The School Age Program provides children opportunities that foster independence, positive language skills, teach social and team-building skills, as well as expose children to a variety of activities that promote creativity and improve academic skills. Currently, the program meets the needs of 58 children ages 5-12  who attend local public schools.

The School Age Program:

  • Supports academic achievement
  • Provides a safe haven outside of school
  • Offers mental health screenings and connections to health resources
  • Plans physical activities and wellness education

In the School Age Program, children receive a nutritious afternoon snack, assistance with their homework, tutoring, and have the chance to take part in diverse learning activities. These include planned educational activities, arts and crafts, cooking experiences, and physical exercise. When school is not in session, students receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, partake in planned learning activities, arts and crafts, physical exercise, and go on field trips that are both educational and fun. Field trips are planned for when children have days off from school during the school year, and up to three times per month in the summer.

Our focus on academic support through planned educational activities is supported by tutoring from Glenbrook South and New Trier High School students, both once a week. The tutoring sessions not only support the children, but also their parents, as some of them are not able to help their child at home with homework due to their work schedule, language barriers, or lack of literacy skills.

Our hours of operation are: 1:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on school days, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on holidays and school breaks.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be at least 5 years old and enrolled in kindergarten, and no older than 12 years.
  • Proof of income and a child’s birth certificate or Social Security card
  • Medical exam

Copays are assessed based on family income.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our hours of operation have changed: we are currently open from 7 AM to 5 PM 

For more information about eligibility and enrollment procedures, contact Gabriela Munoz at (773) 622-3215 or gmunoz@onwardhouse.org, or fill out the form below: