The Newton County School System is collaborating with the Newton County Community Partnership and other partners to apply for federal funds through Georgia's 21st Century Community Learning grant programs to extend and expand its existing 21st CCLC After School Academic Program (ASAP). The school district is applying for additional grants to extend current programs at Porterdale and Middle Ridge Elementary Schools, Liberty Middle School and Washington Street Community Center for an additional five years.

These schools are in their final year of funding from a grant received in FY 2010. In addition, the district hopes to receive funds to expand the program to include four additional schools: Clements, Cousins, and Veterans Memorial Middle Schools and Alcovy High School. Receiving the grants will increase the total number of tuition-free after school programs for underachieving and economically disadvantaged students to 11 sites serving over 600 students. NCSS also received an FY 2012 21st CCLC grant and implemented after school programs at West Newton Elementary School, Indian Creek

Middle School and Newton High School. In addition to the federally funded programs, NCSS has tuition-based after school programs, serving another 600 students at 10 elementary schools.

Newton County's 21st CCLC ASAP programs will operate Monday-Friday from 2:15-6:00 p.m. at the elementary schools and from 4:15-6:45 p.m. at the middle schools and Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the high schools. Lessons in the core academic areas, as well as elective and special interest areas, will be planned to meet the needs of individual students and small groups.