Champions at Astor Elementary School

Reviews

• KT

  Kiara Taylor

  Apr 2, 2025
  1.0
  THIS PROGRAM BEST SERVES WHITE CHILDREN! They do not train nor care to study how to deal with black children! I enrolled my son in the Astor after-school program, hoping it would provide a supportive environment. Instead, as the only Black child in the program, he faces relentless torment and bullying. He feels unseen and isolated, which has led him to act out in ways that no 6-year-old should have to. Rather than setting him up for success, the program constantly places him in situations where his reactivity goes unchecked due to a serious lack of supervision. They claim to be overstaffed, yet my son is left to fend for himself, with no one truly understanding what happened when incidents occur. Adding insult to injury, Director Lanita’s passive-aggressive demeanor only deepens our pain. I recently asked that she no longer contact me because her approach seems designed to alienate us rather than support us. I’ve heard similar warnings from other parents about her handling of situations, and my experience sadly confirms these concerns. There’s an alarming pattern here. Not only are young Black boys like my son being mishandled through constant and unjust behavior plans meant to push us out of the program, but statistics also show that the approach taken by the predominantly white staff, particularly white women, often fails to recognize or address the unique challenges that Black children face. This isn’t just my experience—it’s a systemic issue that no parent should have to endure. Until I move back east after graduating, we are forced to deal with this toxic and unsupportive environment. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend the Astor after-school program to any parent of a Black child. Beware: what should be a nurturing after-school space is instead a place where a young boy’s spirit is being systematically diminished.
• BJ

  Beverly Jackson

  Jan 30, 2025
  1.0
  Deeply disappointed in this programs inability to create an environment where my 6 year old grand son feels safe. This program combines ages 5-12 and my 6 year old has been bullied and harassed by an 11 year old for well over a 2 month period . No interventions have been put into place and he is constantly put in a hopeless position of defending himself against her and any one else she get to pick on him or call him names . At 6 you are not equipped or quick enough to handle a witty 11 year old . My issue is not with this child at all because she is doing what kids do. My issue is with staff who never seems to know how things started but can easily report the behavior of a 6 year old trying to fend for himself in an environment where adults are suppose to make him feel safe and valued . This program would benefit tremendously from actively seeking out male staff as well as racial sensitivity training .
• JE

  Jennifer Elmore

  Jun 27, 2024
  5.0
  Happy kids, happy life:) awesome teachers. Receptive and attentive to parents and children's concerns and they really care that your children are happy, comfortable, and keep good open communication. Great activities, lots to do. My kids love it and are mad when I pick them up too early
• LJ

  Laura Jansen

  Jan 15, 2020
  5.0
  My daughter has been attending Champions Aftercare for over a year now and simply adores going. The staff are well-organized, kind and fun. I definitely recommend!
• PS

  Pasha Spencer-Levitan

  Jan 8, 2020
  5.0
  Staff is great - always welcoming and prompt in response to changes/emails/texts from us. Both of my kids enjoy the after care program -

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