After-School Program Opens in South Pas

 doesn’t employ rules per se.  

It’s a “back-of-the-couch” after-school program.

“Just come, and sit on the back of the sofa and chill and de-stress—and don’t worry about anything,” says co-owner Sara Gurley of her new after-school program. 

She and fellow South Pas parent, Samantha Montes, opened Beyond the Classroom this year as an offshoot to the preschool , in which Gurley is the owner and Montes was a teacher. 

Beyond the Classroom, on the other hand, offers after-school care for ages kindergarten through 5. Kids can be picked up from any of the elementary schools—including . 

 kindergartener Charlotte Dekle is a fan of the drama play area at Beyond the Classroom, she says—especially the karaoke machine where she recently taught her peers lyrics to the song "Kids Bop."

The program is very “kid-driven,” said Dekle’s mom Karen Levine. 

Not only is it her daughter teaching the kids to sing and perform, but other students are sharing their talents as well—from hip hop dancing to hair braiding to Pokémon cards.

“Everything is valued and nurtured. I hear more about what goes on here than I do about what happens at kindergarten class,” said Levine.

South Pas parents have also lent a hand in teaching artistic classes that range from creative dance to paper mache.

“I really want to utilize the community … and take partnership with them,” said Montes, who plans to eventually team up with and the .

“Children are not forced to take part in any activity; it’s just an option that they have,” she added.

Located in the former Tyco building across the street from , Beyond the Classroom currently entertains around 40 students—leaving room for about 60 more.

And like most after-school/day care programs, it’ll be hosting a summer camp starting in June.

Check out our attached photos to view Beyond the Classroom's premises and recent ribbon cutting.