FAQ

Can I get an exception to ASE class age ranges, maximums, or experience levels?

The After-School Enrichment team cannot grant requests for exceptions to class age ranges, class maximums, experience levels, etc. Occasionally a teacher/vendor will change their age range in order to meet their class minimum requirements, and if that happens we will advertise this information.  

The ASE program run by volunteers. We strive to provide a high-quality program but granting exceptions on an individual basis is time-consuming and beyond what the current volunteer team can do. We are looking for additional volunteers to expand our capacity and to ensure the ASE program lives on after the current crew of volunteers graduates. Please consider volunteering for ASE.

How many classes can I sign my student up for?

You may sign up for as many classes as you like. Our goal with the lottery process is to ensure that each student gets into at least one class they want during Registration Week. After Registration Week, you  may sign up for as many additional classes as you want. If you enter the lottery for multiple classes on the same day, you will be given the opportunity to rank them.

How can I access a scholarship?

FOH intends for all students to be able to participate in the After-School Enrichment program regardless of financial need. Students who are eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch program may enroll in one class at a 50% discount. Any other students with financial need may enroll in one class at a 25% discount. To use the discount, enter the discount code at checkout: (NOT POSTED YET, CODE COMING SOON) for 50% and (NOT POSTED YET, CODE COMING SOON) for 25%. Only one reduced-fee class per student per session. 

FOH also provides a limited number of full scholarships to students with greater need. For additional information, please contact us at enrichment@seattleschools.org.

Who teaches ASE classes?

Classes are led by outside vendors and family/community volunteers, who meet SPS requirements, as well as Hawthorne teachers, and students. Session schedules and class offerings are determined by the FOH After-school Enrichment Committee with input from the Hawthorne administration and community.

Can I teach an ASE class?

Yes! We have teachers, parents, family members and students teaching classes each session in areas such as sports, crafts, chess and environmental education. Come work with our Hawthorne kids and share your skills and hobbies! If you’re interested in teaching a class solo or as part of a team, please reach out to enrichment@friendsofhawthorne.org to learn more.

Why does ASE run registration as a lottery instead of a first-come, first-served system?

FOH is committed to the idea that ALL students can participate in the After-School Enrichment Program and we, therefore, strive to have a registration policy that is fair and equitable. Students who register for classes during the first week of registration (“Registration Week”) will be enrolled in classes by a lottery system if classes are over-enrolled. Students will be notified of their enrollment status within 2-3 days of the end of Registration Week. Payment and all required registration information (e.g., emergency contacts) must be received by FOH for enrollment to occur. After Registration Week, any available slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How does the lottery work? 

We run a random lottery, prioritizing giving each student at least one class, and taking into consideration siblings and carpools as best we can. Priority registration is provided to those who are eligible for the Free and Reduced lunch program. The lottery is a careful and time-consuming process. Once these students are invited to register for their class, they are given a period of time to do this. If they don't register by the deadline, their spots will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What determines the cost of the class?

Costs for classes taught by outside vendors (i.e., the Provider in 6crickets is not listed as Friends of Hawthorne PTA) are set by the organization that runs the program. Classes taught by Hawthorne teachers, family/community volunteers and students are priced to cover the cost of stipends, materials, scholarships, and additional overhead. This is the base class costs. A $30 school fee is added on top of the base class cost. This covers the cost of using the registration platform (6crickets) and helps defray the cost for running the ASE program. The school fee along with a limited budget from FOH and your donations help to ensure that the program can provide scholarships to as many students as possible.

How does ASE use donations to the program?

Donations are used to fund scholarships for students who need financial assistance or would otherwise not be able to sign up for ASE classes. Donations can be made directly to the After-School Enrichment Program here (you will be given the option to donate to ASE when checking out).

Need more information?

Check out our Policies/Procedures document and if you still have questions email enrichment@friendsofhawthorne.org.