Good News Clubs in Manatee and Sarasota Counties
Good News Clubs are free after-school programs that take place in public schools in our community. In this environment, kids play games, learn Scripture, and hear engaging Bible lessons to deepen their understanding of God's love for them.
Good News Club 2026-27
If your school is not yet linked, sign up HERE to get early notification of upcoming
Good News Clubs in the 2026-27 School Year!
The following schools either had Good News Club on their campus
during the 2025-2026 school year or are being added for this school year.
Good News Club registration is open for 2026-2027 when a School shows linked.
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Ballard Elementary (unlikely to meet in 2026-2027)
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Emma Booker Elementary- pending school approval
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Englewood Elementary - not currently meeting
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Foundations Academy - pending volunteer team
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Garden Elementary (Capped at the first 30 students registered) - pending school approval
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Lake Manatee K-8 (K-4th Grade Only; 5th and 6th Graders go to our JYC page)
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Lamarque Elementary (North Port) - pending school approval
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Palmetto Boys and Girls Club
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Parrish Charter Academy
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Rowlett Elementary - pending school approval
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Sea Breeze Elementary
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Stewart Elementary- pending school approval
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Taylor Ranch Elementary- pending school approval
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Wilkinson Elementary- pending school approval
Don't See Your School?
Contact our office to see how to get a Good News Club at your child's school!
941-218-1808
What we teach in Good News Club?
Each week an exciting Bible lesson using colorful materials from CEF Press is presented, as well as Scripture memory, songs, games, and much more. Small groups may even be formed, allowing students to get to know their teachers better and interact with their group in a more relational setting.
Each club includes a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust the Lord Jesus as Savior. Every club also includes strong discipleship training to build character and strengthen moral and spiritual growth. Children are also encouraged to attend a local church if they are not doing so already.
Can we teach the Gospel in public school?
Yes! The Gospel has been taught freely in public schools all over the world for some time. Now children in the U.S. have that opportunity, too! In 2001 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Clubs v. Milford Central School that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools in the United States after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. Children can attend Good News Club only with their parents’ permission.
Christians who are motivated by the Gospel and have a love for God's children work together by volunteering their time and energy to teach Good News Club. Volunteers are trained by Child Evangelism Fellowship to have a club that is exciting and informative so that children will want to keep attending.
Teachers are asked to sign the CEF Statement of Faith and agree to abide by the policies of the organization. Adults working with the program are screened according to our Child Protection Policy. In the United States, there is a movement among churches to adopt a public school Good News Club by sponsoring the club and sending their own church members to teach.