After School Enrichment

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES

These opportunities can inspire any kind of student.

By JENNIFER KANTOR Additional reporting by Nia Sylva

Is your child aiming to rock accelerated math? Itching to code video games or become a budding journalist? No matter their interest, there’s an after-school enrichment option sure to give them a boost.

ENGLISH & MATH

AbaKidz

Closter, Fort Lee abakidz.com

AbaKidz’ multisensory approach melds visual input, auditory stimulation and the tactile manipulation of abacus beads to boost memory and enhance numerical fl uency. Kids attend virtual one-on-one or group sessions once or twice per week and get daily homework.

Chatham Learning Center

Chatham chathamlearningcenter.com After-school enrichment off erings include tutoring in math, reading, foreign language, writing and AP courses along with homework help and summer enrichment. There’s also SAT and ACT test prep, psychoeducational evaluations for students who are struggling academically and Orton Gillingham tutoring (that is, specialized literacy training for those with dyslexia and other reading di culties).

City Kidz World

Cranbury, Kendall Park citykidzworld.com

Classes teach reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing skills to kids ages 5-18. More specifi cally, vocabulary, grammar & punctuation, writing and reading for 1st-6th graders, more advanced reading, grammar, high school prep for middle schoolers and college prep, SAT and ACT training and high school curriculum support for high schoolers. Ask about the New Media Program for your aspiring journalist. Currently classes are off ered inperson on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30-7:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am- 1 pm. Remote classes are also off ered, as well as virtual language arts and math classes.

Eye Level Learning

Multiple locations myeyelevel.com

The goal is to help foster independence, initiative and achievement through weekly math and English classes, daily homework and a mix of “o ine” and online learning. Students can either learn in-person at an Eye Level Learning Center or through Eye Level On Air, which is virtual learning with enhanced online curriculums.

Gain Ville

Rutherford, Ridgewood gaincontact.com

Kids from pre-K through high school can learn Spanish, Italian, French and Arabic at this center which uses a culturally authentic approach to learning a new language. In-person and virtual lessons that use the full immersion method are off ered.

Huntington Learning Center

Multiple locations huntingtonhelps.com

Kids from kindergarten through

high school get one-on-one tutoring in math, reading, phonics, writing, science, study skills and test prep. HLC typically recommends two or more sessions per week; hours are fl exible and there are remote options available, as well as inperson tutoring at various locations.

JEI Learning Center

Multiple locations us.jei.com

JEI’s individualized, workbookbased model (one session per week plus daily homework) includes classes in problem-solving, math, English, reading, writing and critical and creative thinking. A low studentto-teacher ratio ensures that all students will receive plenty of personal attention. Remote learning options are also available.

KUMON

Multiple locations kumon.com

Kumon off ers worksheet-based educational services for kids as young as three through high school. Strengthen their math and English skills with two weekly classes featuring timed/evaluated worksheets, plus 20-30 minutes of daily homework. Virtual classes are available, but students can also receive in-person instruction at many locations.

Mathnasium

Multiple locations mathnasium.com

Boost your K-12th grader’s knack for numbers with a methodical yet personalized curriculum designed to help strugglers improve and superstars soar through a combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile and written exercises. Tutoring sessions are currently being off ered by appointment via video conference and in-person.

Project Write Now

Red Bank projectwritenow.org

Lit-loving kids, tweens and teens can workshop ideas, hone their craft and get constructive feedback amidst a supportive group of young scribes. Online classes and tutoring sessions are available for younger children, while teens can take virtual classes or participate in a virtual internship program. Project Write Now also off ers community outreach programs aimed at helping underserved and vulnerable groups develop crucial writing and communication skills.

Sylvan Learning Center

Multiple locations sylvanlearning.com

Sylvan off ers custom tutoring in math, reading, writing and more, plus homework help and coaching to sharpen students’ study skills. Older kids can also get AP class support, help with college essays, and SAT/ACT prep, along with tutoring geared toward higherlevel skills. With 11 locations in New Jersey, you’re sure to fi nd one nearby or you can sign up for programs online.

The Writers Circle

Multiple locations writerscircleworkshops.com

From folktales to poems, weekly workshops aim to ignite a creative spark in storytellers grades 3-12. The Storytellers Circle, Story Magic and Out of this World are perfect for young writing enthusiasts, while middle and high schoolers will enjoy the Tween and Teen Writers Circles, respectively. The Circle is currently off ering in-person and virtual options.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

HudsonWay Immersion School

Stirling hwis.org

Native speakers help kids in pre-K through grade 8 navigate fun, 90-minute immersion classes in Spanish and Mandarin. With a mix of novice, intermediate and advanced classes, kids will work on their skills in foreign language listening, reading, writing and speaking. HudsonWay is currently off ering remote and in-person options.

Jump Immersion

Multiple locations jumpimmersion.com

A Spanish and Mandarin immersion private school by day, Jump also off ers a separate Saturday immersion program for kids ages 4-12, plus after-school classes to help former immersion and heritage speakers. Weekend immersion programs are available online.

The Language Institute

West Caldwell thelanguageinstitute.com

Ages 6 and up can try Saturday or weekday classes (with a max of fi ve children per group) for 10 weeks. Kids develop speaking and comprehension skills through games, songs and hands-on projects.

The Language Workshop for Children

Montclair, Ridgewood languageworkshopforchildren.com

Interactive, private classes feature boisterous stories, snappy songs and engaging dialogue to get kids ages 2 and older excited about learning French, Spanish or Italian. Qualifi ed instructors also provide language tutoring for older students.

STEAM

Code Ninjas

Multiple locations codeninjas.com

Kids ages 7-14 can master coding skills at their own pace and convenience (drop in anytime). They’ll earn colored wristbands as they level up in coding and create games. Locations are individually owned, so call ahead for in-person classes, but virtual activities such as At-Home Coding are available as well.

Little Ivy Academy

Multiple locations littleivyacademy.com

Grades K-8 learn the tech behind toys at labs that teach coding, gadget creation, robot making, website development and more. Kids can have fun with STEAM virtually through the Academy Online or participate in a variety of robotics/computer science-related programs at the Little Ivy Academy campus in Ridgewood.

Mad Science

Multiple locations madscience.org

Mad Science revels in hands-on classes in forensics, astronomy, magnetism, slimy stuff (chemistry) and other natural wonders. Interactive online and in-person classes designed for students between the ages of 5-12 will take them to the stars or teach them about engineering through LEGObuilding.

Montclair Learning Center

Montclair mlcplus.com

The center specializes in computer science, learning games, math, science and technology. Flexible and fun classes range from engineering and coding to 3-D design and Minecraft. Off ering inperson classes.

STEAM Works Studio

Multiple locations steamworksstudio.com

With a focus on math and science for ages 4-18, STEAM Works off ers small class sizes ensuring each student receives individual attention. Hands-on experiments keep everyone engaged. The studio also holds weekend classes covering disciplines such as animation and 3-D printing/ modeling (engineering). Off ering both in-person and online classes.