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The purpose of the Learning Tree program is to offer opportunities for children to access academic, enrichment, social and recreational experiences in an after-school environment that is safe and supervised.

Each campus has its own After School Program Specialist, a professional who oversees all aspects of the program. Tuition-based programs also have Site Leaders (on-site managers.) 

Learning Tree uses a curriculum written by MindWorks Resources whose diverse teams of experts specialize in language development, literacy, and learning styles in children. The curriculum focuses on hands-on, interactive, educational material that engages students in multi-sensory learning experiences. Curriculum topics include Science, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, or College/Workforce Readiness. In addition students participate in curriculums covering college and workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, art, and character development.

All of our snacks that fall under our regular school day calendar are provided by the NISD Child Nutrition Department.  We make a strong attempt to provide a healthy snack each day. 

While our staff will ensure a quiet period in which to do homework, and will assist if possible, it is each parent's responsibility to ensure homework is completed and correct when the child arrives at home.

NISD is the current recipient of a Texas Afterschool Centers on Education™ (ACE) grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and funded by the 21st CCLC Program administered by the US Department of Education. The ACE Learning Tree program provides a structured, safe, and supervised place for learning and social interaction. The program connects the after school hours to the school day by expanding learning and enrichment activities that can improve student achievement. The goals also include: to improve attendance, behavior, promotion rates, graduation rates, and preparation for college or the workforce for students of working parents or full-time students.  The grant provides funding so that working parents are not charged for this program.

This is a very competitive grant, and only certain schools qualify, so not all schools in NISD will have a free ACE Learning Tree program. Sites which are not funded by ACE are still called Learning Tree, but these other sites are regular tuition sites or sites that are sponsored by other grants and funding sources.

For grant funded sites and possible scholarship applicants, we require two months worth of payroll stubs and/or college class schedule that shows the parents name.

ACE Learning Tree is not a daycare or "drop in" program. To make best use of our grant funds, as well as to meet student attendance and data requirements, we ask that parents allow their child to attend the program consistently and for the entire program time. Parents who accumulate 3 early or late pickup or 3 absences per semester, may have their child withdrawn from Learning Tree.

A child, who accumulates 3 unexcused absences per semester in ACE Learning Tree, may be withdrawn from the program. Being absent from school is excused, and will be verified with the attendance secretary. 

Yes! In order to meet additional grant requirements of parent participation, parents must attend our monthly events. These events will be held once each month and cover various series and topics of interest. All parents will be surveyed at various times during the year to determine interest on learning topics. A monthly newsletter will be sent home letting you know about upcoming events.

Yes, transportation is provided at all grant sites.