Beyond The Bell: How Campbell Union School District’s Expanded Learning Programs Build Future Innovators Through Play
An exploration of the Campbell Union School District's Expanded Learning.
Walk onto any Campbell Union School District (CUSD) campus after the final school bell rings, and you won’t find quiet, empty hallways. Instead, you’ll hear the collaborative chatter of students building LEGO robotics, the tactical call-outs of a soccer game, and the focused quiet of a chess match.
Through its robust Expanded Learning Department, CUSD is redefining what happens outside of regular school hours. By offering a comprehensive suite of before-school, after-school, enrichment classes, performing arts, and summer programs, the District has created a safe, vibrant ecosystem where students don't just pass the time—they explore new passions, think critically, and build meaningful relationships.
The Expanded Learning Department is an umbrella of all the programs we provide outside of the school day. Expanded Learning includes enrichment, drama, morning CampbellCare, afternoon CampbellCare, Crew, Summer Crew, Summer Champions, and Summer drama.
A Foundation Built on Collaboration and Play
The primary mission of CUSD’s Expanded Learning programs is to seamlessly bridge the gap between classroom academics and recreational discovery.
“In our programs, we design fun experiences for students that incorporate what they learn during school hours,” says Martha de Ojeda, Director of the Expanded Learning Department. “They collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve through play!”
The District caters to all grade levels through highly structured, age-appropriate initiatives:
- CampbellCare (Grades TK–5): The District's flagship elementary program balances academic support with recreational downtime. A typical afternoon includes a "Learning Lounge" dedicated to homework, followed by student-inspired STEAM clubs.
- The Crew (Grades 6–8): Tailored specifically for middle schoolers gives older students a safe, supervised, yet independent space to unwind, socialize, and participate in engaging group projects; including, enrichment and club opportunities including the musical and Lunchroom Cook-off.
Dive Into the Clubs: Something for Every Passion
What sets CUSD's Expanded Learning apart is its rich tapestry of specialized enrichment programs, multi-week clubs, and extracurricular activities. By partnering with local experts and utilizing student-inspired interests, the District provides specialized activities that often rival private academies.
Students have the unique opportunity to join a diverse variety of clubs and enrichment options, including:
- STEM and Innovation: From designing mechanical projects in LEGO Robotics (featuring instructors recognized as national Master Builders) to strategic gameplay in chess and digital creation in Minecraft.
- The Creative and Performing Arts: Dynamic drama and theater programs give students in grades 3–8 a chance to take the stage, fostering confidence, teamwork, and an elevated sense of accomplishment through live performances. Other artistic clubs cover digital art, photography, cooking, and music.
- Athletics and Team Sports: Physical development is highly emphasized through soccer, basketball, volleyball, ensuring students stay active and master teamwork.
Ensuring Equitable Access for All Families
Understanding that high-quality childcare and enrichment can place a financial strain on families, CUSD heavily prioritizes accessibility. Thanks to state grant initiatives like the After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) grant, the district can provide these exact same premier experiences to eligible students at little to no cost. Priority enrollment and grant funding are specifically extended to English Language Learners, foster or homeless youth, and students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch status.
By investing in professional program leaders and diverse course catalogs, CUSD ensures that every child—regardless of background—has a safe space to discover who they are well after the school day ends.
To learn more about enrollment, explore current program sites, or view upcoming multi-week enrichment sessions, visit the official Campbell Union School District Expanded Learning page at campbellusd.org/expandedlearning
