We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

Students will experiment with different mediums such as knitting, crocheting, macrame, watercolor, self- portraits and more! Children will use their creativity and hone their expressive skills as they delve into a class full of imagination, handicraft activities and fun!!

Inspired by their favorite comic book artists and armed with their imagination, student create characters and story lines, first in single panels, then in comic strips, and finally creating complete comic books at the end of each semester.

Inspired by their favorite comic book artists and armed with their imagination, student create characters and story lines, first in single panels, then in comic strips, and finally creating complete comic books at the end of each semester.

This class is designed for students who have some programming under their belts. Students will learn how to integrate more complex programming concepts into their games and computational art using MIT's Scratch programming language (such as custom functions, and more advanced math than they might have otherwise been using). Through hands on projects elucidating a single new concept that build upon one another, culminating in a project of the students' own design.

This hands on-club offers the opportunity to explore Video Game Design and Computer Generated Imaging in a project-based environment that boosts their confidence in technology. Coding aims to get programming and creating interactive art, media and narratives while imparting valuable skills in computational thinking and mathematics.

This class is designed for students who have some programming under their belts. Students will learn how to integrate more complex programming concepts into their games and computational art using MIT's Scratch programming language (such as custom functions, and more advanced math than they might have otherwise been using). Through hands on projects elucidating a single new concept that build upon one another, culminating in a project of the students' own design.

This hands on-club offers the opportunity to explore Video Game Design and Computer Generated Imaging in a project-based environment that boosts their confidence in technology. Coding aims to get programming and creating interactive art, media and narratives while imparting valuable skills in computational thinking and mathematics.

Students develop fundamental sport skills, concentration, and sportsmanship while playing sports and games.

Students develop fundamental sport skills, concentration, and sportsmanship while playing sports and games.

With a steady hand and a wild imagination, students will learn how to design and decorate palm-sized sweet treats. Ranging from cookies and cupcakes, to lollipops and jello molds, everything beautiful and wacky can be made here!

An introduction to ballet vocabulary and technique. Students develop strength, alignment, musicality, and the grace that is inherent in the form. Dancers in our ballet classes are prominently featured in each semester's dance performance.

Se Habla Español!  Your child will learn the basics of the Spanish language through a variety of activities such as brief conversations, directed dialogues, worksheets, and short writing exercises.  Additionally, audio and visual aids, as well as short reading passages, will be utilized to enhance the learning experience.  Learning a new language is a bridge, an essential tool in today’s global world, to learn across new different disciplines such as Science, Arts, History, Economy, and Business to achieve personal and professional goals.

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

This class will explore a range of techniques for developing concept, writing, designing, animating and editing stop-motion animation projects. Students will create armatures, puppets and sets, and complete the production process of an animated movie using professional capturing and editing equipment and software.

Discover the chemistry involved in making things that you would experience in a spa! Soaps, body scrubs, cosmetics, nail polish and color, bath oils, lipstick, perfumes and more! Students will make their own line of products that are safe to use at home!

Articles, cartoons, jokes, reviews, and photography, even puzzles about our beloved Downtown Community Centerr!  Your child will learn journalism practices and use creativity, art, and writing skills to put together issues that will be published and distributed to students and parents program-wide.  

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

A taste of travel for the brave hearted, students will engage the five senses as the classroom hops the globe for a delicious destination! By exploring flavors and styles of multiple cuisines, the travelers will learn about the many aspects that go into everyday foods.

Working with clay has been all the rage. This class will explore all the different ways of creating with clay.  Handbuilding and working on the pottery wheel helps develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative, figurative, and function work.

Focusing on elevating fluency, grammatical accuracy, and cultural appreciation. Designed for experienced learners, these courses replace basic vocabulary drills with real-world conversational practice and creative projects.

Join our interactive club that allows students to explore Video Game Design and Computer Generated Imaging in a project-based environment. Through this hands-on experience, you'll have the chance to create interactive art, media, and narratives while learning valuable skills in computational thinking and mathematics.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

This class will feature tasty recipes that your child can learn to make at home. It will feature both savory and sweet dishes with students concentrating on measuring, cutting, blending as well as learning the science behind cooking and baking. Some of the recipes will include dips, cookies, tarts, quiche, fried rice, individual pizzas and much more.

This workshop teaches safe and developmentally sound yoga poses, breathwork, meditation and relaxation. Students build strength and flexibility, increase concentration and attention spans, and relieve tension and anxiety.

Throughout the year, students will develop a diverse body of work, including drawings, painting, print making, collage, and sculpture. With guidance from their instructor, students will create and assemble an impressive portfolio of artwork.

This energetic class builds strength, flexibility and fitness. Students develop acrobatic skills while having fun!!

This class will feature easy, yummy recipes that your child can learn to make at home. It will feature both savory and sweet dishes, with students concentrating on their own single-serving fare. Besides different sauces and dips, students will learn to make veggie pinwheels, cheddar corn dogs, breakfast muffins, parfaits and more!

Wǒmen zǒu ba! (Let's go!) 

Our approach, in several ways, but a good starting point is to focus on Pinyin, tones, basic vocabulary, and sentence structure.  Your child can then move on to learning Chinese characters, engaging with native speakers, and immersing themselves in the language through media!

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

We offer an introduction to the piano keyboard in a group lesson setting. All levels are welcome. These classes are an excellent introduction to rhythm, melody and music theory.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

This energetic class builds strength, flexibility and fitness. Students develop acrobatic skills such as tumbling, balance, endurance and coordination.

Wǒmen zǒu ba! (Let's go!) 

Our approach, in several ways, but a good starting point is to focus on Pinyin, tones, basic vocabulary, and sentence structure.  The club focuses on refining fluency and accuracy in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with emphasis on complex grammar and vocabulary. 

In this fun-filled class, kids will learn the basics of rhythm, melody, and musical expression through songs, games, movement, and hands-on activities with instruments. From clapping beats to playing simple percussion, each session encourages creativity, listening skills, and confidence. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and love for music!

Working with clay has been all the rage. This class will explore all the different ways of creating with clay.  Handbuilding and working on the pottery wheel helps develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative, figurative, and function work.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

Our blend of intramural sports and non-competitive sports skills and drills is sure to meet your young athlete's needs! Students will engage in a variety of seasonal sports responding to the physical fitness and socioemotional need for students eager to have a fun environment, where they can reconnect with their peers, and their favorite after-school coaches and group leaders. 

A co-ed school spirit squad that performs step routines and builds audience involvement at basketball games and other school events. Students in cheer squad will learn and practice a variety of cheers that build strength, coordination, and teamwork.

A co-ed school spirit squad that performs step routines and builds audience involvement at basketball games and other school events. Students in cheer squad will learn and practice a variety of cheers that build strength, coordination, and teamwork.

Our young chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from measuring and converting fractions to slicing and chopping to sauteing and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals based on recipies from everywhere in the world. 

Our young chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from measuring and converting fractions to slicing and chopping to sauteing and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals based on recipies from everywhere in the world. 

Every kid knows that you don't really learn anything unless you make a mess and get your hands dirty. This class lets the creativity thrive by allowing  everything oozy, grimy, slippery and slimy to work with while making beautiful art projects. 

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

Students will sketch fashion figures, design fabrics, and create full lines of clothing, producing their own style books.

Once thought of as a magic solution of the future, 3D printing is now a booming industry that yields serious benefits for the world. This course introduces students to basic engineering theories and principles by using 3D printing. It introduces design and fabrication processes to build hands on artifacts that demonstrate complex engineering topics in everyday life.

Teams of students will build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS software to solve a set of missions on an obstacle course, getting familiar with the technology used at citywide competitions. The FIRST LEGO League challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. To learn more about the LEGO robotics program, please visit www.usfirst.org.

Students learn basketball skills, good sportsmanship, and sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson filled with drills and a game or scrimmage. 

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

Let your child step into the exciting world of fencing—an Olympic sport that combines speed, strategy, and skill! Our Youth Fencing Class introduces kids to the fundamentals of the sport in a safe, supportive, and energetic environment.

Working with clay has been all the rage. This class will explore all the different ways of creating with clay.  Handbuilding and working on the pottery wheel helps develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative, figurative, and function work.

Experienced performers help students develop singing, dancing and acting skills. Students work as a cast throughout the semester on scenes and musical production numbers.

Once thought of as a magic solution of the future, 3D printing is now a booming industry that yields serious benefits for the world. This course introduces students to basic engineering theories and principles by using 3D printing. It introduces design and fabrication processes to build hands on artifacts that demonstrate complex engineering topics in everyday life.

Transforming blank, shared spaces into dynamic, inspiring environments for our community. Encouraging students to combine individual visions into a unified masterpiece while learning the fundamentals of color theory, grid enlargement, underpainting, and more!

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

Students will experiment with different mediums such as knitting, crocheting, macrame, watercolor, self- portraits and more! Children will use their creativity and hone their expressive skills as they delve into a class full of imagination, handicraft activities and fun!!

During the semester, students will participate in structured physical activities, including running, jumping, and hand-eye coordination exercises. These activities aim to develop essential skills for sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball. Through practice drills, students will learn new techniques and skills in these sports.

In Origami and Paper Arts, craftsmanship and originality come together to give your child the immersive experience of creating their very own journals, diaries, paper art figures and books! 

In Origami and Paper Arts, craftsmanship and originality come together to give your child the immersive experience of creating their very own journals, diaries, paper art figures and books! 

Run like the wind and learn or improve volleyball skills in this fun fitness club! Children will learn all the basic elements of a track and field competition, including sprints, middle and long distance running, long jumps, shot put and relay races, as well as how to bump, spike, serve and assist for a great game of volleyball.

Thoughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to run and play volleyball at Manhattan Youth's very own Pier 25 beach volleyball courts.  

Run like the wind and learn or improve volleyball skills in this fun fitness club! Children will learn all the basic elements of a track and field competition, including sprints, middle and long distance running, long jumps, shot put and relay races, as well as how to bump, spike, serve and assist for a great game of volleyball.

Thoughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to run and play volleyball at Manhattan Youth's very own Pier 25 beach volleyball courts.  

Need help teaching your children new math concepts?

Want your child to receive extra assistance from a certified DOE teacher?

Homework help clubs allows students to receive professional homework assistance and tutoring from a PS 281 Educator. 

Need help teaching your children new math concepts?

Want your child to receive extra assistance from a certified DOE teacher?

Homework help clubs allows students to receive professional homework assistance and tutoring from a PS 281 Educator. 

A high-energy, intense class for dancers of all experience levels. The dance studio will be hopping to today's pop stars as students learn individual and teamwork skills that evolve into polished dance numbers. All students participate in a Manhattan Youth dance performance at the end of each semester

Get ready for a tasty adventure around the world! In this hands-on cooking class, kids will explore global cuisines as they learn to prepare fun, simple dishes from countries like Italy, Mexico, Japan, India, France, and more.

Each week features a new country and its flavors, along with a little cultural fun—learning about traditional ingredients, kitchen customs, and food-related stories. Young chefs will build confidence in the kitchen while practicing basic cooking skills like mixing, measuring, chopping (with kid-safe tools), and following recipes.

Every kid knows that you don't really learn anything unless you make a mess and get your hands dirty. This class lets the creativity thrive by allowing  everything oozy, grimy, slippery and slimy to work with while making beautiful art projects. 

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

Once thought of as a magic solution of the future, 3D printing is now a booming industry that yields serious benefits for the world. This course introduces students to basic engineering theories and principles by using 3D printing. It introduces design and fabrication processes to build hands on artifacts that demonstrate complex engineering topics in everyday life.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

A high-energy, intense class for dancers of all experience levels. The dance studio will be hopping to today's pop stars as students learn individual and teamwork skills that evolve into polished dance numbers. All students participate in a Manhattan Youth dance performance at the end of each semester

Working with clay has been all the rage. This class will explore all the different ways of creating with clay.  Handbuilding and working on the pottery wheel helps develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative, figurative, and function work.

Get ready for a tasty adventure around the world! In this hands-on cooking class, kids will explore global cuisines as they learn to prepare fun, simple dishes from countries like Italy, Mexico, Japan, India, France, and more.

Each week features a new country and its flavors, along with a little cultural fun—learning about traditional ingredients, kitchen customs, and food-related stories. Young chefs will build confidence in the kitchen while practicing basic cooking skills like mixing, measuring, chopping (with kid-safe tools), and following recipes.

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

Come have fun and learn all about science in this hands on, tasty class. Students will dive into the exciting world of science with these really FUN, Edible Science Experiments.  This class will focus on the science behind our edible projects. Students will learn about DNA, chemical reactions, osmosis and more! Some of the projects will include making gummy bears, grape molecules, sugar glass, edible slime, layered lemonade. In addition, once in a while we will do some tasty baking to round out the class.

Diamond art is a craft that teaches how to create picture painting through the use of sparkling colored resin diamonds placed on a grid. Explore and create works of art that you will be proud of. 

Discover the power of ART in a safe, encouraging and fun environment. Through their brush strokes, your child will healthily express their emotions and communicate their thoughts. Each session will allow your child to build their self awareness while simultaneously nurturing their creativity. Unlike a traditional art class, brush strokes allows your child to use what they're feeling as the starting point for their masterpieces. Let your child experience art in a new and exciting way!   

Diamond art is a craft that teaches how to create picture painting through the use of sparkling colored resin diamonds placed on a grid. Explore and create works of art that you will be proud of. 

Discover the power of ART in a safe, encouraging and fun environment. Through their brush strokes, your child will healthily express their emotions and communicate their thoughts. Each session will allow your child to build their self awareness while simultaneously nurturing their creativity. Unlike a traditional art class, brush strokes allows your child to use what they're feeling as the starting point for their masterpieces. Let your child experience art in a new and exciting way!   

Students learn basics skills, good sportsmanship and a sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson, drills and a game or scrimmage. The class will alternate between soccer and baseball throughout the school year.

Students learn basics skills, good sportsmanship and a sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson, drills and a game or scrimmage. The class will alternate between soccer and baseball throughout the school year.

After Schooler’s will bake traditional treats adding a unique twist to each recipe.

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

Learning about international food expands your culinary experience and knowledge. This class will highlight the many different cuisines around the world. Students will learn how to make the recipe but also learn what factors influence what we are cooking and why. Some examples of the recipes we will make are dumplings, shakshuka, quiche, apple cake, chickpea curry. We will also take student requests.