Amy Morales admits she's not a big fan of math. The fourth-grader at Riverside Elementary School said she'd rather spend time writing in her journal or reading a book.

But thanks to an after-school program at her school, Amy, 9, said she's learning that math can be ``fun.''

``Now I understand it better, and I kind of like it,'' she said.

Amy is one of 300 kids registered in the Heat Academy, an after-school program for students of the Riverside Community, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Jessie J. McCrary Jr. elementary schools.

The free program, sponsored by the Miami Heat, Carnival Cruise Lines and BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, helps kids who have scored low on the FCAT with reading, math, writing and science.

But not all after-school programs focus on academics. From ballet to guitar lessons, students can be picky about what they want to do once the final school bell rings.

The students at Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School, for instance, can tackle drama, soccer, cheerleading, photography -- even rock climbing -- in after-school ``clubs.''

``I think in order for them to be well-rounded, they need alternative outlets and the clubs give them that,'' said Kim Wood, of West Kendall, whose children Taylor and Victoria take drama and dance at Bossard Elementary.

Another plus: ``It's good, money-wise,'' Wood said. ``I can't spend hundreds of dollars, and I'm happy that the clubs are affordable and taught by wonderful teachers and volunteers.''

The Miami-Dade School Board offers after-school programs in 210 schools (see sacc.dadeschools.net for a complete list).

At the Heat Academy, students meet from 3:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday during the school year. Unlike a normal classroom setting, teachers and volunteers can offer individualized attention and help kids with their homework. Students are rewarded for studying hard. Once a week, they have a chance to play educational games on computers and TV, plus they have pizza parties, meet Miami Heat players and sometimes get free tickets to Heatgames.

Riverside Elementary School Principal Sharon López, said she feels lucky to have the program at the school.

``It helps improve self-esteem because they know they are becoming more successful,'' she said.

Here are some other after-school programs:

• Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation: For children ages 6-14; from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; $20 and up. Transportation is available from school to after-school programs. For more information, go to www.miamidade.gov/parks.

Activities include homework help, arts and crafts and exercises. The county also operates an extensive sports program that includes flag football, basketball, fencing, track and field, tennis, softball and soccer.

There are free programs for children and young adults with disabilities offering cultural arts, fitness, literacy and other activities for ages 6-21 at Camp Matecumbe, Tamiami, Westwind Lakes, Greynolds, Coral Estates and Goulds.

The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami, focuses on music, dance, theater and visual arts.

At the Raices Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, 5510 SW 94 Ct., Miami, children learn about dance, puppetry, music and arts and crafts.

• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Miami-Dade: 2 to 7 p.m.; www.bgcmia.org/programs.

Activities include homework assistance, computer academic enhancement, academic and behavioral monitoring, arts and crafts, dance, a game room and outdoor activities.

• The Surf Bal Bay Police Athletic League: 3-7 p.m. at Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor Elementary School, 1155 93 St., Bay Harbor Islands; $150 and up per term; 786-273-6825, or e-mail jandrade@surfbalbaypal.org.

The program, for children who live in Surfside, Bal Harbor and Bay Harbor Islands, features sports, chess, yoga, flag football, tutoring, guitar, swimming and other activities.

• Tiger and Dragon Kenpo Karate: For first- to fifth-graders from 2 to 6:30 p.m.; $25 per week; 15560 SW 72nd St.; 305-752-0042; www.tigerdragonmiami.com.

Aside from learning karate, the students do homework and play games. The center accepts government assistance.

• YMCA of Greater Miami: 2:45 to 6 p.m.; $40 per week, but financial assistance is available. Call 305-357-6622, or visit http://tinyurl.com/yb7v5ho for locations.

The programs feature homework help, snacks and activities.

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