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
1000 Richmond Terrace
718-447-8667
artlabsi.com
Art Lab is a nonprofit art school located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center offering art classes during the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. Classes are available for children, teens, and adults, starting at age 3. Afterschool art classes are instructed by professional teaching artists in the tradition of creative art making in a studio environment 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. Wearing a smock or old clothing is recommended. Materials are included with no cost of class.
British Swim School
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.
Dance Factory
505 Sharrotts Rd.
917-525-9277, info@dancefactorynyc.com
DFGNYC.com
At Dance Factory, their mission is to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb technique-based educational programs in a family friendly atmosphere. Owned by sisters Nicole D’Agostino and Michelle Caputo, both graduates of LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, Nicole went on to receive her BFA in Dance from NYU while Michelle became a Knicks City Dancer. Knowledgeable and professionally trained, they are eager to share their talents with their community, and strive to bring forth nothing but the best Staten Island has to offer. Whether recreational or competitive dancing, Dance Factory is a home away from home for their dancers, and welcomes all who are committed to excellence.
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 2024, 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.
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 NYS math and ELA, 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.
Fenix Studios
4442 Arthur Kill Rd.
718-227-2345
fenixstudios.com
Celebrating 25 years, Fenix Studios, alongside Fenix Fitness, has a wide assortment of classes for students of all ages and walks of life. Fenix Studios offers lessons and instruction in musical instrumentation, singing, art, film, recording, songwriting, artist development, and more! In their fitness facility, Fenix Fitness, there is personal one-on-one and group training, self defense and martial arts classes, as well as nutritional support. Joining the Fenix community will help you build friendships and meet the most creative part of yourself.
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, volleyball, and aquatics programs. Kids can express themselves and explore their creative sides in music, art, dance, and drama 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.
Music and Method
15 Athena Place
917-715-6865, edmund@musicandmethod.com
musicandmethod.com
Music And Method was founded in 2002 and focuses to make 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.
Soccer Shots
718-344-3915, Statenisland@soccershots.com
statenisland.soccershots.com
Soccer Shots offers three core programs to meet the developmental needs of children ages 2 to 8, and they offer much more than just learning to play soccer. Soccer Shots aims to build character, skills and confidence while also having a whole lot of fun. They’re trusted by parents for their commitment to providing safe, engaging and positive experiences through the game of soccer. Each of their three core programs teaches the right skills at the right age so parents can explore their programs to find the perfect fit. Join the best coaches in the business on Soccer Island for age-appropriate soccer skills, character-building and fun.
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.
