Located in Essex County, New Jersey, Montclair is a vibrant and family-friendly community that offers a rich array of educational and entertainment opportunities for families with children. Known for its exceptional school system, cultural diversity, and charming suburban atmosphere, Montclair is an ideal place to raise kids. Montclair's public school district is highly regarded for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a wide range of programs to meet the diverse needs and interests of students. From preschool to high school, children have access to top-notch education, with dedicated teachers, advanced facilities, and a strong emphasis on individual growth and development. Beyond traditional schooling, Montclair also offers a plethora of educational resources and extracurricular activities. The town is home to several prestigious private schools, including Montclair Kimberley Academy and Lacordaire Academy, which provide additional educational options for families seeking alternative approaches to learning. In terms of entertainment, Montclair has a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Montclair Art Museum, the Wellmont Theater, and the Montclair Film Festival are just a few examples of the town's commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment. Families can also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Montclair's parks and outdoor spaces, such as Brookdale Park and Eagle Rock Reservation, which offer opportunities for recreational activities, picnics, and exploration. Additionally, Montclair boasts a lively downtown area filled with cozy coffee shops, boutique stores, and a wide variety of restaurants, catering to different tastes and preferences. The community regularly hosts family-friendly events like farmers markets, street fairs, and outdoor concerts, providing endless entertainment options for parents and children alike. Overall, Montclair, NJ, is a welcoming and enriching town that offers an exceptional environment for families raising children. With its strong educational system, diverse cultural experiences, and abundant entertainment opportunities, Montclair is a place where kids can thrive, learn, and enjoy a fulfilling childhood.
Read morechild enrichment programs in Montclair, NJ
For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Since 2004, The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts has been providing top-notch training in acting, musical theater, improvisation, and TV & Film. Their step-by-step program allows students to build upon the skills they learned in previous classes, and they are placed in classes that are tailored to their experience and ability. With professional instructors offering generous one-on-one attention and a strong and proven technique, NJSDA is committed to helping its students get ahead in their professional careers. The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax exempt organization. All contributions are tax deductible and are used for scholarships and to further promote theatre and performing arts programs. Our affiliations with organizations such as the NJ Theatre Alliance and 4th Wall Theatre have given our students exclusive audition slots and the opportunity to be cast in productions. In addition, our students are frequently used for Montclair State University’s student films and are the first choice for Comcast Spotlight’s local commercial division. NJSDA is dedicated to helping its students reach their full potential in their acting careers. Their step-by-step program, professional instructors, and affiliations with top organizations ensure that their students get the best training and have the opportunity to take their skills to the next level.
At Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA), we know that dance and theater arts have the power to transform the lives of students of all ages. Our unique approach to training is designed to foster creativity and self-discipline, while building skills and bolstering self-esteem. Our holistic philosophy encourages our students to reach their greatest potential through comprehensive and inclusive developmental training. At SMAPA, we believe that all students have the ability to reach their highest goals. Our comprehensive and inclusive approach to training ensures that our students have the opportunity to develop their own unique skills and talents. Our team of experienced instructors encourages creativity and works to build confidence and self-discipline in our students. Our holistic approach to teaching inspires our students to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. At Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA), our goal is to provide the highest quality of training in dance and theater arts. Our comprehensive and inclusive program is designed to nurture the potential of each student, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Our holistic approach to training fosters creativity, builds skills, and bolsters self-esteem, while providing the tools to help students achieve their goals.
The Montclair Learning Center was established in 2004 with the goal of providing Montclair and the surrounding communities with high-quality, worthwhile, and affordable educational and enrichment programs. Over the years, the center has become a leader in STEM education, offering a wide selection of computer science, learning games, math, science, and technology-related courses for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Plus, the center now offers STEM-themed birthday parties and access to the latest STEM-related toys, games, and books at our STEM Educational Playcenter. The Montclair Learning Center is dedicated to providing the best in STEM education. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about helping students develop the necessary skills to succeed in the 21st century. Our pacesetting Summer Camp offers students the opportunity to explore their interests and hone their skills in a wide range of STEM-related activities. Plus, our STEM Educational Playcenter is the perfect place for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. At the Montclair Learning Center, we are committed to bringing the highest quality of education to Montclair and the surrounding communities. Our specialized programs in computer science, learning games, math, science, and technology ensure that students have access to the tools and resources needed to achieve success. We strive to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Our mission is to teach traditional Taekwon-do to students of all ages. Taekwon-do provides fitness, confidence, flexibility and self-defense. Our professional staff of experienced instructors challenge students to set and achieve their goals, as they progress through the ranks. Taekwon-do practice is great for both your physical and mental health. Our instructors and students support each other’s achievement while building a community of friends and mentors along the way.
Classes that run on time and are structured to help you learn in a safe, fun way. You are able to take the classes at your own pace, you’re never forced to participate in any part of class that you aren’t comfortable with. Sparring is encouraged, but always optional and up to the individual. The instructors in class make an effort to know every student and will always answer any questions that they may have. We have classes for beginners, advanced students, and competitors. Although most student will never compete, we run a great team program that has already produced many gold medals for our students.
At Bass Arts Studio, it is our mission to recognize, affirm and support a child’s emerging individuality, and help strengthen a child’s sense of self through art-making. We create a safe environment where children are encouraged to playfully explore and experiment with media, engage in creative problem solving and learn to take creative risks. We are dedicated to assisting in the development of a child’s appreciation of beauty and sensitivity to form, line, value, shape, color, texture, rhythm and movement. In each class, children are exposed to the ways artists throughout history have employed formal principles of picture making and technique in order to translate their deepest feelings and thoughts into a visual statement. Class discussion centering on the analysis, interpretation and critique of art work is an integral part of every class. We encourage children to learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings about what they observe and what they create. We spark discussion by asking the right questions and supply children with the vocabulary they need to talk about art.
Through art, we create experiences that inspire, challenge, and foster community to shape our shared future. The Montclair Art Museum collects, exhibits, preserves, and interprets American and Native American art, honoring the creative accomplishments of a diverse range of artists, past and present.
The Yard School of Art is part of MAM's Vance Wall Art Education Center, offering classes, camps, and workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Our studio art classes and workshops offer those of all ages and abilities an opportunity to build artistic skills and explore creative ideas. Small class sizes ensure individual direction from our teaching artists in a community of people who are as enthusiastic about learning and creating as you are.
Today, the YMCA of Montclair operates 3 branches— Park Street YMCA, Geyer Family YMCA, and Camp at the Lake YMCA—serving over 13,000 members. Membership is open to all, with financial assistance available to those who live in our service area (Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona and West Milford) with demonstrated financial need. We are committed to caring for individuals and families, with a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We offer a host of programs, including before and after school child care in numerous schools, a multitude of summer camps, including our Camp at the Lake, held at our 30 acre property in West Milford, NJ and educational workshops and health and wellness classes for all ages.
To further our mission, we offer a variety of specialty and seasonal classes both weeknights and weekends. We have classes for adults and children alike, so that everyone has an opportunity to learn a new skill or craft. Our classes are perfect for all levels of experience, and our instructors provide detailed instruction and guidance to ensure that each student has a good experience. We also offer private classes for those who would like to have a more focused lesson. So no matter what you’re looking for, we have something for everyone.
Church Street Guitar Studio, located in the heart of Montclair, New Jersey, is proud to be celebrating 18 years at this location! This studio offers private, one-on-one guitar lessons in a low-pressure and carefree environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, young or old, you’ll find a style that works for you! From Rock and Pop songs to Classical and Flamenco guitar, even Blues and Jazz, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the studio boasts 30 years of teaching experience, so you know you’re getting the best instruction. So come on down to Church Street Guitar Studio and start learning your favorite songs. With such a fun and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll be strumming the guitar in no time. No matter what your skill level, you’ll feel confident with the help of the experienced and dedicated staff. Church Street Guitar Studio is the perfect place to learn the guitar. Come by and experience the carefree atmosphere for yourself. With so many styles to choose from and 30 years of teaching experience, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Come and join us!
In the 1990s, Peter Markovitz and David Ullendorff had a vision: to help children build a lasting understanding of mathematics that would give them the skills and confidence to succeed in school and in life. To make this vision a reality, they founded Mathnasium, a math-only learning center. To ensure their program was the best it could be, the Mathnasium team sought out Larry Martinek, an experienced educator, teacher trainer, and curriculum consultant. With Larry’s help, they crafted the Mathnasium Method—a comprehensive, industry-leading approach to teaching mathematics. The Mathnasium Method is designed to help kids of all ages develop a deep understanding of mathematics that will carry them through their academic studies and beyond. With a focus on teaching students how to think, Mathnasium has become the go-to source for those looking to give their child the tools to achieve their full academic potential.
OUR PHILOSOPHY is to emphasize learning while having fun. Our goal is to help you find your own musical style and gain the confidence to perform in front of an audience. Our experienced faculty will get to know you and offer individualized instruction and guidance to help you reach your goals. At our music school, we are committed to providing the highest quality musical instruction to our students in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Our teaching method is tailored to suit each individual’s musical needs and interests. We provide a flexible private lesson program to help our students gain a strong foundation in music theory and proper technique. Our philosophy is to emphasize learning and having fun. We strive to help our students to find their own style and the confidence to perform in front of an audience. Our experienced faculty is dedicated to getting to know each of our students and providing them with personalized instruction and guidance to help them reach their goals.
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!
School of Rock Montclair provides both in-person and online music lessons for students of all ages. Our programs, camps and workshops for toddlers, kids, teens and adults make learning to play music fun and create great communities of musicians. School of Rock is the leader in performance-based music education. We combine one-on-one drum, bass, keyboard, vocal, and guitar lessons with group practices. Students learn to play music from day one and put on live performances at local venues. Our experienced instructors are local musicians themselves who combine the performance-based School of Rock Method and programs with individual music lessons to get results for your student.
Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) provides comprehensive, inclusive developmental training in dance and related theater arts to students at every stage of life. Our holistic philosophy inspires students to believe they can achieve, nurturing the potential within each student by encouraging creativity, building skills, fostering self-discipline, and bolstering self-esteem.
At our dance education center, we strive to provide our students with the most up-to-date, informative, creative, inspiring, and anatomically-based instruction. We recognize the importance of fostering personal growth in our students, and our approach is designed to provide individualized attention to each student. Through our program, we give each student the resources they need to develop themselves physically and mentally. We hope to inspire a love of dance and help our students appreciate the journey of becoming a better dancer. Our goal is to create an encouraging and supportive environment for our students to reach their full potential.
Since 1984 we have offered expert Instruction in a nurturing environment. Students quickly become comfortable due to small class sizes, warm pools, and a engaging imaginative curriculum.
Montclair Film is bridging the gap between global filmmakers and local audiences in the culturally vibrant community of Montclair. Through their year-round programming, they are empowering visual storytelling to engage, entertain and educate. They bring stories from all around the world to the local area, creating an environment for meaningful dialogue and exchange. Montclair Film is a place where filmmakers from around the globe can come together and share their stories with the local community. By presenting films and year-round programs, they are helping to create a vibrant, culturally rich atmosphere in Montclair. Through the power of visual storytelling, they are engaging, entertaining, and educating audiences. They are providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange, helping to bring far-flung stories to the local area. Montclair Film is a unique space where global filmmakers and local audiences connect. They are using the power of visual storytelling to create a memorable experience for all who attend. From feature films to year-round programs, they are providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange. Through their programming, they are bridging the gap between filmmakers and audiences in the culturally vibrant community of Montclair.
Kumon of MONTCLAIR is part of the world's largest after-school math & reading program, helping children of all ages become self-learners. Welcome to our Kumon Math and Reading Center. For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning.
We want all of our students to love music! Playing the piano is the perfect way to express yourself and your creativity. It takes hard work and dedication to become proficient, but the journey can be enjoyable. With practice and patience, every student can reach their personal best. At our studio, we value fun and learning. We want our students to take pride in their accomplishments and to have a great time. Our teachers are here to help you reach your goals and to provide encouragement and guidance. We believe that music is for everyone, and our number one goal is to help our students fall in love with music. We understand that it's not always easy, so we want to remind our students to take it slow and enjoy the experience. We're here to make sure our students have fun and can reach their highest potential.
At The Moving Architect, we create a safe space for people to explore the beauty and power of dance. We specialize in female-centric collaborative works and community-based projects that bring people together. Our performances of original works, educational programming for all ages, and public discourse via our podcast are all designed to bring the joy of dance to everyone. At The Moving Architect, our mission is to foster a strong connection with dance. We emphasize women’s collaboration in creating meaningful dance works and community projects. Our team works hard to ensure that everyone can access the art of dance through our performances of original works, educational movement programming for all ages, and our popular podcast. We strive to create an inclusive environment for people to explore the beauty and power of dance.
Essex Youth Theater offers a unique opportunity for children to express themselves through the performing arts. Its specially developed scripts ensure that students of all levels get equal roles in every production. The class sizes are kept small, allowing each child to receive one-on-one attention from the instructors. At the end of each semester, the students put together a full-scale musical production featuring their own work. The program is designed to be fun and supportive, helping children to build confidence and self-esteem. Throughout the courses, students take part in a range of activities, from acting exercises to improvisation games, all of which help them to be creative and to hone their dramatic skills. Essex Youth Theater is the perfect place for children to explore their love of the performing arts. With dedicated instructors, smaller class sizes, and a supportive atmosphere, it provides an ideal environment for young people to discover their talents and shine.
At the West Essex Area Gym, we believe that every child can achieve their potential through positive guidance and superior instruction. We offer classes for athletes, cheerleaders and tumblers of all ages and abilities, as well as classes for preschool age children and competitive cheerleading. Our mission is to develop enriched adults, and we strive to provide a positive atmosphere where kids can learn the value of teamwork and build their physical health. Founded by a mom and professional cheerleading coach, our gym was created to meet the needs of the athletes in the West Essex Area. We are committed to helping our kids reach their goals and build lasting skills for success.
Non-profit 501(c)(3) Succeed2gether was formed in the winter of 2009 in response to cutbacks in community support systems for low-income families struggling to meet daily needs. Since our inception, we have continued to grow and currently serve over 240 students with educational programs that focus on closing the opportunity gap and ultimately closing the achievement gap. We do this through our After-School Tutoring Program (ASTP), our After-School/Weekend Workshop Program, our Spring Break Stay-cation Program, and our Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). In addition, Succeed2gether’s Resource Center at 11 Pine St. provides an important connection to the Greater Montclair community. Our service programs, co-sponsored by Toni’s Kitchen, include clothing collections for distribution, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) sign-ups, and a backpack program for our students providing our families with weekly supplies for making nutritious, home-cooked dinners.
At our facility, we provide a positive learning environment for kids of all ages. Our classes are structured to progress in difficulty as kids become more skilled and confident. From parent/child classes to gymnastics, our trained instructors provide nurturing and happy kids with the opportunity to try new activities and build their self-esteem. Our facility also offers fun extras such as parties, camps, and more to keep our little ones engaged and motivated. We want your child to love coming to the gym and look forward to it with excitement and a smile on their face. To help foster this, we not only give the kids lots of positive attention, but we also invite parents to help us out with that at home. We also strive to create a clean and safe environment where kids can feel comfortable and be themselves around both children and adults. Our goal is to provide your child with a fun and positive learning environment that will help them build self-confidence and try new activities. We emphasize positive attention and a clean and safe environment so that your child will look forward to coming through our doors and have an enjoyable time while they’re here. We hope to create a welcoming atmosphere for both kids and adults so that everyone can benefit from the experiences we offer.
The YMCA of Montclair has been making a positive impact in our community since 1891. Today, the YMCA of Montclair operates 3 branches— Park Street YMCA, Geyer Family YMCA, and Camp at the Lake YMCA—serving over 13,000 members. Membership is open to all, with financial assistance available to those who live in our service area (Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona and West Milford) with demonstrated financial need. We are committed to caring for individuals and families, with a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We offer a host of programs, including before and after school child care in numerous schools, a multitude of summer camps, including our Camp at the Lake, held at our 30 acre property in West Milford, NJ and educational workshops and health and wellness classes for all ages.
Are you looking for a creative and cost effective way to look your best? Sew Montclair has the perfect solution! Our studio offers a variety of classes for tweens, teens and adults, no matter their level of experience. From Camp Style classes in the summer, to youth group workshops on Saturdays, you can learn to make clothes and accessories that are truly unique. Our student-teacher ratio is kept low, so you can get the guidance you need. Plus, the studio is fully equipped with the tools you need to make your fashion dreams come true. We also offer special occasion alterations, custom clothing and other services. Visit our website and find the right class for you today! Sew Montclair is the place to go for those looking to express their creativity while saving money and looking great! We offer a variety of classes to suit all tweens, teens and adults, regardless of their sewing experience. Our Camp Style classes in the summer, or youth group classes during the school year, provide the perfect opportunity to learn how to create unique garments and accessories. We have a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure you get the guidance you need. Plus, our studio is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and machines. From custom clothing and special occasion alterations, to other services, Sew Montclair has something for everyone. Visit our website and find the right class for you today!