When the school bell rings and your workday is still going, finding JCC aftercare that feels safe, active and genuinely fun can make the whole week easier. The Mandel JCC offers two afterschool programs, which raises a fair question: what's the difference? Beyond the Bell serves families in Palm Beach Gardens, and Club J serves families in Boynton Beach.
The two programs share more than their names suggest. The real differences come down to campus, a few signature activities and which schools each program serves.
What Beyond the Bell and Club J Have in Common
Both programs follow a similar afternoon rhythm: arrival and play, a snack, supervised homework time, then a rotating lineup of activities led by highly trained staff. Both also keep staff-to-child ratios low, so kids get individual attention instead of getting lost in a crowd. At either location, families can count on:
- Kindergarten through fifth grade
- Monday – Friday, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
- A daily snack and dedicated homework time
- Shabbat celebrations every Friday
- Optional bus transportation from nearby schools
- A welcoming community guided by Jewish values and open to all families
- On-site enrichment classes available at an additional cost
That mix matters. Afterschool Alliance has documented how afterschool programs support physical activity and healthy eating, which is why snack time and gym time are built into the daily schedule.
Jewish values shape the experience at both locations. Shabbat on Fridays gives kids a joyful way to close out the week, and Jewish cultural moments are woven into the rhythm of ordinary afternoons. Families of all backgrounds are welcome, and no one needs prior experience with Jewish traditions to feel at home.
Beyond the Bell: Palm Beach Gardens
Beyond the Bell runs on the Palm Beach Gardens campus, where kids have an air-conditioned double gym, a turf field, a nature preserve, a bounce house and a ninja warrior course. Swim sessions are part of the weekly rotation, and a sample week also includes tennis, gaga, dance, science and art. The secure campus, caring staff and designated homework time help kids build confidence, independence and friendships along the way.
The signature feature is the Multi-Sport track, an add-on for first through fifth graders who love to move. Kids rotate through basketball, soccer, flag football, capture the flag, floor hockey and more. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children ages 6 through 17, and this track gives high-energy kids plenty of ways to get there. Children must be registered for Beyond the Bell to join.
Transportation is available from Beacon Cove Intermediate, Franklin Academy, Lighthouse Elementary, Marsh Pointe Elementary and Timber Trace Elementary. Jerry Thomas and Limestone Creek Elementary require a combined minimum of 24 students, and Meyer Prep students are escorted to the J at 3:30 pm. Families can also add afterschool enrichment classes such as martial arts, cooking and dance.
Club J: Boynton Beach
Club J brings the same afternoon structure to the Boynton Beach campus, with a gym, sports court, playground, art room, open field and bounce house. Kids also enjoy year-round pool access, a real perk in South Florida's warm weather.
The sample week leans toward creativity and culture, with Israeli culture, music and movement, Imagination Station, cooking and STEM activities. Sports still have a big place through gym games, sports court time and Scooter Speedway on the field. Counselor-led activities encourage creativity and teamwork, and the camp-like atmosphere lets kids be themselves after a long day in the classroom.
Transportation covers Coral Reef, Crystal Lakes, Hagen Road, Manatee and Sunset Palms Elementary Schools, and Ben Gamla Charter School students are escorted from school at dismissal. Each school requires a minimum number of enrolled students for pickup, and families whose school isn't listed are encouraged to reach out. Optional elementary enrichment classes have included theatre, art and tech exploration.
Which Program Is the Better Fit?
The simplest deciding factor is geography. Each program picks up from its own list of nearby schools, so the campus closest to your home, work or child's school usually settles the question. Both campuses keep the same dependable hours, so the choice rarely comes down to scheduling. If both are realistic options, a few preferences can tip the scale.
Beyond the Bell may be a great match if your child:
- Loves sports and wants the option of a Multi-Sport track
- Enjoys variety, from a ninja warrior course to a nature preserve
- Attends one of the Palm Beach Gardens pickup schools
Club J may be a great match if your child:
- Gravitates toward art, music, cooking and STEM
- Wants regular swim time with year-round pool access
- Attends one of the Boynton Beach pickup schools
Families who want to picture the full schedule can see what a typical afternoon looks like from the first snack to dismissal.
Afterschool Program FAQs
How does tuition work?
Tuition is billed monthly and depends on whether your child rides the bus. A registration fee applies, and a deposit is credited toward the first month's payment. Each program's page lists current rates.
Is transportation available?
Yes, from the schools listed for each program. Pickup from a school requires a minimum number of enrolled students, so it helps to ask early.
Do enrichment classes cost extra?
Yes. Enrichment classes are optional and separate from regular tuition.
What if my child's school isn't on the list?
Reach out to the team at the campus nearest you. Club J, for example, is continually evaluating new pickup options based on community interest, and a quick conversation can help you find the best fit for your schedule.
Does my family need to be Jewish to join?
No. Both programs are open to families of all backgrounds and welcome everyone into a warm, inclusive community.
Who can join the Multi-Sport track?
The track is offered through Beyond the Bell for first through fifth graders, and children must be registered for the program first.
Find the Right JCC Aftercare for Your Family
Whichever campus is closest, your child gets a safe, active afternoon, homework time built into the day and a community that feels like an extension of family. Have a question about schools, schedules or transportation? Reach out to the Palm Beach Gardens team at 561-712-5227 or connect with the Boynton Beach team at 561-259-3000. A quick call is the easiest way to confirm pickup details for your child's school. We'd love to welcome your family to the J!
