Classes
New York's best classes for kids including sports classes, performing arts classes, art classes, language programs and after-school, preschool and baby classes
The NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021
Update: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that school has been delayed for a second time. Read all about the new start dates. As soon as we learn more information, we'll update the school calendar accordingly. One thing's for sure: New Yorkers have never experienced a school year quite like this. After debate about a delayed start, the new term is set to begin mid-September and the Department of Education just released the NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021. If you're curious about days off, parent-teacher conferences and early dismissals, look no further. Although this new norm can seem overwhelming, we're here to help: Check out homeschooling tips from the pros, explore ways to keep your kids busy after school and find your child's next favorite read thanks to the 101 best books for kids. The 2020-2021 term: September 16–18: Fully remote partial school days for students September 21: First full day of school for 3K, pre-K and District 75 schools September 28: Yom Kippur, schools closed September 29: K–5 and K–8 schools reopen for in-person learning October 1: Middle schools and high schools reopen for in-person learning October 12: Columbus Day, schools closed November 3: Election Day, fully remote instructional day for all students November 4: Evening parent teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 schools November 5: Afternoon parent teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 11: Veterans Day, schools closed November 12: Evening parent teacher conferences for high schools, K–12 and 6–12 schools November 13: Afternoon parent teacher conferences for high schools, K–12 and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 18: Evening parent teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs November 19: Afternoon conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 26–27: Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed December 24–January 1: Winter Recess, schools closed January 18: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, schools closed February 1: Professional Development Day for 9–12 and 6–12 schools in Districts 1–32 only, students in these schools do not attend; students in K–5, K–6, 6–8 and K–12 and D75 schools and programs are in attendance February 12: Lunar New Year, schools closed February 15–19: Midwinter Recess, schools closed March 3: Evening parent teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 Schools March 4: Afternoon parent teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 10: Evening parent teacher conferences for middle schools and district 75 schools and programs March 11: Afternoon parent teacher conferences for middle schools and district 75 schools and programs; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 18: Evening parent teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools March 19: Afternoon parent teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 29–April 2: Spring Recess, schools closed May 13: Eid Al-Fitr, schools closed May 31: Memorial Day, schools closed June 3: Anniversary Day and Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development, students not in attendance June 8: Tuesday Clerical Day for K–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12 and D75 schools and programs only; students in these schools do not attend. Students in 9–12 and 6–12 schools in Districts 1–32 are in attendance. June 25: Last day of school for all students
The best after-school programs in NYC this year
We'll admit: 2020 is a tricky year to navigate. Although there is still so much up in the air about the back-to-school season, you can rely on fun after-school programs to keep kids learning after the bell rings. From online music classes and art pods to foreign language tutoring and dance class, we'll help you discover what's being offered virtually and in-person—and what's still TBD. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to get your kids back to school in NYC Whether you're opting for the blended learning or remote curriculum this fall, we're here for you every step of the way as you tackle this new norm, whether you're concerned about outdoor learning or want to apply for the new free daycare program.
The best online classes for kids
The truth is that not all online classes are created equal: Learning from home can be as fun as it is educational if you know where to look. Our curated list of the best online classes for kids includes amazing sites such as the Smithsonian's Learning Lab, TED Ed, Kahn Academy and Learn at Home from Scholastic. It also has performing arts programs from the New Victory Theater and Tada! Original Youth Theater, plus activities from the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Children's Museum of Manhattan and more. Looking for more online resources? We have more than 36 comprehensive guides of fun things to do at home. From the best virtual storytimes, to the best board games, to the 50 best animated movies to watch as a family, we're here to help you enjoy your time in. Be sure to catch our weekly storytimes with the New York Public Library—Monday through Friday at 10am.
The best tutoring locations for students in NYC
Schooling has been completely turned on its head this year. First, all classes are now online. Then, the grading policy was changed. Now there's a chance that school buildings won't reopen in the fall of 2020—that's a lot for any family to handle. Still, your kids need to learn—and we're here to help. These tutoring services provide everything your little scholar might need for tackling grades K-12, including those with special needs. Bonus: Some of these excellent tutoring services are completely free! If you have any questions about schooling, you should check out our regularly updated coverage of the 2019-2020 academic year. You should also see our list of the best online classes for kids—from the creative thinking of TED Ed, to the academic drills of Kahn Academy, to the fun of turning your home into a performing arts studio, we have everything you need.
Book classes for kids
School news
NYC schools once again delay the start of the 2020-2021 term for most students
The NYC DOE is once again delaying the start of the 2020-2021 academic term. During today's press briefing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that only 3K, pre-K and District 75 schools will begin in-person learning on Monday, Sept 21—the date in which all NYC schools were set to begin blended learning. K–5 and K–8 schools will reopen for in-person learning on Sept 29. Middle schools and high schools will reopen for in-person learning on Oct 1. However, remote instruction will begin citywide on Monday for those whose in-person start dates have been delayed, according to NBC. Mayor de Blasio has announced a new phased opening plan for on-site instruction in New York City public schools. https://t.co/P3q2AILnBv — UFT (@UFT) September 17, 2020 The Mayor is expected to speak more on this change today. As soon as more information becomes available, we'll be sure to update the 2020-2021 school calendar accordingly. In the meantime, explore free tutoring options from the NYPL and after-school programs such as virtual classes, pods and more. Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school - Will NYC teachers go on strike? Here’s what you need to know - The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year - Take a peek inside NYC’s Krispy Kreme flagship in Times Square - Farmers’ Almanac reveals when New Yorkers can catch the best fall foliage Get us in your inbox! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from NYC and beyond.
Governor Cuomo launches public dashboard tracking New York schools' virus cases
After an intense debate and the threat of a teachers' strike, the New York City Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers agreed to delay the start of the fall term. Now, the goal is to keep students and faculty safe, not only in the city but the state (and beyond). In hopes to monitor classrooms across New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced an online dashboard today that tracks real-time virus infections and testing operations of every school and district in the state. "Facts empower people to make informed decisions for the health and safety of themselves and their families," Governor Cuomo said in a statement. "The COVID-19 Report Card will give parents, faculty and students the most up-to-date information on the status of their school and their school district's testing and results. I urge our school communities to stay vigilant and be smart." When the reporting starts to come back, the COVID Report Card will be live on the New York State government website. Blended learning is set to begin on Sept 21 in NYC. Currently, NYC is operating with the strictest threshold for openings and closures: Schools will be allowed to open their doors if the percentage of citywide positive tests is less than 3 percent, as compared to 5 percent for the rest of the state. If it is equal to or greater than 3 percent, schools will close. It's certainly a back-to-school season like none other. For ways to keep kids busy (safely) after school, check out our picks for cool programs, pods and virtual offerings. If you need some homeschooling tips, these experts have your back. Stay safe, New York. Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school - Will NYC teachers go on strike? Here’s what you need to know - The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year - Take a peek inside NYC’s Krispy Kreme flagship in Times Square - Farmers’ Almanac reveals when New Yorkers can catch the best fall foliage
NYC DOE will not have any snow days this academic year
Sorry little ones: We hate to tell you this, but snow days are off the table this year, regardless of the weather. The state Department of Education guidelines require that NYC schools opt for remote learning when storms prevent students from coming into the buildings. This will ensure that the city meets the requirement for 180 days of instruction. If you take a look at the NYC School calendar for 2020-2021, you'll also notice that typical days off, like Election Day, are now remote learning days. Since the NYC DOE delayed the start of the year to Sept 21—after pushback and the threat of a teachers' strike—these actions will keep the city on track with its requirements. We know you probably have youngsters pouting at home, but not to worry: There will still be plenty of time to enjoy winter activities and take advantage of NYC's best sledding hills, should we get snow at all. No matter the circumstance, we think hot chocolate is always a good idea when the temperature drops. But, for the time being, don't forget to take advantage of fun fall activities for kids in NYC. Most seasonal festivities are still on, with safety modifications, of course. Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school - Will NYC teachers go on strike? Here’s what you need to know - The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year - Take a peek inside NYC’s Krispy Kreme flagship in Times Square - Farmers’ Almanac reveals when New Yorkers can catch the best fall foliage
The NYC DOE will continue its free meals program for the new school year
Whether your child is learning remotely this fall or participating in the blended learning model, he or she will have access to free grab-and-go meals from the NYC DOE. Meal hubs, which are listed on the DOE's website by borough, will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30–11:30 for children and families and 11:30am–1:30pm for adults. Identification is not required and those who stop by will be able to pick up several meals at a time. Vegetarian and Halal options are up for grabs, as well as pizza kits. The health of our students is our first priority this fall, and that includes making sure every student has access to nutritious meals no matter where they are learning-- remotely or in-person. pic.twitter.com/UHHX9nsWef — NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) September 3, 2020 No signup or registration is necessary, and meals will be set up near entry points for easy access and pickup by students and families. Please visit https://t.co/ZOQdtTFMTQ for more information. — NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) September 3, 2020 Visit the NYC DOE website to learn more about the meal schedule and nutritional information. In the meantime, be sure to access free museum entry this week—your favorite family attractions are offering freebies and discounts for students before the first day of school on Monday. Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school - Will NYC teachers go on strike? Here’s what you need to know - The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year - Take a peek inside NYC’s Krispy Kreme flagship in Times Square - Farmers’ Almanac reveals when New Yorkers can catch the best fall foliage
Mayor Bill de Blasio reveals an outdoor learning plan for NYC schools this fall
Summer 2020 is officially winding down, and New Yorkers are preparing for arguably the most unusual back-to-school season they've ever encountered. However, new methods to keep children safe are in the works, including outdoor learning. Mayor Bill de Blasio has revealed the steps all schools across the city—public, private, charter and so on—can take in order to set up shop out of the classroom. Not only are principals encouraged to utilize their school yards, but beginning Aug 24, they are able to request additional space. NYC schools that apply by this Friday, Aug 28, will receive an answer next week about additional areas they can access, including closed streets and nearby parks. Join us at City Hall for the latest updates. https://t.co/kyQsGjGsNR — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 24, 2020 "A new outdoor learning plan is going to open up a lot of wonderful possibilities for our kids and for our educators," Mayor de Blasio said during today's press briefing. "So we heard those voices that asked, 'Can we do something different under these circumstances' and the answer is yes." Priority will be given to the 27 neighborhoods that were most affected by the virus, including East New York, Lower East Side and Corona, as well as schools that do not have outdoor space. Parents, teachers and lawmakers have made a call for outdoor learning earlier this summer, including Council Member Brand Lander, who serves the 39th Council District in Brooklyn. "This crisis demands that we all work together to use our resources in new ways to meet emerging needs," he said. "New York's streets and parks offer a chance to address deep concerns from parents and school staff, and an opportunity to make schools safer, expand in-person learning for some students and improve the quality of learning for many." Have questions? Make sure to sign up for the NYC DOE's final virtual information session this Thursday. Most popular on Time Out - The Bronx Zoo will bring back free Wednesdays - The best summertime cherry picking NY families love- The NYC DOE is hosting a virtual information session about returning to school - Sesame Place is reopening with new safety measures- NYC to provide free daycare for children ages 3 and up
Classes for kids
The best art classes for kids in NYC
NYC is celebrated for its fantastic art community, and these art classes for kids prep your crew for a bright future in visual arts. Whether you sign 'em up for a series or a one-off class, it's a perfect chance for kids to get hands-on with new materials! They can try jewelry-making, sewing, pottery-making, drawing, painting or collage—just to name a few—and bring a masterpiece home for the rest of the family to enjoy. If your children are eager to learn, you might also sign them up for one of our favorite kids' cooking classes, sewing classes or kids' gymnastics classes—and visit our favorite kids' museums nearby for even more excellent programming.
Acting classes for kids in New York City
If your kiddos are looking to make a splash on stage, help them land the part of their dreams with these acting classes for kids. Stars in the making will learn what it takes to transform themselves on stage and immerse themselves in a character. Hey, if you're going to learn about theater—at any age—what better place to do so than NYC? Of course, acting classes in NYC are but one option. Don't forget to look into dance classes for kids and music lessons for kids. Naturally, to make sure your youngsters get all the inspiration they need, take a look at these Broadway shows for kids.
Best kids’ cooking classes in NYC
Feeling hungry? NYC's best cooking classes for kids will help cure the munchies! In these courses, children of all ages will learn new recipes, master different meals and feel comfortable handling kitchen equipment. Essentially, you're going to have a Top Chef in the making, so get ready to hand over the dinner reins to your brood. From the offering at Freshmade NYC to Taste Buds Kitchen, Gotham's cooking classes for kids are the best of the best. Buy a few aprons and let the youngsters do the rest. Bon appétit! If your kids feel like taking a night off from their culinary duties, check out fun restaurants around town, grab a cone at NYC's best ice cream shops and take advantage of these cookie delivery services.
The best kids' fitness classes in NYC
Lace up those sneakers! Kids' fitness classes in NYC are here to keep junior athletes active and engaged. Visit the city's best indoor playgrounds for kids, kids' rock climbing walls and local parks for great offerings, from typical sports—basketball, tumbling and more—to the unexpected choices such as circus arts and gaga (no, not the pop singer). From toddlers and teens, kids' fitness classes across the five boroughs cater to all ages, interests and skill levels. If you're in search of things to do with kids, give our list a look and feel confident that your kiddos are staying entertained and healthy in the process. What classes will you book for your brood?
The best coding for kids classes
Coding for kids is worth exploring for plenty of reasons beyond just enjoying a fun afternoon class (and dominating computer science). These coding classes help kids dive into exciting robotics projects, game design (think Minecraft and Fortnite—even film and web design. Thanks to plenty of fantastic S.T.E.M.-oriented venues in the city, your tykes, tweens and teens have access to some pretty impressive offerings. See below for some of our favorites! If you're on the hunt for additional classes your kids will love, explore our favorite art classes for kids, kids' cooking classes, music lessons for kids and singing lessons for kids (just to name a few).
The best mommy and me classes in NYC
These fun mommy and me classes set your kids up for success! Many focus in on building fine motor skills through play at an early age, so you'll be trying everything from singing to dancing to holding fun yoga poses! It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially if you're looking for fun indoor activities for kids. RECOMMENDED: Kids' fitness centers in NYC Looking to kick back while your kids entertain themselves? (We've been there). Head to these indoor playgrounds or kids' play spaces so they can burn off some energy!
