Perler Beads are plastic fusible beads. The beads are arranged on pegboards to form patterns and then fused together with heat from a clothes iron. Because Perler Beads layout on a pegboard bead by bead, the end result looks like a pixelated illustration!  Students will create basic 2-dimensional art pieces and develop them into more 3D projects.  An engaging club that promotes creativity, focus and dexterity.  

Every week, students will continue to develop these pieces and create an ensemble of themed art projects.

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

Students will learn the basics of tennis in a fun, active and supportive team environment!

This class offers a multi-faceted approach to stimulating children's intellect and emotions. Through participation, children can develop their social and emotional skills, gain confidence, and learn to collaborate with others while expressing their own individual ideas.

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.

In this hands-on class, young filmmakers will conceptualize stories and bring them to life. Students will learn how to handle and use camera equipment, basic short composition, direction, collaboration, and basic editing skills in order to turn their story ideas into short films.

Get ready to dive into a world of color, creativity, and imagination! In this fun and hands-on art class, young artists will explore the exciting worlds of painting and sculpture through a variety of materials and techniques. Students will learn to mix colors, paint with different tools, and create their own 2D masterpieces—then bring their ideas to life in 3D using clay, paper mache, and recycled materials.

Roll it, pinch it, sculpt it! In this hands-on class, young artists will explore the exciting world of clay and sculpture as they create 3D art using their hands, tools, and imaginations. Kids will learn basic sculpting techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab building while working with air-dry clay

Students will become familiar with the tennis court and improve hand-eye coordination and agility. Instructors zero in on building the foundation and cultivating a love of the game through basic strokes and fun games associated with tennis.

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. 

Students learn self-defense, focus, concentration and discipline in a non-contact weekly martial arts workout. Classes are grouped by age and belt level. All levels work on forms, and bag work: kicks, punches, blocks and footwork. At the end of each semester, we have an exhibition and test, where students have an opportunity for belt advancement (by teacher recommendation).

In this class, students will learn everything they need to know to play the world's greatest role playing game: Dungeons and Dragons. Students will start by creating their own adventurer, with their own unique backstory, goals, and motivations. The players will then work together while they explore the vast worlds of D&D. Students might explore a dark dungeon, ruined city, a long forgotten temple deep within a dense jungle, or protect a village from the dangers that lurk beyond it. Students will solve puzzles, and work with other players while developing important social and emotional skills such as: empathy, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and more. All while battling fantastic monsters, and discovering mystical magical items and other treasure.

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. 

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.

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!!

With an eye on presentation, this class will explore science topics from electricity to ecosystems, from the biology of insects to the wonders of the solar system and beyond. Each semester will culminate in an exciting presentation for parents and peers.

Students will hone their skills as photographers as they learn the basics of composition, lighting, exposure, and post production!

Students learn self-defense, focus, concentration and discipline in a non-contact weekly martial arts workout. Classes are grouped by age and belt level. All levels work on forms, and bag work: kicks, punches, blocks and footwork. At the end of each semester, we have an exhibition and test, where students have an opportunity for belt advancement (by teacher recommendation).