Riverside Education Centers is stepping in to fill a gap left by the recent closure of two local elementary schools, opening a new program at Taylor Elementary this September.

New School Year, New Location

When Nisley and Clifton Elementary Schools closed their doors, it wasn’t just classrooms that disappeared — after-school programs vanished too. Both schools had long-running Riverside Education Centers (REC) programs, and their absence left families scrambling.

Many of those students have now been reassigned to Taylor Elementary. To keep serving them, REC is launching a fresh site there, set to begin operations in mid to late September.

The program will run Tuesday through Friday, offering free tutoring and enrichment activities aimed at helping kids keep up academically and stay engaged after school hours.

A Lifeline for Working Families

REC’s mission is simple but vital: give students academic support while providing parents peace of mind during critical after-school hours.

“We hear it constantly from our parents… they would not be able to stay at work or work those extra hours… if it weren’t for REC,” said Executive Director Jack Curry. His point was clear — for many families, the service is about survival, not convenience.

Without it, some parents might have to cut work hours, potentially affecting their ability to pay rent or buy groceries. That’s why programs like these often feel less like an optional activity and more like essential infrastructure.

Adapting to a Sudden Shift

The closure of two schools in one year is a big change for any district. For REC, it meant moving quickly to adapt. Setting up a new site isn’t just a matter of finding space — it involves hiring staff, coordinating with the school administration, and making sure the program meets the needs of both students and parents.

In this case, the needs are varied. Some students are adjusting to new teachers and classmates. Others are managing longer bus rides or earlier mornings. REC’s program aims to give them stability in at least one part of their day.

What the Taylor Program Will Offer

Parents can expect the same blend of academic help and creative activities REC is known for. Tutoring will target homework support and skill-building in math, reading, and writing. Enrichment will include art, science experiments, and hands-on projects designed to make learning fun.

Typical weekly structure:

• Tuesday & Wednesday: Core academic tutoring sessions

• Thursday: Enrichment focus — art, music, or science labs

• Friday: Group activities, collaborative projects, and community engagement events

The mix is intentional. Curry says balancing academics with creativity keeps kids motivated and helps them develop broader skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

Meeting the Community Where It’s At

Riverside Education Centers has been part of the Grand Junction area since 2006, but this expansion highlights the organization’s flexibility. Instead of letting the closures disrupt their work, they’ve simply moved to where the students are.

Curry believes this responsiveness is key to maintaining trust with families. “It’s not just about providing services; it’s about showing up when the community needs us most,” he said.

And with the economic realities many parents face, showing up isn’t optional — it’s expected.

Looking Beyond September

The Taylor Elementary program is set to run through the school year, with the possibility of expanding days or adding summer offerings if demand is high.

For now, the focus is on making sure the September launch goes smoothly. That means getting materials ready, finalizing staff assignments, and ensuring families know how to enroll.

Parents who’ve relied on REC in the past say they’re relieved to have the program available again. “I was really worried when I heard about the closures,” said one mother of two. “This makes me feel like my kids will still have the support they need.”