Thriving Minds
Welcome to Thriving Minds After SChool
Parents of Thriving Minds After School campuses, if you’re looking for a place for your child to learn, create and grow after the school day ends, you’re in the right spot! Thriving Minds After School is a Big Thought program that provides elementary and middle school youth with after-school educational experiences on campus.
Learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings! Along with offering engaging hands-on learning experiences, the program helps youth complete their homework and practice key skills, including reading, math, vocabulary and creativity.
Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is open now.
Our 2025-26 School Year Campuses
- Harry C. Withers Elementary School
- Lakewood Elementary School
- Prestonwood Montessori/E.D Walker
- Rosemont Lower Elementary School
- Rosemont Upper Elementary School
If your school is not listed, let us know.
What do you focus on in the program?
Nourishment & Play
Youth connect with their peers and use their imagination while building physical, cognitive and emotional strength. This time typically includes a snack and structured playtime with social and emotional learning themes.
Academic Foundations
Early childhood learners focus on foundational concepts, including identifying numbers, counting, listening and vocabulary. Youth in grades 1-5 work on their assigned homework each day with support from site staff.
Creative Exploration
Youth practice using their creativity to solve problems, make choices, build digital fluency and persist through challenges.
Social & Emotional Learning
Youth develop and recognize their strengths in five key SEL categories: self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills.
What are the hours of the program?
The program begins immediately after school dismissal, and pick-up time is 6 pm, following your school’s pick-up policy. Children will be escorted from their classroom to the Thriving Minds program location on their school campus by a member of the school or program staff. Once your student is placed in the program, we will provide you with a Parent/Guardian Handbook that includes information on what they should bring and any other guidelines.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Student Check-In, Snack & Homework Assistance |
| 4:00-6:00 PM | Enrichment Programming |
| 6:00 PM | Dismissal |
How Do We Apply?
- Confirm that your child attends school at one of our designated campuses.
- Complete the application form following the instructions below.
- A Big Thought program contact will follow up with you about your application and inform you about your child’s placement in the program.
What Do I Need to Complete the Application?
You will need to have the following information ready:
- Your student’s school ID number
- Health insurance information for the student (insurance company name and phone number)
- Emergency contact information (name, phone and email address)
- Approved persons who can pick up the student (name, phone and photo ID information
If you are interested in Thriving Minds After School or have any questions, please contact afterschool@staging.bigthought.org.
