Students will: Spark Portfolio Prep – Fall 2026 Tuesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM 8-Week Portfolio Prep Studio Is your child considering applying to one of New York City's specialized art high schools, such as LaGuardia, Art & Design, or Frank Sinatra School of the Arts ? Is your child already showing interest in Advanced level art concepts ? Then this is the class for artists ages 10+ that are showing promise for the arts and our portfolio candidates. Our Spark Portfolio Prep Studio is designed to help students build the artistic foundation and portfolio pieces needed for a competitive application and artistic development. Led by Mr. Casey Gallagher , Spark's Portfolio Teaching Artist and a graduate of The Cooper Union , students will develop strong observational drawing skills, explore a variety of artistic mediums, and create original artwork that reflects both technical ability and creative voice. Throughout the program, students receive individualized feedback and guidance in a supportive studio environment. This 90-minute weekly studio focuses on the core artistic skills that admissions committees are looking for while helping each student grow in confidence and artistic discipline. Build a strong foundation in observational drawing and design. Develop portfolio-quality artwork across multiple mediums. Receive personalized critiques and artistic direction. Learn composition, value, perspective, color, and technical skills. Create original work that demonstrates creativity, range, and personal voice. Whether your child is just beginning the portfolio process or looking to strengthen their artistic skills, this course provides the structure, mentorship, and expert guidance needed to take the next step toward their artistic goal
A Spark Trial Class is a special invitation for your child to experience what makes Spark truly unique. Through art, yoga, meditation, and nature inspired creativity, children engage in a thoughtful and enriching class designed to build confidence, focus, and imagination. This 75 minute class allows children to move, breath and create week in adn week out. Our experienced Teaching Artist Miss Samantha will guide students through hands on creative projects while incorporating mindful movement and calming breathwork. All materials are included. Come see why families love Spark and give your child the chance to discover their creativity. Light your child’s Spark today!
Ages 5–8Course
From $75
Spark After School Mondays
Spark Studio · Upper West Side
Spark's Monday Afterschool is a calm, creative reset at the start of the week. Led by Mr. Casey children unwind after school through a blend of visual art, mindfulness, gentle movement, and reflection—designed to help them decompress, focus, and reconnect with themselves and have fun. We work in small groups (max 8 students) so every child receives real attention and care. Each session includes guided art projects, moments of stillness, and time to build confidence and creative voice in a warm, supportive environment.
Ages 5–7Course
From $1490
Advanced /Art Portfolio Prep - Studio Class
Spark Studio · Upper West Side
Students will: Spark Portfolio Prep – Fall 2026 Tuesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM 8-Week Portfolio Prep Studio Is your child considering applying to one of New York City's specialized art high schools, such as LaGuardia, Art & Design, or Frank Sinatra School of the Arts ? Is your child already showing interest in Advanced level art concepts ? Then this is the class for artists ages 10+ that are showing promise for the arts and our portfolio candidates. Our Spark Portfolio Prep Studio is designed to help students build the artistic foundation and portfolio pieces needed for a competitive application and artistic development. Led by Mr. Casey Gallagher , Spark's Portfolio Teaching Artist and a graduate of The Cooper Union , students will develop strong observational drawing skills, explore a variety of artistic mediums, and create original artwork that reflects both technical ability and creative voice. Throughout the program, students receive individualized feedback and guidance in a supportive studio environment. This 90-minute weekly studio focuses on the core artistic skills that admissions committees are looking for while helping each student grow in confidence and artistic discipline. Build a strong foundation in observational drawing and design. Develop portfolio-quality artwork across multiple mediums. Receive personalized critiques and artistic direction. Learn composition, value, perspective, color, and technical skills. Create original work that demonstrates creativity, range, and personal voice. Whether your child is just beginning the portfolio process or looking to strengthen their artistic skills, this course provides the structure, mentorship, and expert guidance needed to take the next step toward their artistic goal
Ages 10–13Course
More in Upper West Side
artFrom $800
Seahorses Section 1 (18 - 30 months | with Parent/Caregiver | Fall | Tuesdays | 8:00 am)
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan · Upper West Side
16 Tuesdays (except Dec 22 + Dec 29)
Toddlers of mixed ages learn primary swim skills including submersions with kicks, back floats, and rollover breathing while enjoying a variety of songs, games, and water play designed to strengthen their comfort and command in the water, while preparing them to move confidently into their first drop-off swim class.
Ages 18 mo–2.5 yr17-week course
swimFrom $800
Bubbling Babies Section 2 (6-12 months | with Parent/Caregiver | Fall | Tuesdays | 8:30 am)
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan · Upper West Side
15 Mondays (except Sep 21, Dec 21, + Dec 28)
Enjoy an introduction to the water in this class full of lively songs and water exploration. Classes will focus on comfort, breath control, verbal swim cues, skill demonstrations, and safety in and out of the water.
Ages 6–12 mo17-week course
Open Gym
Gymboree Play & Music, Upper West Side · Upper West Side
Children are given free range to explore the set-ups, with their adults within a hug’s reach. Let your child take the lead and run out some wiggles!
outdoorFrom $800
Little Fish Section 2 (30-36 months | with Parent/Caregiver | Fall | Tuesdays | 9:00 am)
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan · Upper West Side
16 Tuesdays (except Dec 22 + Dec 29)
Little swimmers nearly turning three are gently guided toward true independent swimming with the security of grown-ups at hand. Children continue to learn how to be safe and more self-confident in the water while reaching exciting early swimming milestones, such as coordinated movements!