Finding the right after-school activities for your kids can be a daunting process. While we’re very fortunate that Richmond is such a kid-friendly city with so much to offer, we often don’t know where to start when looking for after-school enrichment. Richmondmom.com is pleased to provide this list of programs and classes to help you find the right activity for your child. Know of any that aren’t included? Let us know!
DANCE CLASSES:
Heart of Ireland School of Dance is the choice for Irish dance instruction in Richmond. Located in Midlothian, they offer solo and ceili classes for all ages and abilities.
The School of Richmond Ballet offers superior training for young people who aspire to have a professional ballet career as well as those students who wish simply to enrich their lives through dance.
The Village Dance Studio believes that every child should have the opportunity to grow and develop in ways the arts uniquely provide. Their program educates, challenges and inspires in a personal, non-competitive atmosphere of learning and fun.
Regency Dance Academy was voted “Best Dance Studio for Children and Adults” in Richmond, Virginia by Richmond Magazine!, they have classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Modern/Contemporary.
Richmond Dance Center, since 1976, has offered quality instruction in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Dance Exercise and Creative Movement for children and adults and is highly regarded on a local, regional and national levels. Richmond Dance Center was voted Best Dance Studio for Children in 2015 by Richmond Magazine! Full Year, Fall and Spring semester instruction are available with a culminating recital in May. Gold’s Gym Plaza, 8906-E West Broad Street, Pam Turner (804) 747-0533
The Dance Studio takes pride in being known as Richmond’s traditional dance school. Join in the fun, joy, and discipline of the art of dance and find out what keeps dancers coming back year after year.
The West End Academy of Dance offers programs in ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz and tap. WEAD enjoys being “your local neighborhood studio”, offering dance classes to all age groups and all levels of experience.
TwirlyQ offers baton twirling classes in private and group sessions. Whether you are interested in learning figure-eights or becoming Miss Majorette of America, TwirlyQ is the baton club for you!
Dogtown Dance Theatre now offers two unique classes for kids that are sure to boost their self confidence and physical fitness: Hoop Dance & Poi, taught by Stacey Firefly of RVA Hoop Lovers and Aerial Silks & Circus Arts, taught by Heather Bailey of RVA Aerial Arts Collaborative: Host of Sparrows.
Grace Arts is an organization making sure that the arts are available to all children in Richmond, regardless of whatever their family’s financial situation may be. Through classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, drama, art, and more, Grace Arts is fostering creativity, teaching kids to believe in themselves, and building up our community…one affordable class at a time. We serve individuals ages 2-adult, and we welcome anyone and everyone into our family!
Henrico PAL Dance Program: is a FREE Dance Program for girls ages 6-16 years old. Participants will learn fundamental dance warm ups, stretches, techniques and routines. All participants should have a real interest in dance and be willing and dedicated to attending classes.
SPORTS PROGRAMS AND SPORTS SKILLS CLASSES:
Endorphin Fitness lets kids ages 6-15 experience fitness through swim, bike, run and strength in an engaging, fun group setting. Recreational and competitive teams available.
Master Cho’s Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts, located at Short Pump and Virginia Center, offer after-school classes for kids of all ages in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Grandmaster Dong’s Studio teaches children physical fitness, weight control, self-control, increased concentration, and respect for others through their Tae Kwon Do programs at their multiple Richmond area locations.
Martial Arts World of West End’s after-school program focuses on building confidence and self-discipline, improving grades, respect for self and others, and developing a “Yes I can!” attitude.
Richmond Traditional Martial Arts After School Program provides school pick up, homework supervision, a snack and an organized break period in addition to martial arts classes.
ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers allows kids finish homework, have a snack and enjoy a wide array of activities including swimming, crafts, and sport activities. Available to members and non-members, and transportation is available from select schools.
Richmond Olympiad has four area locations that offer multi-level gymnastics classes from the Intro to Gymnastics to the Medalist Program.
Twist Gymnastics emphasizes physical fitness, strength and flexibility to allow students to master basic gymnastics skills and progress to intermediate and advanced levels.
River City Youth Fitness has a mission to create an environment where children can develop a positive attitude towards physical activities that will grow to include healthy habits for a lifetime. RCYF has a wide selection of gymnastics classes for children of all ages.
Richmond Twisters offers All Star Cheerleading and gymnastics classes in a fun, positive, instructional environment for all our athletes.
Richmond Ice Zone and Skate Nation Plus offer youth hockey and skating instruction. Browse class offerings and schedules here.
Little Gym of Glen Allen doesn’t just cater to the younger kids! They offer classes for kids up to age 12 in gymnastics, dance, sports skills and karate. They’ve got something to satisfy every kid.
i9 Sports® is the first and fastest growing franchise of youth sports leagues in the US. With over 500,000 members since 2003 and 275 locations in 30 states, i9 Sports offers the most popular team sports for kids with a focus on fun, safety, and good sportsmanship.
Upward Sports’ kid programs teach sport skills and values and offer family-friendly schedules. Sports offered include soccer, flag football, basketball and cheerleading.
Henrico PAL: Free Open Gym Night take place every Wednesday night from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The purpose of “Open Gym Night” is to provide youth 9 to 17 years old with a safe haven while playing basketball, other indoor sports, and hanging out with other well behaved youths.
MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTS:
The Center For Creative Arts hosts private lessons in guitar, piano, drums, flute, violin, voice and more at their location at Shady Grove United Methodist Church in the Far West End. Lessons are taught by professional musicians who work with each student to meet their musical goals and develop their skills.
The Academy of Music’s mission is to provide everyone, no matter their age or experience, an enriching music education through instrumental or vocal study, ensemble participation and/or music classes. Private instruction and group classes available.
Grove Avenue Piano School is a small group of enthusiastic musicians in Richmond, VA dedicated to teaching piano to all ages and experience levels. They offer hands-on piano instruction in a fun environment.
Key Signatures is dedicated to offering the highest quality of music lessons in the Richmond area, with degreed music instructors teaching private lessons in all styles of guitar, piano, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, cello, upright bass, drums, flute, ukulele and voice.
Midlothian Music Lessons has a goal of making available the kind of teacher who can help any student gain the lifelong skill of playing music if they are willing to spend their time learning. Lessons available in guitar, woodwind, violin, piano, cello and drum.
Richmond Piano has supported the local music and arts community for the past 35 years. From young students to adults, beginners to advanced musicians, our instructors are dedicated to helping each student achieve his or her musical goals.
Greater Richmond School of Music, located in Mechanicsville and at St. Benedict School in Richmond, offers private lessons and group classes for children and teens in many areas of study. They also have a comprehensive homeschooling program.
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir offers boys and girls ages 8-18 the opportunity to excel through the graduated study and performance of high-quality choral music with the Richmond area’s finest vocal ensemble for children.
Creative Arts and Activities
Young Chef’s Academy’s weekly classes are designed to help young chefs explore cuisines while building upon basic skills. Each class adds a heap of kitchen safety, a scoop of etiquette, a handful of table setting, a pinch of menu planning and laughter to taste.
SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community) offers a graduated performing arts curriculum for beginners, experienced students and advanced young actors at locations throughout Richmond.
Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts (SCAPA) is located in Midlothian and offers classes in dance, drama, instrumental and vocal music for students ages 3 to adult.
Christian Youth Theatre hosts a wide variety of core classes in drama, voice, and dance, plus specialty classes. During the final class week, a high-energy “SHOWCASE” is presented by each class for the other students as well as family and friends.
Drama Kids International has provided innovative programs to tens of thousands of children in the USA since 1999. The local Drama Kids chapter offers classes for multiple age levels are locations throughout Richmond.
All Fired Up is a hands-on clay-painting workshop that is fun for kids and parents alike with eight different after-school programs.
ART IS FUN! Art lessons in Richmond’s in west end for beginning or advanced students ages K-Adult. Have fun while learning serious art skills and techniques. All mediums are offered, including pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, pastels, oil pastels, acrylic, oil painting, printmaking, and mixed media. All classes, workshops, and summer camps are taught by an experienced award winning professional artist. Students entering local, regional, and national competitions win awards too! Check out ARTISFUN-RVA, Facebook “ArtisFun-RVA”, email Artisfun.rva@gmail.com or call 804-747-7457. All supplies are included and students may join in anytime! Sessions can be prorated.
The Center for Creative Arts, located in the West End at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church, hosts various after-school art classes for kids and teens.
The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen offers visual arts and ceramics classes for kids both weekdays and weekends at their location in the old Glen Allen School.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond has a long, positive partnership with Richmond City Public Schools and is excited to be involved in a new middle-school enrichment initiative this fall. Their Art After School classes reach more than 570 youth each year in hands-on studio classes in all types of visual and literary arts.
Color Me Mine‘s six-week art program offers students the opportunity to learn a different painting technique at each after-school class and apply it to a ceramic piece. Classes available to kids ages 6-12 years old.
Richmond Young Writers hosts several Fall after-school Intensives for kids age 8-17. Intensives such as Mythical Magical Madness and Curious Creature Compendium are sure to get your kid’s creative writing juices flowing.
ACCADEMIC & TUTORING:
Club Z! In-Home Tutoring, operating in Richmond since 2004, offers one-on-one tutoring for all grades and subjects. Contact us online or call us at 804-423-2004.
College Nannies and Tutors of Richmond offers a discount on tutoring with our Savvy Saver Card and has a host of professional, trained
tutors for your child’s needs.
CommuniKids language enrichment program offers weekly classes in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic for children aged 18 months to 8 years.
Tutoring Club provides tutoring for students of all academic levels, kindergarten through 12th grade. Tutoring Club offers individualized instruction in exclusive TutorAid programs for math, reading, writing, SAT and ACT preparation, study skills, and more.
Mathnasium’s goal is to significantly increase your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject.
Teachigo. A free resource to help you find the right tutor for your child.
Tutor Doctor makes house calls! Tutor Doctor Of Richmond understands how important a well-rounded education is to future success, and that habits and attitudes learned early in life are likely to follow your child throughout his life
Smart Solutions Tutoring is a local tutoring group that is designed to meet the needs of child and adult learners. Private and group sessions are offered.
Sylvan Learning Center‘s mission is to motivate your child to succeed and thrive by making learning personal. Sylvan can help with math tutoring, reading tutoring, writing tutoring, study skills help, homework help, summer camps, SAT/ACT® prep, state test prep, college prep. Sylvan uses an innovative approach to teach kids how to learn in a personal way, so they build their confidence and get inspired to do great things!
Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading academic enrichment program. Their personalized approach helps children learn math and reading concepts based on their ability rather than their age or grade. Midlothian of Westchester Commons
Maymont educators offer a variety of historical and environmental after-school programs that meet Virginia’s Standards of Learning for either History and Social Science or Science.
Bricks 4 Kidz’ after-school classes build on the universal popularity of LEGO® bricks to deliver a high quality of educational play. Kids construct a new model each week based on exciting themes from space to sports, amusement parks to animals.
Championship Chess offers chess camps and after school enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students throughout the Richmond metro area. Please see our current camp offerings at online or contact us if you would like a program offered at your child’s school at CoachBrian@
Henrico PAL Chess Program is a FREE “Chess Club” for boys and girls ages 6-18 years old. Participants should be at least vaguely familiar with the game of chess, but not mandatory. Informal lessons will be provided to those unfamiliar with the game of chess. The Chess Club will meet on Friday evenings @ 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Henrico County Training Center.
Engineering for Kids: After school, evening, and weekend classes held at schools and community centers throughout Spotsylvania, King George, Orange, Caroline, Culpeper, Hanover, Henrico, and Louisa Counties, and more being added. Click here to learn more!
Tech Em Studios: Tech Em Studios is an after-school technology program that offers classes, camps and training focused on applied computer science and computer-aided design. With courses in coding, 3D printing, software design and device building, Tech Em’s instructors teach students at all levels the critical STEM-related skills required in the 21st century. By emphasizing art in technology, Tech Em helps students understand the exciting and evolving relationship of technology and art. Classes available for elementary through high school students and adults too!
MULTI-ACTIVITY PROGRAMS:
Aerial East Gymnastics – This program is geared towards 1st through 12th graders. Children will be divided into classes based on age and ability level.
Greater Richmond YMCAs after school programs, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential.
Sabot Stony Point Beyond The Classroom Beyond the Classroom offers an array of extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for children and adults to delve deeper into particular interests, dabble in unfamiliar techniques or pastimes, and embark on entirely new ventures.
Weinstein JCC offers an exciting and dynamic elementary and middle school-age program designed to meet the demands of today’s working families. Our facility offers nurturing and enriching quality childcare for children both after school and on “School’s Out” days.
WEEK-LONG AND COMMUNITY-LED PROGRAMS:
Tuckaway Child Development and Early Education Centers support several area elementary schools with their after-school programs.
Bright Horizons, Short Pump, offers a wealth of enrichment activities that engage the interests of school-age children.
The Village at Rainbow Station’s multiple locations throughout Richmond offer your school-age child, up to age 14, stimulating recreational activities and homework supervision.
City of Richmond Parks and Rec After School Program allows children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade to participate in educational and recreational activities each and every day of the school year! They promote the “learning is fun” philosophy.
Team Up Richmond provides after school activities for students in each of the city’s middle schools, four elementary schools and two high schools with a free after school environment that combines academics, tutoring, athletics, performing arts and personal growth and development programs.
Jack and Jill School’s after school programs provide homework assistance, supervised play, computers, Drama, Music, Stretch ‘n’ grow, playground time and more in a safe, stimulating and relaxed environment. Transportation available from the following elementary schools: Ridge, Pemberton, Skipwith, Maybeury, Tuckahoe, Pinchbeck, and Jackson Davis.
Greater Richmond ARC’s After-School Programs provide structured recreational and leisure opportunities – both in the community and center-based – for school-aged persons with developmental disabilities. ARC has two after school sites – on Richmond City’s Northside and at Camp Baker in Chesterfield County.
The Youth Life Learning Center provides a safe and structured environment for children after school. Certified teachers and trained volunteer mentors instruct the children daily from 2:30 PM-6:00 PM to encourage the children’s ability to complete their homework successfully and strengthen their academic skills.
