Homeschool Classes and Learning Opportunities in New York
Homeschool Classes and Learning Opportunities in New York
Whether it is about “socialization”, following your child’s interests, or if you want to just get out of the house and have someone else teach your children something we have created a list of classes open to homeschoolers and other learning opportunities here in New York.
Homeschool Classes
Are you looking for classes geared towards homeschoolers here in New York? Every year New York City organizations and institutions advertise more courses for homeschooled children as well as public school students. Here are some courses created just for homeschoolers:
Remember that NY is always cutting budgets or creating new things, so the things listed are subject to change and I will try to keep up with it as much as possible.
- Koko NYC offers a workshop in Brooklyn, on map-making, boat-making, inventing and more.
- The Art Farm on Manhattan’s upper east side has animal-themed classes for children age one and up. Please scroll down on the classes page for their homeschoolers’ class for ages 5-8.
- Book Arts classes for kids with Stephanie Krause.
- Scribble Art Workshops, in Inwood and Dobbs Ferry.
- The Brooklyn Apple Academy
- Wendy Raver, history teacher (Hunter College Professor and homeschooling mom), teaches in the NYC museums, mostly history classes for teens. Classes are posted on her blog.
- CottageClass offers classes created for homeschoolers of all ages, in a wide variety of subjects, mostly located in Brooklyn but other locations as well.
- Brooklyn Music School.) offers “Intro To Instruments” specifically for homeschoolers. For more info contact Piruz Partow, Artistic Executive Director, at (pp*****@br*****************.org).
- Brooklyn Fencing classes for homeschoolers.
- Hills Learning has language classes for homeschoolers in midtown.
- Home School Gymnastics from Asphalt Green, for kids 4 – 12.
- The New-York Historical Society has a program for homeschoolers.
- Robofun has robotics classes for homeschoolers.
- ConstructionKids at the Brooklyn Navy Yard has special classes for homeschoolers.
- Jersey City Children’s Theater has homeschool classes.
- Extreme Kids in Brooklyn has free play sessions for homeschooled kids with special needs.
Thinking outside the box
It is great to think outside the box when it comes to finding ways to teach our children. Using our local environment and not staying stuck in our “classrooms”, truly helps us connect with the world. You can find educational opportunities everywhere. Think outside the box, your local supermarket, post office, local courts or congress offices, local pet stores, veterinarians, doctor offices and so on can help your children learn in a new environment and a more hands-on approach. When we begin to look at things in this new way, we open up to new learning opportunities.
Going Hyperlocal
It is always a good idea to learn more about what is happening in your local area. Calling or visiting the websites of your local museums, schools (especially colleges) and asking about classes and internships for homeschooled children is a great way to get your children outside and learning. If you are looking for a specific internship or class, try using Google to search your area for example theater internship NYC, or Marine Biology internship NYC. Have conversations with your friends and neighbors, visit local shops and services and learn about what is going on right in your own backyard. You may find a great internship opportunity or even an “after-school” job at your local veterinarian office or pet store.
Affordable and Free Opportunites for Learning
Don’t discount your local library.The public library system in our area, being the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library, is one of the finest in the world, and part of what makes our city great. Any branch will loan you teaching materials for free, including books, audiobooks, tapes and CDs, videos and DVDs, and they will deliver them to your local branch. They also offer classes and workshops. Homeschoolers are eligible for educator’s library cards which allow you to take out a lot more books (up to 100 books and 10 DVDs and request up to 50 holds and keep books out for as long as 60 days, of course, you will need proof of homeschooling. Get the details here. Don’t underestimate your local library and the incredible free resources they provide.
FOR HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT, JOIN OUR HOMESCHOOLING SUPPORT GROUP ON FACEBOOK.
LET US KNOW!
Have you used any of these resources? What was your experience with them? Do you have any other class or learning opportunities here in New York you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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