After School Programs

LA’s BEST was created in 1988 by Mayor Tom Bradley to address an alarming rise in the lack of adequate adult supervision of children during the critical hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. We serve 28,000 kids at 180 elementary school sites in Los Angeles in neighborhoods most vulnerable to gangs, drugs, crime and at schools with the lowest student test scores.

 

It is our firm belief that every child and youth has a need and a right to participate, in the presence of a responsible, caring adult, in engaging activities that support achievement and promote social, emotional, and physical development beyond the regular school day.

 

The Beyond the Bell (BTB) Branch Youth Services Section provides an after school safe haven for children in grades 2-8. Trained supervisors plan and conduct the program each day after school for children at nearly all Los Angeles Unified School District elementary and middle schools. This program is provided free-of-charge to participants.

 

The program operates from the time of school dismissal until the posted closing time to better meet the recreational and supervision needs of children, as well as those of working parents. Additionally, expanded program hours may be provided on minimum and shortened days to provide safe and supervised activities. At selected single-track calendar schools, we operate an extended program during the summer months.