Frequently Asked Questions
Livermore After the Bell Enrichment (LATBE) exists because our school community asked for it — when we reached out to families, after-school enrichment came back as one of the top requests for our elementary students.
Our goal is simple: help students fall in love with learning, whether that means diving deeper into a subject they already enjoy or trying something completely outside their normal school day. Every course is built to be both fun and genuinely challenging.
Who can enroll in the elementary after-school program?
Any student in grades TK–5 attending a school within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) can enroll in courses offered at their home campus.
Where are classes held?
Right now, LATBE offers classes exclusively at Emma C. Smith Elementary, beginning 10 minutes after the final school bell. We're planning to expand to additional LVJUSD schools later this year.
When does the after-school program run?
LATBE runs three seasons each school year — Fall, Winter, and Spring — with exact dates set around the LVJUSD school calendar each year.
⦁ Fall: August–November
⦁ Winter: November–March
⦁ Spring: March–May
Every course totals 600 minutes of instruction, split across sessions depending on the class: typically 10 sessions of 60 minutes, 9 sessions of 67 minutes, or 8 sessions of 75 minutes. We also now offer select 90-minute classes, run over 9 or 10 sessions depending on the LVJUSD calendar.
Why is there a fee to enroll?
California does not provide state funding for after-school enrichment programs. Enrollment fees are what make LATBE possible — without them, we simply couldn't offer these courses.
What payment methods do you accept?
All enrollment is completed online through our partner platform, Active Camps, using a credit card (most major cards accepted). Active Camps uses secure, encrypted checkout, and your card details are never stored on our end. Reach out anytime if you have payment questions.
Do you offer financial aid?
We don't currently have a formal financial aid program. If your family qualifies for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please contact us directly — we'd like to talk through options with you.
Which grade levels can enroll?
TK–5 students may enroll, though the appropriate grade range varies by course — be sure to check each course listing closely before signing up.
How much does a course cost?
Pricing varies by course. All materials — whether that's chess boards, art supplies, or Chromebook rental — are included in the fee. Enrolling early also qualifies you for discounted pricing, so it pays to sign up ahead of time.
What's your refund policy?
We rely on solid enrollment numbers to run our classes smoothly. If LATBE cancels a class, you'll receive a full refund to your original payment method automatically.
If your plans change and you need to cancel, you have a few options up until 10 days before the class starts:
⦁ Transfer — Email us at ⦁ [email protected] and we'll move your student to a different class (any price difference will be communicated first).
⦁ Account Credit — Receive full credit toward a future LATBE class, valid for one year.
⦁ Refund — We'll refund your original payment method, minus a $30 administrative fee to cover processing costs.
Please note: once you're within 10 days of a class starting — or after it has begun — refunds and transfers are no longer available, since we've already committed spots with our vendors and instructors.
Do you prorate fees for absences or scheduling conflicts?
We're not able to prorate tuition for missed sessions of any kind, so we encourage you to double-check your family's calendar for conflicts before enrolling.
My child has special needs — can they still enroll?
Yes — please give our office a call before enrolling so we can talk through your student's specific needs. We'll connect with the course instructor to confirm the class is a good fit and that the curriculum can be adapted appropriately.
My child attends ESS — can they also join LATBE, and how does drop-off/pick-up work?
Absolutely — ESS students are welcome to enroll in LATBE courses but must check in at ESS first before heading to class.
⦁ TK/Kindergarten students are checked out of ESS by their LATBE instructor right before class and checked back in once class ends.
⦁ Grades 1–5 walk to and from ESS independently before and after their course.
Questions about ESS logistics? Reach out to your school's ESS Site Director directly.
How do I enroll my student?
Head to www.latbe.com, click "Elementary" in the top navigation, and select your student's school to see the full course list and details. Enrollment is first-come, first-served, based on the timestamp your registration is completed. Spots are limited, so we recommend enrolling early — you'll receive an email receipt right after you finish.
Can my student take more than one course at a time?
Yes! Since courses run on different days of the week, families can mix and match to fit their schedule. A student can enroll in anywhere from 1 to 5 courses per session.
What confirmation will I receive after enrolling?
You'll get an enrollment receipt right away — keep this as proof of enrollment. About 5 days before class starts, you'll receive a welcome email with your student's specific course details (date, time, and room number), followed by a reminder on the first day. We'll also send occasional updates throughout the season as needed.
When does enrollment open?
Enrollment windows typically open as follows:
⦁ Fall: July
⦁ Winter: September
⦁ Spring: February
Returning families receive an email heads-up before enrollment opens for each season.
How will I know what my student is learning in class?
Instructors send parent update emails at three points during the session: within the first two weeks, again around weeks 5–6, and once more two to three weeks before the session wraps up.
Will my student have homework?
No. LATBE instructors are teaching subjects they're genuinely passionate about, without the pressure of covering state content standards on a tight timeline. That freedom lets them go deeper into a topic through creative, hands-on methods — building real understanding without the need for take-home assignments.
Is there a formal attendance policy?
Not a formal one — but frequent absences or tardiness can disrupt your child's experience as well as their classmates', and we're unable to prorate tuition for missed time, so consistent attendance helps everyone get the most out of the course.
Do students receive report cards?
No — LATBE is purely an enrichment experience, designed for students to explore and have fun outside the pressures of grades.
What happens if a class is cancelled due to weather or an emergency?
Since we have every family's phone number on file through Active Camps, we'll send a text message right away letting you know about any weather-related or emergency cancellation. That text is always followed by an email explaining how we'll make up the lost class time.
How do you ensure my child's safety while in a LATBE class?
Every LATBE instructor — whether a partner vendor or a school teacher — is Live Scanned and TB tested, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, capable hands.
School gates are locked once the school day ends, so if you need to pick up your student early from a LATBE class, please email [email protected] and, if possible, notify your student's instructor ahead of time as well.
Still have questions?
If we haven't answered something here, reach out directly:
Angela Clifford Program Director, Livermore After the Bell Enrichment