Programs

Before and After School Care

Before & Aftercare

Sanford School offers flexible before- and after-school options for students in preschool through eighth grade.

Early Morning Room is run by the divisions and provides complimentary, supervised care before school begins from 7:00–7:30 AM. For Lower School students, drop-off is at the Yearsley Main Entrance on Siddiqi Way. For Middle School students, drop-off is in the Middle School Library.
Aftercare covers every regular school day from dismissal until 5:30 PM.
All-Day Care is available on select days when school is not in session.
After-School Clubs, a separate offering from Aftercare, give Lower and Middle School students a fun way to explore new interests and connect with friends through seasonal activities in STEM, art, wellness, service, and enrichment.

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Elizabeth Perry

Director of After-School Programs

Aftercare

Formerly known as Extended Day, Aftercare runs Monday through Friday, from dismissal until 5:30 PM.* Our qualified staff provides a relaxed yet safe and structured environment where students play, complete homework, and enjoy socializing with friends.

*Please note: this information is for regular school day procedures. Our schedule is slightly different and may change depending on the time of year. Please refer to communications sent out throughout the year regarding these specific days.
Please pack a labeled snack in your child's backpack. On Fridays, we will also provide a snack and fresh fruit.
To register for Aftercare, please use Homeroom (our Sanford link will be available soon).
Aftercare Office: 302.235.6570
Aftercare Day Cell: 302.588.8603

Lower School Aftercare (Preschool–4th Grade)

Location: Aftercare is held in the du Pont Library. Preschool, PreK, and Kindergarten groups are on the lower level; first through fourth grade groups are on the upper level.
Homework Policy: Homework room is held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week for students in first through fourth grade.

Middle School Aftercare (5th–8th Grade)

Location: Middle School Library, classrooms, and the Middle School playground/sports fields.
Homework expectations look different for every family. We encourage students and their families to talk through what works best for them.

All-Day Care

Formerly known as Expanded Day, All-Day Care is available on select days when school is not in session (for example, professional development days) for Lower School and Middle School students. Please view the abbreviated calendar on the resource boards on the mySanfordHUB.

New for 2026: Families may choose Full Day (pickup by 5:30 PM) or Half Day (pickup by 12:30 PM) for a little more flexibility.
All-Day Care will be located in the du Pont Library for all pre-registered students. Please read parent communications for further details.
To register for All-Day Care, please use Homeroom (our Sanford link will be available soon).
Please pack a nut-free lunch and snack.

After-School Clubs

Sanford offers a wide variety of after-school clubs and activities for Lower and Middle School students, led by both Sanford faculty and trusted outside vendors.

Running seasonally, these clubs give students a fun way to explore new interests, build skills, and connect with friends beyond the school day, whether they are drawn to STEM, art, wellness, service, or enrichment.
Registration is through Homeroom. Details regarding After-School Clubs for Fall 2026 will be available soon!

More Information

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Late Pickup

Late pickup fees may apply after the scheduled closing time. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you anticipate being delayed.
Cell Phone & Smartwatch Policy

Middle School Cell Phone & Smartwatch Policy: Middle School students are not permitted to use cell phones or smartwatches during Aftercare. Students should inform the Aftercare staff if they need to reach their parents. If parents need to reach a student at Aftercare, they may call the Middle School Aftercare Extension (302. 235.6571).

Texting friends, taking pictures, taking videos, or recording audio will NOT be permitted under ANY circumstances.
Phones will be confiscated if they are misused during after-school hours and returned to parents at pick-up.
Movie and Chromebook Policies

During inclement weather and on Fridays, we may schedule movie time. Generally, all ages are permitted to view G-rated movies, and students in grades 1–8 are permitted to watch PG-rated movies. Not all PG-rated movies are appropriate for all ages. The Aftercare Staff will determine the appropriateness of all content.

If you prefer to opt your child out of movie time, please feel free to reach out to the Director of After-School Programs to make alternate arrangements during those hours.

School-issued Chromebooks may be used after school for homework purposes on an as-needed basis. All expectations mirror those of the regular school day, as explained in the technology agreements for all students. Aftercare Staff will monitor usage through the "GoGuardian" system. For further clarification, please reach out to the Director of After-School Programs.
Preschool–Kindergarten Schedule
Preschool–Kindergarten Schedule
- Dismissal–3:30 PM: Check-in and playground time (weather permitting)
- 3:30–4:00 PM: Transition to Lower du Pont and snack time — students walk from the Lower School playground to Lower du Pont, put belongings away, and have a snack
- 4:00–4:45 PM: Inside centers free choice time — students choose from a variety of centers and activities focused on creative, engaging play with peers
- 4:45–5:30 PM: Group game, quiet reading, and coloring until pickup
First–Fourth Grade Schedule
First–Fourth Grade Schedule
- Dismissal–3:15 PM: Check-in — students are walked to the Lower du Pont Library by a Lower School teacher
- 3:15–3:45 PM: Snack and social time — students enjoy a snack from home and socialize with friends
- 3:45–4:15 PM: Homework and quiet time — Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays include 25 minutes of quiet time for homework; Wednesdays are reserved for fun projects created just for Aftercare attendees
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Lower School playground (weather permitting) — free play plus some teacher-led games and activities
- 5:00–5:30 PM: Clean up, group game, and quiet reading
Middle School Schedule
Middle School students enjoy a bit more autonomy in the afternoons.
- Since students arrive at Aftercare at various times, after check-in, they may choose to play on the Middle School playground, enjoy a snack from home, or complete homework.
- Depending on the sport season, Aftercare teachers will bring students to Sanford School home games to cheer on fellow students and show school spirit.