MPS Afterschool Program
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.
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 Release days in the year when the program closes at 4 p.m.
- The Wednesday before Thanksgiving break
- The day before Winter break
- The last day of school
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.
For more information on the After School Registration process, please visit the Before & After School homepage on our website.
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
After School Care At Medford Community Programs
As a result of high demand for After School Programming for MPS families, and to balance space constraints within our schools, there are a variety of community after school programs in Medford. Visit Here for the list of community programs in Medford. Bussing is provided to these programs - please visit our MPS Transportation page to learn more.
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.