FAQs, Fees, Locations
Fees
Is there a program fee to send my child to Aspire?
No, all of our programs are free.
Does my child need to bring school materials to Aspire?
Materials will be provided for all Aspire activities. But your child should bring their backpack from school and any homework they have so that they can receive help with it during program.
Do parents need to pay for field trips?
No. When we have field trips, all parents need to do is sign the permission slip that Aspire sends home to allow their child to go on the field trip. Aspire will also handle transportation to and from the field trip back to the students’ regular program location.
Registration and Enrollment
If my child is enrolled in Aspire’s afterschool program, do I need to register my student for summer?
On our registration form, you will have the option of choosing to register your student for only the summer, only the fall, or for both sessions.
Can I register my student for just the summer program? Do I need to pay?
You are able to register your student for only the summer program. Summer registration starts in early spring. Students who attend during the school year will be prioritized for summer camp enrollment, but additional spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for any of our programs.
Why don’t parents get information about Aspire as an option for an afterschool program from the school?
While Aspire does partner with local schools, we are a separate organization from Arlington Public Schools (APS). Two of our program locations are at Randolph and Drew Elementary Schools. These program sites are limited to students who attend those schools. We have an additional site at the Arlington Mill Community Center for all other students.
Does my child have to attend every day or can they just drop in when they need help?
Aspire students are expected to attend program every day, unless they have an appointment or something unexpected comes up. If your child has been missing program frequently and you haven't been in contact with our staff, your child may be asked to leave program to make space for a student on our waitlist.
Why Aspire doesn't accept 1st and 2nd grade students?
Aspire focuses primarily on upper elementary school, as these years are critical to a child’s future academic success. In 2021, we expanded to create a middle school classroom, based on the struggles our older students were facing during COVID and interrupted learning, so that we would not leave these students behind. Unfortunately, we do not currently have the capacity to serve 1st and 2nd grade students.
When does enrollment for your program open?
Enrollment for our programs typically begins in early spring. At that time, families may choose to enroll their child in our afterschool program for the next school year, our summer camp, or both.
When do your programs start and end?
Aspire’s afterschool program follows the Arlington Public Schools calendar. Our program begins on their first day of school and ends on their last day of school. Our summer program typically begins one week after their last day of school and lasts for six weeks.
Bus Stops/Locations
Can my child take the bus to your programs after school?
Yes, depending on the student's school, we have many bus stop pickup locations.
Each day, Aspire staff walk students from their school or bus stop to their designated program site. Before leaving the school or bus stop, and upon arrival at the designated program site, staff do a head count to ensure all students are present and accounted for. While walking, students must remain with the group and are not allowed to go into the street or cross streets without waiting for their Aspire staff member to walk with them.
Once your child is accepted into our program, you will need to call the school to set up the new bus stop location.
Please see our program locations for available bus pickups.
Closures/Early Release
Why is Aspire closed when students don't have school?
Aspire follows the school calendar for holiday closures. This means that whenever the school is closed for a holiday, Aspire will be closed as well.
What happens on days when schools have early release?
When schools have early release days, Aspire will continue for the full day as usual and will fill the extra time with more activities for the students.
If school is canceled because of the weather, does Aspire also close?
For instances of inclement weather, Aspire generally follows along with school closures. This means that if schools close for snow, rain, wind, etc., Aspire will be closed. However, if there are instances of inclement weather that necessitate Aspire closing even if schools do not close, Aspire will send out prior notification of closure due to inclement weather.
Academic Support and Arlington Public Schools (APS)
Is Aspire a part of APS?
Aspire works closely with APS to make sure we know what students need and can communicate students’ needs that we see during program to APS. Aspire has two afterschool program sites at Randolph and Drew Elementary Schools. However, Aspire is a separate organization.
How intensive is the support that Aspire gives to the students?
Aspire offers individualized and evidence-based support to each student, with historically 90% of students improving their reading level by the end of the year. Your child will join a class of approximately 20 other students in their grade and get daily support with reading, homework, social-emotional skills, and the lesson of the day. Students who need additional support may also be assigned to work with a volunteer for 1:1 attention.
How is the communication between Aspire and my child’s teacher at school?
Aspire emphasizes the importance of creating a seamless connection between the three parts of our students’ daily lives – during school, after school, and at home. Throughout the year, Aspire staff consistently communicate with school teachers and work with them to have a strong understanding of what happens in the classroom during the day to better support your child.
Aspire’s Communications with Parents
How does Aspire communicate with parents?
Aspire uses WhatsApp to communicate daily messages to all parents. Parents are required to connect with the Aspire WhatsApp so that they can receive daily program communication and communicate with Aspire staff when needed.
How will parents know who their student’s instructor at Aspire will be?
There will be a parent orientation before the first day of program where families can meet their students’ instructors and the Aspire staff and familiarize themselves with the space. There will also be parent meetings throughout the year where you will have the opportunity to meet Aspire staff as well. If you are unable to attend, you can find out the name of your child’s instructor through the parent coordinator or meet them when you arrive to pick up your student.