When the school bell rings and kids in Staten Island shift into afterschool mode, they have a lot of pent-up energy to work off. As a parent, you would probably rather your child not waste that energy at home playing mindless video games, but rather on enrichment programs and afterschool activities. Kids can greatly benefit from extracurricular programs mentally, physically, socially and even emotionally. Staten Island parents have some of the best afterschool programs to choose from. Kids in Staten Island can sign up for sports programs, tutoring classes, dance classes, music and art programs, theater programs, gymnastics, skating classes and more. Check out ten of our favorites below!
The 10 Best Afterschool Activities and Programs for Kids in Staten Island
Art Lab
1000 Richmond Terrace
718-447-8667
artlabsi.com
Art Lab is a non-profit art school located on the beautiful grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. They offer fine art, applied art, and photography classes during the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. Classes are available for children, teens, and adults, starting at age 3. In Art Lab’s afterschool art classes, children and teens learn from professional teaching artists while enjoying the tradition of creative art making in a studio environment. Afterschool art classes regularly meet once or twice a week for 10 or 8 weeks each semester, depending on the class. In a typical afterschool art class children make art in various media such as drawing, painting, collaging, and sculpting. Projects include cultural and artist inspired lessons. Wearing a smock or old clothing is recommended. Materials included with cost and classes are available all year round.
Center Stage Dance Company
10 Akron St.
718-982-9226
centerstagedancecoltd.org
Center Stage Dance Company opened in 2013 with the goal of educating and embracing all children into the sacred dance space where young dancers can strengthen their technique and grow as artists. A strong focus is placed on high quality dance instruction as well as an emphasis on inclusivity. Regardless of the age or experience level of your dancer, they will feel strong, accepted, accomplished and talented! A variety of classes are offered in different genres of dance for different age groups, ages 2 to adult. Center Stage is the home of a nationally recognized, award-winning competitive team, along with a plethora of recreational classes. Providing a safe environment for dancers to experience both high-quality dance education and memories to last a lifetime is a priority. Children learn what the value of community in dance truly means, and spirit and good sportsmanship are promoted throughout all programs. Center Stage students have performed in various venues across the country. This summer, the dance company is expanding to two newly renovated, state-of-the-art dance studios, providing even more space and more classes for all dancers, old and new. Interested in trying a class? New dancers receive their first class free.
DEA Music & Art
1409 Richmond Ave.
1481 Hylan Blvd.
57 Page Ave.
718-370-7733
DEAMusicandart.com
With a welcoming and vibrant community, learning at DEA Music & Art School is an experience like no other. Students take home their skill set from music or arts lessons but also memorable experiences that will last forever! DEA offers many programs including specific instruments and musical theater classes for those who want it all rolled into one. DEA offers opportunities for students of all ages to get involved in creative endeavors they are passionate about. DEA has a strong commitment to the local community and provides outreach programs to schools and organizations that may not have the resources to offer their own arts programming. DEA offers a wide range of programs in music, visual and performing arts all taught by professional musicians and creators. All students perform in the Annual Christmas Show at Radio City. Top Students perform at Carnegie Hall. Get started with a free trial class.
FasTracKids
1409 Richmond Ave., Willowbrook
1461 Hylan Blvd., Grasmere
347-983-2229
ftkny.com
FasTracKids has been offering award winning enrichment programs on Staten Island for the past 20 years, ranging from preschool to homeschooling help, tutoring and test prep, utilizing the world class Eye Level Individualized learning and mastery program. Also offering chess and STEAM classes as well as TACHS and SHSAT help. FTK believes that every child has their own special gift or talent, and with the proper instruction and reinforcement, every child can achieve their true gifted potential. FTK provides fun, interactive learning programs while infusing a love of learning in children through preschool, elementary school and all the way up to middle school. The Staten Island center is the top franchise in the United States and its teachers and administration have been recognized worldwide as being leaders in supplemental education for children.
Music And Method
15 Athena Place
917-715-6865, [email protected]
musicandmethod.com
Music And Method started in 2002 with a vision to make music learning a fun, engaging and inclusive experience, whether you are a child by age or child at heart. The holistic learning system explores five areas of study: technique, music theory, sight-reading, repertoire and performance. In addition to music education, students learn to express creativity, while developing organization and confidence in life. Today, Music And Method offers the very best in music education, including piano, guitar, violin and voice, and most importantly, inspires people to connect with music. Not only do students achieve their music goals, Music And Method reaches out to the local community by sharing performances several times a year. Choose from private individualized lessons, as well as group sessions to promote peer learning and music collaboration.
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. Aspiring athletes at all skill levels can stay active while developing a healthy mentality towards success in the JCC’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and aquatics programs. Kids can express themselves and explore their creative sides in music, art, and dance 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 of all ages together for special activities outside of the classroom. The JCC also offers afterschool programs for kids and teens with special needs, as well as inclusion opportunities for those who would benefit from them. Afterschool programs like those available at the JCC empower kids to learn and grow together in a supportive community.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
3080 Arthur Kill Road
718-948-4800
thepavilion.org
The Staten Island Skating Pavilion is a year-round indoor ice-skating facility that has been serving the Staten Island community for over 25 years. In the spirit of teamwork, safety and sportsmanship, SISP provides high quality programs to teach and support the sports of ice hockey, figure skating and other ice-related activities for people of all ages and abilities. The Pavilion Learn to Skate program is recognized by U.S. Figure Skating for its achievements. It’s available to beginners through advanced skaters ages 3 and up. Coaches are Learn to Skate USA & Safe Sport certified with decades of experience. Prodigy Preschool, located at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion, is a Department of Education Pre-K For All 4-year-old program. All students receive a high-quality education while also enjoying ice skating lessons as part of their curriculum.
Spotlight Theatre
358 Forest Avenue
718-207-1128
spotlighttheatresi.org
Spotlight Theatre Company, in the heart of Staten Island, fosters a growing, nurturing, and thriving arts community through the impact of live theatre. This fall, students can be a part of productions like Elf, Jr., Mean Girls, and Pirates of the Silly Seas. Enrollment is open now and all levels of experience are welcome. Join Spotlight’s Performing Arts Academy this Fall on Wednesdays, with enriching classes for all ages. Discover the Musical Theatre Workshop igniting young talents’ creativity, the Amazing Kids Theatre, Comedy and Improv class fostering humor in budding performers, and the Adult Acting course nurturing skills and passion. This exhilarating journey breathes life into stories, and ignites sparks of creativity across all ages. Spotlight encourages students to come together to create an arts community that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and live theatre, celebrating the connections it weaves among us.
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.
Where Little Minds Shine
501 Richmond Hill Road
718-689-2795
Wherelittlemindsshine.com
At Where Little Minds Shine, their mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can develop the socialization skills necessary for meaningful connections, build upon and discover new interests. They are dedicated to helping children understand culture, values, and social norms. In a small and age-appropriate group setting, Where Little Minds Shine provides opportunities for children to make friends and experience fun and exciting social learning through activities centered around art, music, dance and so much more. Their classes include children with all abilities between the ages of 4 and 12.
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