New Haven After School Initiative

Services Offered

Skills & Teaching Methods

The New Haven After-School Initiative (NHAI) brings high-quality after-school programming to students in grades K–8 across New Haven Public Schools. This fall, NHAI is expanding to a five-day-a-week model at 20 sites throughout the city, giving families consistent, dependable programming every day school is in session.

NHAI is a citywide partnership between New Haven Counts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven, New Haven Public Schools, the City of New Haven and its Youth and Recreation Department (YARD).

Please note: other existing afterschool programs are still available at many schools. For a comprehensive list of afterschool programs available in K-8 schools, please visit New Haven After School Initiative | New Haven, CT

Grades K-4: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven offers a safe and welcoming after-school program for K–4 students at eight schools. Every day, kids get academic support and homework help alongside hands-on enrichment activities, all in a structured environment led by caring, dedicated staff. It's a place where young students can learn, play, and grow together after the school bell rings.

Grades 5-8: New Haven Counts brings free, high-quality after-school enrichment to students in grades 5–8 at your child's school, five days a week. Twice a week, students get one-on-one math tutoring to build confidence and skills; the other days include homework help and fun SEL games that help kids build friendships and emotional skills. Every day also includes an hour of sports practice and training, with the option to join the school's soccer team in the EMPOWER league. It's a safe, supportive space where kids can grow academically, stay active, and have fun with friends after the school day ends.

Programming runs in two sessions each year: Fall (September 9 – December 22) and Spring (January 4 – June 16).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be bus transportation?

Bus transportation home from after-school programming is not provided. Students must be picked up by 5:30 PM each day by a parent/guardian, sibling, or designated pickup person. NHPS is reviewing options for transportation of students to an NHAI program in an alternate school if comparable programming is not offered at the child’s home school.

How are fees collected?

Payment must be paid weekly online through the Afterschool HQ registration system. If families continue to miss program payments, their child(ren) may be unenrolled from the program. For additional information regarding payments, please contact Jasmine Wright at jjwright@newhavenct.gov.

Will snack/supper be served?

Yes, through partnership with NHPS, snack/supper is served to all students participating in the after-school initiative.

Will there be a nurse on site during after-school programming?

No, nurses will not be on site during after-school programs, though each program will have staff trained in CPR/First Aid.

Who will be the point of contact for communication for after-school programs?

Once your child is enrolled, the Program Coordinator at that school will reach out with additional program details. If you do not hear from your child’s Program Coordinator, please contact Asadie Walters (awalters@bgcgnh.org) for questions about Boys & Girls Club programs and Lisa Pietrosimone (lisa@newhavencounts.org) or Wanda Faison (wanda@newhavencounts.org) for questions about New Haven Counts.

What is the phone policy for NHAI afterschool programs?

Students may not use phones during after-school programming. If students bring cell phones to afterschool programming, they must remain in their bags/backpacks until pick up. NHAI and its partners (Boys & Girls Club and New Haven Counts) are not responsible for lost or stolen phones/belongings.

Is the NHPS Code of Conduct the behavior guide?

Yes. It is important for children to have consistency in expectations while at school. After-school programs will follow the NHPS Code of Conduct during after-school hours.