Newark Charter School Partners With After-School All-Stars

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is excited to announce a new partnership with After-School All-Stars (ASAS) New Jersey to launch a comprehensive after-school program supporting students’ personal growth, skill development, and academic achievement across its elementary campuses. This joint effort began on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and provides students with access to engaging and transformative programming in a safe, supportive environment.

Through ASAS’s core pillars of Health & Wellness, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts, Career Exploration, and Academic Readiness, students engage in activities that spark creativity, build essential skills, and encourage positive mentorship. These pillars align seamlessly with GOLCS’s commitment to creating a community grounded in meaningful relationships, supporting all students with differentiated instruction, and setting high expectations for academic growth and character development. Together, these elements empower each student to thrive in the classroom and beyond, preparing them for lifelong success.

“Our partnership with After-School All-Stars provides a safe and enriching environment during those crucial after-school hours, which is so important for both our scholars and their families,” said Jared Taillefer, Executive Director of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. “We’re proud to offer a space where students can receive academic support, try new activities, and build strong relationships with mentors - all while giving parents and guardians peace of mind as they finish their workday.”

The program offers a diverse range of activities, including Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, Sports & Fitness, Yoga, Music Production, and much more. Each activity is designed to introduce students to new skills, broaden their horizons, and offer potential career paths, encouraging participants to explore their passions in a meaningful way. With the guidance of dedicated program leaders, students gain more than just knowledge—they build self-confidence and essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

For many students, the program has already become a favorite part of the day. 

“What I like about my after-school program is that we get to play once we finish our homework,” said Kindergartener Parker Dekattu. “I usually draw and play with toys. We play basketball, Duck-Duck-Goose, Ring Around the Rosie, and Simon Says. It's 100 percent fun!”

Parker’s enthusiasm reflects the broader vision of After-School All-Stars, which aims to create meaningful experiences for students across Newark.

“We are thrilled to partner with Great Oaks Legacy Charter School to provide comprehensive enrichment and mentorship,” said After-School All-Stars Executive Director Dr. Naima Ricks. “Our goal is to support Newark’s youth by offering programs that not only enhance academic achievement but also foster personal growth, leadership, and creativity. This partnership allows us to continue our mission of serving the scholars, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

Through this collaborative effort, Great Oaks Legacy Charter School and After-School All-Stars New Jersey are committed to guiding Newark’s youth in discovering new interests, building skills, and preparing for future success.

Read the article on Patch.com.