Cresthaven Afterschool is CAF's signature program providing affordable, in-house enrichment programming that aligns with the "Whole Child" approach. Afterschool activities include Music, Art, and STEM instruction, as well as Martial Arts, Soccer, Yoga, and Swimming Lessons. Individualized tutoring and academic supports are available based on scholars' unique needs, and all scholars receive Homework Help and a healthy snack daily during Cresthaven Afterschool.

Research demonstrates that enrichment activities lead to increased student success, social-emotional development, and improved academic outcomes. CAF is committed to providing equitable access to programs that Cresthaven families would not be financially feasible otherwise. CAF believes that investing in meaningful enrichment opportunities will catalyze future college completion and social mobility students from communities like Plainfield do not typically achieve.

Cresthaven Afterschool also allows parents and caregivers to seek and retain full-time work, knowing that their children are safely engaged in affordable, quality programming that enriches learning and social-emotional development. 

Imagine being a young person trying to learn while hungry or worried about your family's housing situation. The Foundation provides critical aid to Cresthaven Academy families who are struggling financially through the Cresthaven Emergency Fund. This aid includes food and targeted financial support for housing, healthcare, and home goods to families with demonstrated need. Cresthaven Academy's "whole child" approach fuels the Emergency Fund's commitment to easing the burdens faced by so many Cresthaven Academy families. This support leads to happier children that can focus on learning and having fun at school. Our families know that CAF is there to support them, especially in moments of economic crisis or real hardship.

New Jersey State charter school laws do not allow schools to purchase or own properties, yet we believe that a joyful and rigorous academic environment is essential. Through Cresthaven Works, the Foundation assumes the responsibility and risk of maintaining facilities to support Cresthaven Academy's commitment to a safe and welcoming learning experience.

Cresthaven Works also provides additional support to the faculty and staff that is otherwise unavailable through public funding. This includes professional development, faculty lounge space, and classroom technology upgrades. 

Parents are delighted with CAF programming and support, and we see the undeniable opportunity to expand the impact through weekend and summer programming for Cresthaven students. Unlike families in neighboring towns, Cresthaven families typically cannot afford extracurricular opportunities such as art, sport, or summer programming. Traditional summer camp is one of the most expensive investments that families make at the cost of thousands of dollars per child. Cresthaven Beyond is a new CAF program that will provide students with opportunities for academic and extracurricular activities during the weekends and summer months. This programming will follow through with the excellent Cresthaven Afterschool experience to engage and support students while instilling confidence and pride in their families.

CAF partners with the Cresthaven Academy community to provide various wrap-around services for the scholars and families throughout the year to enhance the Cresthaven experience. The programs are designed to both elevate the sights of the children through college visits and mentoring, as well as lower the financial burden of raising a family with limited resources. 

The Whole Family experience is all about putting the children in our community at the heart of everything we do.