By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK— Families looking for affordable, dependable after-school care will soon have a new option as registration is now open for the Autrey Recreation Center’s After-School Program, which begins Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.
The program is open to children ages 5 through 12 and will operate Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Designed to support students both academically and socially, the program offers a safe, structured environment where children can continue learning and stay active after the school day ends. Participants will receive:
Homework assistance
Tutoring
Recreational activities
Free transportation
An evening snack
The cost of the program is only $25 per week, which includes free transportation, and there is no registration fee. There is also no income requirement, making the program available to all eligible families.
In an interview with the Dale County Chronicle, Autrey Recreation Center Manager Victoria Shaw said the center is committed to providing a positive environment for children after school.
“Once school is over in the evening, we are here to offer a safe, positive, and healthy environment,” Shaw said. “We also assist with homework.”
Shaw said the weekly fee includes free transportation, providing added convenience for working parents and guardians.
The program is open to families both inside and outside the city of Ozark.
“You don’t have to be an Ozark resident, but we will only pick up students who attend Ozark City Schools (Lisenby Primary School and Mixon Intermediate School),” Shaw said.
Registration is currently underway, and parents are encouraged to enroll early, as space may be limited.
The program will be held at the Autrey Recreation Center, located at 749 W. Reynolds Street in Ozark.
Families with questions about the program or the registration process may contact Center Manager Victoria Shaw at (334) 774-2042.
City officials hope the after-school program will serve as a valuable resource for local families by providing students with a supervised environment where they can complete homework, receive tutoring, build friendships, enjoy a nutritious snack, and participate in enriching recreational activities until parents or guardians can pick them up.
With affordable pricing, no registration fee, no income restrictions, transportation included, and an emphasis on academic success and youth development, the Autrey Recreation Center’s After-School Program aims to give parents peace of mind while providing children with a safe and welcoming place to spend their afternoons.
