Our Curriculum
After-School Enrichment • Mentorship • College & Career Preparation
Beyond the Bell Academy is a structured after-school enrichment and mentoring program designed to connect with college students to help participants succeed academically while developing the practical skills, confidence, and experiences needed for life beyond high school.
Program Days: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Program Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Program Structure: Four 9-Week Curriculum Cycles
WHAT STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE
Throughout the school year, students receive ongoing academic support and college exposure while completing four focused curriculum cycles:
QUARTER 1 | FINANCIAL LITERACY
Students learn how to manage money through an interactive financial simulation that continues throughout the quarter, while learning basics about financial literacy. Students will:
- Receive a simulated career and income
- Create and manage a personal budget
- Make spending and saving decisions
- Learn about banking, credit, debt, and interest
- Respond to unexpected real-life financial scenarios
- Set financial goals and track their progress
QUARTER 2 | WORKFORCE READINESS
Students explore careers and begin developing the professional skills needed to enter the workforce. Students will:
- Explore careers that match their interests and strengths
- Research education and training pathways
- Create a professional resume
- Practice professional communication and networking
- Prepare for interviews
- Participate in a mock interview
QUARTER 3 | COLLEGE READINESS
Students explore their options after high school and develop an individualized postsecondary plan. Students will:
- Explore colleges, universities, trade programs, and other pathways
- Research majors and career connections
- Learn about the college application process
- Participate in SAT/ACT preparation activities
- Explore scholarships, financial aid, and college costs
- Participate in college exposure experiences
- Develop a personalized postsecondary readiness plan
QUARTER 4 | LEADERSHIP & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Students learn how leadership, government, and community involvement connect to their own lives. Students will:
- Learn how local and federal government work
- Explore leadership and decision-making
- Participate in an interactive civic leadership simulation
- Complete or work toward community service hours
- Participate in a government exposure experience
- Complete a year-end college comparison project
A TYPICAL DAY AT BEYOND THE BELL
4:00–4:20 PM | Check-In, Snack & Mentor Connection
Students settle in, receive a snack, connect with their mentors, review upcoming assignments, and identify priorities for the afternoon.
4:20–4:45 PM | Academic Support & Tutoring
Dedicated time for homework assistance, tutoring, assignment completion, organization, study skills, and individualized academic support.
4:45–5:15 PM | Academic & Life-Readiness Enrichment
Students participate in interactive lessons, workshops, simulations, discussions, projects, guest-speaker experiences, and other activities connected to the quarter’s curriculum.
5:15–6:30 PM | Community Building, Recreation & Flexible Dismissal
Students participate in mentor-led games, team challenges, recreation, creative activities, and other opportunities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and positive peer relationships.
MENTORSHIP THAT CONTINUES ALL YEAR
Each student is paired with a mentor who provides consistent academic and developmental support throughout the program.
Mentors help students with homework, organization, goal-setting, curriculum activities, decision-making, reflections, and overall progress.
Mentors also maintain Student Progression Portfolios for their assigned students throughout the year containing academic goals, mentor observations, curriculum projects, reflections, accomplishments, and other evidence of growth.
MORE THAN AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
Beyond the Bell Academy combines learning, mentorship, exploration, and fun. Students also have opportunities to participate in college visits, government exposure experiences, community service, special recreation experiences, sporting events, recognition activities, and semester celebrations.
By the end of the school year, students can leave Beyond the Bell with practical tools and experiences including:
A Personal Budget & Financial Plan • Professional Resume • Interview Experience • Career Pathway • Postsecondary Plan • College Exposure • Community Service Experience • Civic Leadership Experience • Year-Long Student Progression Portfolio