For Keli Hurley, peace of mind comes from knowing her son Troy is not only safe after school, but thriving. At Right At School, Troy is surrounded by amazing educators and close friends that make him excited to show up each day. What started as a practical solution for aftercare quickly became something more: a supportive, reliable community that helps Troy grow and gives Keli the comfort of knowing he’s in the best possible hands.
They joined the RAS community last year at Lower Merion in Pennsylvania, and the decision to sign up was an easy one. The program was being led by the same teachers Keli and Troy already knew and loved. That familiarity made the transition seamless, but it was the consistent dedication of the staff that made RAS so special.
Every day, Troy and his favorite RAS educators sit down to work on his homework, which Keli really appreciates as a busy mom. She said their support goes far beyond what she expected from a typical aftercare program. Miss A and Miss E not only help Troy stay focused on his assignments, but they also encourage him to push himself. They keep Keli updated with Troy’s progress and overall wellbeing. Their genuine passion for what they do is displayed in the strong relationships they’ve built with every child in the program. As Keli said, “they make everyone feel like one little family.”
The RAS staff at Lower Merion is actively involved—not just during program hours, but in the broader school community.
They attend school events, make sure kids can participate regardless of pickup schedules, and come prepared every day with new activities, snacks, and games. One of the best examples of their commitment was the end-of-year Variety Show, where the students performed unique acts for one another and their families.
Although Troy is usually shy, RAS staff encouraged him and his friends to come up with a dance, one they were practicing for weeks. From the audience, Keli noticed the positive impact the staff were having on the kids. “You could see the teachers in the background doing the dance to help [the younger kids],” she said. She watched with pride as Troy and his friends danced on the stage with confidence. They were all genuinely having a blast. For Keli, the variety show was more than just a fun performance, it was proof that RAS was the right choice for her child.
Knowing that Troy is not just cared for, but truly enjoying RAS, has made all the difference for Keli. She is confident that “[He’s] being well taken care of while I’m at work,” she said. She no longer has to worry about her son’s safety or wellbeing when she’s not around. She completely trusts the RAS staff — especially Miss A and Miss E — and appreciates the open communication she shares with them. Most of all, she knows that Troy is happy, safe, and confident in an environment where he’s free to grow and just be himself.
