The Afterschool Solution
Safety, Enrichment, Friendship, and a Place Kids Can’t Wait to Go

For parents of children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the hours after school can be some of the hardest to solve.

You want your child somewhere safe, supervised, and secure. You want them cared for by adults who know them. You want homework support, time to unwind, and the chance to move, play, create, and connect. And, of course, you want them to have fun.

At 92NY’s Afterschool program, children get all of that in one thoughtfully designed program. 92NY staff collect children from their schools and accompany them safely to 92NY (either on foot or in school busses), where they spend the afternoon in a welcoming, enriching environment with reliable care, exciting classes, homework support, and a community that helps every child feel as if they belong.

“92NY Afterschool is much more than a place for children to spend time after the school day ends,” says Lauren Wexler, Executive Director, Children’s Enrichment & Engagement at 92NY. “Our program is designed to ensure that every child is known, cared for, and actively engaged. Afternoons at 92NY are filled with opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, be creative, stay active, and have fun.”

For busy families, it is also practical. The program offers dependable care until 6:30 PM, giving parents flexibility and peace of mind while children enjoy an afternoon that feels full, balanced, and genuinely engaging.

A true break from the school day

One of the biggest differences between 92NY Afterschool and a program that takes place inside a child’s school building is the change of setting.

“Coming to 92NY gives children a true break from the school day,” Wexler says. “A change of environment brings a change of energy, helping children reset, recharge, and transition from academics to enrichment and exploration.”

Instead of staying in the same classroom where they have spent the day, children move through 92NY’s purpose-build spaces, which include art studios, performance venues, fitness facilities, a swimming pool, gymnastics studios, and more. That change matters. For children who have been sitting, focusing, and following a school schedule, the chance to enter a new environment can feel refreshing and restorative.

Enrichment and care, all under one roof

Parents often face a familiar afternoon puzzle: a sitter on some days, a class on another, transportation in between, homework squeezed in somewhere, and a constant stream of logistics.

92NY Afterschool is designed to simplify that.

“At 92NY Afterschool, exceptional enrichment is seamlessly combined with dependable afterschool care — and that gives families the best of both worlds,” says Orlee Levin, Director, Children’s Enrichment & Engagement and Director, Afterschool, 92NY. “Children can participate in world-class programs while receiving reliable care until 6:30 PM — all under one roof.”

Homework support is thoughtfully scheduled around each child’s enrichment activities. Children also have time in their Clubhouses, where they can connect with friends, build social skills, unwind, and enjoy screen-free activities before or after classes.

“This program is practical for parents and exciting for the kids,” says Levin. “It’s designed to give families everything they need in one supportive, enriching environment.”

What’s new this fall

This September, you’ll see a newly expanded Afterschool program, offering even more opportunities for children to learn, create, and connect.

“We’re introducing new enrichment offerings like Mah Jong and cooking, while continuing to grow our popular programs in aquatics, gymnastics, dance, musical theater, and music,” Levin says.

Families will also benefit from the extended program day, now available until 6:30 PM. Each month will feature a unique theme that inspires programming and activities. And every Wednesday, the entire program will take part in the same activity, scaled by age and developmental ability, giving children a shared experience that helps build community across the program.

Why the space matters

What makes 92NY Afterschool especially distinctive is not only what children do, but where they get to do it.

“There’s an incredible breadth of opportunities available under one roof,” Wexler says. “Rather than spending the afternoon in a single classroom or gym, our children can explore all that 92NY has to offer. They move through fully equipped, purpose-built spaces including art studios, dance studios, fitness facilities, and more.”

That means children are not just passing time. They are using real equipment, working in specialized environments, and engaging in hands-on experiences that feel authentic and exciting.

“Children are able to engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that go far beyond a traditional afterschool program,” says Wexler. “This dynamic approach encourages children to build confidence and learn through exploration in ways that simply aren’t possible in a typical classroom setting.

Confidence that grows outside the classroom

Afterschool can be a powerful place for children to stretch in new ways. For some children, that means gaining confidence in the pool. For others, it might mean trying something for the first time — musical theater, gymnastics, or a new sport.

“Our enrichment classes give children the opportunity to discover new interests, build confidence, and develop skills under expert tutelage in a fun, supportive environment,” says Levin.

A child who is quiet in math class might come alive onstage. A child who is reticent in a new group may gain confidence through a team activity. A child who has never considered themself artistic might suddenly discover the joy of making something with their hands.

“As they see their abilities growing in a non-academic setting, they gain confidence — and with that comes resilience and a sense of accomplishment that carries into other areas of their lives,” says Levin.

A community children can grow with

For many families, 92NY is already part of their lives through the Parenting Center and Nursery School, summer camps, Shababa, or other experiences. Afterschool builds on that sense of continuity.

“Community is at the heart of the 92NY Afterschool experience,” Levin says. “Our program brings together children from different schools, giving them the opportunity to reconnect with friends from preschool, continue friendships formed at camp, and build meaningful new relationships within the 92NY community.”

Each Clubhouse is designed to feel welcoming, with space for children to relax, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging. That social piece is not incidental. It is central to what children need after school: connection, support, and the freedom to be themselves.

“Families often share that they see their children grow in confidence, independence, and enthusiasm as they build friendships, explore new interests, and look forward to coming back each day,” says Levin.

Choosing the right afterschool program for your child

For parents comparing options, Wexler encourages looking beyond coverage and thinking about the full experience of the afternoon.

“When choosing an afterschool program, I encourage families to look at the entire afternoon, not just who will cover the hours after school ends,” she says. “At 92NY Afterschool, children benefit from a thoughtfully designed experience that combines enrichment, caring and experienced staff, friendships, homework support, outdoor play, and transportation, all in one place.”

That combination can make a meaningful difference for both children and parents.

“Rather than piecing together separate classes, childcare arrangements and activities, families can enjoy the convenience and confidence of knowing their child is engaged in a well-rounded program that supports their growth, interests, and well-being every day,” Wexler says.

Learn more and register

92NY Afterschool offers children in grades K-5 a safe, caring, high quality place to spend the afternoon, with enrichment classes, homework support, screen-free activites, community, friendship, and fun.

For more information, email Afterschool or visit 92NY.org/Afterschool.