Are you a Shepard Elementary parent looking for a nurturing, educational, and faith-based environment for your child after school? Reach Academy Christian School offers a comprehensive afterschool program designed to extend your child's learning day in a safe, supportive Christian setting.
High-Quality Christian Afterschool Care for Shepard Elementary Students
Located just minutes from Shepard Elementary in Plano, our afterschool program provides reliable transportation, homework assistance, enriching activities, and Christ-centered care that helps your child thrive.
About Our Afterschool Program
At Reach Academy Christian School, we understand the challenges working parents face in finding quality afterschool care. Our program operates Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, following the Plano Independent School District calendar to ensure seamless alignment with your child's school schedule.
Our afterschool program serves students from Shepard Elementary and other nearby schools, providing a structured yet engaging environment where children can complete homework, participate in enriching activities, and develop strong character in a Christian setting.
Safe Transportation from Shepard Elementary
We eliminate transportation worries by providing reliable pickup service directly from Shepard Elementary to our facility at 3415 14th Street in Plano. Our professionally trained drivers follow strict safety protocols, ensuring your child arrives safely at our center every school day. Upon arrival, students check in with our staff and transition smoothly into our afternoon routine of snacks, homework time, and activities.
Experienced Christian Staff
Our afterschool program is led by dedicated Christian educators who are passionate about children's academic, social, and spiritual development. All staff members undergo thorough background checks, receive ongoing professional development, and share our commitment to providing a loving, Christ-centered environment where children can grow in knowledge and faith.
Program Benefits
1. Academic Support and Homework Assistance
We prioritize academic success by providing dedicated homework time with qualified staff available to offer guidance and support. Our structured homework sessions help students develop good study habits while ensuring they complete assignments accurately. For parents, this means less homework stress in the evening and more quality family time.
2. Bible Lessons and Christian Values
What sets our afterschool program apart is our integration of biblical principles throughout all activities. Children participate in age-appropriate Bible studies, memorize Scripture, and learn to apply Christian values in their daily interactions. Through engaging lessons and discussions, we help children build a strong foundation of faith that complements the values you teach at home.
3. Organized Activities and Recreation
Children need time to play and explore after a day of classroom learning. Our program includes a variety of organized games, arts and crafts, music, and recreational activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and social skills development. These structured activities help children discover new interests while building friendships in a positive environment.
4. Healthy Snacks
Proper nutrition supports learning and energy levels throughout the afternoon. Our program provides nutritious snacks daily, fueling your child's body and mind for homework and activities. We accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions to ensure all children can enjoy healthy options in a safe environment.
5. Clean Christian Environment
At Reach Academy Christian School, we maintain high standards for our facility and program environment. Our clean, well-maintained spaces provide a safe setting for learning and play. More importantly, we create an atmosphere where Christian values are modeled and practiced, from respectful communication to conflict resolution based on biblical principles.
Life in the Shepard Elementary Area
Shepard Elementary School serves families in the northeastern part of Plano, a thriving suburban community known for its excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient amenities. The school is located in the heart of a well-established residential area with tree-lined streets and parks within walking distance.
Families in the Shepard Elementary attendance zone enjoy proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal location for busy families. Many parents commute to Dallas or work in Plano's growing business districts, creating a need for quality afterschool care options that extend beyond the traditional school day.
The neighborhoods surrounding Shepard Elementary feature a mix of housing styles, from established single-family homes to newer developments, attracting diverse families who value education and community. Many neighborhood events and activities foster strong connections among residents, creating a supportive environment for families.
Reach Academy Christian School complements this community by providing an afterschool program that aligns with the values many Shepard Elementary families hold dear. Our location offers convenience for working parents while providing a consistent, values-based environment that extends your child's educational experience beyond the school day.
Afterschool Program Details
Program Schedule
Our afterschool program operates from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday, following the Plano ISD calendar. We provide care on early release days at no additional charge, extending our hours to accommodate your child's school schedule. During school holidays and scheduled breaks, we offer full-day programs for an additional fee, subject to minimum enrollment.
Weekly Activities
Our weekly schedule includes:
- Monday: Homework assistance and academic enrichment
- Tuesday: STEM activities and creative problem-solving
- Wednesday: Awana Club featuring worship, Bible teaching, and Scripture memorization
- Thursday: Arts, crafts, and creative expression
- Friday: Group games and team-building activities
This consistent schedule helps children know what to expect each day while providing a balanced variety of engaging activities throughout the week.
Registration Information
Enrollment in our afterschool program is available throughout the school year, with priority given to current Reach Academy Christian School students and siblings. Space is limited to maintain appropriate staff-to-student ratios, so we encourage interested families to register early.
To enroll your Shepard Elementary student, you'll need to complete our registration form, provide current immunization records, and pay the annual registration fee. Our administrative team is available to guide you through this process and answer any questions about our program.
The Afterschool Program Includes
Our afterschool program includes transportation from Shepard Elementary, daily snacks, all program activities, and materials. We offer sibling discounts for families with multiple children enrolled. Payments can be made weekly or monthly, with automatic payment options available for your convenience.
Scholarships and financial assistance may be available for qualifying families on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact our office for more information about financial assistance options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transportation and Safety
Q: How does transportation from Shepard Elementary to Reach Academy Christian School work?
A: Our transportation team picks up students directly from Shepard Elementary at dismissal time. Children are escorted to our clearly marked vehicles by our staff members. All drivers are professionally trained, background-checked, and follow strict safety protocols. Our vehicles are regularly maintained and equipped with appropriate safety features.
Q: What safety measures are in place during the afterschool program?
A: Safety is our top priority. Our facility features secure entry systems, and all visitors must check in at the front desk. Staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and we conduct regular emergency drills. Additionally, we maintain strict sign-out procedures, only releasing children to authorized individuals listed on your registration form.
Q: What happens if my child is absent from school or doesn't need afterschool care on a particular day?
A: We ask parents to notify us by 12:00 PM if your child will not attend our program on a scheduled day. This ensures we account for all children during pickup times. You can call our office at (972) 833-8733 or use our parent communication app to report absences.
Program Content
Q: How much time is dedicated to homework during the afterschool program?
A: We allocate approximately 45-60 minutes for homework each day, depending on grade level and homework volume. Our staff provides guidance and assistance as needed, helping students stay on track with assignments. If children finish homework early, they transition to quiet educational activities until the homework period ends.
Q: My child doesn't attend Reach Academy Christian School for regular school. Will they still fit in with the afterschool program?
A: Absolutely! Many of our afterschool program participants attend various local schools, including Shepard Elementary. Our staff is skilled at creating an inclusive environment where all children feel welcome. We form mixed groups for many activities, helping children develop friendships across school boundaries.
Q: How do you accommodate children with different needs or interests?
A: We recognize that each child is uniquely created by God with different strengths, challenges, and interests. Our program offers a variety of activities to engage different learning styles and interests. Staff members get to know each child individually and provide appropriate support and encouragement. For children with specific needs, we work with parents to develop accommodations that help them succeed in our program.
Registration and Policies
Q: Can I enroll in the middle of the school year?
A: Yes, enrollment is open throughout the school year, subject to availability. We recommend contacting us to check current openings before submitting registration materials.
Q: Is there a minimum number of days my child must attend?
A: While we offer flexibility to meet family needs, our weekly fee remains the same regardless of attendance. Most families find the best value in consistent attendance throughout the week.
Q: What happens during inclement weather or school closures?
A: We follow Plano ISD's decisions regarding weather-related closures. If schools close unexpectedly, our afterschool program will also close. For scheduled school holidays, we offer full-day programs (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) for an additional fee, subject to minimum enrollment.
Experience the Reach Academy Christian School Difference
Don't settle for ordinary afterschool care when your Shepard Elementary student deserves an extraordinary afternoon experience. At Reach Academy Christian School, we provide more than just supervision—we offer a comprehensive program that nurtures your child's academic, social, and spiritual development in a safe, caring Christian environment.
Our afterschool program offers the perfect solution for working parents who want their children to continue learning, growing, and developing strong character after the school bell rings. With reliable transportation from Shepard Elementary, homework support, engaging activities, and Christian guidance, your child will thrive during those important afternoon hours.
Schedule a Tour Today
We invite you to see our afterschool program in action. Contact us online here or at (972) 833-8733 to schedule a tour and learn more about how we can serve your family. Our administrative team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the enrollment process.
Secure your child's spot in our afterschool program today and give them the gift of quality afterschool care that reinforces your family's values while supporting their educational journey.
Reach Academy Christian School: Raising up the next generation of world leaders who also love God and His Ways!