Camp Fire is gearing up for another fun school year, and we’re excited to have new options for families enrolled in our Afterschool Program. From pre-k, to part-time, to reduced rates at select sites, we’ll be learning how these options work for families and how we might expand these options to more sites.

But before we jump into the updates, we want to remind Anchorage families that our licensed Afterschool Program is open to all families. Though we run programs in 18 schools around Anchorage and Eagle River, children do not have to be enrolled at that school to attend our program.

However, transportation must be provided by the family—except for Klatt Elementary, which has a school bus service to our program at Ocean View. Klatt students who attend the Afterschool Program at Ocean View will need to be picked up from program at Ocean View.

Pre-K at Susitna Elementary

This year, Camp Fire is not only in a new school, but we’re offering a new pre-k program! Children attending Susitna’s preschool program from 8:00 am to Noon, can continue the day with Camp Fire until 6:00 pm.

Similar to our school-age Afterschool Program, the pre-k program provides licensed childcare with creative arts, hands-on STEM activities, active games, outdoor play, and opportunities to build friendships.

Because the program is longer, pricing is higher than our school-age program. Part-time options are available. Scholarships can also help families cover the cost.

  • Full-time: $795
  • Part-time M/W/F: $550
  • Part-time T/TH: $400

Camp Fire’s pre-k program is in partnership with the Anchorage School District and their initiative to provide full-day options for preschool age children, with support from the Anchorage Child Care and Early Education Fund.

Part-Time Options at Alpenglow and Susitna

Camp Fire is now offering part-time options at Alpenglow Elementary and Susitna Elementary (a new site this year for our school-age program). In response to families expressing their desire for more schedule options, we’re piloting two part-time enrollment plans at a lower price, in addition to the full-time schedule.

  • Full-time: $595
  • Part-time M/W/F: $415
  • Part-time T/TH: $300

Over the school year, we’ll be listening to families and our staff to learn how it’s working, how the schedules or pricing might need to be adjusted, and how we might expand these options to more of our sites.

Reduced Pricing at Gladys Wood and Denali

A second pilot project for the school year is bringing reduced rates to our afterschool programs at Gladys Wood Elementary and Denali Montessori. A $100 price reduction brings the cost of a full month of program to $495. Months with less school days continue to be prorated (such as August and May).

Like our part-time pilots, we’ll be listening to families and our staff to learn how this is meeting needs and how we might expand these rates to more sites.

Closing Site at Chester Valley

Due to low enrollment, Camp Fire has made the decision to close our program at Chester Valley Elementary. It has been replaced by our program at nearby Susitna Elementary. Chester Valley families have the option of transporting their child to our program at Susitna, or to any of our 18 locations.

Helpful Information for All Families

We understand there may be some disappointment that these pilot projects aren’t happening at your child’s school. We will be paying close attention to how these changes are impacting families and our program operations to learn how we can expand these options to benefit more families. Families’ ability to access our care is of great importance to us, and we are committed to figuring out how to make it possible.

Click here for a breakdown of costs at each program site, including our school-year mini-camps, winter break camp, and spring break camp.

If cost is a barrier to attending Camp Fire, our programs are eligible for Child Care Assistance, and we continue to offer scholarships and payment plans. You can learn more here or give us a call to discuss your options at (907) 279-3551.

 

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