Before & After School
Beyond the school day, Dawson provides extended care and enrichment opportunities in our child-centered environment that's focused on the development of social responsibility, intellectual curiosity, self-esteem, and discovery of new passions and affinities.
After-School Engagement Mission & Vision
The Alexander Dawson School’s After-School Engagement (ASE) program empowers students to explore their passions, deepen their learning, and build real-world skills through high-quality, inclusive, and engaging experiences. Rooted in curiosity, family partnership, and joyful reflection, ASE fosters a continuum of learning that extends beyond the school day, ensuring every student leaves with a tangible sense of accomplishment and growth.
As a Challenge Success school, Dawson guides students to find a healthy balance between academic, social, and physical development that is developmentally appropriate. Students of all ages and backgrounds are inspired to learn through hands-on, interest-driven programming that reflects their voice, includes their families, and celebrates their progress. ASE is a dynamic hub of innovation, connection, and personal development, where every class, interaction, and showcase make learning visible and meaningful.
Program Outcomes
- A Tangible Takeaway & Reflection: Each student will leave with a meaningful artifact, such as a project, performance, video, or journal entry, that captures their learning. Through age-appropriate reflection and feedback, students will gain a deeper understanding of their growth and celebrate it through a culminating event artifact, or showcase.
- Growth in a Key Skill: Students will strengthen a specific skill in academics, creativity, physical growth, or social-emotional development, aligned with their course goals, building confidence that extends into the classroom and beyond.
- Connection with Community: Students will collaborate with peers, engage with passionate instructors, and build relationships across divisions and backgrounds, experiencing the power of learning in community.
- Joyful Engagement Beyond the School Day: Each class is designed to spark curiosity and excitement. Students will experience *embedded learning, where fun, challenge, and discovery are seamlessly woven into every session.
Contact
Questions about Extended Care, BASE, or Career Academy? Please contact Community Engagement Coordinator Cameron McCallson or Dean of Community Engagement Chrystal Miller.
140
Classes Offered Every School Year
53%
Of Students Participate in Classes
84%
Of Students Participate in Extended-Care
7
Local Partners