Safe and Fun Environments for Students with Working Parents
Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA organizations in many Fairfield county communities operate after-school programs for middle and high school students. Many of the programs provide after-school transportation and offer a variety of activities including sports, free gym time, leadership and career clubs and various arts and science classes. Participation in these programs typically requires membership in the local club. In addition to the membership, additional fees may apply depending on the program and classes attended. For specific programs, contact your local facility.

YMCA of Norwalk
After-school programs for elementary school children and middle schoolers.

370 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06850 203-866-4425

Wilton YMCA
Teen programs and a variety of sports and educational classes.

404 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT, 06897 203-762-8384

Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Use the website to locate the club in or closest to your community
Clubs operate in many Fairfield county locations including Fairfield, Southport, Bridgeport, Redding-Easton, Ridgefield, Stamford, Shelton, Greenwich offering a variety of programs including after-school clubs with homework Power Hour, science and arts classes, leadership and career preparation courses and a big selection of sports programs.

Special Art Classes
Lakeside Pottery's spacious and bright studio in Stamford runs 8-week classes designed for 8-12 year old students. Children can learn the basics of pottery-making in a real, professional pottery studio equipped with high-end tools and staffed with accomplished artist-educators.

Lakeside Pottery 
543 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT, 06905 203-323-2222

The Rowayton Arts Center, one of Fairfield county's favorite art studios with over 400 professional and amateur artist members organizes a variety of art courses for children. Their program includes a popular 6-week Art Program for Teens class. Older children are encouraged to explore painting and art focusing on one project for a longer period of time.

Rowayton Arts Center
145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT, 06853 203-866-2744

Music Courses and Opportunities for Performing Artists
The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut is Trumbull brings a wide selection of performing arts classes to the region. They welcome budding artists preparing for professional careers and enthusiastic amateurs looking for a fun variety. Their dance, musical theater, acting and signing classes are organized into beginner and master courses and focused workshops. The Center also has a pre-professional performance dance company, In Motion and a ballet ensemble, Corps.

Performing Arts Center of Connecticut 
For fees and schedules, visit the website or call the Center.
18 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull, CT, 06611 203-372-ARTS(2787)

The Suzuki Music School of Westport is a well regarded music school with an enrollment of over 300 students receiving specialized instructions in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, chamber music and large ensemble. Students attend lessons in private and group settings and have ample opportunities to perform in recitals, student shows and participate in chambers and student orchestras.The schedule is flexible, but the courses require commitment and serious work.

The Suzuki Music School of Westport
For fees, classes, schedules and enrollment, visit website or call the Music School.
212 Post Road West, Westport, CT, 06880 203-227-9474 (ext 1)

The Enchanted Garden
Offers musical theater, acting and voice classes for preteens and teenagers, individual musical instrument lessons for children of all ages.

165 Danbury Road Ridgefield, CT, 06877  203-431-3350

Talent Education Suzuki School
School offers private and group music lessons.

112 Main Street, Norwalk, CT, 06851 203-956-6708

Route 7 Music
Music studio staffed with 30 teachers offering private musical instructions 7 days a week.

355 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT, 06804 203-775-6377

Fun and Different Sports Classes
Fairfield county's middle and high schools have many great athletic programs: baseball, basketball,track, cross-country, and lacrosse. Children and parents looking for something special or new to try may want to choose from additional sports programs offered by specialized centers.

The Candlewood Fencing Center caters to children (and adults) above the age of 8. The academy has a basic program for those just experimenting with the sport, private classes for the more eager students and a demanding elite program for serious fencers.

Fairfield's SportsPlex center also provides private and partners fencing classes and open fencing time opportunities for teens in its Fairfield Fencing Academy. In addition to fencing, SportsPlex has many other exciting sports classes for students: recreational and competitive gymnastic, cheerleading classes for younger kids and preteens and the new rock-climbing youth programs by Carabiner's Indoor Climbing where children above the age of 8 can experiment with or even compete at climbing.

Candlewood Fencing Center
Fees include mandatory annual membership fee. Rates for specific programs vary depending on level, age and need for equipment rental. Detailed schedule is available on the website.

272 White Street, Danbury, CT, 06810 203-778-0808

SportsPlex Fairfield
The facilities at SportsPlex provide Fairfield's youth community with opportunities to participate in a number of different sports including gymnastics, cheerleading, fencing and climbing programs. For schedules and fees, please visit the website.

85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824 203-610-8200

Sono Field House
Sono Field House has a wide variety of after-school sport and recreational programs for children, including youth rock climbing classes.

365 Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Norwalk, CT, 06854 203-523-5875

Originally published on 9/19/2011.

Photo courtesy of Lakeside Pottery.