After school options in DeKalb County are expanding as the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Club J will serve children from Kittredge Magnet School starting this fall.
The 20-plus year after-school program caters to Kindergarten through fifth grade students. Club J is currently providing bus transportation to the MJCCA from eight elementary schools: Austin, Dunwoody, Vanderlyn, Kingsley, Montgomery, Chestnut, Dunwoody Springs, and Davis Academy for its 215 students.
Laura Ross, MJCCA chief engagement officer, said parents were requesting bus service from Kittredge. The pick up will be from Peachtree Charter Middle School.
“A lot of our current families are going to Kittredge next year. So per their request, and a few others that have reached out, the community will be picking up from Peachtree Middle school, for Kittredge Elementary,” said Ross.
Under the direction of Kara Wilbourne, Club J provides a balance of exercise, homework help, activities, and cultural programming. Students engage in community service and values-focused projects and weekly Shabbat. With access to MJCCA’s expansive campus, while one group of kids is rock climbing, another group is in the art studio or creating a culinary project.
“Our goal at Club J is to provide families with a well-rounded, enriching after-school program that supports academic and social development and creates a true sense of community,” said Wilbourne. “With experienced staff, engaging activities, and a commitment to excellence, we proudly offer an after-school experience that sets up children for success, while also making every day fun.”
A typical day at Club J includes the arrival of buses at about 2:30 p.m. First, students head to the gym or an outdoor area to burn off some energy. Next is snack time, homework help, and two 45-minute blocks of activities, followed by the last few minutes for clean up, a dance party, card games, or reading.
Wilbourne said Club J staff tries to provide engagement for the students’ interests, from dinosaurs to jewelry making.
Club J instructors are adaptable to the needs of students who are scheduled for sports practice at the MJCCA, walking them to their class or game. Some students are visited by occupational therapists or speech therapists during Club J. It’s one less appointment for parents to schedule.
“Every day between 70 and 90 students are going to an activity from Club J,” Wilbourne said.
It can be a long day, Ross noted. Most elementary schools start the day at 7:45 a.m. and pick up ends at Club J at 6 p.m. Upon registration, parents are asked about their child’s needs.
“We are more than happy to give anybody an opportunity to try the program. It is not always the best fit for everybody,” Ross said. “We are open and inclusive, but it is not a program of our developmental disabilities department.”
The MJCCA has a full time department that works with youth and adults with all different types of special needs, which pushes into the Club J throughout the year when needed. They become a part of the team for the first few weeks to help children who need the extra support or need help adjusting, Ross said.
“We utilize our own professionals on our staff to help us,” she said.
Many families choose Club J after their children finish preschool at the MJCCA to maintain a connection with the community. The convenience is a big draw, Wilbourne said.
Registration for the 2025-26 school year is currently open.