Community Education - Youth Programs

Mission Statement

In partnership with the community, we promote the healthy development of youth and families by providing extended learning programs and services.

Early Learners Academy

Galaxy Youth Center An after school program for middle school youth available in all three Bloomington Middle Schools.  Galaxy provides a safe and fun place to be after school while engaging in recreational and enrichment activities.

Kids' Safari A fee-based school-aged childcare program serving approximately 1800 students each year, the Kids' Safari program is available in all ten elementary schools. Staff plan activities for students for before and after school as well as during release days and summer vacation.

Musical Avenues A fee-based program offering private piano/instrument lessons, dance classes, Summer Spectrum classes, the Summer Musical and Musikgarten classes for age 3 -adult learners.  Approximately 750 students participate throughout the district.

Summer Spectrum A collaborative summer program designed by Community Education, Park and Recreation, and the Bloomington Art Center. The Summer Spectrum program brings together a diverse list of enrichment opportunities for students entering grades one through eight. The program is fee-based with a catalog that is sent home each spring.

Targeted Services Students qualifying for additional help after or before school are recommended to one of our ten targeted services programs in most of our elementary schools.  These classes meet two to four days a week to give students additional help in the areas of reading and math. In addition, students are invited to attend classes in the summer designed to increase their skill levels.

Volunteer Connection The Volunteer Connection recruits community members to serve as one-on-one tutors and mentors for students experiencing academic difficulty. In addition, volunteers are recruited to act as aides in the classroom. The Volunteer Connection also operates the Homework Connection, an evening program staffed by volunteers enlisted to help students with their homework. An offshoot of that is the International Kids and Parents Club, a specially designed homework program for ESL students and their families.