SPS Community Schools
SPS Community Schools
SPS Community Schools is the district’s own full time, fee-based model offering on-site, after-school activities for Pre-K to Grade 6 at each of our elementary schools.
Led by SPS instructors, many of these programs extend student learning by aligning with the school curriculum. Students also have chances to explore new and exciting enrichment activities.
This program begins on the first day of school and continue through the final day of classes. Dismissals are between 5:15pm and 5:30pm daily.
On early release Wednesdays, programming begins immediately following classes.
About Our Placement Process
Placement in SPS Community Schools is limited and seats are assigned through a weighted lottery based on site availability, with priority given to families who apply during the designated enrollment period. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement, and students who are not immediately placed will remain on a waitlist until space becomes available.
Priority is given to returning students, low-income families, siblings, single-parent households, and dual-working families. Families are notified of placement or waitlist status by mid-May. Applicants should carefully complete all sections of the application to reflect their needs, and notify the program if alternative care is secured.
Fees & Registration
Financial assistance is available for eligible students through program-based applications, state-funded vouchers. For the 2026–2027 school year, the Priority Application Period closed on March 27.
Afterschool placement is limited and determined through a weighted lottery based on site availability, with priority given to families who apply during the designated enrollment period. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement. Students who are not immediately placed will remain on a waitlist until space becomes available.
Priority is given to returning students, low-income families, siblings enrolling together, single-parent households, and dual-working families. Families are notified of placement or waitlist status by mid-May. Applicants are encouraged to complete all sections thoroughly to ensure their needs are fully considered and to notify the program if alternative care is secured.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for eligible students through program-based applications, state-funded vouchers, or subsidies. A sliding fee scale—aligned with updated income guidelines—helps make afterschool programs more affordable for a wider range of families. Prekindergarten assistance is also available, ABCD vouchers are accepted, and families who do not qualify for vouchers or are on a waitlist are encouraged to apply for scholarship support.
Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. You can apply in one of the following ways:
- Complete the Financial Assistance Application Forms.
Financial Assistance Application Form in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole
- 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
Pre-Kindergarten Financial Assistance
Pre-Kindergarten 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!