After-School Program - Vibrant Minds Charter School

Q: What time does the after-school program end? When should I pick up my child?

The after-school program runs from 3:00–6:00 pm . Families may choose from multiple pick-up times at 4:05 pm, 5:00 pm, or between 5:50–6:00 pm . Parents select a designated pick-up time for each day of the week (Mon-Fri) and are encouraged to stick to that schedule as much as possible. For scholars in Grades 3-6 who participate in the after-school program, families are asked to commit to full participation from 3:00–6:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays . These days focus on group project-based learning, and each scholar's participation is important to the success of the group.

Q: What if we need to pick up our child early?

If you need to pick up your child earlier than usual on a one-off day , or if your child will skip after school on a specific day (for example, for a doctor's appointment), please complete a sign-out form . This helps keep students safe and attendance accurate. If your child needs an earlier pick-up on a regular weekday (for example, every Tuesday for piano or sports), you can update your designated pick-up time for that day instead of filling out a form each week.

Vibrant Minds Charter School offers a free, on-site after-school program that supports families by providing reliable, enriching care after the school day ends.

Because the program is held on campus, scholars experience a smooth transition from the school day into after-school care.

Families value the program for its structure, consistency, and peace of mind.

What Scholars Experience After School

Our on-site after-school program balances learning and play in a supportive, well-supervised environment.

Scholars enjoy:

Homework help and academic support
Collaboration and group activities
Art, music, and hands-on enrichment
Physical activity and movement
Project-based learning opportunities
A free, healthy snack provided daily

Little Labs (TK-2nd)
Big Labs (3rd-6th)

Little Labs After-School Program (TK–2)

Little Labs serves scholars in Transitional Kindergarten through 2nd grade and provides a nurturing after-school experience designed for younger learners.

The program reinforces routines and skills introduced during the school day while giving scholars opportunities to explore interests, build confidence, and develop independence.

Learning Through Play and Enrichment

Little Labs blends learning through play with structured enrichment to support academic, social, and emotional development.

Through age-appropriate activities, scholars practice collaboration, strengthen foundational skills, and grow in a safe, supportive environment.

Daily Support and Enrichment in Little Labs

Scholars enrolled in Little Labs can expect a well-rounded after-school experience that includes:

Academic Support

Homework help offered daily
Reinforcement of classroom learning

Physical Fitness and Movement

Relay races and obstacle courses
Soccer and team-building games
Dance and movement activities

Art, Music, and STEAM

Guided art projects
Introductory STEAM activities
Music exploration including rhythm, reading music, and learning songs for performances

Life Skills and Character Development

Introducing yourself with confidence
Table setting and basic etiquette
Dental hygiene and self-care routines

Strength-Based Approach in Little Labs

Little Labs reflects Vibrant Minds Charter School’s strength-based philosophy.

Scholars are encouraged to explore interests, build confidence, and develop early executive functioning and social skills through guided enrichment and mentorship.

Big Labs After-School Program (Grades 3–6)

The Big Labs After-School Program serves scholars in Grades 3 through 6 and is designed to give older scholars more choice, independence, and opportunities to explore their interests.

Big Labs helps scholars identify strengths, build real-world skills, and deepen learning through electives and projectbased learning experiences in a supportive after-school environment.

Choice-Based Learning and Enrichment

Big Labs is structured to give scholars a voice in how they spend their after-school time.

Scholars experience a mix of electives and Project Based Learning, allowing them to explore new interests, develop talents, and work collaboratively with peers and mentors.

Weekly Program Structure

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Scholars choose from a variety of electives and may select different electives each trimester. This flexible structure allows families to align pick-up times with chosen activities.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Scholars participate in Project Based Learning (PBL) from 3:00–6:00 pm. Scholars work together to explore a driving question based on curiosity and real-world problem solving.

Elective Offerings in Big Labs

Electives vary by trimester and are designed to be hands-on and engaging. Examples include:

Music

String instruments
Keyboards
Vocal training
Brass and woodwind instruments
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels

Visual and Performing Arts

Drawing and painting
3-dimensional art
Dance
Photography and videography

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)

Circuit creations
Digital animation
Video production
Competition robotics
Webpage development
Young Astronauts
Minecraft

Life Skills

Culinary arts
Fashion conservatory
Homework club and typing
Servant leadership
Cross-aged tutoring

What Families Can Expect From Big Labs

Scholars enrolled in Big Labs benefit from:

Opportunities to discover interests and develop strengths
Multiple elective options throughout the week
Flexible scheduling on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Full participation from 3:00–6:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Strong mentorships
Hands-on skill building across multiple disciplines
Performance and showcase opportunities each trimester
A free, healthy snack provided daily

FAQ

The after-school program runs from 3:00–6:00 pm. Families may choose from multiple pick-up times at 4:05 pm, 5:00 pm, or between 5:50–6:00 pm. Parents select a designated pick-up time for each day of the week (Mon-Fri) and are encouraged to stick to that schedule as much as possible.

For scholars in Grades 3-6 who participate in the after-school program, families are asked to commit to full participation from 3:00–6:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These days focus on group project-based learning, and each scholar’s participation is important to the success of the group.

If you need to pick up your child earlier than usual on a one-off day, or if your child will skip after school on a specific day (for example, for a doctor’s appointment), please complete a sign-out form. This helps keep students safe and attendance accurate.

If your child needs an earlier pick-up on a regular weekday (for example, every Tuesday for piano or sports), you can update your designated pick-up time for that day instead of filling out a form each week.

Yes. Homework help is available daily as part of the program.

Yes. All enrolled scholars receive a free, healthy snack.

Yes. The program takes place on campus, allowing for a smooth and familiar transition from the school day into after-school care.

If you have any questions regarding our After-School Program, contact Kla Cook at kcook@vibrantminds.us.

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