7 Great After-School Programs & Activities in DOT
As summer is coming to a close and school is starting up soon, it’s time to start thinking about after-school programs and activities for your children. Whether it’s homework help, arts, sports, or socializing with friends, there are plenty of great options right here in Dorchester.
We compiled a list of our top picks in the Dorchester area. We wish you a great start to the Fall season!
All Dorchester Sports & Leadership (ADSL)
*Images from All Dorchester Sports & Leadership Facebook Page
Baseball, Basketball, After-School Enrichment and Fit Kitchen
ADSL is focused on providing resources for youth to be healthy, active members of the community. They will work to provide your kids with self-esteem and leadership skills through athletic and academic achievements.
After-School Enrichment is both tutoring and test/exam prep. The tutors come from local schools such as BC High School, BU, BC and some other colleges. They offer enrichment in art, music, science and math making sure that each student understands their subjects completely and helps them to learn the new concepts and ways of thinking.
Fit Kitchen is a healthy eating class where you learn healthy recipes and snacks from chefs all over Boston. They use everyday kitchen appliances and healthy ingredients. No matter your age or skill set you will be guided with the knowledge to get fit.
Baseball
Ages:
7-10 and 11-14
Price:
$25 before 8/15, $40 after
When:
Thursday 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Contact:
Xavier Savage 617-851-0446
Where:
Town Field 1565 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester 02122 (map)
Basketball
Ages:
7-10 and 11-14
Price:
$25 before 8/15, $40 after
When:
October 7-28 ages 7-10 Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ages 11-14 Wednesday 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Contact:
Xavier Savage 617-851-0446
Where:
Dorchester House Gym 1565 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester 02122 (map)
After-School Enrichment
Ages:
7-14
Price:
Free
When:
October 2nd – April 26th Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Contact:
Xavier Savage 617-851-0446
Where:
Town Field 1565 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester 02122 (map)
Fit Kitchen
Ages:
7+
Price:
Free
When:
October 7th into December Saturdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Contact:
Stephanie Crawford, 617-287-1601
Where:
Town Field 1565 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester 02122 (map)
For additional information go to their website
Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester
*Image from Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester Facebook Page
After-School Activities
Boys and Girls Club’s programs help develop critical thinking, physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. These interactive activities are designed to support development and overall well-being with an age-appropriate setting. They focus on education, music, arts, sports, fitness, recreation, technology, leadership and life skills.
Ages:
Bantam 5-6 years Youth 7-12 years Teens 13-18 years
Price:
Bantam $200 per school year (limited space)
Youth & Teens $5.00 per school year, or $10 per year for up to three immediate family members registering at the same time
When:
September 18th Mon-Fri 2:00 pm – 5:45 pm *You must attend orientation prior
1st round of orientation– Sept 11-14th Mon-Thu 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
2nd round of orientation– Sept 18-21st Mon-Thu 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
(after second round, orientations will be held Tues and Wed of every month from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm)
Contact:
617-288-7120
Where:
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester | Colonel Daniel Marr Boys & Girls Clubhouse (map)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester | Paul R. McLaughlin Youth Center (map)
For additional information go to Boys and Girls Club website
Boston Public Library – Fields Corner
*Image from Boston Public Library – Fields Corner Facebook Page
Homework Help
Do your kids need a little extra help with their homework?
BPL in Fields Corner offers free after-school homework help and mentorship provided by high-achieving high school students.
Grades:
K-8
Price:
Free *No registration is required
When:
Starts Sept 18th Monday – Thursday 3:30 pm -5:30 pm (Tuesdays tutoring by a retired teacher)
Contact:
Cindy cdye@bpl.org
Where:
1520 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester 02122 (map)
*Also offered at their other locations
BPL is also looking for tutors, if you know a teen who is looking for a job.
YMCA of Dorchester
*Image from YMCA website
Dorchester YMCA Leadership Academy
The YMCA’s after school programs focus on academic success, healthy movement and social and emotional development.
–Homework Support: The YMCA’s caring staff helps with homework to complement and enrich your child’s educational experience
–Fun Choices: Kids have fun with friends during literacy, science, performing arts, non-competitive sports and games
–Healthy Movement: Their iPlay health and wellness curriculum gets kids moving with structured, fun and physical activity
Ages:
5-13 (grades K-8)
Price:
$102/week (the child has to be a member). Membership for ages 0-6 years is $27/year and 7-12 years is $72/year.
Contact Director to ensure there is space available before you complete the Enrollment Form.
Enrollment dates
When:
Monday – Friday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm *Care provided on snow, vacation and in-service days Year-round options
Contact:
Robert Barrett – Director 617-436-7750 x230 dorchesterkids@ymcaboston.org
Where:
776 Washington St, Dorchester 02124 (map)
For additional information go to the YMCA’s website
Boston Center for Youth and Families
*Images from Boston Center for Youth and Families Facebook Page
After-School Programming
BCYF gives youth a safe place to go and get help with homework and participate in enriching activities.
The program provides the kids with a snack, homework help from some certified teachers, computer time and enrichment block; which they offer things like arts, French lessons, penmanship, cursive, swim and more.
Holland
This licensed after-school enrichment program provides the kids with a snack, homework help, computer time, rec. and swim.
Ages:
5-12
Price:
$125/week *accepts child care services vouchers
When:
Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Full-day in summer 8:00 pm -6:00 pm)
Contact:
Sounja or Nini at 617-635-5144
Where:
• Holland: 85 Olney Street, Dorchester 02121 (map)
Perkins
Ages:
5-13
Price:
$90/week
*They have a year-round program, the price is higher in the summer because it’s a full-day program.
When:
Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Full-day in summer 8:00 pm -6:00 pm)
*They are open during school vacations
Contact:
617-635-5146
Where:
• Perkins: 155 Talbot Avenue, Boston 02124 (map)
Leahy/Holloran
Grades:
K-8
Price:
Price pending, check back soon
When:
Monday – Friday 3:10 pm – 5:00 pm (extended hours to 6:00 pm with additional cost)
*They are only open when school is in session (no holidays, vacations)
Contact:
Liz at lizaeverson@gmail.com 617-635-5150
Where:
• Leahy/Holloran: 1 Worrell Street, Dorchester 02122 (map)
For additional information go to their websites Holland, Leahy/Holloran & Perkins
Boston Youth Sanctuary
*Images from Boston Youth Sanctuary Facebook Page
BYS After-School Program
BYS is a therapeutic after-school program for inner-city youth that have experienced traumatic events or circumstances.
At BYS they will learn how to express themselves positively and gain coping skills to leave them feeling more confident in tackling life’s challenges.
They offer a well-rounded schedule for the evening, filled with activities such as hip-hop dance, empowerment group, expressive art therapy and many more.
Ages:
6-11
Price:
Free (there is a wait list for this program)
When:
Monday – Friday 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm *Full attendance is required to fully benefit from the program
Contact:
General inquiries: contact@bostonyouthsanctuary.org Regarding enrollment: Director of Family Services (617) 322-3380 x 105
Where:
2216 Dorchester Ave Dorchester Center 02124 (map)
*BYS provides free transportation from youths’ schools to BYS and home at the end of programming each day.
For additional information go to their website.
DOT Art
*Images from DOT art website
Saturday Open Studios – A drop-in Art laboratory
With Dot Art teacher Brooke Lambert, Printmaker and Mass Art graduate
Brooke and their wonderful high school helpers encourage self-expression and freedom in a safe and nurturing environment – a great activity for young artists to explore and create with an array of art materials
Ages:
3 – 10 (ages 3-5 must be accompanied by an adult)
Price:
$10 per session. Scholarships and sliding-scale always available
When:
Begins in October, Saturdays 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Contact:
RSVP 617-905-7432
Where:
The Little House in Savin Hill 275 East Cottage Street Dorchester (near JFK/UMass T) (map)
For additional information go to their website
Chill on Park
Yes, that’s right! We are also a great place to come to get some homework done, have a snack and enjoy complimentary WiFi! Come grab an ice cream, your favorite beverage, and study with friends or solo.
Which after-school activities are you looking forward to? Which do you recommend?
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