About Beyond the Bell

Beyond the Bell at St. Raymond of Penafort offers a dynamic after-care and enrichment experience for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, blending structured discovery with creative choice and plenty of fun. Each afternoon includes a snack, homework help, and engaging enrichment blocks that rotate between hands-on vendor-led experiences, featuring partners like the Philadelphia 76ers and Beats College, and Beyond the Bell’s own signature programming in art, sports, music, dance, chess, and more. Students also enjoy free play, reading, and movement activities that help them unwind at the end of the school day.

Throughout the season, Beyond the Bell brings the community together through exciting signature events such as the Junior Chef Showdown, March Madness Shootout, and the annual Spelling Bee. It’s a warm, inspiring environment where students grow, explore, and shine every afternoon.

Explore additional details and information below.

Important Details and Information

Dates

Winter Cycle of Beyond the Bell after-care begins Monday, January 12, 2026 and ends Friday, March 13, 2026.

Days & Hours

Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, except for half-days when Beyond the Bell is not available.
Please see the Winter Cycle Program Calendar HERE
 for a full list of program operating days. 

Schedule

3:00 PM: Snack
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Enrichment Programming 
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Snack & After-Care Activities
6:00 PM: Pick-Up
A $20 late pick-up fee will be added to your online account after the second late pick-up (after 6:10 PM). Please note that a third late pick-up will result in dismissal from the program.

Grades

Beyond the Bell is available to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Programming

ENRICHMENT PARTNERS

Beyond the Bell delivers a dynamic after-care and enrichment experience powered by a rotating lineup of exceptional external vendor partners and a robust menu of in-house programming. Each week, students enjoy visits from specialized enrichment partners – artists, athletes, makers, performers, scientists, and more – who bring fresh, exciting sessions designed to spark curiosity and nurture new skills. Students experience one specialized enrichment block per week. These weekly visits provide students with the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning led by iconic brands turning each session into an unforgettable, real-world experience.

Winter Cycle 2026 Enrichment Partners Include

Jr. 76ersboth group and personalized instruction from top coaches with the Jr Philadelphia 76ers

Beats Collegegives students the chance to step into the role of a music producer and create their own tracks using synthesized music software.

ENRICHMENT BLOCKS

On school days that do not feature a vendor partner session, students dive into Beyond the Bell’s signature enrichment blocks. These thoughtfully designed experiences include creative expression, art studio, dance, chess, sports, music, movement, team challenges, and a wide mix of activities that build confidence, collaboration, and joy.

AFTER-CARE

Following the enrichment programming portion of Beyond the Bell, after-care begins with a healthy snack to recharge, followed by dedicated homework help where staff provide guidance, encouragement, and a quiet space to focus. Students then enjoy a balance of free play and structured activities, giving them time to move, explore interests, socialize, or unwind with independent reading.

With a balance of structured discovery, creative choice, and enriching fun, Beyond the Bell ensures that every afternoon is meaningful, memorable, and made just for them.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Beyond the Bell students put their talents to the test through three exciting annual events that celebrate skill-building, confidence, and teamwork. Each event gives students a chance to apply the skills they’ve developed throughout their enrichment programming, creativity, athleticism, critical thinking, perseverance, and shine in an uplifting environment where friendly competition fuels growth and joy.

Winter Cycle 2026 Signature Events Include

Junior Chef Showdown –  young chefs design and prepare their own delicious dishes, presenting them to a panel of judges in a fun, high-energy “best in show” experience.

March Madness Shootout – students bring their basketball skills to center court for a bracket-style competition filled with teamwork, hustle, and school spirit.

Second Annual Spelling Bee – participants step up to the mic to showcase vocabulary mastery, focus, and poise in front of their peers.

Instructors

Beyond the Bell is staffed by school faculty and staff members as well as enrichment experts.

Cost

The winter cycle of Beyond the Bell is $250 for all 9 weeks.
Note: enrollment is only available by cycle, it is not offered by week.

Deposit

A $25 deposit per student is due upon registration. This deposit is applied to the total cost of the cycle.

Payment Options

FULL PAYMENT

• Pay the total amount of $250 at registration.

AUTO-PAY INSTALLMENTS PLAN

$25 deposit per student due at registration.
• $112.50 (50% of remaining balance) automatically processed on January 9, 2026.
• $112.50 (remaining balance) automatically processed on February 6, 2026.
*NOTE: payments are automatically processed on the due dates listed above using the payment method saved on the account.

EXTRA PAYMENTS POLICY

• Families may make flexible extra payments anytime, as long as required payment deadlines are met.
• Additional payments will not cancel scheduled auto-payments.
• If extra payments reduce the balance below the next installment, the auto-pay will process half of the remaining balance.
• Extra Payment Schedule Example 

Beyond the Bell image

 

FEES & OUTSTANDING BALANCES

• A $20 late pick-up fee will be added to your online account after the second late pick-up (after 6:10 PM). Please note that a third late pick-up will result in dismissal from the program.
All balances must be paid in full before registering for the next scheduled Beyond the Bell cycle (fall, winter, spring).

Contact Information

Our on-site Beyond the Bell contact is Iman Lilliston, lilliston@imsraymond.org

For general inquiries, enrollment, payment, and account information please contact info@imsbeyondthebell.org