The After-School Program at The J provides recreational and educational activities for youth in K - 5th grades. Activities include games, crafts, reading, educational games, homework help, outdoor play, and the celebration of Jewish holidays and traditions.
Limited spots available, Contact Casey Reed to check on availability.
The After-School Program (Grades K-5)
Provides homework help and activities for children after their normal school hours and for early dismissals. Available to Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and HBHA students.
After-School Sample Schedule
3:30-4:15 p.m. Snack, free play, homework, and reading
4:15-5 p.m. Active play (Playground, GaGa, Games in the indoor turf or gym). On Friday afternoons, we celebrate Shabbat.
5-6 p.m. Free play choice activities, including games, arts & crafts, electronics
Enrichment Classes
The J also offers a variety of classes that are available for After-School participants. These include dance, tumbling, basketball, soccer, tennis, music, and more. The fees for these programs are separate from the After-School fees. Children will be escorted to and from the enrichment classes by The J staff.
After-School Hours & Calendar
The first day of the After-School Program is the first day of school (Shawnee Mission 8/12, Blue Valley 8/13, HBHA 8/19). Students arrive upon school dismissal every school day, including early dismissal days, and must be picked up by 6 p.m. The After-School Program will be closed for major holidays and major Jewish holidays around Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Learn More About Jewish Holidays
Vacation Days
Kindergarten-5th Grade | 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
When school isn’t in session for breaks or in-service days, The J offers Vacation Days! Each day has a different theme. Activities may include crafts, games, field trips, and special events. Lunch is optional to purchase.
The After-School fee does not include care for your child on these days. After-School participants receive a $5 per day discount. To enroll, you need to contact Casey or Abby at least 2 days in advance. Contact Casey at [email protected] or Abby at [email protected]. For more Vacation Days information go to thejkc.org/vacationdays.
Eligible Schools & Transportation
The After-School Program is open to children from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) and Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission schools within a 12-mile radius of The J. Contact us to determine availability.
We offer transportation through WHC Worldwide zTrip. Taxi and bus drivers complete extensive background checks and are specifically trained and experienced in transporting young children. Parents and children have the opportunity to meet their driver before service begins, and zTrip provides age-appropriate safety seats. For those enrolling after May 1, we will need 1-2 weeks to determine if transportation can be provided.
The After-School staff picks up participants from HBHA at dismissal and walks them to the After-School Program.
Monthly Fees 2026-2027 School Year (Transportation Fee Included)
Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission After School (K-5th Grade) Area Schools PM Dismissal - 6 p.m.
# of Days
5 days
4 days
3 days
HBHA After School (K-5th Grade) Area Schools PM Dismissal - 6 p.m.
# of Days
5 days
4 days
3 days
2 days
J Member
$379
$338
$289
$220
Community
$553
$496
$411
$331
Deposits and Regular Payment of Fees
Enrollment in the After-School Program is binding for the school year. A deposit of $150 will be charged on September 15, 2026. If enrollment in the After-School program is dropped during the school year, your deposit will not be refunded. If a child was previously enrolled in the CDC or After-School Program, the deposit will roll over. An automatic payment plan for fees is required at the time of enrollment. Parents may elect to have either their credit/debit card or bank account drafted automatically each month on approximately the 1st and the 15th. Payments for the current year will begin on August 13, 2026. Canceling enrollment requires written notice, two weeks in advance. Canceling enrollment will cause you to lose tier 1 status for camp.
Financial Assistance
For families needing financial assistance, there are limited funds available. Please contact Claire by email for more information. Enrollment and a deposit will be required for After-School.
Health Information
All After-School participants must have health information on file. Parents need to annually update their child’s file in CampDoc following enrollment. New participants will be sent a CampDoc link to complete the information.
Terms of Enrollment
- J Membership is NOT required to participate in The J After-School programs. Non-Member fees are available.
- Families must be enrolled for a minimum of 3 days a week for the entire school year to maintain Tier 1 status for J Camp. Families enrolled in less than 3 days a week will be Tier 2 status.
- A $150 deposit will be charged on September 15, 2026. The deposit from the CDC will rollover. If enrollment in the After-School program is dropped during the school year, your deposit will not be refunded.
- Acceptance into the program is dependent upon the availability of staff and transportation. Youth must be able to successfully function in a group setting.
- Payment is required via semi-monthly credit/debit card or EFT draft.
- Parents must complete health information annually.
- Enrollment is considered binding for the 2026-27 school year. Requested changes are made on a space availability basis. Canceling enrollment requires written notice two weeks in advance.
- I understand the demands of activities relative to my child’s physical condition/skill level, acknowledging the types of injuries that may occur as a result of participation; my child’s participation is voluntary, and I knowingly assume all such risks.
- The J reserves the right to photograph or video children and staff and to use these photographs for marketing purposes, including insertion on The J’s webpages and social media. To opt-out, please notify Barry Birkmeyer by email. Questions, please call 913-327-8098.
