
Leading national before- and after-school care provider supports families through partnerships with more than 1,150 schools across the country.


Key takeaways



For the 2026–27 school year, Champions is launching new

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwalignc">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Leading national before- and after-school care provider supports families through partnerships with more than 1,150 schools across the country.</i>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Key takeaways

</p><ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
For the 2026–27 school year, Champions is launching new partnerships with school districts including Cupertino Union School District (California), Decatur School District 61 (Illinois), Iowa City School District (Iowa), and Spotsylvania County Public Schools (Virginia), expanding access to high-quality afterschool programs for working families.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions partners with elementary and middle schools to provide safe, supervised before- and after-school as well as school break programs.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions works with state agencies, federal programs, employers, and schools to help eligible families access child care tuition assistance and other affordability resources.

</li>
</ul><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As families across the country enjoy the last bit of summer, teachers and staff are hard at work preparing for a new school year, and that includes teachers at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Champions&amp;index=1&amp;md5=a00ed48619bd58dbe878a8e82ab0ff0c" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Champions</b></a>, one of the nation&#39;s leading providers of before- and after-school programs nationwide.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This school year Champions will welcome several new schools and school districts to their programs, including Cupertino Union School District in California, Decatur School District 61 in Illinois, Iowa City School District in Iowa, and Spotsylvania County Public Schools in Pennsylvania.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions partners with more than 1,150 elementary and middle schools nationwide to provide before-school and after-school care, and school break programs to students ages 5-12. They offer children a safe space to learn, discover and spend time with their peers outside of regular school hours. Champions programs are designed to complement the learning that happens during the school day through their hands-on activities, while also giving children a chance to work on homework and play with their friends.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"Every school year brings new opportunities to support children and families. Through our partnerships with school districts across the country, Champions helps ensure students have a safe, engaging place to learn, grow and connect beyond the school day, while giving parents the confidence that their children are supported when school is not in session," said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions. "We&#39;re proud to work alongside educators and district leaders to meet the evolving needs of families in the communities we serve."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"We are excited to partner with Champions to expand opportunities for our students and families," said Jennifer K. Turner, executive director of Elementary Education for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. "This collaboration supports our commitment to providing safe, enriching environments and helps meet the diverse needs of our parents and community."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
&#34;Fontana Unified School District is extremely pleased with our partnership with Champions and the extended learning opportunities they offer all of our Transitional Kindergarten students before- and after-school," said Maria A. Garces, assistant director, Early Education Department for Fontana Unified School District. "What started as a small partnership has now grown to all elementary schools that offer Transitional Kindergarten. The Champions team works collaboratively with the Early Education Department to offer a high-quality Transitional Kindergarten program. Champions&#39; staff is professional, caring, and wonderful to work with, and the service they provide is a tremendous benefit to our young learners and their families.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions programs are conveniently located within the schools they support and offer flexible schedules to support families’ individual needs. Champions also works with a variety of state and federal agencies, as well as employers, to help families access<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </b><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2Flanding-pages%2Fchildcare-tuition-support%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=tuition+assistance+for+their+program&amp;index=2&amp;md5=fc16a5df08ddd36988cefe50e184a751" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">tuition assistance for their program</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions is part of the KinderCare Learning Companies, a nationwide provider of early childhood education and care and in addition to providing before- and after-school programs, Champions is able to offer support to teachers through a <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kindercare.com%2Femployee-benefits%2Fschool-district-tuition-benefits%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=tuition+benefit&amp;index=3&amp;md5=67947208c03c154a7f01825f5113be43" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">tuition benefit</b></a> of 10% off child care at any KinderCare Learning Center.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Families can learn about the Champions before- and after-school programs in their area online at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=discoverchampions.com&amp;index=4&amp;md5=d20c316e3e1d49d36d018838ed48ad51" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">discoverchampions.com</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Champions<sup xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#xAE;</sup></b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As a leading provider of before- and after-school learning and school break programs, Champions, part of the <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kc-learning.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=KinderCare+Learning+Companies&amp;index=5&amp;md5=85ef15679794a0f95d08b0226517a08a" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">KinderCare Learning Companies</b></a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KLC">KLC</a>) family of brands, serves children on school grounds at local elementary schools around the country. Champions offers kids fun activities in a challenging environment, giving parents peace of mind, and administrators a dedicated partner in delivering high-quality education. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=DiscoverChampions&amp;index=6&amp;md5=42bf0ef52bdc784adcb863251bed2ce9" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">DiscoverChampions</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260728062788r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260728062788/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260728062788/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Investor Relations 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:investors@kindercare.com" shape="rect">investors@kindercare.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Media Relations 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:media@kindercare.com" shape="rect">media@kindercare.com</a>

</p>

Champions and School Districts Partner for a Strong 2026-27 School Year

Champions expands district partnerships for 2026–27, boosting KLC's after-school reach

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Leading national before- and after-school care provider supports families through partnerships with more than 1,150 schools across the country.


Key takeaways



For the 2026–27 school year, Champions is launching new</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Champions, the after-school unit of KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC), announced four new district partnerships for 2026‑27: Cupertino Union (CA), Decatur 61 (IL), Iowa City (IA), and Spotsylvania County (VA). The expansions broaden access to safe, supervised care and tuition assistance programs, potentially boosting enrollment and recurring revenue for KLC.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Champions expands to four new districts for 2026–27.</li><li>Cupertino CA, Decatur IL, Iowa City IA, Spotsylvania VA added.</li><li>Champions offers before/after-school and break programs at 1,150+ schools.</li><li>Tuition assistance and a 10% KinderCare discount support demand.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC)</strong>: Parent company; expansion of Champions could boost Champions&#039; revenue and profitability.</li><li><strong>Champions (N/A)</strong>: Brand within KinderCare; expansion may drive enrollments and utilization.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News; reflects strategic expansion in after-school care, aligning with demand tailwinds and cross-brand tuition benefits.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Four district partnerships added for 2026‑27 may lift enrollment signals.</li><li>New partnerships span CA, IL, IA, and VA, expanding geographic exposure.</li><li>Tuition assistance and 10% KinderCare discount could lift demand.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Champions serves 1,150+ elementary and middle schools nationwide.</li><li>New districts for 2026‑27: Cupertino Union (CA), Decatur 61 (IL), Iowa City (IA), Spotsylvania County (VA).</li><li>Programs cover before- and after-school and school breaks for ages 5–12.</li><li>KinderCare offers 10% tuition benefit; supports families via tuition assistance.</li><li>Champions is a brand within KinderCare Learning Companies, NYSE: KLC.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish over the next 6–12 months on higher enrollment and recurring revenue from new partnerships.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwalignc">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Leading national before- and after-school care provider supports families through partnerships with more than 1,150 schools across the country.</i>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Key takeaways

</p><ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
For the 2026–27 school year, Champions is launching new partnerships with school districts including Cupertino Union School District (California), Decatur School District 61 (Illinois), Iowa City School District (Iowa), and Spotsylvania County Public Schools (Virginia), expanding access to high-quality afterschool programs for working families.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions partners with elementary and middle schools to provide safe, supervised before- and after-school as well as school break programs.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions works with state agencies, federal programs, employers, and schools to help eligible families access child care tuition assistance and other affordability resources.

</li>
</ul><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As families across the country enjoy the last bit of summer, teachers and staff are hard at work preparing for a new school year, and that includes teachers at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Champions&amp;index=1&amp;md5=a00ed48619bd58dbe878a8e82ab0ff0c" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Champions</b></a>, one of the nation&#39;s leading providers of before- and after-school programs nationwide.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This school year Champions will welcome several new schools and school districts to their programs, including Cupertino Union School District in California, Decatur School District 61 in Illinois, Iowa City School District in Iowa, and Spotsylvania County Public Schools in Pennsylvania.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions partners with more than 1,150 elementary and middle schools nationwide to provide before-school and after-school care, and school break programs to students ages 5-12. They offer children a safe space to learn, discover and spend time with their peers outside of regular school hours. Champions programs are designed to complement the learning that happens during the school day through their hands-on activities, while also giving children a chance to work on homework and play with their friends.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"Every school year brings new opportunities to support children and families. Through our partnerships with school districts across the country, Champions helps ensure students have a safe, engaging place to learn, grow and connect beyond the school day, while giving parents the confidence that their children are supported when school is not in session," said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions. "We&#39;re proud to work alongside educators and district leaders to meet the evolving needs of families in the communities we serve."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"We are excited to partner with Champions to expand opportunities for our students and families," said Jennifer K. Turner, executive director of Elementary Education for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. "This collaboration supports our commitment to providing safe, enriching environments and helps meet the diverse needs of our parents and community."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
&#34;Fontana Unified School District is extremely pleased with our partnership with Champions and the extended learning opportunities they offer all of our Transitional Kindergarten students before- and after-school," said Maria A. Garces, assistant director, Early Education Department for Fontana Unified School District. "What started as a small partnership has now grown to all elementary schools that offer Transitional Kindergarten. The Champions team works collaboratively with the Early Education Department to offer a high-quality Transitional Kindergarten program. Champions&#39; staff is professional, caring, and wonderful to work with, and the service they provide is a tremendous benefit to our young learners and their families.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions programs are conveniently located within the schools they support and offer flexible schedules to support families’ individual needs. Champions also works with a variety of state and federal agencies, as well as employers, to help families access<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </b><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2Flanding-pages%2Fchildcare-tuition-support%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=tuition+assistance+for+their+program&amp;index=2&amp;md5=fc16a5df08ddd36988cefe50e184a751" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">tuition assistance for their program</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Champions is part of the KinderCare Learning Companies, a nationwide provider of early childhood education and care and in addition to providing before- and after-school programs, Champions is able to offer support to teachers through a <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kindercare.com%2Femployee-benefits%2Fschool-district-tuition-benefits%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=tuition+benefit&amp;index=3&amp;md5=67947208c03c154a7f01825f5113be43" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">tuition benefit</b></a> of 10% off child care at any KinderCare Learning Center.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Families can learn about the Champions before- and after-school programs in their area online at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=discoverchampions.com&amp;index=4&amp;md5=d20c316e3e1d49d36d018838ed48ad51" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">discoverchampions.com</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Champions<sup xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#xAE;</sup></b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As a leading provider of before- and after-school learning and school break programs, Champions, part of the <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kc-learning.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=KinderCare+Learning+Companies&amp;index=5&amp;md5=85ef15679794a0f95d08b0226517a08a" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">KinderCare Learning Companies</b></a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KLC">KLC</a>) family of brands, serves children on school grounds at local elementary schools around the country. Champions offers kids fun activities in a challenging environment, giving parents peace of mind, and administrators a dedicated partner in delivering high-quality education. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverchampions.com%2F%3Futm_campaign%3Dcp-lg%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dpr%26utm_content%3Dbts&amp;esheet=54576681&amp;newsitemid=20260728062788&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=DiscoverChampions&amp;index=6&amp;md5=42bf0ef52bdc784adcb863251bed2ce9" shape="rect"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">DiscoverChampions</b></a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260728062788r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260728062788/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260728062788/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Investor Relations 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:investors@kindercare.com" shape="rect">investors@kindercare.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Media Relations 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:media@kindercare.com" shape="rect">media@kindercare.com</a>

</p>

Champions, the after-school unit of KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC), announced four new district partnerships for 2026‑27: Cupertino Union (CA), Decatur 61 (IL), Iowa City (IA), and Spotsylvania County (VA). The expansions broaden access to safe, supervised care and tuition assistance programs, potentially boosting enrollment and recurring revenue for KLC.

News insight

Champions and School Districts Partner for a Strong 2026-27 School Year

AI summary

Sentiment rationale

Key facts

Industry News