Enroll For 2017: 5 After-School Programs in Pasadena

PASADENA, TX - The Pasadena Patch knows that learning continues long after the last bell ring. Ensure that your child is enrolled in an after-school program that engages his or her interests and stimulates intellectual growth with a collection of programs available in 2017.

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Connections After School Program, available through the Pasadena Independent School District, is specifically designed for students exhibiting severe behavior or have limited communication skills and have not been admitted or otherwise successful in traditional after-school programs. Contact Karen Mintsioulis, executive director of special programs, via (713) 740-0220.

• When: Monday through Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
• Where: 4200 Crenshaw Rd.
• Cost: $50 per week

After School Centers on Education, or ACE, is a grant program administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The Pasadena ISD was awarded a multi-million-dollar grant from the federal government to institute high-quality after-school programs on 19 campuses throughout the district. The program aims to improve behavior, academic performance, attendance, graduation rates and promotion rates. Interested enrollees must contact their campus for more information.

• When: Dismissal until 6 p.m.
• Where: Locations vary
• Cost: Free

Champions After School Program provides a safe, enriching environment in which children's individual needs are understood. Convenient options are available at seven locations, including six elementary schools and one middle school. The cost of registration is $51 per family.

• When: Dismissal until 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Moore Elementary, Genoa Elementary, LF. Smith Elementary, Jessup Elementary, Garfield Elementary, South Belt Elementary and Carter Lomax Middle
• Cost: Weekly rates vary by location

M.A.S.T.E.R.S. Taekwondo invites children to "train at M.A.S.T.E.R.S. and win at life," with an after-school program, called NinjaCare, that revamps the traditional daycare environment. A M.A.S.T.E.R.S. van or bus transports children the martial arts facility for a three-hour class that focuses on self-discipline, confidence and life skills. Contact (713) 910-KICK (5425) for more information.

• When: Monday through Friday, 4:15-5:40 p.m.
• Where: 3432 Spencer Highway
• Cost: Dependent upon admission

Star Montessori School and Day Care's after-school program allows students of neighboring elementary schools to be picked up and transported to Star, and there, children are encouraged to complete homework and other school assignments. Star maintains a vast selection of toys and games, including Nintendo and Playstation, as well as arts and crafts projects and a spacious play area. There is also a field area to accommodate field sports, such as basketball, soccer and baseball.

• When: Dismissal to 6 p.m.
• Where: 3868 Space Center Blvd.
• Cost: Contact Star Montessori via (281) 998-8989 for more information.

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