Enriching children's minds for over a decade

Book Drop-In Care

You deserve an after-school program where your child feels like they're a home away from home.

Beyond the Boundaries of the Classroom

Beyond the Classroom is an after school enrichment program for children in grades K-5.

Why Families Choose Us

Book Drop-In Care

Play is the most natural way to learn. Through both unstructured and guided play, children build confidence, creativity, and emotional intelligence as they apply what they’re learning in real time.

Play with Purpose

Our name says it all — learning doesn’t stop at the door. BTC children explore the real world through field trips to museums, farms, theaters, and gardens. Each adventure connects classroom learning to life and reminds us that the world is the best classroom.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

We know that how children feel shapes how they learn. Using The Whole-Brain Child approach, we help children strengthen empathy, resilience, and self-awareness through mindful communication and character-building activities.

Rooted in Social–Emotional Learning

At BTC, learning begins with curiosity and comes alive through hands-on exploration. In a space designed for ownership and creativity, children lead, collaborate, and discover what it means to be lifelong learners.

Child-Led, Project-Based Learning

Meet Our Founder

My journey in education began when my daughter was a baby at the UCLA Child Care Center. As a young mom and student, I took a class on mindful parenting that completely changed my perspective. It inspired me to dedicate my life to helping children grow, learn, and discover their strengths.

That passion led me to create a literacy program through AmeriCorps, where I trained high school students to tutor younger children. Watching them light up as they helped others showed me the power of community and connection.

Today, that same energy fuels my work at BTC. I believe children learn best when they feel curious, supported, and surrounded by people who care. Our programs are designed to spark imagination and strengthen family bonds through creative, play-based learning.

When I’m not at BTC, you’ll likely find me doing yoga by the beach, dancing, hiking, or exploring new places with my family.

Join BTC Summer Camp TODAY!

Registration for Summer 2026 is now open

Book Drop-In Care

"Beyond The Classroom is a beloved place in our community of South Pasadena where kids can grow and thrive. My daughter Olivia (16) and my son Marlow (14) are both alumnus of the program that helped establish their happy and productive careers in school. The teachers at BTC make the program exceptional. Over the years, their tender love, guidance energy had an impact on Olivia and Marlow. Some of the happiest memories from their childhood are tied to these teachers who devoted themselves to the kids."

- Marissa S.

"When I first came to BTC I was a very tiny guy and BTC looked giant. At that time I wanted to go home and I ended up crying because that's what all 4 year olds do when something is new. Anyways, when kindergarten rolled around I was dropped into BTC’s arms and to this very day I have been part of the whole BTC family. I am so grateful that BTC was and still is a thing because it provided me with a safe space to play, a hangout with friends after school, and a place to let all my craziness out even if it got me into trouble. I am also so grateful for the teachers at BTC who actually engaged and played with us, instead of just watching us with a blank face. I truly believe if BTC didn’t have the type of teachers they have, then it wouldn’t be the same. Thanks for existing BTC!"

- Mac, 9th grade

"BTC was an awesome part of my childhood and all the workers shaped who I am today. I came back to volunteer and was greeted with the same welcoming staff. The kids are incredibly kind and many of them were so sad to see their favorite volunteers go at our annual sleepover."

- Sabrina,
12th grade

"Over the years, our children have grown into confident and well-rounded individuals, and we believe much of this transformation is owed to the nurturing environment and opportunities provided by BTC. It is the values that are instilled in them and the Core values of kindness, empathy and community involvement that has made our children compassionate and socially conscious individuals. Thank you BTC!"

- Chris and Phabillia B.

Made with love by Christina Valdivia