"It's also an enrichment for them. It just adds to the flavor of their whole education as far as broadening their horizons, and giving them more activities," she said, adding that parents appreciate their kids being safe.

Mountain View Principal John Erlacher said his students concentrate on core academics such as reading and math, as well as fun activities such as dance and computers, when their school day extends, starting at 2:50 p.m.

About 80 percent of Mountain View's after-school program participants are English language learners. They receive an hour of English instruction in small groups and then another hour of practice with classmates.

The school even has a 7:15 a.m. before-school program when the kids go to the library to read, do homework and use computers until school starts at 8:15 a.m. The students can step out to get breakfast provided by the federal school lunch program.

"It's a safe, warm environment," said Keri Taddie, Learning Center coordinator at Mountain View.

To learn more about after-school programs, go to UtahAfterSchool.org.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com