Before and After School Program

for Zia Elementary and Nearby Schools

Before & After School Care That Works for Your Family

Our Before and After School Program supports kindergarten through 5th grade students with a safe, fun, and reliable space outside school hours. Conveniently located across from Zia Elementary, we’re an easy choice for families with kids at Zia or nearby schools.

Morning Drop-Off Made Easy
Doors open at 7:00 AM so you can drop off all your kids—preschoolers and older siblings—in one stop. School-age children enjoy a calm start with breakfast and quiet activities before we walk them to Zia or help them catch the right bus.

Afternoons That Balance Rest and Routine
After school, kids return to Peppermint Stick for a snack, downtime, and homework help. With support and a quiet space, assignments get done before you even get home.

Fun, Not More School
Once homework’s finished, it’s time for crafts, games, outdoor play, and club-style activities. Older students can even buddy up with preschoolers in staff-led sessions—building community and leadership.

By pickup time, your child has had a productive, enjoyable afternoon in a familiar place. No stress, no scramble—just peace of mind.

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Key Benefits

Safe Supervision During Crucial Hours

Afterschool programs provide a safe environment and supportive mentors for students, keeping kids secure during the high-risk hours of 3–6 PM when many might otherwise be unsupervised. With our program, you know your child is safe, supervised by caring adults, and not home alone or roaming unsupervised. This peace of mind is invaluable for working parents.

One Convenient Location

Our proximity to Zia Elementary (and service to other local schools) means you don’t have to juggle multiple drop-offs/pick-ups. Siblings can stay together in the morning and reunite in the afternoon at Peppermint Stick. This single drop-off saves time and stress. Plus, children feel comfort in familiarity – younger siblings see their older ones at our center, and older siblings feel good knowing their little brother/sister is nearby and safe.

Homework and Academic Support

We turn afterschool time into an opportunity for academic reinforcement. During our quiet homework time, children can ask our staff for help if they’re stuck on a problem or need something explained. We make sure assignments are started (if not completed) so that evenings at home can be more about family time and less about homework battles. This supportive routine can improve students’ habits and performance in school.

Engaging Activities (Not Just Screen Time)

We keep kids busy in a good way! Rather than plopping them in front of a TV or letting them play video games for hours, our program encourages active play and creativity. From outdoor games that get them moving to creative projects that spark imagination, we offer enriching options. They might build with LEGO, paint a mural, or play a group game of tag. These activities help reduce screen time while still letting kids have the fun and downtime they need after school.

Aligned with School Needs

Because we work closely with local schools, we stay aware of school calendars, early release days, and special events. If Zia Elementary has a half-day or parent-teacher conference day, we often offer extended coverage so your child can come straight to us when school lets out early. We aim to be an extension of your child’s school routine, bridging the gap when school is closed but you still need childcare.