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ABOUT
Our mission is to foster a love for learning and support the holistic development of each child. We aim to create a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing children for a success in school and in life.
We believe that the elementary school years are a crucial period for development and learning of basic life skills and the foundation for lifelong learning. Tatum Town Kids is designed to provide a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where children in grades k through 6th can explore, create, and grow.
Email the three completed forms to arttatumzone@gmail.com
or CALL Dewey at 614-264-2868 for options with public or scholarship support and general enrollment assistance.
Afterschool Locations
ATZ Offices (435 Nebraska)
Tabernacle (531 Pinewood)
School Locations:
MLK Academy for Boys (1300 Forest)
Ella P Stewart Academy for Girls (707 Avondale)
Pickett Academy (1144 Blum)
Enroll Today for Afterschool Tatum Town Kids
Monthly field trip extended hours till 6:30pm for all sites
Program runs Monday thru Thursday after school till 5:30pm from September 8 to May 21, 2026. Closed when TPS is closed.
If you already enrolled in summer Tatum Town Kids programs, you can just inform Dewey you wish to participate in Afterschool. Enrollment is good for one year.
Program Highlights
Play-Based Learning: Our curriculum is grounded in the principles of play and tactile learning, where children learn through exploration and hands-on activities. We believe that play is
essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Focused on fostering curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on projects and activities that encourage children to ask questions and seek answers.
Qualified Educators: Our experienced and passionate teachers are dedicated to nurturing each child's unique strengths. They create a supportive and enriching atmosphere that promotes learning and growth.
Individualized Approach: We recognize that every child is different. Our programs are tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of each child, ensuring personalized learning
experiences.
Safe and Stimulating Environment: Our facility is designed with safety and exploration in mind. From well-equipped classrooms to spacious outdoor play areas, we provide a variety of settings
for children to learn and play.
Foundation Learners | k-second graders
A play-based learning program for our younger students that emphasizes the basics in math, reading/phonics and learning through play, fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in a nurturing environment. School readiness to be at or above grade level is the goal.
Beyond Basics Builders | third-sixth graders
An inquiry-based learning program for solid readers ready to take learning to the next level with a focus on fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills through exploration, experimentation, and collaborative projects
Our curriculum focuses on key developmental areas:
Social and Emotional Development: We promote emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive social interactions through group activities and guided play.
Language and Literacy: Our language-rich environment encourages communication skills through storytelling, singing, and engaging discussions.
Cognitive Development: Children engage in problem-solving activities, science experiments, and creative projects that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.
Physical Development: We incorporate gross and fine motor activities through outdoor play, arts and crafts, and movement games to support physical health and coordination.
Curriculum
Family Involvement
We believe that families are essential partners in the educational process. We encourage parent involvement through:
Open Communication: Regular updates and newsletters keep parents informed about classroom activities and events.
Family Events: We host workshops, family nights, and community celebrations to strengthen the connection between home and school.
Parent Workshops: Educational sessions for parents on topics such as child development, nutrition, and early literacy help support learning at home.
Curriculum
Our curriculum focuses on key developmental areas:
Social and Emotional Development: Through group activities and guided play, we promote emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive social interactions.
Language and Literacy: Our language-rich environment encourages communication skills through storytelling, singing, and engaging discussions.
Cognitive Development: Students engage in problem-solving activities, science experiments,and creative projects.
Physical Development: To support physical health and coordination, we incorporate gross and fine motor activities through outdoor play, arts and crafts, and movement games.
Family Involvement
We believe that families are essential partners in the educational process. We encourage parent involvement through:
Open Communication: Regular updates and newsletters keep parents informed about classroom activities and events.
Showcases - we love to have the students share their enthusiasm and new skills with their parents and invite you to experience Tatum Town Kids through a special performance at the end of the season.
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The Art Tatum Zone has impacted my family greatly by providing a safe space for my children after school and during the summer months, exposing them to many activities like chess, martial arts, yoga, musical instruments, field trips, zoo memberships, etc. My daughters are thriving in school with the tutoring and homework help the Art Tatum Zone provides.
Joanna W.