Measuring Success

For the past 35 years, we have served more than 8,000 youth and their families. To ensure the children we serve are future-ready, we measure:


  • Improved math and reading scores on standardized tests.
  • Improved knowledge and attitudes toward STEM
  • Improved social/emotional skills
  • Improved comfort with creative expression
  • Improved family engagement

Annually, an external evaluation firm measures the effectiveness of our programs by assessing the performance of our students. The evaluator collects a combination of quantitative and qualitative data from our school partners, students, parents, and site observations.

With help from our school partners and consent from parents we use standardized test scores to assess student performance. Our programs are making an impact.

Stay Tuned! 2025 Impact Report to be completed, Summer 2025

  • 8000+

    Students served since 1990

  • 57%

    Improved in Reading

  • 88%

    Improved Adult/Family Relationships

  • 74%

    Improved Affinity to Their School

  • 95%

    Want to Return to Our Program

OSSE Evaluation

In its most recent evaluation, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) evaluated 24 afterschool programs. OSSE analyzed data from annual assessments, surveys, and self-reported performance reports among sub-grantees for a five-year period.

The Fishing School ranked first in mathematics and second in reading and language arts; TFS ranked as the second-best program overall and was identified as a “best practice” program.

Testimonials



  • “Afterschool should feel different from school. I’m excited about a STEAM focus for our kiddos!” – Principal Jackson, John Lewis ES
  • “The program is awesome and it’s free. I’m highly pleased with the program and its curriculum. The staff is always nice and professional. Please don’t leave Leckie!” – Parent of 2nd grader, Leckie Ed. Campus
  • “Our parents love the Fishing School! We need STEM and STEAM in our school. Our kids get very little science during the school day, as hard as we try, and they don’t have anything like this afterschool.” – Jenny Anderson, Mgr. Strategy and Logistics, Leckie Ed. Campus
  • Nelson does not have a favorite lesson or activity. Instead, he said, “I like it all because it’s really, really, really, really, really, really fun! I like literally every part.”