Mercer Island’s three most popular programs for before and after-school care include Kids Co., the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, and the Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC). Kids Co. offers on-site programs at each of Mercer Island’s four elementary schools. The Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club and the SJCC offer bus transportation to and from schools and their locations on Mercer Island.
Learn more about the individual programs below.
Kids Co.
The Mercer Island Kids Co. program offers before and after-school care to kids ages 5 to 12 years old on-site at Mercer Island’s elementary programs. The before-school program starts at 7 am and includes breakfast. The after-school care program ends at 6 pm and includes an after-school snack. The Kids Co. curriculum emphasizes free-choice play and provides plenty of time outside to play on the school playgrounds. Kids Co. also offers an after-school Homework Club to help kids complete their assignments for the day.
Learn more about each school’s programs along with contact information for program managers by visiting the links below.
Island Park >>
Lakeridge >>
Northwood >>
West Mercer >>
Kidstown at the Stroum Jewish Community Center
Kidstown, the SJCC’s before and after-school care program, offers care to kids in pre-K to 5th grade. Kidstown offers slightly later hours than other programs as well as flexible care arrangements, including punch cards for families with occasional care needs. The Kidstown curriculum emphasizes community building; sports and active play; and exploration through crafts, music, board games, and science projects. Kidstown staff also provide kids with homework help.
Morning Care
Monday-Friday, 7 – 9 am
Afternoon Care
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 2:30 – 7 pm
Wednesdays, Noon – 7 pm
Fridays, 2:30 – 6 pm
Visit the SJCC / Kidstown website >>
Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club
The Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club (MIBGC) offers a before-school program for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade and an after-school program for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. The MIBGC’s program is the earliest starting program on Mercer Island, with before-school care beginning at 6:30 am.
K – 5th Grade Before-School Program
Monday – Friday, 6:30 – 9 am
Each morning, kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade get the opportunity to eat breakfast at the Boys & Girls Club, have fun playing pool or ping pong in our games room, prepare for the school day, run around in the gym, and engage in a programmed activity.
Voyager Kindergarten & 1st Grade After-School Program
Monday – Friday, 3:30 – 6:30 pm (Wednesdays, 2:15 pm – 6:30 pm)
Each day, kids in Kindergarten and 1st grade enjoy free time outside or in the gym, have a family-style snack ,and participate in both Power Hour homework time and in an activity based on a monthly theme.
Explorer 2nd & 3rd Grade After-School Program
Monday – Friday, 3:30 – 6:30 pm (Wednesdays, 2:15 pm – 6:30 pm)
Each day, 2nd and 3rd graders enjoy free time outside or in the gym, have a family-style snack, and participate in both Power Hour homework time and in an activity based on a monthly theme.
