environment. Our programs become an extension of the school community, adopting each campus’s name, mascot, and colors so that students feel a true sense of belonging and pride.
From the moment students walk into their ELA program, they’re greeted with a vibrant space filled with possibilities. Whether they’re diving into hands-on projects, exploring new skills, or simply spending time with friends, every moment is crafted to leave them inspired and eager to return.
For families and staff, ELA provides seamless support, blending school and district values with our commitment to excellence. Together, we create a community where students thrive, families feel confident, and staff find joy in their work.
Enrollment & Retainment
ELA will help you Fill your ASP with Students who Can’t Wait to Join.
At ELA, students are at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just design programs for them. We design programs with them. By listening to their interests and ideas, we create activities that feel personalized, exciting, and fresh which boost enrollment and retention.
This student-driven approach makes ELA the most talked-about part of the school day. Students love coming to ELA, and their enthusiasm drives the success of our programs. Our waiting lists, which often last throughout the year, prove that families see the value in what we do.
For parents, ELA is a trusted partner that turns after-school hours into opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. They know their children are in a safe, engaging environment that supports their academic and personal development and, most importantly, makes them happy.
Historically, our program has experienced outstanding success, and waiting lists for enrollment last throughout the year.
Community Connections
Enhanced Community Involvement and Support. It takes a Village.
As part of our program, we offer opportunities for students to continue their academic development after they leave their general education classroom. Expanded Learning Academy continuously creates new school connections through a variety of strategies such as inviting school alumni back into our program as support and additional student resources. Former students have the opportunity to return to their alma mater to assist with academic support and tutoring (all under the watchful eye of our program staff).
ELA bridges the gap between academics and fun, showing students that learning doesn’t have to stop when the final bell rings. Our programs create seamless links between classroom instruction and after-school activities, helping students see how their education fits into their everyday lives.
With interactive projects, engaging challenges, and creative outlets, students leave the school day behind and dive into experiences that excite their minds and spark their curiosity. Whether they’re building, exploring, or performing, they’re developing skills that reinforce what they’ve learned in the classroom without it feeling like work.
Our unique mentorship opportunities, where alumni return to their alma mater to support current students, bring added magic to the program. Students look up to these relatable role models, creating a sense of connection and community that makes ELA feel like home.
Creating links between Expanded Learning Academy programs and school day learning is an essential component of our partnership with our host school. These links allow students to understand our role in their education, illuminating for them how we offer additional support and encouragement.
High Quality Staff
Highly Trained and Support for all your ASP Staff that Make It All Possible.
Expanded Learning Academy has developed an effective system for recruiting, vetting, on-boarding, and developing quality candidates into trusted and valued TEAMMATES.
Our Academy teams are individuals who are passionate and dedicated to providing the highest quality of Expanded Learning program opportunities available. Our staff comes from a variety of backgrounds and levels of education but they all have one thing in common- they are devoted to making an IMPACT.
The atmosphere of our organization is one of safety, consciousness, and support for our people. Our mission includes building a team of educators and child advocates who embrace and reflect the quality care agenda. Expanded learning Academy strives to recruit diverse personalities and mentors that represent the student population.
At ELA, our team is more than just staff. They’re cheerleaders, mentors, and role models who bring energy, creativity, and heart to every session. Their passion for making an impact transforms our programs into spaces where students feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Our rigorous hiring process ensures that every team member is not only highly qualified but also deeply invested in creating the best part of the day for every student. Once onboard, staff receive ongoing training and development, empowering them to bring fresh ideas and boundless enthusiasm to every activity. For staff and educators, working at ELA, or one of its After School Academies, is more than a job. It’s a chance to be part of something extraordinary.
Join the ELA Academy today!
Safe Environments
Enter a Space Designed to Feel Safe, Supported, and Free to be Yourself.
We maintain the highest standards of safety, from physical spaces to interactions between staff and students. Every detail is carefully managed to ensure an environment where students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and having fun.
Providing safe spaces for students to learn, build relationships, and explore is an imperative task for Expanded Learning Academy. We understand that our programs must provide a nurturing and supportive environment that supports all ages and the developmental needs of students. Physical safety, operational procedures, classroom tone, and teacher/child interaction expectations are all critical pieces of our program. Expanded Learning Academy has crafted a comprehensive framework of policies and protocols to ensure high standards in our program. Our policies are built to impart and distill our standards for safety, operations, relationships, employee requirements, and lawful practices. Our policies reflect the appropriate statutory and regulatory requirements of our host site or district.
From the moment students arrive at ELA, they enter a space that’s designed for them to feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves. Whether they’re exploring a new hobby, building relationships, or simply having fun, they know they’re in a space where they can thrive.
Afterschool Enrichment
Highly Trained and Support for all your ASP Staff that Make It All Possible.
Every day at ELA is an adventure. Our programs are packed with activities that spark curiosity and ignite excitement, from creative arts and STEM challenges to sports, team-building games, and personal development workshops.
Students leave ELA sessions not only with new skills and knowledge but with smiles, stories, and a sense of accomplishment. Our activities are designed to be as fun as they are enriching, ensuring that students are always eager to come back for more.
By involving students, parents, and stakeholders in the planning process, we make sure our programs reflect the unique interests and values of every community we serve. This collaborative approach ensures that every ELA session feels meaningful and memorable.
Academy curricula and programming are authentic to our brand. We have written and piloted a variety of programs that meet a thorough and quality list of requirements. Our programs offer students a multitude of developmentally appropriate discoveries through activities that address individual or group participation, motor development, academic support or enrichment, career pathway foundations, and of course character and personal health education. Our framework is initiated through student interest surveys, discussions, and meetings.
Expanded Learning Academies are the Highlight of Every Day
For students, ELA is a place to explore, laugh, and grow. For families, it’s peace of mind and a trusted partner. For staff, it’s a chance to make a lasting difference. Expanded Learning Academy isn’t just a program. It’s the best part of the day. Join us in creating unforgettable moments and brighter futures for every student. Together, we make every afternoon extraordinary.
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