Brooklyn Charter School in Bedford-Stuyvesant is experimenting with extended school hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., in response to declining student enrollment and the difficulty many parents face in finding adequate child care. Many families struggle to bridge the gap between school dismissal and the end of the work day, with long waiting lists for after-school programs and affordability issues. The school, where Black students make up the majority of enrollment, saw a significant drop in students during the pandemic and decided to implement the longer hours to address the needs of working families.
Despite the potential challenges of staying at school for 12 hours a day, many parents have embraced the extended hours offered by Brooklyn Charter School. The program currently has about 80 students staying late, and overall enrollment has increased. For parents like Ayanna Souza, the longer school hours have been a relief, providing affordable child care for her daughter and easing her struggle to balance work and parenting responsibilities. The school recognizes that many parents in the city work long hours and face lengthy commutes, making extended school hours a necessity for some families.
Research has shown that high-quality after-school programs can have numerous benefits for children, including improved attendance, academic performance, and mental health. However, as budget constraints affect the city’s ability to expand after-school offerings, charter schools like Brooklyn Charter are able to provide additional programs through funding and grants outside the traditional school system. By reducing the burden on parents to find suitable child care, the school aims to support families and create a sense of community within the school.
The extended school day at Brooklyn Charter begins with early morning activities and breakfast before the regular school day starts at 8:30 a.m. After academic classes end, students in the extended program participate in recreational activities, meals, and additional learning opportunities. From comedy sessions to music lessons to homework time, students engage in various activities in a supportive environment. Parents appreciate the convenience and the sense of security the extended school hours provide for their children, filling a critical need in the community.
In New York City, there is a significant lack of free, city-funded after-school services, leaving many families struggling to find affordable and reliable child care options. Most after-school programs end by 6 p.m., leaving parents searching for alternatives to cover the gap until the end of the work day. The state senate is considering options for universal after-school programming, recognizing the importance of supporting working families and providing a safe environment for children during crucial hours. At Brooklyn Charter, the program has been embraced by families seeking better child care options and support for their children.
Through its extended hours program, Brooklyn Charter School is filling a critical need in the community by offering affordable child care and academic support for families in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The school’s innovative approach to tackling declining enrollment and meeting the needs of working parents has proven successful, with increased enrollment numbers and positive feedback from families. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for students throughout the day, the school is helping families overcome the logistical challenges of balancing work and parenting responsibilities in an expensive city like New York.
