After School Programs

Expanded Learning is… well, expanding!  In the 2023-24 school year, we will provide programs for all 17 elementary and K-8 schools as well as the four comprehensive middle schools in Ventura Unified School District.  We will also continue our ASSETs programs at Ventura and Pacific High Schools.  We are building the programs to meet the needs in our community.  Each Expanded Learning program will provide academic support, enrichment projects, physical activities, and healthy snacks until 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. every evening, depending on the needs of the participants.

An “Interest Form” will go out to all students in grades TK-6 in VUSD.  The form will be available electronically as well as on paper, in English and Spanish.  This form will ask families whether they plan to have their child(ren) participate in Expanded Learning in the 23-24 school year.  We would like to hear back from every family so we know how many staff members to hire and how many rooms to prepare.  According to the State guidelines, priority is given to children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness, who are low-income, or who are considered English Learners.  We also do our best to include students who have been in Expanded Learning in previous years and who filled out the Interest Form.  The Interest forms will be due back by May 5 so we can begin the process of hiring and training personnel.  There will be subsequent registration forms for students who are accepted into Expanded Learning. 

Interest Form 2023-24

Ventura Unified School District supports FREE after school programs to students and families at the following locations.  Space is limited.  All Expanded Learning Programs operate every day school is in session.  Programs begin immediately after the school day.  All programs currently end at 6:00pm except the high school ASSETS programs.  Please call or email for more information.

Expanded Learning- end of school daily to 6pm

• ATLAS Elementary
• Lemon Grove School
• Elmhurst
• E.P. Foster Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Montalvo Elementary
• Portola Elementary
• Sheridan Way Elementary
• Sunset School
• Will Rogers Elementary
• Anacapa Middle School
• DATA Middle School

ASSETs hours may vary by site

• Pacific High School     until 3:00pm Daily 
• Ventura High School   until 5:30pm Daily 

The  Expanded Learning must be aligned with, and not be a repeat of, the content of regular school day and other extended learning opportunities. A safe physical and emotional environment, as well as opportunities for relationship building, must be provided.  Expanded Learning/After School programs must consist of the two elements below.  Program leaders work closely with school site principals and staff to align both elements with the school's curriculum, instruction, and learning support activities.

Educational and Literacy opportunities- provide tutoring and/or homework assistance designed to help students meet state standards in one or more of the following core academic subjects: reading/language arts, mathematics, history, and social studies, or science. A broad range of activities may be implemented based on local student needs and interests.

Enrichment opportunities- offer an array of services, programs, and activities that reinforce and complement the school’s academic program. Educational enrichment may include but is not limited to, positive youth development strategies, recreation, and prevention activities. Such activities might involve the visual and performing arts, music, physical activity, health/nutrition promotion, and general recreation; career awareness and work preparation activities; community service-learning; and other youth development activities based on what student needs and interests are. 

Contact Us

Dr. Lorelle Dawes
Director of Expanded Learning 
805-641-5000 ext. 1025

Kelly McFadden Lara
Program Specialist
805-641-5000 ext. 1035

Maria Hodgson
Administrative Specialist
805-641-5000 ext. 1025

Karla Ayala
Senior Office Assistant (Spanish)
805-641-5000 ext. 1036