The Extended School Program (ESP) and the Recreation Enrichment and Learning Program (REAL) offer affordable, high-quality childcare. For nearly 30 years (beginning in 1993 at Stonewall Elementary), we have offered reliable after-school and summer care for Lexington's elementary and middle school students.
The ESP and the REAL programs are part of a partnership between Lexington Parks & Recreation and the Fayette County Public School system.
All staff participate in regular in-service training, receive required health tests and pass criminal background checks.
News and announcements
- 2024 – 2025 ESP and REAL registration is now open.
- ESP at Stonewall: Waitlisted
- ESP at Millcreek: Spots available
- ESP at Yates: Spots available
- ESP at Garrett Morgan: Waitlisted
- REAL at EJ Hayes: Spots available
- REAL at Jessie Clark: Spots available
2024 – 2025 ESP application link
2024 – 2025 REAL application link
Note: all applications must be emailed to ESPRegistration@lexingtonky.gov.
The Extended School Program is hiring a Part-time CDL Driver with a school bus (S) and passenger transport (P) endorsement. Driver must be available when Fayette County Public Schools are not in session for seasonal breaks during the school year.
- Drive must have a clean driving record and pass a background check.
- Hours will vary per month/time of year.
- Drivers will be responsible for transporting children and staff for field trips.
- Operate a school bus in a safe and efficient manner and ensure the safety of all passengers on board
- Maintain a clean and well-maintained bus
- Ability to work well with children
For more information please call Harold Kouns at (859) 288-2929 or email questions to hkouns@lexingtonky.gov.
Extended School Program (ESP)
ESP is regulated by the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (922 KAR 2:090, 2:120, and 2:280) and adheres to strict staff to student ratios. The activities offered include homework assistance along with recreation and leisure activities. ESP operates from time of dismissal (2:35 p.m.) to 6 p.m. during the school day, or 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on full day camps. Each year, students must reapply to be accepted into the programs.
The Extended School Program is currently offered at the following elementary schools:
Garrett Morgan Elementary
1150 Passage Mound Way
Lexington, Ky. 40509
Site Phone: (859) 489-9852
Contact: Leslie Neimeier
Started: 2016 – 2017
Services offered: After school
Millcreek Elementary
1212 Reva Ridge Way
Lexington, Ky. 40509
Site Phone: (859) 489-9831
Contact: Erika Schlarb
Started: 2023
Services offered: After school
Stonewall Elementary
33215 Cornwall Dr.
Lexington, Ky. 40503
Site Phone: (859) 224-8045
Contact: Sarah Pigg
Started: 1993 – 1994
Services offered: After school, full days, summer camp
Yates Elementary
695 E. New Circle Road
Lexington, Ky. 40505
Site phone: (859) 270-7062
Contact: Leslie Adams
Started: 1996 – 1997
Services Offered: After school
Recreation Enrichment and Learning Program (REAL)
The Recreation Enrichment and Learning Program is an after school program for middle school students. The REAL program is affordable, maintains a low staff to student ratio, and offers a range of both recreational and educational activities for students. Each year, students must reapply to be accepted into the programs.
Morning session: 7 – 9 a.m. (Start of school)
Evening session: 4 – 6 p.m.
The program is currently offered at the following middle schools:
EJ Hayes Middle
260 Richardson Place
Lexington, Ky. 40509
Site phone: (859) 457-8286
Contact: Erika Schlarb
Started: 2004 – 2005 school year
Jessie Clark Middle
3341 Clays Mill Road
Lexington, Ky. 40503
Site phone: (859) 457-1960
Contact: Leslie Adams
Started: 1997 – 1998