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MPS Afterschool Program

MPS Afterschool Update From Dr. Galusi - June 6, 2025

Following the May 19th Meeting of the Medford School Committee, I wanted to provide an update on our Afterschool programming options as we look to provide more opportunities for students and families. We understand after school coverage is crucial for parents to know their children are in a safe and welcoming environment. We are committed to increasing those opportunities.

As part of our examination of the program, MPS is looking to hire full-time Afterschool positions who will work throughout the calendar year, including during February/April vacations. We have also begun work with BASEC Consultancy to assess our current programming, review our strategic development, and ultimately expand programming options. Finally, our survey shared last month regarding staggered pick-up time options found data to support our plan to further explore the format for next school year.

As a result of all this ongoing work happening at once, we will continue to update the community regarding any programming changes or increased options for families. Please be on the lookout for communication this summer regarding expanded programming opportunity, including a Community Night in late July where we will engage directly with families. Collaboration is key to creating more opportunities for families, and we thank you for being interested in our Afterschool programming.

MPS After SChool Improvement plan Presentation

Upcoming Event!

Community Conversation Finalized

Join us on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Medford Public Library for a Community Conversation about our MPS Afterschool programming. We look forward to hearing your perspectives and insights as we continue to find new ways to expand programming opportunities for students and families.

After School Care At Medford Public Schools (K - 5)

MPS offers After School programming for students in grades K-5 at our four elementary schools. Our After School programs follow the Medford Public Schools calendar and are therefore closed for snow days, holidays, school vacation weeks and in the summer. Registration is done by Lottery and for specific days of the week. 

Registration is for specific days of the week. Students may only attend on the days they are enrolled. The program runs two tracks, with snack included for both options:

  • 2:45 - 4 p.m.
  • 2:45 - 6 p.m.

After School Care At Medford Public Schools Community Partners

As a result of high demand for After School Programming for MPS families, and to balance space constraints within our schools, we are pleased to partner with various community after school programs in Medford. All partners must be EEC licensed. Bussing is provided to these programs - please visit our MPS Transportation page to learn more. 

Please see our after school partners where we bus students below. MPS has worked diligently over the years to work with the Medford community to expand After School opportunities for families and caregivers.

Hours and Days of Operation of MPS After School Care

MPS Afterschool Programs operate from dismissal until 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. Monday - Friday.  There are 3 Early Closure days in the year when the program closes at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.

  • The Wednesday before Thanksgiving break
  • The day before Winter break
  • The last day of school

MPS is not responsible for the hours and availability of community partner program, . 

Programming & Homework Time at MPS After School Care

Activities at our MPS After School programs include arts and crafts, sports, science, drama, music, dance, cooperative games, literacy, community service, indoor and outdoor free play and more!

Students in grades 1 – 5 may have a designated Homework Time. We work to ensure the space stays quiet, clarify homework directions, prompt to stay on task, help make connections between classroom lessons and assignments, and communicate with teachers and families. At the beginning of the year, we ask that families sign a Homework Contract.

Registration

All registration takes place online. In early Spring, currently enrolled families at MPS After School programs are offered the opportunity to re-enroll for next year, followed by those on our waitlist. Each group will receive detailed information via email. New family Afterschool registration begins in April after a Lottery.

If demand exceeds capacity for any site or grade, a Lottery will determine placement and begin a waitlist for students not enrolled. Note that students are eligible to keep their name on the MPS Afterschool Care waitlist while enrolling at a community partner program.

We fill spots at MPS After School programs by the day. If you request all 5 days of the week, but only 3 are available, you will be offered the chance to enroll for those 3 and added to the waitlist for the remaining 2. We can share your approximate position on the waitlist, but as space only opens when another family reduces their schedule or withdraws, we cannot predict when a space may open. Our waitlist remains open and active throughout the school year.

Tuition for 2025-2026 MPS After School Programming

4 p.m. Track

  • $270.00 per month for 5 days a week
  • $162.00 per month for 3 days a week (M/W/F)
  • $108.00 per month for 2 days a week (T/TH)

6 p.m. Track

  • $533.54 per month for 5 days a week
  • $320.33 per month for 3 days a week
  • $214.24 per month for 2 days a week

Tuition can be paid online through the FACTS system.

Handbook

Please see the Medford After School Family Handbook for a full description of the After School Program.

Financial Assistance

To apply for financial assistance, please complete these two forms:

Questions

If you have any questions on MPS After School Care, please email before-afterschool@medford.k12.ma.us