Introducing SMART Academy's Before and After Care Program: Academic Support, Enrichment, and Fun for Every Student

Hey Cleveland families! We've got some exciting news to share that we know will make a real difference in your daily routine. SMART Academy is thrilled to introduce our brand-new Before and After Care Program – designed to give your K-5 students the academic support, creative enrichment, and safe environment they need while providing you with the flexibility your family deserves.

As parents ourselves, we understand the juggling act of work schedules, school pickup times, and making sure your child gets the support they need to succeed. That's exactly why we developed this program – to bridge that gap between school hours and your family time with meaningful, educational activities that keep learning fun and engaging.

Best of all, we offer extended hours to support busy families: drop off as early as 6:15am and pick up as late as 6:00pm, giving you extra flexibility at the start and end of your day.

More Than Just Supervision – It's Extended Learning

Let's be honest – finding quality care for your child before and after school can be stressful. You want more than just a place where your kid sits until pickup time. You want them engaged, learning, and having fun in a safe environment with caring adults who understand their educational needs.

Our Before and After Care Program delivers exactly that. We've designed daily routines that seamlessly extend your child's learning day with activities that complement our literacy-focused curriculum while giving them opportunities to explore new interests and build confidence.

What Makes Our Program Special?

Academic Support That Actually Works

Every day, your child will have dedicated time for homework help and academic tutoring. We know how frustrating it can be when your little one comes home with math problems you haven't seen since elementary school yourself, or when they're struggling with reading assignments after a long day at work.

Our qualified educators are right there to provide the support your child needs. Whether they're working through challenging math concepts, practicing reading fluency, or organizing their thoughts for a writing assignment, we've got them covered. This means less stress at home and more confidence in the classroom.

Science and Art Adventures

Learning doesn't stop when the school bell rings! Our program includes engaging science and art-based activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Picture your child conducting safe, hands-on science experiments, creating masterpieces with different art mediums, or exploring the world around them through interactive projects.

These activities aren't just fun (though they definitely are!) – they're carefully designed to reinforce critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that support their overall academic growth.

Get Moving with Dance and Movement

We believe in nurturing the whole child, which means keeping those little bodies active and healthy. Our dance and movement experiences help students burn off energy, develop coordination, and express themselves creatively through physical activity.

Whether it's learning new dance moves, playing organized games, or participating in movement activities that complement their classroom learning, your child will stay active and engaged throughout their time with us.

Safety and Quality You Can Trust

Here's what really sets us apart – we don't cut corners when it comes to your child's safety and the quality of care they receive. Most days, our after-care program is staffed with two qualified educators. This isn't just about meeting ratios; it's about providing high-quality supervision and ensuring each child gets the individual attention they deserve.

Having two staff members means we can offer targeted academic support while maintaining a safe, well-supervised environment. One educator might be working with a small group on math homework while another leads a science experiment with different students. It's the kind of personalized attention that makes a real difference in your child's experience.

Snacks and Nourishment

We know how hungry kids get after a full day of learning! That's why we provide a nutritious snack daily after school. No need to worry about packing extra snacks or having your child wait until dinner – we've got their mid-afternoon hunger covered with healthy options that fuel their bodies and brains for continued learning and play.

Why Extended Care Matters for Your Family

Research consistently shows that quality after-school programs do more than just provide childcare – they actually improve academic achievement, help children develop confidence, and teach valuable problem-solving skills. When your child participates in our Before and After Care Program, you're not just getting convenience; you're investing in their continued growth and development.

For working parents, this program offers peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe, educational environment that aligns with our school's values and commitment to literacy-based learning. No more rushing to make pickup times or scrambling to find backup care when your schedule changes. With drop off as early as 6:15am and pick up as late as 6:00pm, you get the breathing room to start early, stay late, and still feel confident your child is thriving.

Seamless Integration with Our Educational Mission

At SMART Academy, everything we do is connected to our core mission of providing exceptional education to Cleveland students. Our Before and After Care Program isn't an afterthought – it's a natural extension of our commitment to supporting student success beyond traditional school hours.

The same caring, qualified educators who understand your child's learning style and academic needs during the school day are there to support them in our extended care program. This continuity means better communication, more targeted support, and a consistent approach to helping your child succeed.

Whether your child needs extra help with reading, wants to dive deeper into science concepts, or simply needs a safe place to complete homework and play with friends, our program provides the structure and support they need to thrive.

Building Community and Friendships

One of the unexpected benefits of our Before and After Care Program is the way it helps build stronger friendships and classroom community. Students get additional time to connect with classmates in a more relaxed, multi-age environment. They work together on projects, help each other with homework, and develop the social skills that are so important for lifelong success.

These extended interactions often lead to stronger friendships, improved teamwork skills, and a greater sense of belonging within our SMART Academy community.

Getting Started

Ready to learn more about how our Before and After Care Program can benefit your family? We'd love to talk with you about your specific needs and how our program can support your child's continued growth and your family's schedule.

You can visit our parent resources page for more information about all our programs and services, or contact us directly to discuss enrollment and scheduling options.

We're excited about this new chapter in our commitment to supporting Cleveland families. Our Before and After Care Program represents our dedication to providing comprehensive, high-quality education and support that goes beyond the traditional school day.

Your child deserves more than just a place to wait – they deserve continued learning, creative exploration, and safe, nurturing care that supports their growth as confident, capable students. That's exactly what we're here to provide.

Welcome to the next level of support for your SMART Academy student!