SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers

- 9901 Business Pkwy # L, Lanham, MD 20706

For Maryland parents in Prince George's County and surrounding areas seeking a comprehensive, nurturing, and secure environment for their children outside of school hours, SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers represents a premier choice in after-school enrichment. The SMARTS—Students Motivated through the Arts—program, which has proudly served the community since 2011, goes far beyond traditional child care by combining rigorous academic support with the expressive power of the performing arts.

The core mission of SMARTS is to provide students, ranging from Pre-K through 8th grade, with a safe, stimulating, and supportive place to grow academically, emotionally, and creatively. By focusing on a holistic development model, the program aims to keep youth engaged and off the streets while instilling crucial values like integrity and diversity. This approach is rooted in the philosophy that creative movement and artistic expression enhance traditional academic learning, creating well-rounded, confident students ready to achieve their fullest potential.

SMARTS is not merely an after-school option; it is a full-fledged S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) based program where math and science concepts are fused with hands-on activities, classroom instruction, and performance-related tasks. This unique blend of enrichment and recreation is designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic curriculum your child receives, ensuring their learning continues even after the school bell rings. The program’s dedication to high-quality instruction and a commitment to nurturing a growth mindset makes it an invaluable resource for families in the Lanham and greater DC-Maryland region.

Located conveniently in the heart of Prince George's County, SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers is an easily accessible resource for families across the region, including those in Bowie, College Park, Silver Spring, and Ellicott City.

The agency’s physical location and contact details are as follows:

• Address: 9901 Business Pkwy # L, Lanham, MD 20706, USA
• Phone: (301) 723-7200

In their commitment to serving all members of the Maryland community, the facility ensures accessibility features are in place:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

The SMARTS program offers a robust suite of services designed to provide structure, support, and creative outlets for students during after-school hours and beyond.

The key services offered by SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers include:

• Before and After-School Enrichment: Comprehensive programming designed to fill the hours before and after the regular school day with productive, supervised activities.
• Academic Support and Homework Completion: Dedicated time slots where experienced staff provide supervised homework assistance and are available to answer questions and encourage healthy study habits.
• Targeted Reading Intervention: Utilizing educational software and a dedicated book club to support literacy and reading comprehension skills.
• S.T.E.A.M. Based Curriculum: Programs that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
• Creative Dance Movement: Daily instruction (typically one hour) in creative movement, which can include styles like Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap dancing, and Contemporary, providing physical and emotional benefits.
• Performing Arts Development: Classes focused on developing skills in various performing arts, including dance, music, and general art classes.
• Afternoon Snack and Supper: Providing essential nutrition to students after school, often including both a snack and an afternoon supper.
• Social and Emotional Development: Activities and a program structure that encourages positive social skills, teamwork, cooperation, and a healthy way to release and express emotions.
• Summer Programs: Offering exciting summer camp options that focus on enhancing creative and technical skills in performing arts, often supplemented with fun, action-filled field trips.
• Professional Development and Staffing: Employing dedicated, CPR-Certified, and First-Aid-certified educators who undergo year-round professional development and nationwide criminal background checks.
• School Partnerships: Collaboration with various elementary schools in Prince George’s County and Washington D.C. to extend their reach and support more families.

For Maryland families in need of quality after-school care, SMARTS stands out due to its distinctive program model and commitment to safety and student success. The program’s unique features make it a truly enriching alternative to standard after-school activities.

The highlights and special features of SMARTS include:

• Fusion of Academics and Arts: The central feature is the intentional integration of performing arts (the 'A' in STEAM) with core subjects like Math and Science, leading to superior thought processes and a greater desire to achieve.
• Focus on the "Whole Child": The program is designed to develop students' physical health (coordination, strength, endurance), emotional intelligence (healthy expression of emotions), and social growth (cooperation, teamwork).
• High Safety Standards: The commitment to safety is paramount, with all staff undergoing rigorous criminal background checks and holding CPR and First-Aid certifications.
• Safe and Nurturing Environment: The mission to provide a "safe, stimulating, and nurturing place" for youth ensures peace of mind for parents while offering children a positive outlet for their energy.
• Experienced Educators: Staff members are skilled educators who are passionately committed to supporting each student's academic and creative achievements.
• Addressing Diverse Needs: The program serves a broad age range, from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing high-quality, level-appropriate activities for diverse communities, including at-risk youth.
• Encouraging a Growth Mindset: The curriculum is designed to empower students to develop a growth mindset, fostering habits that benefit them across all areas of life.

Choosing the right after-school program is one of the most important decisions a Maryland parent can make, and SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers offers a compelling blend of security, academic rigor, and creative development that makes it an exceptional value. What is worth choosing about this program is its successful track record—serving the community for over a decade—and its unique, comprehensive S.T.E.A.M. approach.

For families in Lanham and Prince George’s County, SMARTS solves the common challenge of finding a program that keeps children occupied, helps them complete their homework, and gives them structured physical activity. By integrating dance and the arts, children are not just sitting in a quiet room for hours; they are actively using their bodies and minds in a way that research shows enhances brain development and academic performance. This is particularly appealing for parents who recognize the need for a creative outlet for their children's boundless energy. The provision of both an afternoon snack and supper also offers a critical level of support for busy working families. Ultimately, SMARTS is the premier choice for Maryland parents who want an after-school program that is genuinely invested in the academic success, artistic talent, and overall personal fulfillment of their child.

SMARTS Powered by Dance Makers

9901 Business Pkwy # L, Lanham, MD 20706, USA