Tacoma families with kids in kindergarten through eighth grade can sign up starting Monday, Nov. 2, for the next round of after-school programs at their neighborhood schools.
Registration for Session 2 of Beyond the Bell and Club B opens that day and runs through Nov. 15 on a staggered schedule by school name, according to Tacoma Public Schools. Each school's registration window opens on a specified date and stays open through the deadline.
Classes run from Nov. 30 through Feb. 4.
What the programs offer
Beyond the Bell serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade at elementary schools. Club B serves students in grades six through eight at middle schools and community sites. Both programs run two hours a day on either a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
Offerings include STEM, sports, arts, dance and outdoor education, according to the district. Dozens of community program providers develop the curriculum and hire instructors.
Partners include the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, according to the district's program page.
What it costs
Beyond the Bell costs $100 per Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday program for the full eight-week session. Club B costs $50 per program for the same period.
Families who qualify for McKinney-Vento services or financial assistance through the district's CNEEB form may receive programs at a free or reduced cost. The reduced cost is $10 for Beyond the Bell and $5 for Club B.
How to register
Families register through the district's Compass system. The district lists the staggered schedule showing when registration opens for each school on its FAQ page.
Questions? Contact the program at [email protected] or 253-571-1528.
The programs are funded in part by Pierce County, Tacoma Creates and the City of Tacoma. A donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott partially supports the cost, according to the district.
