The PTA's usually don't handle the sports programs. MSA, MSI, KOA, and a few other programs in the area work directly with the schools to schedule fields and access to the gym. MSI and KOA use parent volunteers for coaches so you need a find a parent willing to coach the team. Our PTA sends out flyers for some of these. Others are just word of mouth.

The MSA, MSI, KOA send out to the school and then PTA volunteers sort them at our school. The only way I've gotten my kids on soccer teams is to get involved with a friend that was putting a team list together, that is form a team, and then eventually a parent or two will step up and volunteer. We all initially registered with with MSI and they said the would "try" to find a volunteer, but eventually two parents stepped up to coach. It's really difficult because there is usually a strong interest but not enough volunteers.

Is it real enrichment/education on those subjects, especially foreign language, or more aftercare with a focus?

My experience is that it really is based on the class... also you are only going to "get" so much out of a one hour class once a week... For example my child learned a lot in chess class and robotics but some of the others were not as influential. Personal opinion is that if foreign language is a priority you have to supplement with more than a one hour a week class, they just don't get enough instruction, exposure yes... but they need more to make a real difference.

A somewhat related question - we are trying to figure out public vs. private right now. We are zoned to a elementary school with many of these programs (FLES, Creative Arts). I would love some feedback on how good the programs are. Is it real enrichment/education on those subjects, especially foreign language, or more aftercare with a focus? On the websites they look great and I'd love for them to eliminate my concerns about too little arts and no early foreign language in MCPS and so we don't shell out crazy private school money . . .

OTES offers several.
Chinese. Spanish. French. Sports. Karate. Piano. Art.

http://oaklandterracepta.com/v2/after-school-enrichment/

Also, there is a financial aid/scholarship component as noted on the site.

Anonymous wrote:We have tons of afterschool programs at our school, but I know there are several PTA members who coordinate it. It takes a ton of time and most of our classes fill up so there is a proven interest.

Some include...pottery painting, art classes, yoga, drama, Lego club, chess, music lessons, dance.....

Ashburton is like this

Spanish, art, soccer, cooking, basketball, girl scouts, boy scouts, tennis etc

Anonymous wrote:We have tons of afterschool programs at our school, but I know there are several PTA members who coordinate it. It takes a ton of time and most of our classes fill up so there is a proven interest.

Some include...pottery painting, art classes, yoga, drama, Lego club, chess, music lessons, dance.....

Yes, I am in Arlington and on the after schools committee at our school. I just joined last spring and had no idea how much work it would be! So many emails going back and forth and coordination with teachers and vendors. But we have a lot to offer at our school and it is popular with many students.

Our school had surprisingly few last year, and almost NO sports, which really bugged me as the parent of boys who need way more activity than they get. This year, the PTA contracted with a firm (Flex Academy) to provide a range of different options. Still fewer active stuff than I'd like to see, but it's a huge improvement. I think organizing each year with a range of content providers can be a hassle for (volunteer) PTAs, so this kind of service is a big help.

The PTA's usually don't handle the sports programs. MSA, MSI, KOA, and a few other programs in the area work directly with the schools to schedule fields and access to the gym. MSI and KOA use parent volunteers for coaches so you need a find a parent willing to coach the team. Our PTA sends out flyers for some of these. Others are just word of mouth.

Our school had surprisingly few last year, and almost NO sports, which really bugged me as the parent of boys who need way more activity than they get. This year, the PTA contracted with a firm (Flex Academy) to provide a range of different options. Still fewer active stuff than I'd like to see, but it's a huge improvement. I think organizing each year with a range of content providers can be a hassle for (volunteer) PTAs, so this kind of service is a big help.

We have tons of afterschool programs at our school, but I know there are several PTA members who coordinate it. It takes a ton of time and most of our classes fill up so there is a proven interest.

Some include...pottery painting, art classes, yoga, drama, Lego club, chess, music lessons, dance.....

OP I would start by searching the PTA web sites of other elementary schools that offer more programming. There should be an email for the parent who coordinates this or a list of PTA chair positions and their email. The person who sets up the programming should be happy to share with you who s/he does it. I personally don't have experience with this but know that its run out of the PTAs not the school.

There also is a company called flex academies (flexacademy.com) that coordinates a number of these programs for PTAs in Montgomery County. I think that they provide all the coordination for the PTA and bring in the programs.

Mad Science
Creative Arts(?)
FLES
Brownies

OP here..
Would anyone please share what after school activities are available at your school?
Thanks so much.

Our school only has Girls on the Run, which my child is too young for.
Even for girl scouts, there is a wait list.

At a previous elementary school, there were afterschool activities such as mad science, cheer, soccer, etc. At the back to school fair, there were dozens of booths from companies advertising after school activities. Those vendors said to talk to my PTA and principal. Well, I did talk to my PTA and principal, and they said that they would love to see activities and see if there is an interest. Is there a resource or a list of these businesses that I can contact them? Personally, I'd be most interested in things such as theater or arts programs.
We are in the germantown area.