At Extended Learning and Community Schools (ELCS), we believe that learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. As a proud part of Denver Public Schools (DPS), our mission is to provide every student with safe, enriching, and inclusive opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into their full potential.

Through our dynamic portfolio of programs: including Discovery Link, Little Links, ELCSports, and ELCS Enrichments, we have a broad range of Out-of-School Time (OST) activities and support support over 65 schools across Denver in creating inspiring spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Discovery Link and Little Links (formally Discovery Link Early Childhood Education (ECE))
Discovery Link is Denver Public Schools’ trusted before- and after-school care programming, offered at many elementary schools across the district to provide students with a consistent, safe, and supportive environment every day.

Designed to align with the school-day experience, Discovery Link reinforces academic growth, encourages creativity, and builds social-emotional skills in a setting that is an extension of their learning environment.

For schools with Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs, Little Links, our care option for 3- and 4-year-olds, offers developmentally appropriate activities and routines that support school readiness and belonging from the very beginning. From preschool through 5th grade, students can count on Discovery Link and Little Links to provide a strong foundation of care, connection, and community throughout their elementary years.

Enrichment & ELCSports Programs
Offered throughout the year, our Enrichment & ELCSports Programs give students the chance to explore new interests, build skills, and grow their confidence, and all right on their school campus.

Students can choose from a wide variety of enrichment classes, including STEM, music, dance, martial arts, cooking, coding, visual arts, and more. These hands-on experiences are designed to spark creativity, support academic growth, and encourage students to pursue their passions in a fun, low-pressure setting.

We’re also proud to offer ELCSports: our growing athletics program that provides structured, school-based sports leagues and physical activity opportunities for upper elementary school students. ELCSports focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and sportsmanship through seasonal offerings like soccer, basketball, flag football, and volleyball.

Out-of-School Time (OST) / Break Camps
During school breaks and summer months, our full-day camps deliver hands-on activities, exciting field trips, community partnerships, and social experiences that keep students engaged, supported, and inspired year-round.