SPS Community Schools 
AfterSchool Enroll & Pay

Somerville Public Schools offers dynamic after school programs for students across the district and offers on-site aftercare for grades PK-6 at each elementary school. Students are offered a variety of hands-on enrichment activities, homework help, choice time, and a nutritious snack. 

After School programs begin on the first day of school and continues through the final day of classes. Students are dismissed between 5:15pm and 5:30pm daily. On early release Wednesdays, programming begins immediately following classes. 
 

Program Site Directors

To reach your site coordinator, call  (617) 625-6600 and enter the school specific extension below.

Albert F. Argenziano School  x6696   
Benjamin G. Brown School  x6409  
Capuano Early Childhood Center x3651 
East Somerville Community School x3748  
Arthur D. Healey School  x6566
John F. Kennedy School  x6659 
West Somerville Neighborhood School x6449
Winter Hill Community Innovation School x6797 
 

Program Cost

Grades 1 thru 5
$169 per week (5 days)
$159 per week (4 days only)
$149 per week (3 days only)

Application Process & Information

For the 2026-2027 school year, the Priority Application Period begins March 17, 2026 at 9:30am. The district prioritizes applicants who apply for afterschool during the priority application period. There is an $80 non-refundable application fee per family that is due at the time of application. This fee will be waived for families applying for financial assistance. The Priority Application period ends on March 27. 

Priority Application Link (opens March 17 at 9:30am)

Financial Assistance information:
English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole

Current Year 2025–2026 Application Information

This information is only for students who are enrolling for the current school year. 
Registration link: https://www.ezchildtrack.com/csafterschool/parent/
Application fee: $75 (waived for families needing financial assisntance) 
25/26 Financial Assistance Application Form in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole.
25/26 More Information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. You can apply in one of the following ways:

• Complete the Financial Assistance Application Forms (see above).
• Use a voucher or subsidy through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

We offer a sliding fee scale to make afterschool programming more affordable. Income eligibility levels have recently increased to better align with affordable housing guidelines — which means more families may now qualify. If you did not qualify in the past, you may be eligible for a reduced rate now based on your household size and monthly income.

We encourage you to apply or contact our office to learn more:
Office Phone: (617) 625-6600 x6970

Prekindergarten Financial Assistance

Prekindergarten tuition assistance is also available on a sliding scale. We accept vouchers from Child Care Choices of Boston (ABCD). If your family is not eligible for a voucher, or is currently on the EEC waiting list, you are encouraged to apply for scholarship assistance using the Tuition Assistance Application Forms listed above. Please reach out if you have questions - we’re here to help!

About our Placement Process

Afterschool seats are limited and assigned based on site availability and a weighted enrollment system. Families who apply during the priority enrollment period receive first consideration. Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee a seat.

We work hard to accommodate as many families as possible. If your child is not placed right away, they will remain on the waitlist until a seat becomes available. However, if you secure other afterschool care, please call our office so we can remove your child from the waitlist.

Be sure to complete all sections of the application so we fully understand your family’s needs.

Priority Enrollment Timeline

The priority enrollment period begins after families receive their school placement from the Enrollment Office. When applying for SPS After School programs, you must select the same school your child will attend as your After School location. 

Middle School Students

Returning 6th and 7th grade students must complete a peer mentor application to apply for SPS Afterschool.

Application Confirmation + Placement Confirmation

Community Schools Afterschool seats are limited and assigned through a weighted lottery system based on site availability. 

Priority is given to:

• Returning students
• Families who qualify as low-income
• Siblings enrolling together
• Single-parent households
• Dual-earning households

You will receive a placement letter by mail in mid-May letting you know whether your child has been offered a seat. If your child is placed on the waitlist, you will also be notified at that time. Because space is limited and afterschool groups are structured by age and specific needs, it is possible that not all children in the same family will receive a seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my student is waitlisted, what is the likelihood that they will get into Afterschool during the school year?

• While we do our very best to offer spots to students on the waitlist as soon as possible, we strongly recommend that if your student is placed on the waitlist you consider other options for afterschool care. You may remain on our waitlist, however pursuing other options is advised as we will not be able to guarantee if and when your student may receive a spot on the program.

How long does it take to get off the waitlist?

• It depends. Waitlists at each school site can vary; they depend on factors such as number of students seeking a spot at each school, staffing, and students moving into and out of schools and programs. We do our best to clear waitlists as soon as possible.

Is financial assistance available?

• Yes, for eligible students. Apply for funding within the program using the Financial Assistance Application Forms, or through a voucher or subsidy funded by the Early Education and Care Department of Massachusetts. A sliding fee scale makes afterschool programming more accessible to families. Income levels have been increased to better align with affordable housing guidelines and expand access to more families. If you didn't qualify before, you may qualify for some type of reduced rate now, based on the number of family members and your monthly family income. We encourage you to apply.
• PK financial assistance is available on a sliding scale. Childcare Choices of Boston (ABCD) vouchers are accepted. If your family is not eligible for a voucher or is on the EEC waiting list, families are encouraged to apply for scholarship assistance by using the Tuition Assistance Application Forms above.

What kinds of activities are provided during Afterschool Programming?

• Students can expect some unstructured time to play with friends and time to complete their homework. We also offer a wide variety of engaging clubs that complement the Somerville Public Schools grade-level curriculum. The clubs vary by school, but past clubs we have offered are gardening, martial arts, hip hop dance, big builders, world languages, cooking, trains, LEGO™, community service, yoga, parkour and rock climbing.

Does the AfterSchool program run during school vacation weeks?

• Yes, we run special full day programs on February and April breaks, and a summer program. Enrollment for these programs are offered first to existing Afterschool Program students. More information about application and will be posted on our school year vacation programs webpage. 

Is the district planning to increase available number of Afterschool spots to help clear the waitlist?

• We continue to expand the program where possible. Since 2016, the Afterschool Program has expanded by more than 53%, increasing from 500 enrolled students in 2016 to 768 enrolled students in 2023. From 2022 to 2023, available spots in the Afterschool Program increased by more than 65. 

Can I only sign my student up for a few days per week instead of all 5?

• Yes, but not at all sites: Prekindergarten students and kindergarten students at the Capuano site have the option to attend five days per week and may not choose a shorter week. Students in grades kindergarten to grade 5 may choose to enroll in afterschool for five, four, or three days per week.

The adults in my home work full time and we need childcare. If we don’t get an Afterschool spot are there other options available to us?

• Yes, there are several high-quality afterschool childcare programs available through external organizations. Please visit the City of Somerville Somerville Hub Connect website to find aftercare options. 

Where does Afterschool Programming take place?

• Afterschool programming takes place at the school where a student is enrolled. Programs are offered at all our PK–8 schools. 

Is there a program at every SPS school?

• Community Schools afterschool programs are offered at all our PK–8 schools for students in grades prekindergarten through grade 5.

Contact Information

Multilingual staff and are ready to offer assistance in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole. 

The Out of School time office is located at 167 Holland Street, Room 132. 
Reach us at (617) 625-6600 x6970

• Office Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:15am to 4:00pm
• The last appointment begins at 3:00pm
• Please call with questions or make an appointment at the office