Reach for the Stars After School Program

Reach for the Stars After School Program Grant-funded Before/After School program and Summer Academy within WCSD. Serves 1,500+ TK-8 students @ WCSD school sites.

Our focus is helping families by providing a safe, nurturing environment to prevent learning loss and support academic/social growth. The Reach for the Stars Program is an expanded day program. We run several programs under the RFTS umbrella: Reach for the Stars After School Program (during the school year), Jump Start Before School Program (during the school year) & our Jump Start Summer Program

. As part of the Whittier City School District, we have been able to serve more than 1, 000 students a year. We provide quality programming that includes homework assistance, academic enrichment {STEAM-(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), Literature, Writing, Cooking and Nutrition (healthy lifestyle option), Choir, Dance and Band. We have partnerships with Whittier City School District, the City of Whittier, the Boys & Girls Club, RMH Dance & Productions, local colleges and many more. RFTS is at all (9) elementary sites {Andrews, Hoover, Jackson, Longfellow, Mill, Orange Grove, Phelan, Sorensen and West Whittier} and at the (2) Middle School {Dexter and Edwards}. Our Jump Start Before School Program will be at all (9) elementary sites and at the (2) Middle School sites, starting this Fall {2022}. Our program follows common core standards, aligns with the school day and focuses on PBIS {Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports}. We have received the 2014 Golden Bell award for Outstanding Student Services and most recently the CA Department of Education awarded all of our 11 sites with the DASH (Distinguished After School Health) Award for our healthy behaviors and nutrition education. RFTS has been providing quality services to our students and the community since 1999.

05/08/2026
It’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! Give your Reach for the Stars staff a special shout out when you see t...
04/21/2026

It’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!

Give your Reach for the Stars staff a special shout out when you see them this week!

Parents/Guardians of incoming/outgoing 6th graders,We will be hosting a YMCA Camp Arbolado ZOOM Information Meeting TONI...
04/20/2026

Parents/Guardians of incoming/outgoing 6th graders,

We will be hosting a YMCA Camp Arbolado ZOOM Information Meeting TONIGHT!!!

See you there!

📣 Attention TK-7th grade students: Jump Start Summer Academy 2026 online registration is now open!!Reach for the Stars a...
04/10/2026

📣 Attention TK-7th grade students: Jump Start Summer Academy 2026 online registration is now open!!

Reach for the Stars and Jump Start Summer Academy are excited to announce the launch of our new online registration platform: ARUX!

This new system is designed to make the registration process more efficient and convenient for our families in the Whittier City School District.

❗️Jump Start Summer Academy is for current TK-7th grade students.

➡️ Click here for the Application: https://whittiercity.arux.app/

Families will receive enrollment confirmation on or before May 15th.

Please see the attached flyers for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact the Reach for the Stars Office at 562-789-3156 (press 0).

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to a great summer with your students!

📣 Atención estudiantes de TK-7o grado: Registración en línea para la Academia de Verano "Jump Start" ya está abierta!!

¡El Programa “Reach for the Stars”/Alcanza las Estrellas y el Programa de Verano “Jump Start” se complacen en anunciar el lanzamiento de nuestra nueva plataforma de registro en línea: ARUX!

Este nuevo sistema está diseñado para hacer que el proceso de inscripción sea más eficiente y conveniente para nuestras familias en el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Whittier.

❗️La Academia de Verano "Jump Start" es para estudiantes de TK-7o grado.


➡️ Haga clic aquí para la solicitud: https://whittiercity.arux.app/

Las familias recibirán la confirmación de inscripción a más tardar el 15 de mayo.

Por favor, consulte los folletos adjuntos para obtener información adicional. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la Oficina de Alcanza las Estrella al 562-789-3156 (oprima 0).

¡Agradecemos su continuo apoyo y esperamos pasar un verano fantástico con sus estudiantes!

03/25/2026
Great job to Edwards RFTS for their amazing Art Show! A great display of the skill and creativity our students have!Also...
03/20/2026

Great job to Edwards RFTS for their amazing Art Show! A great display of the skill and creativity our students have!

Also, a shout out to Ms.Jen, for being named Claasified Employee of the Year @ Katherine Edwards Middle School STEAM & Dual Immersion Academy!

We are so proud of Ms. Jen, the RFTS Staff and our young artists! 🎨👏

03/12/2026
WCSD Family Academy & Wellness Fair is this Saturday, February 21st! Join us for some family learning and fun! Paper r...
02/18/2026

WCSD Family Academy & Wellness Fair is this Saturday, February 21st! Join us for some family learning and fun! Paper registration forms are available in the school offices.

Last day to Pre-register is tomorrow (Th) 2/19/26, but you can also register on-site on Saturday.

Our 7th Annual Wellness Fair will also feature booths from various community partners/organizations that offer resources!

Event site: Dexter Middle School Pathways to Creativity and Innovation

Click on the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRD2WpbC_gHIzBeforRQnWEDfly0dS2_wgDrFc2bfNzxZ--Q/viewform

🎄⛄️❄️ 'Tis the season....Our RFTS Dance and Choir students are very excited to put on a Winter Showcase for their family...
11/20/2025

🎄⛄️❄️ 'Tis the season....

Our RFTS Dance and Choir students are very excited to put on a Winter Showcase for their family and friends!!

We would love for you to join us! Please refer to the flyer below for the site, date and time of the performances. All performances will take place in the MPR/Cafeteria.

(If your child is performing, a flyer with more specific attire information will be distributed).

11/03/2025

Address

10626 Orange Grove Avenue, Rm 1
Whittier, CA
90601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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