8 Best After-School Programs in New York
After-school programs support working moms and dads while also providing children with extra school help, new areas to explore, a bit of fun and a safe environment. So whether your child is interested in getting involved in sports or needs extra help with homework, the great after-school programs of New York are certain to help. Here are the best in the state.
After School in the Park, Rochester, NY
This Rochester city program for youth in grades K-6 is located at Cobb’s Hill Park. Kids are immersed in fitness and educational and arts activities. Homework help is available and hot dinners are provided. The program runs during the entire school year.
Asphalt Green Classes, New York, NY
For ages three to 13, this nonprofit features fee-based, year-long after-school athletic youth classes and programs in Manhattan’s downtown Battery Park City and for the Upper East Side. Various programs include concentrations in soccer, baseball, tennis, and flag football, and the programs include instructional classes, recreational leagues, and some competitive teams. Skill development is featured along with building confidence and promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. The staff fosters a love of the game to encourage a lifetime of activity through sports.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Multiple locations
Boys & Girls Clubs serve tens of thousands of youth throughout the state beginning at age five. Sports, education, leadership and career development are just several of the many programs.
Mad Science of the Mid-Hudson, Goshen, NY
For families in the counties of Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess and Putnam, this program offers youngsters hands-on science projects in electricity, magnetism, optics, biology and more, with eye-opening demonstrations, discussions and the opportunity to take home projects (model rockets, periscopes) that they made in the lab.
Police Athletic League, Inc., Hempstead, NY
Plenty of after-school and weekend programs are offered through PAL programs in the state. Homework assistance, the arts, fitness and sports are part of the curriculum. One wonderful program in Hempstead, Long Island, has introduced the game of lacrosse to minority students from area grade schools.
Sylvan Learning Centers, Multiple locations
If students are interested in science and technology, a fun academic program will help them develop their minds, dreams and creativity. Sylvan Learning offers affordable and fun academic programming to students in grades K-12. Many centers are located statewide. Sylvan is known for personalized tutoring services, results-driven test prep and college prep courses.
The Family & Children’s Society, Binghamton, NY
This Binghamton organization with an additional office in Oswego provides a number of family related services, including an after-school program for at-risk students age 13 and up. The Homework Center provides students with academic support and tutoring. Life-building skills also are offered in small groups to teach conflict resolution, dealing with bullying issues, and addressing anger.
TSL Adventures, Multiple locations
TSL Adventures has opportunities for children in several districts throughout New York including Shenendehowa, East Greenbrush, Cohoes, Guilderland, Niskayuna, Troy, and Rotterdam. The main focus and mission at TSL is "the simple fun of children engaging in play, which ignites imagination and provides a healthy dividing line between the rigors of school and the pleasures of free time," according to their website. Your child will be in good hands at this wonderful program.
