Once the final bell rings, students at The Dearborn Academy are still busy, diving into art projects, robotics labs, language groups and more. At this K–8 charter public school in Dearborn, after-school hours are used to extend the school day in meaningful ways.
Through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant — and with support from school staff and community partners — students are invited to spend their afternoons learning, connecting and growing.
We talked with Michelle Khatib, 21st CCLC Program Director, to find out how it all works.
A natural extension of the learning day
The after-school experience at The Dearborn Academy is shaped by more than just one program. The 21st CCLC grant supports a core set of offerings, but the school also collaborates with outside organizations and its own teaching staff to offer even more. This might include martial arts led by a classroom teacher, Arabic instruction taught by school staff or athletics coordinated by the school’s athletic director.
On Monday through Thursday afternoons, students begin with academics: tutoring, homework help and targeted literacy or math support.
Some students take part in virtual tutoring through a partnership with Central Michigan University, with an on-site teacher present to assist.
The second half of the session is devoted to enrichment. Students can choose from a rotating list of options, including:
- Martial arts
- Athletic training camp
- Robotics and STEM activities
- Photography and arts and crafts
- Arabic language instruction
- Gardening (coming soon)
These programs are made possible through partnerships with trusted community organizations. Students learn robotics through POP Solutions and create art with the College for Creative Studies.
“They’re not just staying after school — they’re participating in things they’re excited about,” says Khatib “And they get to choose.”
Why after-school time matters
Khatib emphasizes the value of this more relaxed, flexible environment for both learning and connection. “We hear from teachers all the time — this student needs extra help in reading, or they’re not confident in math,” she says. “We’re able to meet those needs because we’re working in alignment with the school.”
That alignment shows up in the relationships students form with staff and peers. During the school’s annual Lights On After School event, students created artwork reflecting their experience. Many drew themselves with teachers and included captions about feeling seen and supported.
Student and family feedback help shape the program. Advisory committees allow parents and students to share their input on what’s working and what they’d like to see offered.
The program also partners with groups like Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities (LAHC), who recently provided mental health kits to students, and MSU Extension, whose 4-H and nutrition programming help students build life skills outside the classroom.
A grant that makes this possible
The 21st CCLC grant is a federal education program that helps fund after-school learning in Michigan communities. At The Dearborn Academy, it helps cover staffing, curriculum tools and partnerships. The school also manages the grant for seven other sites across metro Detroit. Grants are awarded in five-year cycles, and students with the highest academic need are prioritized for enrollment.
Why parents should care about after-school enrichment when choosing a school
After-school time may not be the first thing parents ask about, but Khatib encourages families to consider it part of the bigger picture. Here are some questions she suggests parents ask:
- How does the school support my child after the bell?
- Are academic and enrichment opportunities available?
- Is there a sense of community and connection?
- Are families invited to participate or give input?
At The Dearborn Academy, the answers to those questions are built into how the school operates. Plans are in place for financial literacy workshops, community engagement nights and expanded offerings for students and families.
“After-school programs aren’t just about keeping kids busy,” Khatib says. “They’re about helping students feel confident, capable and connected — and helping families feel supported, too.”
This article is sponsored by The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University. Learn more about The Dearborn Academy. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Guide to Michigan Charter Schools.
