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Students play team sports during the after-school program at Washington Elementary School, May 2025. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside\/CatchLight Local<\/p>\nStudents play team sports during the after-school program at Washington Elementary School, May 2025. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside\/CatchLight Local<\/p>\n
Registration opens July 1 for the remaining spots in the city of Berkeley\u2019s after-school programs, which could offer relief for some local families amid Berkeley Unified\u2019s restructuring of its aftercare program<\/a>, which has hundreds of children on its waitlist.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) runs two main after-school extended learning programs \u2014 BEARS, for low-income families, and LEARNS, open to all students. The latter has undergone notable changes ahead of next school year: With the district facing a budget shortfall, all nine of the program\u2019s after-school coordinator positions were cut<\/a> in May and families began receiving waitlist notices in June, earlier than usual. There are currently 348 students on the waitlist for LEARNS, according to the school district, compared to 497 in August last year.<\/p>\n More than 9,300 students attended BUSD in 2025-26, with about 4,000 in K-5, according to state data<\/a>. About 2,300 of those families applied for LEARNS this year, the district said. The program\u2019s current capacity of 1,976 indicates somewhat of a rebound after years of decline; there were 1,900 slots available in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n District officials have attributed the continued lack of available spots to the recent expansion of transitional kindergarten (TK) classes that requires higher staff-to-student ratios, the push to include higher-needs students as part of state grant requirements, and staffing shortages. There are currently 13 instructional technician vacancies in LEARNS, about half the number last year, BUSD noted. The district is hosting a hiring fair on July 23<\/a>.<\/p>\n The BUSD extended learning program offers on-site before- and after-school care, making it convenient and preferable for many working parents. Because the programs take place on campuses, it\u2019s also easier for care coordinators to communicate with classroom teachers to better support children academically.\u00a0<\/p>\n But for families who don\u2019t get a space in the district\u2019s program, there are other options, including some run by private companies and others managed by the city of Berkeley. Private offerings tend to be more expensive than the district\u2019s, while the city\u2019s programs are inexpensive but harder to get into, and transportation can be a challenge<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n We put together this guide to help parents find their way through the jungle of after-school care in Berkeley. Have a question that\u2019s not answered in this guide, or know of a Berkeley program that should be on the list? Email us at editors@berkeleyside.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n City-run after-school programs<\/p>\n Berkeley is operating five elementary-age after-school programs this year, boasting engaging and affordable activities<\/a> throughout the city. No program sessions were listed for Virginia McGee or the West Campus Pool after-school programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Eighteen TK and kindergarten seats and 55 openings in grades 1\u20135 were still available across the five programs as of July 1, when registration reopened. The programs are open to all families in the area, though BUSD students and Berkeley residents are given priority, and non-residents will pay a higher fee.<\/p>\n Applicants should know that buses from BUSD schools to city-run after-care programs<\/a> will not be available this year for newly registered families, and program fees will not be refunded due to a lack of transportation. Three BUSD schools (Emerson, Sylvia Mendez, and Rosa Parks elementaries) will participate in a \u201csupervised walking transportation\u201d pilot with the city\u2019s recreation department in the coming school year to get students to aftercare sites.<\/p>\n Families can register for any of the city programs online<\/a> or in person at the various sites.<\/p>\n Frances Albrier Performing Arts Afterschool Program <\/a><\/p>\n Children are taught the fundamentals of dance and drama, from stage presence to teamwork, in this after-school program. Youth will put on four performances throughout the school year.<\/p>\n The program also offers daily recreational activities and homework help.<\/p>\n Location: 2800 Park St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. every weekday. First fall session is from Aug. 12 to Sep. 11. (No class on Sep. 7)<\/p>\n Cost: $352 a month for grades 1 to 5; $396 a month for TK and kindergarten. Nonresidents are charged more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The older students program takes a maximum of 60 students, and the TK and kinder program accepts up to 16 children.<\/p>\n Getting there: BUSD bus transportation is not available, and the district is not accepting additional requests. New busing requests will not be reviewed until four months into the school year, officials said. Refunds are not issued due to a lack of busing.<\/p>\n James Kenney Park<\/a><\/p>\n Children participate in recreational activities and receive homework help in this after-school program.<\/p>\n Location: 1720 8th St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: Weekdays except Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 6 p.m. from Aug. 12 to Sep. 11. (No class on Sep. 7)<\/p>\n Cost: $352 a month for grades 1 to 5; $396 a month for TK and kindergarten. Nonresidents are charged more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The older students program takes a maximum of 60 students, and the TK and kinder program accepts up to 16 children.<\/p>\n Getting there: Rosa Parks Elementary will participate in the walking transportation pilot to get students to James Kenney Park. Parents can opt in during the registration process. Program registration does not guarantee busing, and refunds will not be given due to a lack of bus transportation.\u00a0<\/p>\n Live Oak Park<\/a><\/p>\n According to the city\u2019s website, children in this after-school program will build community while enjoying games, arts and homework help.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Ages: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: Weekdays from 1:30 to 6 p.m. First fall session is from Aug. 12 to Sep. 11. (No class on Sep. 7)<\/p>\n Cost: $352 a month for grades 1 to 5; $396 a month for TK and kindergarten. Nonresidents are charged more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The older students program takes a maximum of 60 students, and the TK and kinder program accepts up to 16 children.<\/p>\n Getting there: New busing requests will not be reviewed until four months into the school year, officials said. Refunds are not issued due to a lack of busing. Some spots may be available on the school bus for Malcom X, Sylvia Mendez and Washington Elementary schools.<\/p>\n Willard Clubhouse<\/a><\/p>\n Nearly six times larger than the building it replaced, the new clubhouse includes a kitchen and space for 75 children in after-school and summer programs.<\/p>\n Location: 2720 Hillegass Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: Weekdays from 1:30 to 6 p.m. First fall session is from Aug. 12 to Sep. 11. (No class on Sep. 7)<\/p>\n Cost: $352 a month for grades 1 to 5; $396 a month for TK and kindergarten. Nonresidents are charged more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The older students program takes a maximum of 60 students, and the TK and kinder program accepts up to 16 children.<\/p>\n Getting there: BUSD bus transportation is not available, and the district is not accepting additional requests. Refunds are not issued due to a lack of busing. Emerson and Sylvia Mendez elementary schools will participate in the walking transportation pilot to get students to the Willard Clubhouse. Parents can opt in during the registration process.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shorebird Nature Center Afterschool Program<\/a><\/p>\n The program offers organized games, arts and crafts, a daily snack and homework help.<\/p>\n Location: 160 University Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: 1-5\u00a0<\/p>\n Hours: Weekdays from 2:30 to 6 p.m. First fall session is from Aug. 12 to Sep. 11. (No class on Sep. 7)<\/p>\n Cost: $352 a month for grades 1 to 5. Nonresidents are charged more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The program takes a maximum of 37 students.<\/p>\n Getting there: BUSD bus transportation is not available, and the district is not accepting additional requests. New busing requests will not be reviewed until four months into the school year, officials said. BUSD may provide limited busing from Berkeley Arts Magnet and Rosa Parks elementary schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n District-run after-school care <\/p>\n As noted, Berkeley Unified\u2019s LEARNS program is currently operating a waitlist. However, registration is expected to reopen on August 1.<\/p>\n LEARNS operates at nine of Berkeley\u2019s 11 elementary sites and all three middle schools, offering academic support and enrichment until 6 p.m. each school day. Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, and Rosa Parks elementary schools also run before-school programs.<\/p>\n LEARNS<\/a> <\/p>\n The program provides academic support, recreational activities and enrichment classes for BUSD students after the school day, to \u201cprovide a seamless day\u201d for families.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: The program operates at all of Berkeley\u2019s 11 elementary sites except John Muir and Ruth Acty, and all three district middle schools.<\/p>\n Grades: TK-8<\/p>\n Hours: End of the school day to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Eligibility: While open to all students, priority is based on income and other demographic factors, according to the district website<\/a>, and not on a first-come, first-served enrollment basis. Foster youth, homeless students, children who qualify for free or reduced meals, and English language learners receive priority and are eligible to attend for free, according to the district<\/a>. Lower on the priority<\/a> scale are currently enrolled kids and their siblings, and children of BUSD staff.\u00a0<\/p>\n Students can only enroll in their school\u2019s program. Students attending the after-school program five days a week receive priority as these programs receive funding based on attendance. The district said it will try to accommodate families seeking part-time enrollment. Drop-ins are not allowed.<\/p>\n Cost: Fees<\/a> for full-time aftercare of TK and kinder children range from $224 to $650 a month, depending on family size and income level. Fees for students in grades 1-5 are lower, from $63 to $284. BUSD has reduced sibling discounts to a flat 20%, whereas the discounts were previously 30% or 50%, depending on income. The employee discount will remain at 20%.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Fees are divided evenly across all 10 months that school is in session, regardless of the child\u2019s attendance, according to the district. Other fee options are available for families who only need 3 or 4 days a week of after-school care.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: A complete application does not guarantee enrollment. Once families submit an application, students are placed on a waiting list. Before the end of the school year, parents who applied during the first application round in April and May for the following school year will be notified of their application status by the after-school program specialist based at their child\u2019s school.\u00a0<\/p>\n Deadline: The second round of enrollment for care in the upcoming school year will begin on Aug. 1 and will remain open for the remainder of the school year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: \u00a0About 1,900 slots. Currently at capacity and operating a waitlist.<\/p>\n Getting there: BUSD said it offers transportation to some after-school programs, but \u201cspace and routes are limited by the available resources.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n BEARS<\/a><\/p>\n The BEARS program offers academic support, enrichment opportunities and recreation before and after school at five BUSD elementary school campuses. Each class is led by a qualified child development teacher and an instructional assistant. The maximum class size is 28 students, maintaining a 14:1 student-to-adult ratio. Students participate in group read-alouds and guided reading with the help of UC Berkeley literacy tutors, and practice computer keyboarding and coding.\u00a0<\/p>\n Locations: John Muir, Malcolm X, Ruth Acty, Sylvia Mendez and Washington Elementary schools. Students who attend Thousand Oaks, Emerson, Cragmont, or Oxford elementaries can be bussed both before and after school from another site within their enrollment zone.<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: 7 a.m. until the start of the school day; end of the school day until 5:45 p.m.; during vacations from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. BEARS operates 240 weekdays out of the year, including all of summer break and much of spring and winter recesses. Drop-ins are not allowed.<\/p>\n Eligibility: Unlike LEARNS, which receives state education dollars, BEARS is funded by the California Department of Social Services. All families applying for BEARS must meet income requirements and demonstrate a need for care.\u00a0<\/p>\n All BUSD students can participate in BEARS, and concurrent enrollment in both LEARNS and BEARS is allowed, but families with higher incomes are required to pay full program costs. If space is limited, younger students are given priority, though the district website notes that most sites can accommodate all students TK-5.<\/p>\n Cost: Families with incomes 40% below the state\u2019s median are eligible for free care. Monthly rates<\/a> for after-school care range from $204 for two days a week to $510 for five days a week. Before-school care ranges from $68 to $255 each month. Summer and vacation care is $2,420 per month for care five days a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: Sign up for the program\u2019s interest form<\/a>. The district gives \u201cfirst priority\u201d to families referred by child protective services. Enrollment is prioritized by income and family size, with qualifying applicants given priority over other students.<\/p>\n Number of slots: 250+<\/p>\n Getting there: Students attending Thousand Oaks, Emerson, Cragmont or Oxford elementary schools are eligible for before- and after-school busing to a BEARS school site within their enrollment zone.\u00a0<\/p>\n BUSD school-specific programs<\/p>\n In addition to BEARS and LEARNS, some schools, such as John Muir, Berkeley Arts Magnet and Ruth Acty elementaries, offer after-school enrichment through their PTAs. Families cannot choose which school their child enrolls in based on childcare availability. For more information, contact the schools\u2019 PTAs directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n IntraMUIRals<\/a> at John Muir Elementary<\/p>\n A PTA-sponsored after-school enrichment program offered immediately after the end of the regular school day. It offers soccer, cooking and Spanish among other activities. Children enrolled in BEARS and Kids in Motion can also participate.<\/p>\n Location: 2955 Claremont Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Cost: The program offers a limited number of scholarships for each class. The cost is set by each instructor and tends to be between $300 and $400 for the semester.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: Program staff recommend applying early because slots fill up quickly. Registration is first-come, first-served. The program uses an online registration system called Homeroom, which allows families to pay for classes online. There are two semesters: The first begins enrollment in September, and the second begins enrollment in late January.<\/p>\n Getting there: Offered onsite at the John Muir Elementary School campus immediately after school. TK and kindergarten children will be escorted to the classroom, and all other grade levels will get themselves to the program after school. Parent volunteers will guide students to after-school programs during the first week of school.\u00a0<\/p>\n More info: Inquiries can be sent to jmintramuirals@gmail.com<\/a> or contact the school directly.<\/p>\n After School Zone (RAZ)<\/a> at Ruth Acty Elementary<\/p>\n Location: 1400 Ada St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5\u00a0<\/p>\n Hours: TK and kindergarten pickup is at 5:30 p.m., and older children are picked up at 5:45 p.m. The green gate on Rose Street will be open for pickup at 2:45 p.m.<\/p>\n Eligibility: First-come, first-served. The program is at capacity and has a waitlist for the 2026-27 school year.<\/p>\n Costs: Based on monthly income.<\/p>\n Applying: Families will need to create an account at this link<\/a> to apply. Only complete applications will be processed.<\/p>\n More info: Contact program coordinator Karissa Cornett at kcornett@bacr.org or 510-644-8763 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.<\/p>\n PTA After-School Enrichment Program<\/a> at Berkeley Arts Magnet<\/p>\n The BAM PTA has organized after-school enrichment activities, including robotics, chess, soccer, Mandarin, and mural arts<\/p>\n Location: 2015 Virginia St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Eligibility: Open to all BAM students; space is limited.<\/p>\n More info: Send inquiries to enrichment@berkeleyartsmagnet.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other after-school care programs in Berkeley<\/p>\n JCC East Bay operates an off-site care program called Berkeley Afterschool. It offers a variety of enrichment activities such as sports, arts and science, in addition to specialty classes like judo and pottery. The program incorporates Jewish values and observes cultural celebrations.<\/p>\n Location: 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: The 2026-27 school year runs from Aug. 12 to June 3. Drop-off begins at 1:30, 2:30, or 3:30 p.m., depending on when the student\u2019s school is dismissed. The program is closed during all BUSD holidays and major Jewish celebrations.\u00a0<\/p>\n Eligibility: The Berkeley Afterschool program offers a safe environment that \u201callows all students to be their authentic selves.\u201d Eligibility is not limited based on students\u2019 religion. There is also a program called Edah, which the center refers to as a \u201cJewish learning village\u201d that immerses students in cultures and traditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: The program ranges from $500 a month for care two days a week to $1,115 a month for five days. Families who pay for the full year or enroll more than one child receive stackable 5% discounts. The center provides financial aid<\/a> for families in need. Applications are open until July 1, after which they will be reviewed on a rolling basis and based on available funds.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: The program requires a non-refundable $50 registration fee and $200 deposit.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: 175\u00a0<\/p>\n Deadline: Registration is open. Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Getting there: The program offers walking pickup from Berkeley Arts Magnet. Most BUSD schools coordinate busing with JCC except Cragmont\u2019s kindergarten program, and Emerson and John Muir elementary schools. Spots on the bus will not be confirmed until after Aug. 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kids in Motion<\/a><\/p>\n Children are given homework help and participate in indoor and outdoor activities like kickball and soccer. The program serves John Muir Elementary School and the surrounding areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 2955 Claremont Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: K-5<\/p>\n Hours: Before-school: 7:30 to 9 a.m.; After-school: 2:15 to 6:30 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: Fees for grades 1-5 range from $120 per three days of care to $152 a week for five days, plus at least $108 for each additional child enrolled in the program. Families of TK students can expect to pay between $130 and $170 for up to five days of care a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: The program requires a non-refundable $50 registration fee and a $100 program materials fee each year per child. For more information, call 510-549-9247 or use the online contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n Getting there: School bus transportation via BUSD is available from Sylvia Mendez, Emerson and Malcolm X elementaries. Families enrolled in other schools are asked to call for assistance.\u00a0<\/p>\n The New School of Berkeley<\/a><\/p>\n The school recently added a TK after-school program to cater to more 4-year-olds.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 1606 Bonita St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-4<\/p>\n Hours: The program follows the BUSD academic calendar<\/a> and runs Monday through Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Eligibility: Open to families across BUSD, with enrollment priority given to families previously in the program and current families.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: A kindergarten or TK 5-day week would cost<\/a> $10,500 per year or 10 payments of $1050 per month. For grades 1 and up, a five-day week would cost $8,500 per year, or 10 payments of $850 per month. Holiday care is $60 per day. Reach out to enrollment@newschoolberkeley.org<\/a> to ask about scholarship opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: There is a $50 registration and administrative fee. Fill out the application at this link<\/a>. Separate forms should be completed for each child applying.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: The after-school program takes up to 45 students. The TK program is limited to nine students this year. All programs are currently full for the 2026-27 school year and have waitlists.<\/p>\n Deadline: The program first enrolls continuing after-school students and graduating preschoolers by March for the following school year.<\/p>\n Getting there: Most children are transported via BUSD buses to the after-school program. Berkeley Arts Magnet students are picked up by New School of Berkeley staff and walk together to the site. Bus route limitations mean the aftercare program is unable to serve students from John Muir and Emerson elementary schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n Big Oaks Learning Center<\/a> (Previously: Ephesians Children\u2019s Center)<\/p>\n This childhood development center has a program for elementary school-aged kids, in addition to preschool and pre-k programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 1907 Harmon St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Ages: 5-12<\/p>\n Hours: Offers full and half-day programs, two to five days a week. Weekday school dismissal to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Cost: Some families may be eligible for subsidized tuition.<\/p>\n Getting there: The center provides transportation for children enrolled in its after-school programs.<\/p>\n The Berkeley School<\/a><\/p>\n The school offers Spanish classes, arts and crafts, free play and homework help, with some additional classes offered at an additional fee. Given its proximity, the school sometimes visits Strawberry Creek during nice weather.<\/p>\n Location: 1310 University Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-6<\/p>\n Hours: The program follows the BUSD academic calendar<\/a> and begins Aug. 12. The after-school program starts depending on the child\u2019s school dismissal time, from 1:20 p.m. through 3:20 p.m., and runs until 6 p.m. two to five days a week.<\/p>\n Eligibility: Open to students from BUSD, Oakland Unified, and West Contra Costa school districts, in addition to independent and homeschooled children.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: Cost is based on hours of care and depends on how many days a child attends the school. A child attending after-school care five days a week from 1:20 to 6 p.m. would pay $1,155 per month or $11,550 a year, according to the website. Holiday care is $140 per day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Applying: There is a $60 registration and administrative fee and a $1,100 deposit. Apply at this link<\/a>. Email thedepot@theberkeleyschool.org for more information.<\/p>\n Getting there: Staff pick up Oxford Elementary and walk to the Berkeley School. Other families must arrange their transportation. The Berkeley School website noted that BUSD may provide transportation from its elementary schools, but suggested apps HopSkipDrive<\/a> and KangoApp<\/a> as alternatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n Berkeley Youth Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n BYA offers services for young people aged 6 to 24, including after-school programs for children. This nonprofit offers tutoring and computer classes. Children also receive literacy and academic support from reading specialists and UC Berkeley tutors.<\/p>\n Location: 1255 Allston Way, Berkeley<\/p>\n Ages: 6 to 24<\/p>\n Eligibility: Students primarily come from low-income families in South and West Berkeley. According to BYA\u2019s website, many of their students have behavioral and mental disorders and are assigned case managers.<\/p>\n Cost: There is no participation fee.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: Apply here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hanwen School<\/a><\/p>\n This school offers Mandarin Chinese language and cultural after-school programming for elementary school students in Berkeley, Albany and local areas. The program is designed as a multi-year track for students starting in kindergarten. Children participate in activities like arts, yoga and kung-fu.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 1380 Tenth St., Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: K-5<\/p>\n Hours: 1:30 (or 2:30 p.m.) to 6 p.m. every weekday, three or five days a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n Eligibility: The Heritage Language program is recommended for children who understand and speak basic Chinese, have been in immersion programs before, or speak the language at home. The Let\u2019s Speak Chinese program is suited for children without prior language experience or those who are out of practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: Staff will interview families to determine their child\u2019s interest in language learning. Contact the school at info@hanwenschool.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Number of slots: Class sizes are between 8 and 10 spots, with the Chinese-as-Second-Language program needing a minimum of three children to operate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Deadline: Enrollment is full in this program. Families with rising kindergarteners can ask for more information about the program in January, with new students enrolling in April or May.\u00a0<\/p>\n Getting there: The program offers a few transportation options for Berkeley families. The Hanwen Shuttle transports students from BUSD elementary schools Washington and Malcolm X. Program staff can pick up children from nearby BUSD bus stops in the district\u2019s northwest zone, including Rosa Parks, Ruth Acty, Thousand Oaks, and Berkeley Arts Magnet elementary schools. <\/p>\n The program lists some kid-friendly transportation apps<\/a> on its website.<\/p>\n Sticky Art Lab<\/a><\/p>\n Children are given homework help, engage in hands-on group activities, and participate in arts and crafts. The year-long program follows the BUSD schedule.<\/p>\n Location: 1682 University Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n Ages: First to fifth grade<\/p>\n Hours: The program runs from Tuesday, Sep. 8, to Wednesday, Dec. 16. The schedule is Tuesdays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:30-5:30 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: The Tuesday program costs $250 per month or $900 for the school year. Wednesday\u2019s program is $280 per month or $1,020 per school year.<\/p>\n Applying: Parents can email afterschool@stickyartlab.com<\/a> and will be asked to provide the following: Full Name of child(ren) as entered in the BUSD system; school and grade; best phone number; enrollment day(s)<\/p>\n Deadline: Year-round enrollment until capacity is filled.\u00a0<\/p>\n Getting there: The program does not guarantee bus transportation via BUSD. Staff may be able to pick up children and walk them over to the after-school site from Washington and Oxford elementary schools.<\/p>\n X-CARE at Berkwood Hedge School<\/a><\/p>\n Berkwood is a private school serving K-4 students at a lower campus and a separate middle school for grades 5-8. But it also operates this afterschool program, which is open to families at BUSD and elsewhere.<\/p>\n Location: X-CARE takes place at the lower campus on 1809 Bancroft Way, across the street from Washington Elementary.<\/p>\n Grades: TK-5<\/p>\n Hours: After school (1:30 p.m. or 2:25 p.m.) until 6 p.m. on weekdays, with program options of two, three or five days a week. The program follows the BUSD calendar. Full-day care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. is offered for school holidays at $150 per day or $850 per year.<\/p>\n Cost: $5,250\u2013$12,000 per year, depending on the schedule and number of days. Tuition is paid in ten monthly installments.\u00a0<\/p>\n Getting there: Program staff walk students from Washington Elementary to Berkwood\u2019s lower campus after school daily.<\/p>\n Applying: Send an inquiry to x-care@berkwood.org or use the school\u2019s online application<\/a>. There is a $50 registration fee. Priority will be given to full-time care contracts.<\/p>\n Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement (BAHIA)<\/a><\/p>\n This bilingual afterschool program Sol De Berkeley emphasizes play, Spanish-language development, cultural appreciation and academic support. BAHIA offers after-school care during the school year, full-time care during holidays, and a summer program.\u00a0<\/p>\n Location: 1000 Camelia Ave, Berkeley<\/p>\n Grades: TK-3 school-wide, ages 4.9 to 10 in the after-school program<\/p>\n Hours: After school until 6 p.m. on weekdays. The program follows the BUSD calendar.<\/p>\n Cost: BAHIA offers subsidized enrollment for families who meet certain income requirements. Contact the program for fee information.<\/p>\n Applying: Applications<\/a> are accepted year-round, but priority enrollment is in January and February. Low-income families are prioritized. The program fills up quickly, and there may be a waitlist. For more information, email: admissions@bahiainc.com or call (510) 525-1463.<\/p>\n Getting there: BUSD offers limited transportation from Sylvia Mendez, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, and Berkeley Arts Magnet elementaries. Staff will assist with transportation once children are enrolled.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bliss Belly Kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n The afterschool program offers yoga and cooking classes for children. Originally a summer camp, the organization opened its first location in North Berkeley.<\/p>\n Location: 2095 Rose St, #202, Berkeley, California 94709<\/p>\n Grades: 1-5, enrichment classes serve students ages 4 and up<\/p>\n Hours: After school until 6 p.m. on weekdays, with start times from 2:20 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. depending on the child\u2019s school dismissal. There are 2-, 3-, and 5-day per week options. Closed for holidays, but day camps are available.<\/p>\n Cost: The program costs<\/a> between $500 and $1,000 each month, depending on the time slot and days per week. A 5% discount is offered for full-year payments, plus a 3% discount if multiple children are enrolled.\u00a0<\/p>\n Applying: The program is accepting new enrollments. Families can fill out an intake form here<\/a>. There is a $50 registration fee and a nonrefundable $1,000 deposit that can be used for the final month of attendance.<\/p>\n Getting there: Students from the Berkeley Arts Magnet will be walked over to the program site. Other innovative transportation options are available, such as the school\u2019s bike shuttle, which is a cargo bike built for child transport.<\/p>\n This is not a comprehensive list of all private after-school programs offered for Berkeley families. Know of others you think we should include? Let us know at editors@berkeleyside.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n A version of this article was first published on Aug. 12, 2025. It has been updated for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tRelated stories<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\tBUSD balanced its budget, but deficits remain in the forecast<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\tJuly 2, 2026July 2, 2026, 4:22 p.m.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Torture memos\u2019 UC Berkeley law professor joins conspiracy investigation of perceived Trump foes<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\tJuly 1, 2026July 1, 2026, 12:41 p.m.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"BUSD](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783155867_145_Natera_230531_217_BUSDSuperintendent_24-1.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\u2018Torture](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783155867_757_AP26180628828860.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"$12B](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/large-science-saves-lives_2026_01_26_FG23699.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n