Local Events

Design District is a unique art school focused on teaching the fundamentals of drawing and painting, while introducing kids and teens to art, culture, and history from all around the world. We strive to foster a love and appreciation for all types of art, and to create a space for young people to express their own creativity and individuality. We are based in an art-filled home studio in Maplewood, NJ. Classes are small or semi-private (maximum of 6 kids to a class), and for ages 5 and up. Students receive personal attention and productive feedback. We work to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and nurture inclusivity and consiousness with everything we teach.

The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression – a beacon of hope where the community could gather and everyone could afford to take classes. We are the oldest operating Adult School in NJ and were named a Local Legacy in 2000 by the Library of Congress. We strive to keep our class prices down so that we continue the tradition that our school was founded upon – a community school where people can gather to learn, stay informed and be entertained. More than 150 courses and lectures are offered in the fall and spring, with a modified schedule in the summer. These courses enrich the mind, exercise the body and feed the soul. Choices include art, music, business and finance, fitness and recreation, languages and technology. There is now increased programming for children during the school year which includes computer science classes and Suzuki violin lessons. The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School Association is a community-based school for all ages dedicated to lifelong learning. Our mission is to inspire, engage, empower and connect to our inclusive and diverse community through innovative education. Through a generous meeting of the minds and spirit, we strive for a better world.

Maplewood Karate Self-Defense offers affordable martial arts classes for all ages, from four years old to adult. One of our most popular classes - “Karate Littles” - offer classes for children ages four to five years of age. In this fun fitness class, students learn real techniques they can comprehend for their age level. Also learned is good balance and proper tumbling to prepare them for the next level in child development. For older students Ages 6 to 8 and 9+, after school Karate & self-defense classes have become very popular, so we have added additional classes for all age groups so that students can train with us and still have time for other sports or activities.

At American Jiu Jitsu, we believe in fostering healthy self esteem and a positive attitude in our students. Our fun and disciplined learning environment emphasizes the importance of focus, discipline, and goal setting. Our staff will help kids learn practical self defense and anti-bully techniques that will stay with them for years to come. Building self confidence in our kids is essential. That’s why American Jiu Jitsu is committed to helping kids develop healthy self esteem and a positive attitude. Our classes provide a fun and disciplined learning environment that encourages students to practice focus, discipline, and goal setting. We also teach practical self defense and anti-bully techniques that will empower kids to stand up for themselves. At American Jiu Jitsu, we understand the importance of promoting healthy self esteem and a positive attitude in our students. Through our fun and disciplined learning environment, we teach kids practical self defense and anti-bully techniques that help them stay safe. We also focus on helping students learn focus, discipline, and goal setting, giving them the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

Our incredible Martial Arts Program in Maplewood, NJ has something for everyone. Children gain rock solid self-confidence, build unshakable self-esteem, and hone razor sharp focus, while adults get fit, improve flexibility and quickly eliminate stress!

Ms. Johnson's passion for encouraging children to create dances led to the founding of the Lydia Johnson Dance School in 1998. Starting with just five young dancers in a single Choreography Workshop, the school has since grown to 130 students. With years of experience in choreographing, Ms Johnson has developed a curriculum which provides an in-depth and structured approach, constantly revised and expanded to meet the interests and needs of the creative young dancers. The school also offers a unique Dance Camp, as well as the Student Company, allowing students to explore and perform their own works. The Lydia Johnson Dance School has earned acclaim for its warm community of dancers of all ages, its family-centered sharing of work and its focus on excellence and creativity. Ms Johnson's own children have benefitted from the school, with all three attending South Orange/Maplewood schools and graduating from Columbia High School in Maplewood. Phoebe is now a law student at Temple Law, Evan is a MSW therapist in Brooklyn, and Zander is a filmmaker in LA.

Express Yourself Studios is an art studio and art gallery. Since 2008 it has been dedicated to being an outlet for children and adults to express themselves creatively via classes in the arts onsite, off-site and virtually. As well as a design studio for apparel, home , consumer goods and more. ​The Studio offers Pinot & Pottery, Cocktails & Canvas, Coffee & Canvas, and Wine Glass Painting Workshops for adults and weekly Art Classes and a Summer Art Workshop, for children; as well as hosts Private Art Workshops, Birthday Parties and other art events throughout the year. For more information about the studio visit www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com or read Express Yourself Studios’ Blog to learn about the Studios’ events & happenings!

In 2014, Le Parc Preschool was created initially through the teaching and philosophy of Jean Alexander. Though retired for over two decades Mrs. Alexander used a very successful form of integrated teaching that was affectionately coined "The Miko Method" for preschoolers. Le Parc Place is an integrated Preschool and indoor enrichment center for children. At Le Parc we want every young person and their family to be a part of the Le Parc experience. Appreciation for all of life’s experiences are encompassed into our philosophy and our approach to early childhood development. We enjoy creating innovative and unique ways for young ones to grow both academically, socially and artistically.​ The MIKO (Mastery, Independence, Knowledge and Optimism) Method's primary focus is identifying and expanding a child’s individual strengths within a stimulating, nurturing and relaxed learning environment. Children grow and learn through socialization, recognition, investigation, retention, repetition and creative process, which we encourage through ongoing exploration and exposure.

Our atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, providing the perfect environment for learning and growth. Our classes are fun and engaging, so you can learn in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. With our highly trained instructors and unique atmosphere, you can be sure that you’ll have the best possible experience with us. We provide classes for all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced dancers. You can also take advantage of our events and workshops for an even more comprehensive experience. Inspirational Dance will help you reach your goals in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Rockness Music offers custom built early childhood music classes and assemblies classes for your school. Our fun and educational music enrichment classes for kids offer children an opportunity to build life skills, confidence, and positive traits through playfully dramatic exercises covering everything from language to motor skills to STEAM. We customize our curriculum for our partner schools and offer a fun, and valuable music education program. Our preschool music assemblies cover a variety of topics from Social and Emotional Development to dance parties!

The Maplewood Recreation & Cultural Affairs Assistance Program is a new opportunity to help your neighbors who would not otherwise be able to afford to enroll their children in our programming.

At our camp, children are encouraged to explore the world around them. Through cooking, music, painting, and special events, kids can learn about different cultures, sounds, and textures from all around the globe. Not only do these activities help to develop their curiosity and social skills, but they also build confidence as they learn to appreciate other countries and cultures. We also offer fun and exciting cultural activities such as dancing and games. These activities are inspired by the customs that children from different countries enjoy. Through these activities, children can further their understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it. Our indoor camp is a great space for kids to learn about the world while having fun. By engaging in culturally enriching activities, they can develop a greater appreciation for the world around them and the people who live in it.

Summer Discovery is the perfect destination for curious kids! At Summer Discovery, we encourage exploration by facilitating hands-on experiments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Our weekly activities are designed to help campers build their curiosity and ignite their sense of wonder. This summer, we are introducing a new “lived-learning experience” to help campers gain a deeper understanding of the themes they explore. Through role-playing, campers can experience what it’s like to be a scientist, engineer, inventor, or researcher. They’ll be able to step into the shoes of these famous figures and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. At Summer Discovery, we believe that the best way for our campers to gain knowledge and understanding is through exploration. Our innovative approach to learning through hands-on experiences, coupled with our new lived-learning experience, makes this summer camp the perfect destination for curious kids!