While academics lay the foundation for a child’s education, the learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Afterschool programs offer valuable opportunities for kids to explore new interests, develop hidden talents, and build confidence outside the classroom. Whether it’s dance, music, theater, sports, or STEM, extracurricular activities can help children discover what truly excites them. With the new school year fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to explore the many programs available across New York City. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for after-school programs and activities—each thoughtfully designed by experienced educators to foster growth, creativity, and plenty of fun.
Art Lab
1000 Richmond Terrace
718-447-8667
artlabsi.com
Art Lab is a nonprofit art school located at Snug Harbor, offering art classes during the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. Classes are available starting at age 3. Afterschool art classes are instructed by professional teaching artists in the tradition of creative art making and regularly meet once or twice a week for 10 or 8 weeks each semester, depending on the class. In a typical after school art class children make art in various media such as drawing, painting, collaging, and sculpting. Projects include cultural and artist inspired lessons. Creative exploration is encouraged. Materials are included with no extra cost. Check out artlabsi.com or call us at 718-447-8667 for details. Wearing a smock or old clothing is recommended.
Bi’an Mandarin
347-258-9356, bianmandarin@gmail.com
Wechat ID：Bianmandarin
bianmandarin.com
Bi’an Mandarin offers an immersive, play-based Mandarin program designed to spark curiosity and build strong language foundations in young learners. Through engaging games, hands-on activities, and interactive storytelling, children learn Mandarin in a natural and joyful way. The program integrates language learning across subject areas such as music, math, art, and science, helping students expand their vocabulary in meaningful, real-life contexts. Each class is thoughtfully structured to encourage speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while keeping children actively involved. From singing songs to conducting simple science experiments, students are exposed to diverse themes and content that enrich their understanding and usage of Mandarin. Bi’an Mandarin fosters a love for language through fun and purposeful learning that goes beyond memorization.
British Swim School
LA Fitness, 3231 Richmond Ave.
LA Fitness, 1565 Forest Ave.
718-576-1870
britishswimschool.com/statenisland
British Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults. They use gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe and fun instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. They have two locations on Staten Island: at the LA Fitness Forest Ave. in the North Shore and LA Fitness Richmond Ave. in the South. There are lesson options available seven days a week, with classes as early as 2:45pm during the school week. You can enroll at any time and start the following day.
DEA Music & Art
1409 Richmond Ave.
1481 Hylan Blvd.
57 Page Ave.
718-370-7733
DEAMusicandart.com
Experience unparalleled learning at DEA Music and Art School, where students of all ages gain exceptional skills and create lifelong memories. This vibrant community explores diverse programs in music, visual arts, and performing arts, all taught by professionals. DEA students have graced prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. In 2025, the showcase choir will once again open the Rockettes’ Christmas show. There are numerous performing opportunities for every age and skill level, as well as affordable programs for all families.
JCC of Staten Island
1466 Manor Road
718-475-5200
SIJCC.org
At the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, kids enjoy their favorite activities after school. Athletes at all skill levels can stay active in the JCC’s basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, volleyball, and aquatics programs. Kids can explore their creative sides and develop new talents in music, art, dance, drama, and chess classes. In the JCC’s iTeens program, teens have fun in a safe environment and work on community service projects together. School’s Out programs bring kids together for special activities outside of the classroom. The JCC also offers afterschool programs for kids and teens with special needs, and inclusion opportunities for those who would benefit from them. The JCC’s afterschool programs empower kids to learn and grow together in a supportive community.
Master Curry
3896 Richmond Ave.
718-979-7087
mastercurry.com
Master Curry’s electrifying after-school program fuses Karate’s explosive strikes with Jujutsu’s seamless grapples to build strength, confidence, and essential life skills. Led by expert instructors, this dynamic program creates a vibrant, inclusive community where kids and teens of all levels thrive. Their cutting-edge dojo provides a safe, exhilarating environment that sharpens focus and sparks lifelong friendships. Each class combines discipline and fun, empowering students to kick, grapple, and soar while developing resilience and respect. Families praise the program for its positive impact both on and off the mat. Master Curry invites new students to embark on an epic martial arts adventure today.
Music and Method
15 Athena Place
917-715-6865, edmund@musicandmethod.com
musicandmethod.com
Music And Method was founded in 2002 and focuses on making music education fun and engaging for beginner students across Staten Island. Its holistic approach covers technique, music theory, sight-reading, repertoire, and performance, fostering creativity, organization, and confidence. Today, Music and Method continues to be dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians through offerings of private lessons and group classes that inspire peer learning and collaboration. Students excel in piano, guitar, violin, and voice, and engage the community through regular performances. Join the growing number of musicians on Staten Island who are building a sound foundation with Music And Method.
The Skate School at Staten Island Skating Pavilion
3080 Arthur Kill Road
718-948-4800
thepavilion.org
The Staten Island Skating Pavilion is where the fun glides in and the memories take off! Offering a dynamic skating program for all ages and skill levels all year round. From beginner group lessons to advanced figure skating and hockey training, their certified instructors provide expert guidance in a safe and fun environment and a rewarding experience rooted in the lifelong benefits of ice skating.The Pavilion features fun birthday parties, public skating sessions, private coaching, and seasonal camps. Whether you’re lacing up skates for the first time or fine-tuning your edge work, there’s something for everyone. This is the place to be located in Staten Island; the Pavilion is a hub for skating excellence and community fun.
Soccer Stars of Staten Island
Bloomingdale Park: Ramona Avenue &, Lenevar Ave.
Clove Lakes Park: Royal Oaks Rd. and Rice Ave.
JCC Staten Island Manor Rd., 1466 Manor Rd.
929-525-1162, statenisland@soccerstars.com
soccerstars.com/ny/statenisland
At Soccer Stars, children develop crucial soccer skills, build self-confidence, and foster teamwork. Our age-specific curriculum, crafted by child development and soccer experts, guarantees every child feels supported, regardless of their skill level. Our professional and passionate coaches use positive reinforcement and maintain a low child-to-coach ratio for personalized attention. More than just soccer, our program cultivates lasting friendships and allows children to shine both on and off the field.
Victory Gymnastics
3575 Victory Blvd.
718-983-9090
victorygymnasticscenter.com
Victory Gymnastics Center is proud to be Staten Island’s longest-running gymnastics facility. After opening their doors in 1980, they have had the pleasure of providing families of all ages with gymnastics, tumbling, parent and child programs, birthday parties, and competitive team programs. The increased strength, flexibility, and coordination athletes gain from gymnastics will carry over to their performance in various other sports. One of their primary goals has always been to help increase the self-esteem of the children who participate in their programs. This positive atmosphere gives children the confidence to participate successfully in school and athletics alike.
