The Junior Social Calendar: 5 After-School Activities for Charlotte Kids to Explore
It’s time for most kids across the Charlotte area to head back to school, which I’m sure has quite a few parents ready to jump for joy. However, before the wine moms bring out the bottles for a celebratory toast, it may be worth making sure every facet of the return to school is covered.
One area I personally think goes a bit under the radar is making sure the kids’ social calendars are just as exciting as their parents’ during the fall season. While school naturally provides plenty of opportunities for most kids to socialize and discover new interests, for others, it may take finding the right after-school activity to help them uncover a new passion, develop a skill, or make a few friends.
So, as the new school year gets underway, here are five activities to consider enrolling your child in for a little additional learning mixed with plenty of fun.
Art Classes at Hands Create
For the budding artist, Hands Create offers an after-school experience that goes beyond the typical arts-and-crafts project. Classes are available for preschoolers through high school students, introducing younger artists to different mediums, techniques, art history, and global cultures, while tween and teen courses place greater emphasis on technical drawing and painting skills. Advanced students can progress to independent study, where they can further develop their skills and build a portfolio of their work. The 12-week fall session begins September 14th, with monthly tuition ranging from $150 to $170, which includes all necessary art supplies.
Ballet at Charlotte Ballet Academy
Whether your child is taking their first steps in ballet or looking to advance their training, Charlotte Ballet Academy offers classes for dancers across a range of ages and experience levels. Beginning with creative movement and introductory ballet for children as young as 3, students can progress through the Academy’s Preparatory, Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced divisions as their classical training develops. Classes are offered at three Charlotte-area locations, and tuition for the Academy year starts at approximately $3,000.
Cooking Classes at Flour Power
For the aspiring chef, Flour Power gives kids an opportunity to build confidence in the kitchen while learning skills they can bring home to the family. Classes are available for ages 5 to 18, with younger chefs learning kitchen fundamentals through hands-on recipes and experimentation, while tweens and teens build more advanced skills, independence, and creativity in the kitchen. Class themes range from Lunchbox Legends and Sweater Weather Bakes for younger chefs to Pasta Showdown and Sweet vs. Savory Showdown for tweens and teens. Monthly memberships range from $55 for one class to $149 for four classes.
Cotillion at Mannerly
Mannerly Cotillion gives middle schoolers a chance to sharpen their social skills while learning a few traditions along the way. Designed for students in sixth through eighth grade, lessons span conversation, technology, friendships, and dining etiquette, which students have an opportunity to put into practice during a three-course instructional dinner. Students will also learn ballroom dances like the foxtrot, cha-cha, and shag swing. Held at a local Charlotte country club, the $570 program meets once a month for five sessions between September and February.
Fencing at Charlotte Fencing Academy
For kids interested in trying something different from the usual team sports, Charlotte Fencing Academy offers an introduction to fencing, a fast-paced activity that also happens to have a place on the Olympic stage. Beginner classes teach students how to safely use the equipment, control their foil, master fundamental footwork, and develop basic fencing tactics. Five-week introductory sessions are available for children ages 7 to 14, with classes divided by age group and all necessary equipment provided. Sessions begin September 9th through 11th, depending on the age group, and are priced at $119.99.
