It’s that time of year, Smarties! Let’s start thinking FALL ACTIVITIES! Time to sign ’em up and get those kids out and about after school. We’ve compiled a list of our fave Smarty-tested-and-approved partners and all you need to know to register for the Fall 2014 classes or activities. Get to it and Happy Back-to-School Season!
Art
small hands big art
Art classes can be a relaxing creative outlet for tired minds after a challenging day at school! Especially for kids who have very limited exposure to art or other right-brained activities during the day, or could benefit from enhanced confidence and problem-solving skills.
Enroll now for fall art classes at small hands big art! Weekly classes run in six week sessions for students age 18m – 14 years, starting the week of September 2nd. Students are welcome to join anytime during a session for a pro-rated charge. For students in the Myers Park area, small hands big art offers classes at the Myers Park Presbyterian Wellness & Outreach Center, 1073 Providence Rd.
Smartypants Promo: Enter coupon code SMARTY for 10% off tuition!
CLICK HERE FOR CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE FOR CLASS SCHEDULES
small hands big art
8025 Ardrey Kell Rd., Suite 103
Charlotte, NC 28277
704.246.8271
info@smallhandsbigart.com
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Noah’s Art
Noah’s Art focuses on a process-oriented art experience. To aide in the development of each individual child’s talents and abilities, our instructors lead students through the process of creating art, at the same time, we give instruction in the use of art supplies, tools, and methods. Children in Noah’s Art classes learn to have confidence in their own creativity.
At Noah’s Art – all children are artists, and all children will experience success.
Their mission:
It is the mission of Noah’s Art to encourage children to explore their own creativity, experience artistic freedom and success, acknowledge and appreciate differences, and grow in self confidence and discovery.
Noah’s Art
SouthPark
5110 Park Rd. Suite 2E
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 521-6657
noahsartsouthpark@gmail.com
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Blakeney
9852 Rea Rd. Suite C2
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 542-2388
noahsartblakeney@gmail.com
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The Art Room
The Art Room is a studio that offers classes, camps, open studio times, and birthday parties for children ages 2-7 years. The philosophy at The Art Room is to support your child’s natural instinct to explore, experiment, and be creative. Special focus is on the creative process rather than producing a product. Every experience at The Art Room includes songs and stories. Create your child’s masterpieces at the Art Room!
The Art Room
118 E Kingston Ave #11
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-651-8040
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The Arts Center For All
The Arts Center For All offers several programs on the different instruments with experienced teachers:
Dance. Beautiful Art Form, Move your body with the spirit.
Art: Simple drawing will powerfully express who you are.
Piano. It’s a fascinating instrument with which you can create any music from.
Violin. For the ones that love classical music.
Flute. The sound and harmonies of this instrument is breath-taking.
Guitar. We have special programs from acoustic to electric guitar.
The Arts Center For All
260 S Sharon Amity Rd
Charlotte, North Carolina
(704) 362-5597
Swim
Charlotte Swim Academy
Charlotte Swim Academy has served families of Charlotte since 1991. They are family-oriented and family-owned. Charlotte Swim Academy is committed to providing you a quality swim lesson experience. Charlotte Swim Academy specializes in private instruction, which builds the best swimming foundation. The foundation building process is what allows Charlotte Swim Academy to consistently develop the most comfortable, confident, and efficient swimmers.
Fall Registration is in full swing at Charlotte Swim Academy. They offer two different fall sessions that are eight weeks each. The first session kicks off August 25th! Sign up for both sessions and they’ll give you 10% off the total! Let’s start swimming, Smarties!
Register here for Fall Session I (Aug. 25-Oct. 17) and Session II (Oct. 20-Dec. 19).
Charlotte Swim Academy
9315 Monroe Rd. #A
Charlotte, NC 28270
704-845-8377
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Little Otter Swim School
Registration is open for swimming lessons at Little Otter Swim School. Little Otter doesn’t operate in session so a child can be enrolled at any time during the year. Tuition is $70 a month for 1/2 hour lessons once per week or $135 a month for lessons twice a week. There is a $5 discount for each additional sibling and a $35 annual registration fee per family.
Visit one of their two locations in Matthews or Huntersville.
Little Otter Swim School
Matthews
8200 Tower Point Dr
Charlotte, NC 28227
704-846-7946
Huntersville
14415 Reese Blvd.
Huntersville, NC
704-846-7946
YWCA Swim Lessons
Our six-level Learn-to-Swim program is designed for children from 3 years all the way up to adults. Students progress through the levels at their own pace, mastering the skills in one level before advancing to the next. Each level of our Learn-to-Swim class includes training in stroke development, basic water safety, in addition to helping others in an emergency.
Course length: 4 weeks
Courses typically meet for 4-8 sessions for 30-45 minutes each
Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills
Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Level 3: Stroke Development
Level 4: Stroke Improvement
Level 5: Stroke Refinement
Level 6: Swimming & Skill Proficiency
Click here for registration form.
SAVE THE DATE – For Winter – Orange Crush is the YWCA’s recreational league swim team for kids ages 5-18 and runs January – March 2014. For more information on the 2015 season, please email Shelena Davis, YWCA Aquatics Coordinator, at aquatics@ywcacentralcarolinas.org or call 704.525.5770, ext. 222.
http://www.ywcacentralcarolinas.org/fitness-center/aquatics-orange-crush
YWCA
3420 Park Road
Charlotte NC 28209
704.525.5770
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Preschool and Youth Gymnastics and Cheerleading
Carolina Flipz
The Carolina Flipz Mission:
To educate kids on physical and mental health wellness through safe, positive gymnastics instruction year-round that builds each athletes confidence, leadership, and technique while having fun.
Classes start at age six months and go up to 17 years. Carolina Flipz is a positive and encouraging gymnastics environment with certified USAG coaches to teach technical gymnastics, tumbling, and acro to both boys and girls ages 6 months – 17yrs. Team CSP has experienced Carolina Flipz firsthand and we can’t say enough positive things about it. We love the clean gym, attentive coaching and friendly staff. Classes for the fall are already open so get signed up now to secure your spot! Click here for a full class schedule.
Carolina Flipz
11812 Carolina Place Parkway, Suite B
Pineville, NC 28134
carolinaflipz@gmail.com
704-544-4511
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Charlotte Allstars
Charlotte Allstars South is the area’s largest allstar cheerleading and tumbling program. The South location offers both year-round competitive cheerleading teams and half-year allstar prep cheerleading teams as well as tumbling classes for all abilities. Allstar cheer is a competitive team sport incorporating skills from several other disciplines such as gymnastics, dance, stunting and, of course, cheer. CAC South has a team for all ages and abilities! Allstar cheerleading teams differ from other teams by training year-round for competitions. Allstar teams also differ from most other sports in that every team member is vital to the team and the performance. There are no benchwarmers. Each individual has an integral part in the routine! Each member of the squad is trained in all aspects of the sport in order to develop their skills to reach their maximum potential.
Stop by for a tour of our facility as well as a FREE introductory tumbling class. The schedule can be found on our web site at www.charlotteallstars.com. Click on the South tab. Please contact 803-547-0344.
Charlotte Allstars
Zimmer Business Park Bldg 8
429 Marvin Road
Fort Mill, SC 29707
803.547.0344
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Charlotte Junior Gym
Charlotte Jr. Gym is a program designed to help children 18 months to 6 years old learn through play and music, while building confidence and body awareness. Children can explore in a gym full of age-appropriate equipment. We offer birthday parties, summer camps, mom/tot classes, private instruction for special needs children, open gym time, parent’s evening out, and more.
FALL SESSION 2014 – Sept 2nd – Dec. 19th
STAY’N’PLAY (18-30 months) & Pre/Beginning GYMNASTICS for 2 1⁄2 -*6 year olds:
All classes meet ONCE a week.
MONDAYS: 15 weeks
9:45-10:30am: Stay’N’Play (ages 18-30 months and adult caregiver) 15 weeks = $210.
10:45-12:15: Pre-Gymnastics (age 2 1⁄2- 4) 15 weeks = $300. (Extra 30 minutes available for $7 per week, for 12:45pm pick up. You can pay as you go.)
TUESDAYS: 15 weeks
9:45-10:30am: Stay’N’Play (ages 18-30 months and adult caregiver) 15 weeks = $210.
10:45-12:15pm: Pre-Gymnastics (age 2 1⁄2- 4) 15 weeks = $300. (Extra 30 minutes available for $7 per week, for 12:45pm pick up. You can pay as you go.)
WEDNESDAYS: 15 weeks
9:45-10:30am: Stay’N’Play (ages 18-30 months and adult caregiver): 15 weeks= $210.
10:45-12:15pm: Pre-Gymnastics (age 2 1⁄2- 4) 15 weeks = $300. (Extra 30 minutes available for $7 per week, for 12:45pm pick up. You can pay as you go.)
THURSDAYS: 15 weeks
9:45-10:30am: Stay’N’Play (ages 18-30 months and adult caregiver): 15 weeks = $210.
10:45-12:15pm: Pre-Gymnastics (age 2 1⁄2- 4) 15 weeks = $300. (Extra 30 mins. available for $7 per week, for 12:45pm pickup)
1:30-3pm: Pre- and Beginning Gymnastics (ages 3-5) 15 weeks = $300.
4-5pm: Beginning Gymnastics (ages 3-6) 15 weeks = $240.
9:45-10:30am: Stay’N’Play (ages 18-30 months and adult caregiver): 15 weeks = $210.
10:45-12:15pm: Pre-Gymnastics (age 2 1⁄2- 4) 15 weeks = $300. (Extra 30 minutes available for $7 per week, for 12:45pm pick up)
Register at http://www.charlottejrgym.com/classes.htm.
Charlotte Jr. Gym
201 Rampart Street 704-333-3242
Charlotte, NC 28203
Gymboree Play and Music
With all sorts of play, music, and art classes for kids ages birth – 5 years old, Gymboree Play & Music has got you covered this fall! For the under-3 set, they have fun, engaging Mommy & Me style classes that always include lots of imagination, music, movement and FUN! For your 3-5 year olds, they offer both parent/child and kid-only classes that still bring all the fun, but blend some targeted learning and fitness in as well. All of the classes include free access to our “PlayGym” sessions offered several times a week – during these times, enrolled kids and parents can enjoy the playfloor and indoor gym free of charge! Gymboree Play & Music members also receive access to special events and promotions at Gymboree clothing stores.
The fall schedule includes many great offerings, and you are always invited to try a free class before deciding to join. Gymboree Play & Music has locations in Ballantyne and in Lake Norman. To learn more and to see the schedules, visit www.gymboreeclasses.com and enter your zip code to see details on the location closest to you!
Mention that you saw Gymboree on Charlotte Smarty Pants and they’ll waive the $40 enrollment fee when you join!
Gymboree Play and Music
Ballantyne:
3419 Toringdon Way
Suite 112
Charlotte,North Carolina 28277
(704) 759-8521
bltynenc@gymboreeclasses.com
Lake Norman
20619 Torrence Chapel Rd
Suite 116
Cornelius,North Carolina 28031
(704) 655-9650
lknnc@gymboreeclasses.com
My Gym – Charlotte
As the summer draws to a close and fall approaches, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center of Charlotte will be encouraging families to start the new school year off right by committing to a lifestyle of health, fitness, and fun. During the back to school enrollment period, we will be offering a My Gym
Spectacular Fall Special:
New Members: Join My Gym the day of your guest class for just $49! This includes your Lifetime Family Membership AND first month of classes ($150 value)*
Re-enrolling members: They’ve missed you! Come back to My Gym and your first month is just $49 as well!*
Are you a member and already enrolled? Refer a friend, who enrolls, for this awesome Fall Special and receive $30 off your next month of classes. There is no limit. Share the My Gym love and you could come for FREE!
*(Disclaimer: Exp: 9/6/14. 12 week minimum enrollment period.)
Sign up online for a FREE GUEST CLASS! If you have never been to My Gym, they encourage you to try their program free of charge to make sure you want My Gym to be your gym! My Gym offers age appropriate fitness classes including music, songs, dances, games, puppet shows, swings, rides, hanging, tumbling, balancing, sports, and much more. Enroll for your guest class at www.mygymcharlotte.com
To schedule your trial class visit online at www.mygymcharlotte.com or email at info@mygymcharlotte.com.
My Gym Charlotte
5110 Park Rd # 2D
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 522-6966
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International Sports Center
School year classes start Tues Sept 2nd at International Sports Center. Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Tumbling. Go to internationalsportscenter.com to register. Over 100 classes per week for ages 18 mths to 18 yrs. Home of International Gymnastics & Charlotte Allstar Cheerleading.
International Sports Center
# C, 11011 Monroe Rd
Matthews, NC 28105
704-841-8407
Dance
Charlotte Ballet
Formerly NC Dance Theatre and under the direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Charlotte Ballet Academy offers programs for students in a range of ages and with different levels of ability. School Year programs include the highest quality of instruction in ballet, modern and jazz technique. For ages 3 through college.
Click here for the full schedule and enrollment instructions.
Charlotte Ballet
701 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
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Charlotte School of Ballet
The Charlotte School of Ballet was founded in 1968 by Gay Porter, offering the finest of training for young students through the professional level. Training begins with the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, one that is used successfully in eighty-two countries throughout the world, and continues into the Cecchetti Method. Non-syllabus classes are an important part of the student’s training also. Guest teachers are often brought in, to work with the advanced students during the year. Additionally, classes are also offered in tap, jazz, modern dance and Classical Spanish dance by experts in their field.
The Charlotte School of Ballet offers two types of programs– recreational and vocational. The recreational program is designed for the once- or twice-a-week student who enjoys dancing for fun, with a recital once a year. Children’s ballet examinations are offered to these students.
The vocational program is designed for the serious ballet student who’s priority is classical ballet. Examinations in both The Royal Academy of Dancing and the Cecchetti methods are encouraged for these students, as well as membership in the Charlotte Youth Ballet.
Students are not required to have any prior experience in ballet or any other form of dance in order to take classes at the Charlotte School of Ballet. The only necessity is the desire to learn!
Charlotte School of Ballet
627 South Sharon Amity
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704)366-9675
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The Belmont School of Ballet
116 South Main Street
Belmont, NC 28012
(704)829-7929
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Daisy Dance – a Launch Your Kid Program
Daisy Dance is a ballet, tap and creative dance program designed to teach children a life-long love of movement and provide a foundation for all dance genres. Divas participate in weekly sessions which include ballet and tap technique, movement patterns and games, and dramatic play.
Daisy Dance at Covenant Presbyterian
1000 E Moorehead St. Charlotte, NC 28204
12 Week Fall Dance Session
Sept 8 – Nov 24
Little Dancers (Ages 2.5 – 3.5): Mondays 4:45-5:15 ($155)
Older Dancers (Ages 3.5-5): Mondays 5:30-6:15 ($165)
Register at www.launchyourkid.com
Daisy Dance at Belle Johnston Community Center (Pineville)
12 Week Dance Session: Sept 9 – Nov 25
Tuesdays 5:45-6:30
Ages 3-6
Session is $156
Register at www.launchyourkid.com
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Jami Masters School of Dance
Jami Masters School of Dance (JMSD) offers dance instruction for all ages and levels in a variety of dance forms. Our dance year runs September to May. Classes are offered for all ages from 2 years – Adults. All classes are taught by our highly qualified staff with years of education and/or performance experience. The philosophy of JMSD is to instill the love of dance in all of our students. We encourage each child to be the best they can be, and we do this in a loving, caring, nurturing, and noncompetitive environment. Through careful, supervised dance training, students gain confidence and charm while developing stronger, healthier bodies.
Click here to register.
Jami Master School of Dance
530 Brandywine Rd
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 525-6555
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Miller Street Dance Academy
Miller Street Dance Academy (MSDA) was founded in 1994 under the leadership of Michelle Rogers with the aim of providing quality, tasteful dance instruction in a positive environment. Their goal is to cultivate young dancers into well-rounded individuals who have not only an appreciation for dance but who reach for high achievement in academics and community service, as well. Miller Street Dance Academy offers award-winning dance instruction in a variety of dance styles to dancers ranging in age from 2.5 years to adult. But dance instruction is just the beginning of the many rewards your child will experience as a dancer here. They help our students experience the joy of dance while emphasizing good character and sportsmanship along with community involvement and scholastic achievement. And they lead by example.
Styles of Dance at MSDA Include: Acrobatics, Ballet, Boy’s Only, Cheer Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz/Hip Hop, Lyrical, Pointe/Pre Pointe, Pre Ballet, Tap and Tumbling
Register now for classes at the Providence Road or Baxter Village location.
Miller Street Dance Academy
Providence
11532 Providence Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
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Baxter Village
967 Market St., Ste. 100
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Theater
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Registration is now open for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 2014-15 Creative Drama classes, Workshops and more in depth School of Theatre Training programs. These classes are fun, exciting experiences, and they promote a range of important developmental skills: confidence, leadership, teamwork, and the creative “right brain” thinking recognized as critically important for success. Programs are available for ages 2-18, all experience levels, at ImaginOn and satellites in Huntersville and South Charlotte. Visit ctcharlotte.org for details, or call to discuss the best options for your children: 704-973-2838 (M-F, 10-5).
Children’s Theatre Classes & Camps
Music
Music Together
FALL 2014 September 5 – November 8, 2014
Pre-Registration (families participating in the Spring and Summer sessions) – August 11
Open registration for ALL families – August 25
HOLIDAY 2014 November 17 – December 20, 2014 (off Thanksgiving week Nov 22-29)
Open Registration for ALL families October 20
WINTER 2015 January 5 – March 14, 2015
Pre-Registration (families participating in the Fall session) – November 10
Open registration for ALL families November 17
SPRING 2015 March 30 – June 1, 2015 (off week of April 4-10 for Spring Break AND off May 25 for Memorial Day)
Pre-Registration (families participating in the Winter session) – March 2
Open registration for ALL families March 9
Tuition includes two professionally recorded CDs and a beautifully illustrated songbook with family activity suggestions. Classes include parent education to help adults understand and enhance their child’s music development. Families will also receive a quarterly e-newsletter and access to the national informative website. New families receive a DVD and booklet, “Music Together® At Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically”; a guide for parents and caregivers.
Tuition for the Dilworth, JCC and Open Door locations is $190 for the first child and $155 for the second. Tuition for South Charlotte, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie is $170 for the first child and $135 for the second. Infants under 8 months are free with a paying sibling.
Click here to register.
Music Together
11944 Pinnacle Point Ln
Charlotte, NC 28216
704-449-6761
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Sports
Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is a program offered to children 2-8 that meets once a week at daycare centers, schools, and parks throughout the city to introduce your child to soccer! Our Soccer Shots instructors are energetic and enthusiastic, are great teachers, and love working with children. We not only teach soccer skills, but also work on improving balance, coordination, and agility with the kids. Soccer Shots also uses the sessions to teach children important concepts such as teamwork, sharing and respect. Come join the fastest growing youth soccer program today!
http://www.soccershots.org/charlotte
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Academics
Ballantyne Reading Academy for the Very Young
Ballantyne Reading Academy for the Very Young for the Very Young offers superior, customized tutoring for beginning readers entering preschool and through fifth grade. Our goal is to provide support for families with young children to boost their learning potential and promote a life-long love of reading. We offer individual tutoring, small-group literacy classes and summer camps, Meet the Author Days and special events that get your child excited about reading and learning. Every child is unique. Let us design a highly personalized literacy program that is as unique as your child.
Ballantyne Reading Academy for the Very Young
17228 Lancaster Hwy. Suite 211
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-438-7909
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1 comment
I was looking forward to getting some good informaton from this article, but all of these places are focused in South Charlotte. Any recommendations for the friends up north? (Davidson/Lake Norman)