With 2016 on the near horizon, many families are starting to look ahead to winter and spring enrichment and activity classes for their children. In the run-up to the comprehensive winter classes guide we’ll publish in our next issue, we want to offer parents who like to plan early some enticing tidbits of news and information at some of the city’s favorite venues for kids’ classes. From new offerings to revamped facilities and fresh faces on staff, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Advantage QuickStart Tennis: “Coming soon: More learning, more skills, and more opportunities for tennis players as young as age 2! We’re expanding the Advantage QuickStart Tennis Winter/Spring schedule to 18 weeks, so girls and boys will have more time to play indoors while it’s cold outdoors. Children play the level of QuickStart tennis that supports their age and ability. Specially-sized racquets, smaller courts, and slower-bouncing balls make the game accessible and fun from day one.”
–Paul Fontana, Director of Advantage QuickStart Program, quickstartny.com
The Art Farm in the City: “Holiday Camp at the Art Farm in the City is coming up on December 21-23 and 28-30. The camp includes animal care, arts & crafts, cooking, live music, science projects, games, and a special event every day! We offer a half-day camp for ages 3-4 and a full-day camp for ages 4-8. Children spend time in our petting zoo learning about and caring for our animals. They also create art masterpieces, bake goodies, and sing their favorite songs to live guitar.”
–Valentina Van Hise, Director, theartfarms.org/afic
Ballet Academy East: “Ballet Academy East’s Winter-Spring Semester begins February 1 for ages 18 months and up. Along with the new semester of classes comes the annual Studio Showing Winter Performances, held February 18-20, featuring levels 4-9 of the Ballet Academy East Pre-Professional Division. The school’s younger students are encouraged to attend the performances, which are held at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, and see the exciting and inspiring opportunities that lie ahead as they move up through the BAE programs.”
–Katie Eletto, BAE Studio Manager, balletacademyeast.com
Chelsea Piers: “New for spring at the Field House at Chelsea Piers is a hip-hop dance class for children ages 3-5. This class allows students to express themselves in a creative environment. Starting with an energetic warm-up, the instructors incorporate movement games, choreography, and improvisation.”
–Debbie Gleicher, General Manager, the Field House at Chelsea Piers, chelseapiers.com/fh
CodeAdvantage: “CodeAdvantage is making coding fun for kids! Coding is the language of the future, but computer programming is much more than sitting at a computer and writing code—it involves critical thinking, creative expression, storytelling, and quite a bit of fun! In our exciting and interactive classes, your student in grades 1-8 will create 3D video games, hack Minecraft, and create their own apps and 3D animations. Best of all, kids gain valuable technology skills for the future.”
–Charu Chaturvedi, Founder, codeadvantage.org
The Coding Space: “After a successful semester working with students who built over 100 projects, we’re excited to expand the program and offer classes this winter every day at Regis High School. By holding classes Monday through Friday from 4-6pm at Regis, we now can offer much more flexible class options, in addition to our weekend and Upper West Side class times. We are looking forward to seeing all the projects created next semester!”
–Eli Kariv, Founder, thecodingspace.com
The Craft Studio: “Create your own class at the Craft Studio! We will work with you to figure out the day, time, and theme, so that everything is just to your liking. Get five or more friends to sign up with you, and your artist will craft for free all semester long! We also work with tons of private and public schools. Want the Craft Studio as a part of your school’s programming or afterschool offerings? Contact us about how we can bring our magic right to your school!”
–Lindsey Peers, Owner, craftstudionyc.com
EBL Coaching: “EBL Coaching is excited to announce that we have expanded to Westchester! The new White Plains location offers one-on-one home tutoring to students in grades pre-K-12 in reading, writing, math, study skills, and executive functioning skills. We use research-based, multi-sensory techniques that are individualized based on the needs of each student, and offer specialized instruction for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and ADHD.”
–Dr. Emily Levy, Executive Director, eblcoaching.com
Green Ivy Enrichment: “Green Ivy Enrichment will be offering cooking, art, sports, science, chess, Minecraft, and music for the winter session. Some old favorites and some new all-stars will be joining the line-up! We will be offering Vacation Camps at both our FiDi and BPC locations. Check out our website for current and upcoming classes and events!”
–Jana Mulholland, Enrichment Coordinator, greenivyenrichment.com
Gymtime Rhythm and Glues: “Children will learn the basic elements of CrossFit movements in Gymtime’s newest program, Fitness Warriors. The exercises are suitable for any child between the ages of 3-6.11. A variety of conditioning activities and games will be introduced to children, designed to improve coordination and strength as well as boost social skills and self-esteem. Our program has a balanced approach that will ensure proper form and technique, while serving as the foundation of your child’s future fitness routines.”
-Chris Vollaro and Andrew Parra, Program Coordinators of Fitness Warriors, gymtime.net
Jazz at Lincoln Center: “Jazz at Lincoln Center’s popular early childhood education program, WeBop, continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary with expansion to Harlem. Beginning in February, WeBop, an interactive jazz class for children ages 8 months to 5 years, will be offered at the Harlem School of the Arts. For the winter 2016 WeBop term, participants at Harlem School of the Arts and Jazz at Lincoln Center ¬will explore the “Jazz Family” including the lively personalities and swingin’ music of jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.”
–Christina Riley, Public Relations Associate, jazz.org/webop
JCC Manhattan: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, so let us help you find your village! Join other parents for the ‘Everything from A to ZZZs’ parents’ talk—a weekly drop-in group (children welcome) featuring experts on topics of interest, where parents can socialize and connect with others. Upcoming experts include: A certified sleep consultant, a home organization specialist, and a professional photographer. Parents can attend individual Mondays, or the whole season!”
–Tali Finkelstein, Marketing Manager, jccmanhattan.org/parenting
Jodi’s Gym: “Get fit Ninja-style at Jodi’s Gym! Children will navigate challenging obstacle courses of climbing, swinging, balancing, and jumping that will improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, core strength, agility, and overall athleticism. Tumbling skills such as rolls, handstands, and cartwheels will be taught in this high-energy class.”
–Jodi Levine, Founder, jodisgym.com
Karma Kids Yoga: “Karma Kids Yoga now offers Sleep Over and Sleep Under Yoga Birthday Parties! Sleep Over is a 14-hour celebration with yoga, games, dancing, glow-hooping, movies, food, activities, crafts, sleep, a bagel breakfast, and more! For those not ready for staying over night, Sleep Under is a three-hour PJ party that includes most of the same without the sleeping over. Our staff is experienced and trained to ensure that the kids have a blast!”
–Shari Vilchez-Blatt, Founder and Director, karmakidsyoga.com
Kids at Art: “We’re excited to welcome James Lonsdale to our teaching staff. In addition to teaching our children’s art classes, James will be leading our new Adult Paint Night, which will be starting in December. James hails from Manchester, UK, where he taught high school art, and we’re glad to have him in NYC. James provides a disciplined and positive learning environment where pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to maximize their potential creativity!”
–Wendy Miller, Founder, kidsatartnyc.com
Kids in Sports: “Kids in Sports is excited to announce the addition of a ‘strictly basketball’ class on the Upper East Side. In addition to our many multi-sport classes for children ages 12 months through 6 years, we have decided to also include a class that will focus only on basketball throughout the season. We know this will be a great addition to our program and are excited for class to begin in January!”
–Allie Knapp, Office Manager, kidsinsports.com
La Scuola D’Italia: “La Scuola d’Italia has acquired a 14-floor, 102,000-square-ft building at 432 West 58th Street from the Mount Sinai Health System to consolidate its two locations into one. This enables the school to expand from 300 to as many as 700 students from nursery and pre-K through 12 and to serve year-round as a cultural and adult education center. The school currently occupies two separate facilities which will be consolidated into the new building in September 2016, following renovations to the building, including the creation of 28 flexible-use classrooms, a full gymnasium, an ultra-modern 220 seat auditorium, media center, library, exhibit space, specialized labs, performance and art studios, nursery facilities, an outdoor garden, and exceptional dining facilities for students and for culinary arts instruction.”
–Carlo Mantica, Chief Operating Officer, lascuoladitalia.org
The Language Workshop for Children: “The Language Workshop for Children is pleased to announce a brand new consulting and training service for foreign language caregivers: Language Nannies. A great nanny understands how unique your child is, and so does this company. They draw on their years of experience in recruiting and training native speaking teachers from around the globe to help you find the perfect nanny, or, if you are currently employing a native speaking nanny, they will work with him or her to fine-tune her ability to teach a second language.”
–François Thibaut, Director, oursmallworldconnect.com & languagenannies.com
Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center: “We have two new classes at Kaufman Music Center’s Lucy Moses School this year: Broadway Glee Club (for ages 10 and up) and Hip Hop Dance (for ages 8-11). The Broadway Glee Club teaches choreography, character development, and vocal skills while students are part of a fun, high-energy ensemble. And the Hip Hop Dance class incorporates body isolations and teaches rhythm, musicality, and coordination. Registration is open now for the winter/spring term.”
–Scott Taylor, Young People’s Division Manager, kaufmanmusiccenter.org/lms
MAGIC Activity Center: “New at MAGIC Activity Center is Baby Gym for the Tummy Set (for ages 2-6 months). Winter is cold and gray and cabin fever affects mom and baby alike. MAGIC’s colorful little gym is the perfect environment for your baby to begin to explore movement. Classes promote awareness, with emphasis on tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation. There is a tummy time component to each class (winter semester classes run January 4 through April 8) as well as exercises to cultivate the parent/caregiver bond.”
–Julie Wolf, Director, magicactivitycenter.com
Mathnasium of Manhattan: “Mathnasium of Manhattan has just opened its fourth Mathnasium Learning Center! It’s the second Upper West Side location and it’s located at 144 West 72nd Street (2nd floor) between Columbus and Broadway. Mathnasium is now more conveniently serving the families who live in the west 70s and below. Veteran Educational Director, Tim Swain, is overseeing the operation of both UWS locations and will be supported by our fantastic team of Assistant Directors and Instructors.”
–Tammy Goldberg, Owner/CEO, mathnasium.com
Moosiki Kids: “Moosiki Kids—a music class for babies, toddlers, and their grownups—has a new album and new locations! ‘Moosiki Kids Too,’ the second album from Moosiki Kids founder Laura Nupponen, is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and more! Also, Moosiki Kids classes have moved to new locations on the UES—you can now find Moosiki Kids at the UES Gymboree (on 1st Avenue and 84th Street) and at the UES 16 Handles (on 1st Avenue and 64th Street).”
–Laura Nupponen, Founder, moosikikids.com
Planet Han: “Planet Han is now on the Upper East Side! After five years having fun teaching Chinese to our students on the Upper West Side, Planet Han is now also on the Upper East Side! Our new facility offers all kinds of classes children will love to take; Preschool Alternatives, Mommy-Me, Core Language, Cooking, Science, Music, Art and many more—all in Mandarin! We offer free trials and accept on-going registration.”
–Irene Coeny, Director, planethanchinese.com
SciTech Kids: “SciTech Kids is expanding its workshops to include the latest 3D printing options. Have you ever dreamed in 3D? Children can now 3D-print food, such as icing, sugar, or Nutella! The 3Doodler pen allows you to draw in the air by extruding a heated, plastic filament and create anything you can think of, such as an architectural model or jewelry. The possibilities are endless.”
–Kim Magloire, Founder and President, sci-techkids.com
Sutton Place Synagogue: “Sutton Place Synagogue is thrilled to announce that the Sutton Place Family Center is opening in January 2016! Registration is currently open for the following partner programs for children ages 1-5: Super Soccer Stars, Manhattan Tennis Company, and Taste Buds Kitchen. Infant-child CPR and pre-natal yoga will begin registering soon. These programs are open to the community. We look forward to our expanded opening this spring and are planning an exciting event to launch it!”
–Paige Corbet, Family Center Director, spsnyc.org/familycenter
TADA! Youth Theater: “To celebrate our 30th anniversary of singing, dancing and acting in NYC, TADA! decided to get a brand new stunning look to bring even more kids the joys of Musical Theater! You will slowly see our transformation throughout the year. Check out our new flag, new emails, new postcards, and much more! See an original musical, take a class, or attend a camp today!”
–Kaila MacKenzie, Director of Marketing, tadatheater.com
TLB Music: “Our newest and fastest-growing program is our language immersion music program! In addition to our early childhood development music classes, we now offer group music classes in Spanish and French for children ages 6 months to 5 years. All are welcome, from beginners to native speakers! In class, we sing, play instruments like maracas and drums, and learn language through creative play. Classes are taught by a native speaker and accompanied by a professional pianist.”
–Carina Zimmerman, Co-Founder, tlbmusic.com
Zaniac Learning: “If you think urban planning, structural design, and the study of landmarks is just for adults, guess again. In Game-Based Learning: Architectural Design, students design structures, cities, and towns using Minecraft while learning about key math and science concepts related to city planning. Explore cities near and far using Google Maps, interact with urban planning and architecture, and build 3D CAD designs. Delve into design elements and learn first-hand about cities, only at Zaniac.”
–Camilla Gazal, Co-Owner of Zaniac Westport, Zaniac Greenwich, and Zaniac Upper East Side, zaniaclearning.com
