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Gainesville’s Best After School Program
Their school day ends. Their growth doesn’t.
After the final school bell, a whole new world of opportunities begins. At Star Martial Arts, afternoons are filled with friendships, exciting activities, martial arts, and meaningful life lessons that help your child grow on and off the mat.
THEN
NOWReal students. Real stories.
Every child deserves someone who believes in them.
From kindergarten to coach: Matthias’s story
Matthias joined the Star Martial Arts After School Program when he was in kindergarten.
At the time, making friends didn’t always come easily. He often found himself feeling like the odd one out, struggling to find his place among his peers. As the youngest of several siblings, he was also accustomed to competing for attention at home.
But over time, something began to change. Through years of encouragement, friendships, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, Matthias slowly developed his confidence. The child who once struggled to connect with others began finding his voice.
His confidence continued to grow, his academic performance improved, and he gradually became an outgoing young man who could light up a conversation. Matthias remained part of the StarMA family throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Along the way, martial arts became an important part of his life. He developed into a highly accomplished competitor, competing at the state, national, and international levels.
But his most meaningful achievement may be what happened next.
Matthias became a StarMA instructor.
Today, the same child who once struggled to find his place is helping the next generation of students build confidence, develop friendships, and discover their own potential.
Every child deserves someone who believes in them.
Our philosophy at Star Martial Arts
His journey represents what we believe at Star Martial Arts: every child deserves a chance, a place to belong, and someone who believes in them.
More than just after school
Not all afternoons are created equal.
Where your child spends their afternoons matters. Those hours can be an opportunity to build confidence, discover new interests, develop friendships, and practice skills that last a lifetime.
A typical after-school arrangement
- Daily experienceMay emphasize supervision and free time
- Physical activityOpportunities vary by program
- Character developmentMay be informal or occasional
- TransportationSchool pickup may require separate arrangements
- Teacher workdaysFamilies may need to arrange additional care
- SupervisionPractices vary by provider
- ConvenienceFamilies may coordinate multiple activities
- CommunitySocial opportunities vary
The StarMA experience
- Daily experienceStructured enrichment, activities, and positive experiences
- Physical activityMartial arts instruction twice per week, plus other active experiences
- Character developmentIntentional life skills education and reinforcement
- TransportationPickup from designated Gainesville schools
- Teacher workdaysTeacher Workday Camps included for enrolled ASP families
- SupervisionActive Supervision is a core StarMA operating standard
- ConvenienceMartial arts and after-school care in one program
- CommunityA culture centered on We Over Me, friendships, and belonging
Other programs vary. This comparison illustrates common arrangements and does not make universal claims.
We’re not just filling the hours between school and home. We’re making those hours count.
Schedule a TourA day in the life at StarMA
Every afternoon has a purpose.
From the moment school lets out until it’s time to head home, we want every child to have opportunities to learn, move, connect, and grow.
The adventure begins
School Pickup
Our transportation team picks students up from designated Gainesville-area schools and brings them to their StarMA location. Transportation procedures include established routes, assigned seats, and team communication.
Why it matters
- Convenience for working parents
- Organized transportation routines
- A smooth transition from school
Reset and recharge
Arrival and Snack
Students transition into their afternoon activities and have opportunities to recharge. Snack accounts are available, while daily snack is included with Gold membership.
Why it matters
- Transitioning from school
- Building positive routines
- Preparing for the afternoon
Fun with a purpose
Activities and Enrichment
Students take part in engaging activities, games, creative projects, and time with friends. Examples include arts and crafts, team games, themed activities, creative projects, and cooperative challenges.
Why it matters
- Creativity
- Friendships
- Cooperation
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Positive experiences
Confidence in action
Martial Arts
Our After School Program includes two martial arts classes per week. Students practice techniques while developing focus, discipline, confidence, and respect.
Why it matters
- Physical coordination
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Listening and focus
- Goal setting
- Perseverance
- Positive mentorship
Lessons that go beyond the mat
Life Skills
Our life skills curriculum includes initiative, empathy, resilience, responsibility, cooperation, respect, flexibility, honesty, and self-esteem. These skills are reinforced through martial arts, group activities, conversations, and everyday interactions.
Why it matters
- Initiative
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Responsibility
- Cooperation
- Respect
- Flexibility
- Honesty
- Self-esteem
Ending the day on a high note
Parent Pickup
Parents can pick up their children as late as 6:15 PM, so your child has a positive, engaging place to spend the afternoon and your day stays flexible.
Why it matters
- Convenience
- Flexibility for working families
Photo: parent pickup
A conceptual look at a typical afternoon. Not every activity happens every day.
The StarMA difference
We don’t just watch kids. We help them grow.
Active Supervision
Our team is expected to be actively engaged with students, not just observing from the sidelines. Never just stand there. We emphasize attentiveness, interaction, safety, and positive engagement.
Life Skills for Life
We intentionally teach and reinforce confidence, responsibility, respect, resilience, and cooperation, lessons designed to extend beyond martial arts class.
We Over Me
Our culture encourages students to think beyond themselves, with teamwork, cooperation, helping others, and a supportive community.
Memorable Experiences
We want children to look forward to their afternoons, from martial arts and creative projects to themed activities and friendships.
Find your school
We pick up. They level up.
Wondering if StarMA picks up from your child’s school? Find your school in the lists below to see which of our Gainesville locations serves your family.
West Gainesville
500 NW 60th St, Suite A
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-505-1499
westgv@mystarma.com
Schools served
- Hidden Oak Elementary
- Chiles Elementary
- Terwilliger Elementary
- Wiles Elementary
- Meadowbrook Elementary
- Littlewood Elementary
- Parker Elementary
- Frazer School
- Howard Bishop Middle School
- P.K. Yonge
North Gainesville
5000 NW 34th Blvd, Suite 5
Gainesville, FL 32605
352-672-6356
northgv@mystarma.com
Schools served
- Talbot Elementary
- Norton Elementary
- Glen Springs Elementary
- Gainesville Community Christian School
- Westwood Middle School
Don’t see your school? Contact our team to ask about transportation options. We can’t promise pickup from schools that aren’t listed.
Martial arts is included
Not just an after-school program. A head start on confidence.
Enrolled After School students receive two martial arts classes per week. Your child doesn’t need another stop on your afternoon schedule to experience the benefits of martial arts. It’s already part of their StarMA experience.
Convenience for busy families
We make afternoons easier.
School Pickup
Transportation from designated schools to the appropriate StarMA location.
Pickup Until 6:15 PM
Flexible afternoon pickup to help accommodate working families.
Teacher Workday Camps
Teacher Workday Camps are included for enrolled After School families. This applies to eligible Teacher Workday Camps, not necessarily all school holidays or vacation camps.
Less time coordinating activities. More opportunities for your child to grow.
Real experiences. Real growth.
Life at Star after school
Questions parents ask
Good to know
What ages can participate?
Our After School Program serves school-aged children. Specific school and grade eligibility can be confirmed with our team.
Does StarMA pick up from my child’s school?
We offer transportation from designated Gainesville-area schools. Check the school lists above to see which location serves your child’s school.
Is martial arts included?
Yes! Students receive two martial arts classes per week as part of the After School Program.
What time is pickup?
Families can pick up their children as late as 6:15 PM.
Are snacks included?
Daily snack is included with Gold membership. Optional snack accounts are available for other eligible students.
What happens on Teacher Workdays?
Teacher Workday Camps are included for enrolled After School families. Contact our team for details about specific dates and schedules.
Can I tour before enrolling?
Absolutely! We encourage families to schedule a tour, meet our team, and learn more about the program.
How much does the program cost?
Pricing depends on location. Please contact the appropriate location for more information: West Gainesville, 352-505-1499 or North Gainesville, 352-672-6356.
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Give them an afternoon worth looking forward to.
Discover a place where your child can build friendships, develop confidence, learn valuable life skills, and make memories that last.
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