EDUCATION

About

Casita Maria's educational programs offer after-school and summer day camp programming for up to 400 young people from kindergarten through middle school. Programs are built on a Creative Youth Development framework that combines arts education with academic assistance and positive youth development principles to empower young people to reach their potential as artists, scholars, and leaders. All programs are free, and operate after-school from 2:30 to 6 PM. We accept participants on a first come-first served basis, regardless of need.

After-School Programs

Casita Maria after-school program operates each afternoon during the school year, as well as a full-day camp programming on selected holidays and days off. Under our Creative Youth Development framework, the program promotes academic excellence, artistic mastery, civic engagement, and social development through project-based learning. Here are some of the highlights:


  • Academic enrichment includes homework assistance as well as a focus on literacy and STEM skills.
  • Art programs include music lessons on piano, choir, musical theater, bomba y plena, and visual arts, led by Casita Maria's experienced Teaching Artists. We also partner on specialized arts education with world-class organizations including Public Theater/ Public Works, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Young Concert Artists and the Whitney Museum.
  • Participants also meet and learn from professionals exhibiting in Casita Maria's Gallery and creating murals, have opportunities to exhibit their own work in the Young Artists Gallery, or even perform at the South Bronx Culture Festival!
  • Daily snacks are provided.

Applications for Casita Maria After-School Programs from grades K-8 are available. 


Email  iguzman@casitamaria.org for assistance filling out the application, or to fill out in person.


For more information, or to fill out an application form online

https://discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home

Instead of using Casita Maria's name on the Program Search 

for Elementary use this PIN CEL-45774 / and for Middle school use this PIN CSO-79634 and it will open our programs. 


Steps to fill out the application can be found below.

Elementary

This program for elementary-aged children (grades K-5) introduces them to a variety of art forms, leads them in physical activities, and integrates literacy work and STEM learning, providing the building blocks for life-long creativity and social-emotional health. 


We practice safe passage from three partner schools, Pharos Academy, The Longwood Academy Public School and P.S. 150, Charles J. Fox School to Casita Maria.


For more information, please email dsuarez@casitamaria.org.

Middle School

This program for middle school-aged participants (Grades 6-8) builds on young artists' natural talents and greatness to empower them with creative enrichment activities and meaningful project-based activities that nurture well-being and positive youth culture.


In addition to the program at Casita Maria's Bronx location, we also run a satellite program at Harlem Village Academy in East Harlem.


For more information, please email candrews@casitamaria.org.

Summer Day Camp

Casita Maria runs full-day summer camps for elementary-level (7 weeks), and middle school participants (6 weeks). Camp activities focus on a specific theme each summer, such as Bronx Culture, and culminate with a performance or exhibition incorporating research into the theme as well as new skills campers have learned. Campers also have plenty of time for recreation and trips to New York City landmarks such as the Bronx Zoo and museums.


Applications for summer day camp will be available in April each year. Summer Camp runs from July - August for both elementary (7 weeks) and middle school ( 6 weeks).

Elementary: Summer Day Camp

Middle School: Summer Rising

If you are interested enrolling your child for our Middle School Summer Rising program please contact:


  • Community Outreach and Family Engagement Coordinator- Inez Guzman

         iguzman@casitamaria.org- Ext: 6202