Learn Spanish: Language Classes for NYC Kids

Like many multicultural families in our melting pot of a city, we speak multiple languages in our home including English, Russian (that's where I'm from) and a couple of others thanks to Hebrew school and regular school. My oldest son is currently learning Spanish and is really loving it. He certainly gets many opportunities to practice it in daily life in NYC.

Many New York City public schools offer wonderful dual language Spanish programs (as well as other tongues). But there are also other options. NYC is filled with places where young kids can learn how to habla Español. Some spots offer foreign language classes for preschoolers, while others have lessons for elementary students, a great enrichment option if your child's school doesn't offer a second language. Here are 11 of our favorite Spanish classes for New York City kids:

The Language Workshop for Children – Upper West Side and Upper East Side
Visit the website for locations.
With drop-off classes for children ages 3 to 9, The Language Workshop for Children uses the Thibaut Technique, which employs music, props and play to teach Spanish (as well as French, Italian and Chinese) in a group setting. All classes come with a weekly Songs & More Workbook/CD set, and an LWFC Storybook of words they're learning in class. Children under 3 can take Languages for Tots classes with a caregiver starting at 6 months. There is also a summer enrichment program, a spring break session and a Language Immersion Preschool.

El Taller Latino Americano! – Upper West Side
2710 Broadway at 104th Street, third floor
During the after-school Latin American Workshop, kids study "Spanish of the Americas" through music, theater, arts and crafts, and conversation. Students start by learning how to say hello, name their body parts, order food, and identify colors and common objects. Though the class is taught in a bilingual format, beginners are welcome. An immersive Spanish Arts Summer Camp is also available for children ages 4 to 10.

Queen Sofía Spanish Institute – Upper East Side
684 Park Avenue between 68th and 69th Streets
If Spanish were the language we spoke at home, Queen Sophia's would be the program I'd sign up for. In addition to general kids' Spanish classes for children ages 6 to 12 featuring storytelling, games, songs and activities, there's also a program for native Spanish speakers who need to hone their reading and writing skills.

Lango: Foreign Languages for Kids – Brooklyn
Visit the website for locations.
Afternoon classes are available for preschoolers through second graders in Park Slope, but Lango will also come to you in either Brooklyn or Manhattan for customized group lessons. Summer camp includes special “No English!” periods.

I'm Bilingual! Languages Through Music – Upper East Side
1296 Lexington Avenue at 88th Street
Children under age 5 can learn the language through music and art classes, drop-in Spanish storytime and other immersive experiences. This summer, in addition to its Spanish Fun program for preschoolers, the spot will host lessons for ages 5 to 10 taught by the Instituto Cervantes of NY, the cultural organization created by the Spanish government to promote the language worldwide.

Tribeca Language – Tribeca
22 Harrison Street between Greenwich and Hudson Streets
Maurice Hazan, the owner and founder of this school, developed the QTalk Method, which associates a specific picture to every word for easier learning. Kids under 3 and their caregivers are welcome in the Baby&Me classes, and there are drop-off sessions for ages 3 and up. The goal is to teach children a core 300 or so words that will make imaginative play possible, and then build from there.

Hola! A Playgroup in Spanish – Citywide
Visit the website for locations.
Toddlers can start getting comfortable en español at age 1. There are also after-school, ballet, Flamenco, music and summer programs with elements like radio lab, exploring cultures and yoga, all conducted in Spanish.

Música Para Mí – Citywide
Visit the website for locations.
From Brooklyn Heights to Park Slope, the East Village to the Upper West Side, this program teaches Spanish through music to mixed ages from 5 months to 3½ years. All classes are 45-minutes long and include circle time, singing, percussion instruments, dancing and songs from different Spanish-speaking cultures. A great option for siblings since the mixed ages mean they can do it together.

Bilingual Birdies – Citywide
Visit the website for locations.
In addition to group Speakin' Spanish classes for children up to age 6, Bilingual Birdies also offers private sessions in your home, plus birthday parties and family concerts around the city.

Juguemos a Cantar – Park Slope
47 Sterling Place between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
This program for children ages 18 months to 4 years offers a preschool alternative, after-school, playgroups, classes, camps and even a drop-in option.

Brooklyn Beanstalk – Brooklyn
Visit the website for locations.
With multiple outposts in Brooklyn, this program offers Spanish language immersion classes in small groups for ages 16 months to 8 years. Students learn how to speak through songs, dramatic play, games and everyday interactions.

For other ways to experience the Spanish language, read our post about learning about Hispanic culture in NYC. And check out our Classes Guide for more enrichment programs in NYC.