After school programs play an important role in helping kids learn and grow outside of the regular school day. They provide a safe place for students to get help with homework, enjoy activities, and develop new skills. I want to share information about the best after school options available in Oakland Park, FL.
Choosing the right program can support your child’s academic success and social development. Many programs focus on both learning and fun, making after school time productive and enjoyable. I will guide you through some of the top choices to help you find what fits your family’s needs.
1) Oakland Park Academy
When I visited Oakland Park Academy, I noticed a warm and safe environment designed for children of many ages, from infants to school-aged kids. The teachers were caring and focused on helping each child grow in many ways – socially, physically, and mentally. It felt like a place where kids could really learn and enjoy themselves.
The academy offers programs beyond regular school hours, such as after school care, Saturday care, and even night care. This made me see that they understand how families need flexible options for their children’s care. The space seemed well set up to keep children stimulated and engaged.
I also liked how the staff seemed passionate about guiding development at every step. Whether the kids were babies or older children, the teachers made sure each child had chances to explore and learn. The atmosphere was calm but active, showing clear attention to children’s growth and comfort.
Rating: 4.4 (16 reviews)
Location: 870 NW 34th St, Oakland Park, FL
Contact: (954) 530-8475
Website: Visit Website
2) BRIGHT & SMART Engineering Skills for Kids
I visited BRIGHT & SMART, and I liked how they focus on teaching kids engineering, programming, and life skills. The classes are designed to help kids think critically and work well with others. They have options for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, which makes it easy to find something that fits your child’s needs.
The learning is hands-on, with both individual and group sessions. Plus, they offer online classes if you need more flexible timing. I noticed their courses are available in different places, including homes, schools, and community centers, which is convenient for busy families.
They also run clubs, camps, and even birthday parties that encourage kids to use creativity in science and tech. When I spoke with the staff, they were friendly, patient, and really seemed to care about helping each child grow. Their approach feels practical and supportive, which is important for learning.
Parents and teachers I talked to also praised their work, especially their robotics programs. It’s clear they know how to engage kids in STEM activities while making it fun and educational.
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
Location: 101 E Commercial Blvd, Oakland Park, FL
Contact: (954) 816-3346
Website: Visit Website
3) 1 Salon Life Academy
When I visited 1 Salon Life Academy, I noticed it has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The space feels safe and welcoming, perfect for young learners interested in beauty and hair styling. They offer classes for kids and adults, starting as young as seven years old.
The programs cover a wide range of skills. I saw students working on braiding, wig-making, skincare, makeup, and nails. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, helping students learn current hair techniques like feed-in and knotless braids.
What stood out was their fundraising program. It helps students aged 7 to 17 who attend multiple sessions get support. The academy also hosts open houses each season. These events let kids try fun beauty activities while parents can enjoy food and giveaways.
Overall, it feels like a place that values learning and creativity. The combination of skilled teaching and a supportive environment makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting to explore beauty careers or hobbies.
Rating: 5 (47 reviews)
Location: 2800 W Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33311
Contact: (754) 422-5571
Website: Visit Website
4) Kidstown Academy
I visited Kidstown Academy and found it to be a well-organized after school program. The staff focuses on helping children grow in different areas like physical skills, social interaction, and academics. They offer care for kids as young as six weeks up to 12 years old, which is helpful for families with kids of different ages.
The facility is clean and has safe spaces for both indoor and outdoor activities. The teachers are friendly and clearly trained to work with children in a structured but caring way. They also run camps during the holidays, which seemed popular with the kids I saw there.
Kidstown offers programs like preschool and a Florida-funded pre-kindergarten, which can support early learning before children start main school. Their hours are convenient for working parents, opening from early morning until early evening on weekdays.
I also noticed that they accept programs like School Readiness and VP K, which can help with costs for some families. They prioritize quality care and are accredited, which gives me confidence in the service they provide.
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)
Location: 3890 N Andrews Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33309
Contact: (954) 564-5437
Website: Visit Website
5) Code Ninjas Fort Lauderdale
When I walked into Code Ninjas Fort Lauderdale, I immediately noticed the friendly atmosphere geared toward kids. The center offers a hands-on learning experience where children build their own video games. It’s a good mix of fun and education, especially for kids interested in coding.
The staff were welcoming and patient, making it easy for kids to ask questions and stay engaged. I saw kids working in small groups, which helps with teamwork and problem-solving skills. The space is neat and organized with plenty of computers and tools designed for young learners.
This place is more than just an after-school program. They also host summer camps and birthday parties focused on learning to code. I liked how they cater to various skill levels, which means beginners and more experienced kids can both benefit here.
Rating: 5 (11 reviews)
Location: 840 E Oakland Park Blvd STE 101, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Contact: (954) 869-1234
Website: Visit Website
6) Care & Share Christian Academy
I recently visited Care & Share Christian Academy, a child care center in Oakland Park that feels very welcoming. The staff seemed experienced and attentive, with over 35 years of combined teaching time. The place is clean and organized, making it a comfortable space for kids.
Their program follows the A Beka Book curriculum, which stood out to me for its clear structure. Besides regular lessons, they also offer several extracurricular activities, allowing kids to explore different interests. The academy cares about both learning and fun.
They have spaces open for the 2024-2025 school year, so I found it easy to get information about enrollment. The teachers seemed warm and committed to helping kids grow. Overall, it’s a calm and supportive environment for after school care.
Rating: 5 (24 reviews)
Location: 3260 N Andrews Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33309
Contact: (954) 630-3333
Website: Visit Website
7) BabyVille
I recently visited BabyVille, an after school program in Oakland Park. The place felt welcoming and well organized. It is located in a quiet neighborhood, which made picking up my child easy and stress-free.
The staff there seemed attentive and dedicated to helping kids learn and have fun after school. They offer activities that balance play and education, which I think is important. The environment seemed safe and clean, making it a good place for children to spend their afternoons.
I noticed the small group size, which means kids get more personal attention. Their schedule includes a good mix of homework help and creative projects. The program runs every weekday, so it fits well for working parents.
I would recommend BabyVille for families looking for a reliable after school program in this area.
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)
Location: 2050 NW 27th St, Oakland Park, FL 33311
Contact: (954) 549-6800
8) Blooming Minds Academy
I visited Blooming Minds Academy and found it to be a well-organized day care center focused on the early development of children ages 1 to 5. The staff is trained and attentive, creating a safe and welcoming space. Kids are encouraged to socialize and learn through play and structured activities.
The center has cameras throughout, allowing parents to monitor their children remotely using an app. This feature gave me peace of mind about my child’s safety. The classrooms are divided by age, helping tailor activities and support to each group’s needs.
Blooming Minds offers a variety of programs like art, music, dance, and sports to help kids develop new skills. Meals are provided throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The schedule runs from early morning until evening on weekdays, which is convenient for many families.
Rating: 5 (26 reviews)
Location: 1150 S Powerline Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Contact: (954) 876-1583
Website: Visit Website
9) Kimling’s Academy of Martial Arts
I visited Kimling’s Academy of Martial Arts and found it to be a well-organized place for kids who want to learn martial arts after school. The instructors are focused on teaching both discipline and self-defense in a safe environment. It felt welcoming and supportive for beginners and experienced students alike.
The facility is clean and has enough space for different classes, including karate and fitness training. From what I saw, the classes are designed to keep kids active and build confidence through structured lessons. They also offer personal training, which can help students improve faster.
It’s clear the staff cares about each student’s progress, and they encourage respect and teamwork. Parents seem to appreciate how the program balances skill-building with character development. The academy also offers a range of programs beyond after school, like self-defense and fitness sessions.
Rating: 4.9 (66 reviews)
Location: 169 Prospect Rd, Oakland Park, FL 33309
Contact: (954) 564-3833
Website: Visit Website
10) Learning First Academy
I recently visited Learning First Academy, and it feels like a well-organized place for young children. They offer after school care that includes school pickup if you live within five miles. This makes it easier for busy parents to manage their day.
The staff seemed focused on keeping the kids safe with good supervision and well-kept equipment. I noticed the small group sizes, which probably help teachers give more attention to each child. The after school program also has homework help and fun activities, which means children get both support and time to relax.
Learning First Academy cares about early learning. I spoke with some staff who explained their programs cover social skills, literacy, and even science for young kids. It looks like a great spot for families wanting a balance of education and care throughout the day.
Rating: 4.8 (56 reviews)
Location: 2456 W Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33311
Contact: (954) 451-3273
Website: Visit Website