Something for Everyone

There are several ways to find programs in your neighborhood or school.

School Extracurricular Programs.  These programs are offered by each school, with school staff in charge.  Some programs are in all schools such as competitive sports, chorus, drama, newspaper, and student government.  Other programs are offered based on student interests. Montgomery County Public Schools policy requires that each school have a mix of programs, including some where students must be academically eligible and some open to all students.

To find extracurricular programs, consult a school’s website or watch for announcements throughout the year.  Back-to-school night information may also include these activities.  Also, each school’s main office can put you in contact with the school staff that run each program.

Nonprofit Provider Organizations.  Community agencies are key providers of out-of-school time programs.  Some use school space; others are at other public facilities, such as recreation centers; and others are delivered at the organization’s own facility or leased space in a commercial building or apartment complex.  Some organizations offer only certain types of activities (sports, tutoring, arts, etc.) while others may have a wide variety of activities. 

To find nonprofit out-of-school time providers, go to infoMONTGOMERY, Montgomery County’s source of information on health, education and social services resources in the County. There you will be given directions to search for programs in certain locations and for certain ages, according to your needs.   Detailed information on each program is then available. 

Recreation Department Programs. The department operates RecExtra in most middle schools.  RecExtra is a partnership with the school to offer a variety of activities by school and Recreation Department staff and community organizations. Sports Academies are in a few high schools and are similar to RecExtra. After school programs are found within the department’s many recreation centers throughout the county. 

To find Recreation Department programs, go to infoMONTGOMERY or to the department’s website.

Ask your middle or high school whether it has a RecExtra or Sports Academy program.

Licensed School-Age Child Care Programs.  These private organizations have programs at schools or in community facilities. The majority of programs are for elementary school children with a few for middle schoolers.  Fees are paid by parents for these five day per week programs that are licensed by the Maryland Child Care Office within the Maryland State Department of Education.

To find licensed school-aged child care programs, go to Locate Child Care.