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Four Things I Wish I Knew About After School When I Was a Charter School Principal
When I was a charter school principal, I wore more hats than I could count. I was an instructional leader, culture builder, compliance monitor, enrollment strategist, staff coach, parent liaison, and constant problem solver—often all within the same day.
And then there was after school.
Read MoreWhat High-Functioning Expanded Learning Programs Have in Common
By Jesicah RolappArc CPO For the last 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see expanded learning programs from two vantage points — first as a l principal and now as Chief Programs Officer working with more than 100 schools across California. From both perspectives, one thing has become clear: High-quality expanded learning programs are not accidental. They don’t simply “run.” They operate through intentional design and execution. While every school is…
Read MoreBringing After School In House: A Financial & Operational Checklist
If you’re trying to save yourself the administrative cost of an after school provider, understand all the unseen costs of a continual hiring and training loop, grant management, and logistical support.
Read MoreWhy Cultural Programs Work So Well in After-School: A Look at “Passport to Japan”
One of the challenges schools face with enrichment programming is finding activities that are both engaging for students and manageable for staff to run consistently over time. Cultural immersion programs solve both problems well. They give students something new to explore each week, while naturally blending art, history, food, and storytelling into a single theme.
Read MoreWhy Kayaking Is More Than Just a Field Trip
Confidence grows quickly when students realize they can navigate new environments.
Read MoreExperiential Learning That Builds Confidence, Connection, and Capability
Arc’s Adventure Series is designed to give students something they don’t always get during the traditional school day: structured challenge in real-world environments.
Read MoreHow to Fund Outdoor Education with Expanded Learning Grants
Practical guidance for aligning experiential programs with 21CCLC and ELOP funding Outdoor education and adventure programming are gaining renewed interest across California — and for good reason. Schools are looking for ways to strengthen engagement, support social-emotional development, and provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. One of the most common questions we hear…
Read MoreNot Every Child Knows How to Ride a Bike. How Arc Bridges That Gap.
Learn to Bike is one of Arc’s most transformative programs. It restores something simple and powerful: the ability to propel yourself forward on your own.
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