West Palm Beach expands after-school programs for the new school year

West Palm Beach, Florida – As another school year begins, the City of West Palm Beach is once again putting a strong emphasis on helping students thrive beyond the classroom. From homework assistance and tutoring to recreation, enrichment opportunities and supervised after-school care, city leaders are offering a broad range of programs aimed at supporting children and teenagers while also providing working families with dependable resources.

The initiative combines services offered through the Mandel Public Library and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, creating a network of educational and recreational opportunities designed to keep young people engaged after the school bell rings. Whether students need extra academic support, a safe place to spend the afternoon or opportunities to develop new interests, city officials say there are options available for a wide range of ages and grade levels.

Mayor Keith A. James said the programs reflect the city’s continued commitment to investing in young residents and their future.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “By providing academic support, enrichment opportunities, and safe places to learn after school, we are investing in our students, supporting working families, and helping build a stronger community for generations to come.”

A major part of the city’s effort centers on free academic assistance offered through the Mandel Public Library. Beginning Aug. 10, certified teachers will once again staff Homework Centers that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The centers are intended to provide help with daily assignments while also giving students additional support in preparing for exams, completing projects and strengthening study habits.

Elementary school students in grades K-5 will receive assistance in the library’s KidSpace on the third floor. In addition to homework support, certified teachers will help with reading, mathematics and test preparation in an encouraging environment designed for younger learners. Nutritious snacks will also be available during the sessions, helping students stay focused after a full day at school.

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he Homework Center for elementary students will operate every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., while weekday sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6:45 p.m.

Older students also have access to dedicated academic resources through the Sam Dratch Teen Homework Center, located in TeenSource on the library’s second floor. Middle and high school students can receive assistance in all academic subjects from certified teachers without having to register in advance.

Reading support will be available Monday through Wednesday, while math tutoring will take place Tuesday through Thursday. The teen center will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6:45 p.m., giving students additional opportunities to receive help after the regular school day ends.

The city is also extending educational support beyond the library building through the Mandel Mobile. The mobile learning center brings technology, internet access and certified teachers directly into neighborhoods across West Palm Beach, making educational resources easier to reach for families who may not be able to travel to the main library.

Students visiting the mobile unit will have access to laptops, broadband internet, homework assistance and healthy snacks while working in convenient neighborhood locations.

Beginning Aug. 11, the Mandel Mobile will visit Fogelman Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. It will also stop at Sullivan Park on Wednesdays during the same afternoon hours, expanding access to educational support in community settings.

While academic achievement remains a central focus, city officials are also encouraging children to stay active and engaged through a variety of recreational programs.

One of the largest offerings is the Fun Out of School Activities, commonly known as FOOSA. The program operates Monday through Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at three city locations and combines sports, arts and crafts, clubs and other enrichment activities in a supervised setting.

Students attending Roosevelt Middle School are served through the FOOSA program at Gaines Park, while elementary students from several nearby schools can participate through Pleasant City Community Center or South Olive Park. Some locations also provide school pick-up based on enrollment, making the program more convenient for families.

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Parents who need additional afternoon coverage may also enroll their children in the optional Power Hour program, which extends care until 6:30 p.m.

Resident families pay $70 for the first child enrolled in FOOSA, with reduced fees for additional children. Non-residents pay $140 per child. Power Hour carries a separate monthly fee for families choosing the extended care option.

Registration is required for both FOOSA and Power Hour through the Parks & Recreation Department or any city community center.

The city’s support for families continues even when schools close for teacher planning days or other scheduled breaks.

The T.G.N.S., or Thank Goodness No School, Day Program offers supervised activities on selected days throughout the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring children have a safe place to spend the day while parents are at work.

The program will operate from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on several scheduled dates, including Sept. 21, Nov. 3, Nov. 23-25, Jan. 4, March 10, March 29 and May 28.

Like the FOOSA program, T.G.N.S. will be available at Gaines Park, Pleasant City Community Center and South Olive Park. Resident families pay $20 per child for each session, while non-residents pay $32. Advance registration is required.

Teenagers also have access to programs tailored specifically to their age group.

The city’s free drop-in programs provide supervised environments where teens can complete homework, receive mentoring, participate in life skills activities and enjoy games, crafts and other structured programming after school.

These free afternoon programs are offered Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pleasant City Youth Empowerment Center and the Coleman Park Community Center. Both sites primarily serve youth ages 12 to 18 who live within their surrounding neighborhoods.

Officials say these drop-in opportunities are intended to give young people positive spaces where they can remain productive, build relationships with mentors and participate in activities that encourage both personal growth and academic success.

Taken together, the city’s after-school offerings represent a comprehensive effort to meet the needs of students at different ages and stages of their education. From early elementary learners receiving reading support to teenagers preparing for exams or participating in mentoring programs, the services are designed to create consistent opportunities for learning long after the school day ends.

By combining free academic assistance, structured recreational activities, supervised care and neighborhood-based resources, West Palm Beach aims to help students build confidence, strengthen classroom performance and stay engaged throughout the entire school year while giving families dependable support they can count on.