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Beyond the Bell flexible pricing

Beyond the Bell partners want to ensure that every student has access to affordable after school experiences.

When you register, you will see three payment options per session. If you are not sure what your family is qualified for please select what you have qualified for in the past or select the best option based on your family’s current need.

Pricing for Beyond the Bell

• TPS Student Discount:
  $96 per club/activity, per session
• Partial Financial Assistance:
  $48 per club/activity, per session
• Full Financial Assistance:
  $0 per club/activity, per session

The actual cost per activity is about $320. The free and reduced registration fees listed above are made possible thanks to a host of community funding partners including City of Tacoma, Greentrike, Parks Tacoma, Pierce County, Tacoma Creates, Tacoma Public Schools, and private philanthropy.

Every dollar paid goes directly to the Beyond the Bell program, helping make activities more affordable and accessible for every child. Cost should never be a barrier for any family, so further fee waiver assistance/scholarships are available to help. Learn more.

Starting in 2025, families with outstanding Beyond the Bell invoices will be required to settle their balance in MySchoolBucks before registering for future sessions.

To learn more please read the FAQ

No student will be denied access due to financial need. Families can contact [email protected] for invoice assistance.

Session 1:

• Registration opens: August 26-September 11, 2024
• Activities held: September 23-November 15, 2024

Session 2:

• Registration opens: November 4-November 20, 2024
• Activities held: December 2, 2024-February 7, 2025

Session 3:

• Registration opens: January 27-February 12, 2025
• Activities held:  February 24-April 4, 2025

Session 4:

• Registration opens: March 24-April 9, 2025
• Activities held:  April 21-June 13, 2025

Families register their students on the Tacoma Public Schools website, in the Compass/Family App, where families will be able to see eligible activities for their students.

If you are having difficulties accessing Compass, there are three ways to get help:

By Email:
[email protected]

By Phone:
253-571-HELP, (253) 571-4357

Online Self-Service Portal on TPS student-issued laptops

1. Student HELP icon, blue circle with question mark
2. Log into SolarWinds by clicking the blue, question-mark icon on your desktop. From here you can:
   1. Submit a request for assistance
   2. Review the status of your current or previous requests
   3. Chat live with a technician (during normal district hours)
   4. Use the Solutions function to search for answers to common technology problems.

Families can contact [email protected] for any questions before the start of program. A week before the program begins, families will receive a welcome letter with site lead contact information. During program, families should communicate with site leads with any questions or concerns.

While Beyond the Bell takes place in schools, our extended learning programs do not have the same personnel/tools available as they might during a typical school day. *Nurses, special education assistance, aides, etc. are not on site.

Parks Tacoma does offer reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities. If a child who is registered for a Club B program requires more than generally available supports to access their recreational program due to their disability, please submit an Accommodation Request Form at the time of each new program registration, ideally at least 2 weeks before the start of the program. Accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and program staff will reach out to you with any additional questions and determinations.

Examples of accommodations a child may request during Beyond the Bell programs include an ASL interpreter, use of noise cancelling headphones, adaptations of physical activities, specific instructional activities to help maintain focus, and more. If you are unsure if you need an accommodation request, please reach out to [email protected].

How does the waitlist work?

Our online registration system, Compass, generates a waitlist when a program reaches full capacity. If openings arise, parents/guardians of students on the waitlist will be contacted in the order of their enlistment.

How do I join the waitlist?

If a program is at capacity during registration, you can add your student to the waitlist in Compass.

How will I be notified if a spot becomes available?

If a spot opens, a confirmation email will be sent to the guardian who registered the student on the waitlist.

What if my student’s circumstances change, and they no longer want to be on the waitlist?

Parents/guardians can remove their student from a waitlist at any time using Compass.

Can my student be on multiple waitlists for different programs simultaneously?

Yes, students can be on multiple waitlists.

How are waitlists prioritized?

Waitlists are prioritized by the date and time of registration on Compass.

How will I know where my student is on the waitlist?

The waitlist is arranged by the date and time of registration on Compass. You will be notified if space becomes available.

Is there any way to work around the waitlist?

No, it is not possible to advance students ahead of others on the waitlist.

If the program my student desires is fully booked, but I require childcare, should I enroll them in an alternative available program?

If childcare is required, we recommend that families register for a program that has registration availability now. You may also register your student for the waitlisted program. If a spot opens in your student’s preferred program, they can be transferred from their second-choice program to their first choice.

Is there a cost to be on the waitlist?

No, there is no fee associated with joining the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, your student is successfully registered, and you’ve chosen a payment option, a MySchool Bucks invoice will be generated in your account.

How long after registration will students from the waitlist be added to programs?

Students from a waitlist can be added up to two weeks after the session begins.

What change is being made to the payment system?
Starting in 2025, families with outstanding Beyond the Bell invoices will need to settle their balance before registering for future sessions.

Will my child be denied access if I can’t pay?
No student will be denied access due to financial need. If you need help with your invoice or have questions about financial assistance, contact [email protected].

Why is this change being implemented now?
This change was implemented to ensure sustainability and continued program quality. By collecting fees on time, we can maintain and improve the enriching activities students enjoy, ensuring the program can serve more families over the long term.

What happens if my family cannot pay on time?
We understand that circumstances arise, and we encourage families to reach out for help if they need it. Contact [email protected] for assistance with invoices.

Why is it important for families to pay their invoices?
Timely payments are essential to sustaining and enhancing these high-quality, affordable programs. Even families who pay the highest tier ($96 per activity) are receiving a significant discount compared to the actual cost of $320 per activity and are making an investment into the future of Beyond the Bell. Your contributions help keep the program running and ensure students can continue enjoying high-quality activities.

What is the cost of participating?
The actual cost per session is $320, but thanks to subsidies, families pay a reduced amount at the level they choose:

• TPS Student Discount: $96 per activity, per session
• Partial Financial Assistance: $48 per activity, per session
• Full Financial Assistance: $0

How is Beyond the Bell funded?
Participation fees fund the program. Additionally, agencies, organizations and philanthropic donations help us offer services at reduced rates.

How can I support the program?
Families who are able to pay the full $96 per session or donate additional funds are directly contributing to the growth and sustainability of the program. Your support ensures Beyond the Bell can continue to provide enriching after-school opportunities for students across the community. To make a donation please visit tacomaparksfoundation.org and look for the green donate button.

Why should my family pay for Beyond the Bell?
Families who have the ability to pay are helping the program grow and thrive, ensuring all children have access to enriching after-school experiences. We value the opportunity to offer accessible, high-quality enrichment activities and hope you do to. We encourage those who are able to support the program financially to do so.

What makes Beyond the Bell special?
Beyond the Bell offers enrichment activities like sports, arts, and academic support with a focus on Social Emotional Learning. It collaborates with providers like the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club to make activities accessible at students’ home schools, eliminating transportation barriers. This program is the first of its kind and is not available in any other school district.

If you have further questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].