Los Angeles has a lot to offer for children all year round as the city’s perfect Mediterranean weather means that kids have plenty of reasons to stay out after school. Many schools provide after school programs that include sports, cultural and academic curriculums and more. Encouraging school kids to join the programs will keep them occupied until parents return home from work. More importantly, it helps them expand their social network by making friends outside of school and develop additional skills that will broaden their in-school education.
The Department of Recreational and Parks provides the L.A. Kids Program, which is grant funded and offers free after-school recreation classes and year round sports academy programs for children aged between 5 and 18. Activities include many sports including baseball, soccer, softball, gymnastics, tennis, basketball, art, crafts, games, reading, computer classes, and more. http://www.laparks.org
LA kids work hard in the entertainment capital of the world where parents favor the arts as after school activities for their children to enjoy while secretly hoping that a talent is sparked. Dancing, singing, and acting classes are on every street as past contenders make their mark on the teaching world. Many established studios offer summer programs such as the Young Actors Studio ( http://www.youngactorsstudio.com ) and Creation Station ( http://www.creationstationdance.com ). These two programs enable kids from 2-16 to participate in musical theatre camp, cheerleading, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and fairytale inspired dances.
LA’s BEST (Better Educated Students for Tomorrow) is a nationally recognized after school program that provides enrichment and recreation to more than 28,000 children. The program provides a safe after school haven for children aged 5-12 at more than 180 elementary schools around Los Angeles. The service is absolutely free. http://www.lasbest.org
The following are more after school programs:
Super Duper Arts Camp – Before/after School Care, In-school care, Summer Camp
5870 W. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 351-1377
http://www.superduperartscamp.com
LACER
Afterschool Programs
Literacy, Arts, Culture, Education and Recreation
1718 N. Cherokee Ave., Suite A
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 957-6481
After-School All-Stars – Many locations
9255 Sunset Blvd, Ste 500
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 275-3232
Check the website to see the nearest locations. – http://www.afterschoolallstars.org
Kumon Math And Reading Center – Math and Reading Training
10401 Venice Blvd Unit 107, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 204-1064
http://www.kumon.com
