Best STEM Classes in New Jersey for Kids
If your child is interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them, STEM classes in New Jersey can be a wonderful way to foster curiosity and critical thinking. We've rounded up 15 STEM classes for kids in the Garden State that teach coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.
For more kids' activities, check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey.
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1. The R CHILD STEAM Center – Fort Lee
This STEM-accredited tech program for ages 5 to 16 offers Science Bee prep, LEGO and VEX IQ Robotics, coding with Scratch, Python, and Java, game design with Minecraft, 3D printing, and more. Kids gain hands-on, real-world skills and have a chance to compete in state and national robotics and science competitions. Year-round learning continues with Days Off School programs and summer camps.
2. Arena Stem – Paramus
Located in Westfield Garden State Plaza, Arena is an amusement center and STEM classroom all in one. Aside from its play zones, Arena offers classes in robotics, 3D printing, STEM, and more.
3. Bricks 4 Kids – Statewide
With locations statewide, Bricks 4 Kidz builds a child's confidence in, and excitement about, math, technology, and architecture. While most classes are based on Legos, many combine stop-motion video and Minecraft for extra enrichment.
4. AlphaMinds Academy – Jersey City, Hoboken
Kids as young as 6 can learn coding, engineering, math, and logic at this academy. Chess lessons start at age 4.
5. Code Wiz – East Rutherford
Code Wiz offers opportunities to take interesting coding classes covering Mincraft coding, drag and drop, Roblox game design, Python, 2D/3D game design, and more. Programs are intended for ages 6 and up.
6. Genius Gems – Millburn
Kids ages 2-12 can take various STEM classes at this STEM-focused indoor play space, from chemistry and coding to robotics and engineering.
7. Krubots – Manalapan, Freehold
Programs cater to kids ranging in age from 6 to 14. Working in teams, kids learn about robotics, drones, 3D printing, and Legos.
8. Leapcoderz – Princeton
Robotics, Lego League teams. coding, and tech challenge teams are among the many offerings children can try at Leapcoderz. Programs start at ages 6 and up.
9. Little Ivy Academy – Ridgewood
Robots and coding are big at Little Ivy. Geared toward kids in pre-K through eighth grade, Little Ivy creates curious, lifelong learners through programs in web development, app and game making, robotics, and more. After-school enrichment labs are held on its Ridgewood campus. You can also set up your own session through its Have Your Own Lab program.
10. Montclair Learning Center – Montclair
Nurture your child's interest in STEAM topics with classes in coding, Minecraft, robotics, chess, and more. Bring kids as young as 3 to its Little Engineer classes for fun, hands-on learning, and activities.
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Robot Revolution has classes for kids in grades 4-12.
11. Robot Revolution – Summit
This robotics school focuses on getting kids involved in competitive robotics. Register kids in VEX IQ (4th-8th grade) or VEX (8th-12th grade). Children build structures, run experiments, work on their own robots, and more.
12. STEAM Mum and SciTech Kids – Jersey City
Students as young as age 3 meet in small groups and learn to use STEAM skills to solve real-world problems. Classes offer an education in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, coding, Minecraft, robotics, architecture, and astronomy.
13. Storming Robots – Branchburg
Kids in grades 4 through 12 can try robotics or computer science at Storming Robots, where year-round engineering classes are the focus. Advanced students can join the competition team.
14. Sylvan Learning Centers – Statewide
Sylvan Learning Centers get kids excited about engineering and robotics with diverse class offerings for those in first grade and up.
15. 4H – Statewide
Check in with your local 4H chapter for STEM offerings. Clubs throughout the state offer robotics and engineering classes and activities for kids.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly. Photos courtesy of Robot Revolution
Places featured in this article:
Storming Robots
Robot Revolution
Montclair Learning Center
AlphaMinds Academy
Little Ivy Academy
Genius Gems
Arena Stem
Bricks 4 Kidz Creativity Center
Montclair Learning Center