NYC Is Expanding After-School!
Is Your Curriculum Ready?
DYCD's COMPASS expansion is adding 20,000 new seats across 115 schools.
Learning Beyond the Bell gives your program the research-backed, bilingual curriculum it needs to hit the ground running.
- NYC's DYCD invested $331M annually in COMPASS afterschool programming.
- 115 new elementary school sites launching between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026.
- Programs serve students in high-need communities across all 5 boroughs.
- New providers need
proven, standards-aligned curriculum to meet DYCD requirements.
If your organization is applying for or operating a COMPASS site, you need a curriculum that's ready from day one.
What is Learning Beyond the Bell?
Learning Beyond the Bell is our brand new After-School & Camp Programming created by educators, inspired by school-aged children, and designed specifically to support providers with what matters most: engaged children, empowered staff, and enriched programs.
Learning Beyond the Bell turns After-School into a series of hands-on explorations integrated with project-based learning that encourages collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. It’s where children learn by doing, allowing students to act as everything from "mad scientists" to game designers through various STEAM challenges and creative arts. By blending identity-building with environmental stewardship and empathy, the program equips young learners with the essential communication and leadership skills needed to make a meaningful real-world impact.
- Project-based, play-centered activities for Pre-K to 2nd grade, 3rd to 4th grade, and 5th to 6th grade.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) - perfect for NYC's diverse student population.
- Six learning domains including STEAM, language & literacy, creative arts and expression, soft skills and life skills, physical play and wellness, civic engagement, and social-emotional skills.
- 100% digital - no printing, no prep time, accessible on any device.
- Flexible design - works for afterschool, summer camp, and extended day.
Cloud-Based Innovative After-School & Camp Curriculum
to meet Students interest in all 6 Domains!
Grades
K-2
Grades
3-4
Grades
5-6
Creative Arts & Expression
STEAM
Language & Literacy
Physical Play & Wellness
Social Studies & Civic Engagement
Soft Skills & Life Skills
Building Structured Enrichment Across Multiple Sties is Challenging
See how Learning Beyond the Bell Tackles these challenges and brings support to your program!
Inconsistent Student Experiences
Bring Consistency to Every Site
Learning Beyond the Bell provides a structured, ready-to-use curriculum so every site delivers high-quality enrichment. Activity plans, materials lists, and guidance ensure students receive engaging and consistent programming across locations.
Pressure to Show Impact
Deliver Measurable Results
Our turnkey lessons require minimal preparation and include step-by-step instructions, making it easy for busy staff to lead engaging activities. Activity leaders can focus on connecting with students instead of spending hours planning.
Overloaded Staff
Give Staff Ready-to-Use Activities
Learning Beyond the Bell includes structured enrichment activities designed to support measurable student outcomes in areas such as collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, helping programs demonstrate impact to schools, partners, and funders.
Let's Strengthen Your COMPASS Program
If you’re applying for COMPASS expansion funding or enhancing an existing site, let’s explore how Learning Beyond the Bell can support your goals.
