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The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta runs the largest afterschool program in the Atlanta area. 

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Atlanta

Afterschool All-Stars Atlanta (AASA) - Multiple Locations

Cost: Free for low-income families

Founded in 1992, AASA provides enriching afterschool programs for middle school students. Participants learn healthy eating habits, attend field trips, explore career opportunities, and engage in the arts. Through a partnership with Georgia State University, each session ends with a hot meal. 

Afterschool Extended Day Program (ASEDP) – Multiple Locations (DeKalb County)

Cost: $60 per week plus $25 registration fee

Focusing on academic, cultural, and sports enrichment, ASEDP provides programs at over 40 elementary schools in the DeKalb County School District from 2:30-6:30pm. The program provides sibling discounts and serves kids in Pre-K through 8th grade.   

Agape Youth & Family Center – West Midtown

Cost: Free for those who meet income eligibility requirements

Agape’s free afterschool program offers mentoring, homework help, recreation, and a hot meal for 200 elementary and middle school kids. The program, designed for Atlanta Public School students qualifying for the free and reduced lunch program, provides free transportation to and from the newly-built center.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) – Multiple Locations

Cost: Free (club dues $85-$285 per semester based on income); no dues needed for high school teens

Founded in 1939, BGCMA offers one of the largest afterschool programs through 25 local clubs across 10 counties in the Atlanta area. The afterschool programs vary by club but each incorporates academics, health, and character development for kids ages 6-18. Check your local club to see if bus transportation ($25 fee) is provided. 

Centers of Hope - Multiple Locations

Cost: $35/week for Atlanta residents; $110/week for non-residents; teen program free with $5 registration fee

Through Atlanta Parks and Recreation, Centers of Hope offers afterschool programs for kids ages 5-12 at over 15 centers. Kids enjoy time for play, snacks, homework assistance, and a meal. The Atlanta Teen Leaders Program, offered at 10 recreation centers, is a free program for teens 13-18 that provides career and college guidance, leadership training, a gym, athletics, and a computer lab every weekday from 2:30-7:30pm. There is a one-time registration fee of $5.

Douglas County School System After School Program (ASP) – Multiple Locations (Douglas County)

Cost: $10 per day with one time $10 registration fee; scholarships available

Douglas County students enrolled in a public elementary school can attend the afterschool program from 2:45-6pm. Students can do homework and enjoy group activities including story time, recreation, and snack. 

East Atlanta Kids Club – Grant Park 

Cost: Free for those who meet income eligibility requirements; increases on a sliding scale

East Atlanta Kids Club offers STEAM-based programming to at-risk youth in southeast Atlanta. Kids in elementary school can attend Monday-Thursday at the Brownwood Park Recreation Center. In addition to homework assistance and recreational activities, the program offers field trips, guest speakers, and mentors. The non-profit also hosts a Teen Club that meets twice a week for kids in middle school.

Georgia After School (GASP) - Multiple Locations (Gwinnett County)

Cost: $65/week, billed monthly with $110 registration fee and $55 supply fee

Founded by two moms with early childhood development experience, GASP provides afterschool programs until 6:30pm at 13 elementary schools. Parents love that their kids don't have to leave school and they get their homework finished. Kids especially enjoy interactive activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and karaoke. Enrichments, including martial arts, music, and foreign language, can be added for an additional cost.

I'Raise Girls & Boys International - East Atlanta

Cost: $65/week per child with $150 registration fee

I'Raise provides educational and parent support, resources, and programs to families and children of color. The afterschool activities for grades K-8 inspire kids to try new things, in subjects like podcasting, technical theater, stage production, social media, creative writing, dance, and more.

LaAmistad – Multiple Locations

Cost: Free for eligible students

LaAmistad provides FREE afterschool programs at 11 schools and churches for kids identifying as Hispanic or Latino and who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Trained volunteers assist students with academics while incorporating fun activities and cultural enrichment. Through the parent partnership, the non-profit encourages parents to take English classes and attend monthly parenting workshops.

Learn, Engage, Art, Play (LEAP) – Multiple Locations (DeKalb County)

Cost: $37/week

If you live in DeKalb County, check out the LEAP afterschool program for kids ages 5-13 offered through DeKalb County Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs. Located at nine recreation centers, the program offers tutoring, play, exercise, and more every weekday 2:30-6:30pm. 

Marietta Community School - Multiple Locations (Marietta)

Cost: $10/day with $20 registration fee

Marietta Community School offers programs before and after school at all City of Marietta elementary schools. The afterschool program runs every weekday 3:30-6:30pm and incorporates games, outdoor sports, snacks, and homework help. Additionally, you only pay only for the days your child attends the afterschool program.

Marietta Police Athletic League (PAL) offers homework help plus lots of engaging physical activities. 

Marietta PAL (Police Athletic League) – Marietta

Cost: $75 per semester

Founded in 2007 by the Marietta Police Department, Marietta PAL offers an afterschool program for kids in K-12th grades. Combining academic help, sports, and fitness activities, the program meets at Hugh L. Grogan Community Center every weekday 3-6pm. For parents needing additional childcare, Marietta PAL offers sports programming two days per week. Options include dance, martial arts, and boxing for $75 per semester.

Right at School – Multiple Locations (Gwinnett County)

Cost: $120 bi-weekly

Right at School provides afterschool care until 6pm to kids attending a public school in Gwinnett County. Before-school options also exist for an additional cost. The afterschool program offers sports, games, and a leadership program in addition to academic help. 

Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Atlanta – Atlanta and Decatur

Cost: $25 annual club fee

The Salvation Army of Atlanta offers three Boys & Girls Clubs in Atlanta and Decatur. These clubs offer afterschool programs for kids ages 6-18 that include homework help, cultural programming, sports, and special interests. 

X3 Foundation Afterschool Enrichment – Westside Atlanta

Cost: Free

Focusing on healthy living, academic success, and leadership skills, X3 Foundation provides a free afterschool program for roughly 100 low-income youth in grades 6-12. Enrichment activities include kickboxing, yoga, chess, poetry, technology, and entrepreneurship. Students receive transportation, snacks, and dinner.

YMCA of Metro Atlanta – Multiple Locations

Cost: $85/week with $50 fee; $55/week for free and reduced lunch program

Throughout five Atlanta counties, the YMCA of Atlanta hosts an afterschool program for elementary school children. Kids love the rotating monthly themes such as animals, arts, sports, environment, and more. Incorporating life skills, fitness, homework time, and specialized clubs, these programs occur at various Y centers (transportation to the center included), as well as select schools within Fulton County and Gwinnett County School Districts. Financial assistance is available.

Photos courtesy of the programs