The best academic summer camps NYC kids love

Chess NYC camp offers “Fun & Training Camps” where campers motivate chess players through fun, practice, and lots of learning. They welcome kids with all experience levels. The camp offers full-day options that include activities such as outdoor fun, water play, and sports. Kids will play chess for at least three hours during the eight-hour camp days and are sure to end their summer as mini chess pros.

Locations: Upper East Side, SoHo, and Williamsburg
Contact: 212-475-8130, info@chessnyc.com 
Price: About $2,000 for an unlimited summer pass
Ages: 4-14

It doesn’t matter what subject your kid wants to study, FasTracKids has it. The STE(A)M adventure camp includes science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The downside of summer vacation is that kids will lose one to three months of reading and math skills. The motivation behind the FasTracKids camp is to ensure that campers will retain the information they learned during school by attending one of the summer enrichment camps. Plus, it’s a blast (maybe even more fun than school!). Sign up by April 1 to receive a 10% discount!

Location: Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Contact: 347-983-2229
Price: Starting at $100
Ages: 2-14

Bienvenue to a wonderful immersive language experience! If you want your child to improve their French skills or begin to learn French, this camp is for you. Toddlers, kids, and teens will have the chance to learn from native-speaking teachers for an entire summer. The camp runs from June 19 to September 1 and provides different experiences depending on your child’s age and French educational level. This summer’s theme is Artiste, letting kids unleash their inner artists.

Location: Manhattan and Montclair
Contact: membership@fiaf.org
Price: Price varies
Ages: 1-18

If your kid isn’t gung-ho about the idea of studying or reading during summer break, they might jump at the idea of learning how to play the guitar! New York City has its very own guitar school where kids can attend the Ultimate Rock Band Summer Program. Two-week sessions are available beginning July 5 and ending August 11. Kids are split up into one of three groups: Rock Band 101, Rock Band, or Rock Band & Recording. Get ready to rock. 

Location: 251 West 30th St. 7th Floor New York, NY 10001
Contact: 646-485-7244, info@nycguitarschool.com
Price: Starting at $1,200
Ages: 8-17

Girls Rise Up believes that your kids don’t need to choose between science and the arts. The summer camp gives female and female-identifying kids the opportunity to take dance classes, learn how to code, and explore ways to combine creativity and technology in a unique dance performance. During the three weeks, girls will dive into robotics, create choreography, and make friends either in person or virtually. The program is completely free to all camps who are accepted. The application deadline is April 30.

Location: Manhattan and Brooklyn
Contact: GRU2023@stemfromdance.org 
Price: Free
Ages: 8-18

Manhattan School of Music is bringing music to your kids’ summers. Campers can choose their specific camp based on their musical interests. Students can attend the Musical Theatre camp from July 5 to July 28. Instrumental jazz and classical are being offered from July 10 to July 28, and composition is offered from July 10 to 28 as well. The audition requirements depend on the program and are outlined on their website. Please note that the camp is requiring proof of vaccination for all students.

Location: 130 Claremont Avenue, New York, New York 10027
Contact: 917-493-4475, msmsummer@msmnyc.edu
Price: Starting at $3,000
Ages: 8-17

It’s not every day that students have the chance to learn Mandarin in an immersion program. What’s even better is the camp accepts kids as young as two to explore the Chinese language and its culture. The six-week summer program offers flexible scheduling to offer multiple options for families. The campers will receive a stimulating education through three of the most popular Chinese festivals: the Dragon Boat festival, originally regarded as a traditional medical and health festival; the Mid-autumn festival, a celebration of autumn harvests and the appreciation of the moon; and the Lunar New Year!

Location: 40 Rector Street, New York, NY 10006
Contact: 212-744-8181
Price: Starting at $650
Ages: 2-15

This nationwide camp has a location in New York City that offers daily, in-person instruction from 9am to 3:30pm. Fifth through 10th graders participate in three daily rounds of debate with other kids. It’s the perfect way for your child to master public speaking and boost their confidence. The program is open to kids at all levels, which means if your kid has never engaged in a debate (aside from maybe debating with their parents for more screen time), they’re welcome to join!

Location: The Hewitt School 45 East 75th St. New York, NY
Contact: info@debatecamp.com
Price: Starting at $590
Grades: 5-10