Atlanta

1. Arts Programs

Atlanta has a thriving arts scene, and many organizations offer extracurricular programs in visual arts, music, theater, and dance.

Visual Arts

• High Museum of Art – Youth and Teen Programs

  • What’s Offered: Art-making workshops, summer camps, and teen art studios.
  • Ages: 6–18 years.
  • Cost: $10–$25 per session; scholarships available for low-income families.
  • Enrollment: Online registration through the High Museum’s website.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
  • Cultural Considerations: The museum emphasizes diversity and often features programs inspired by African American and Southern art.

• Spruill Center for the Arts

  • What’s Offered: Classes in painting, ceramics, photography, and more for all ages.
  • Cost: $150–$300 per course (multi-week classes).
  • Enrollment: Register online or in person.
  • Location: 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338.

Performing Arts

• Alliance Theatre – Acting and Musical Theater Classes

  • What’s Offered: Acting workshops, musical theater classes, and performance opportunities.
  • Ages: 3–18 years and adults.
  • Cost: $200–$500 per course; financial aid available.
  • Enrollment: Online registration; early enrollment is recommended as classes fill quickly.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

• Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education

  • What’s Offered: Ballet and contemporary dance classes for beginners to advanced dancers.
  • Ages: 2 years and up.
  • Cost: $60–$200 per month, depending on class frequency.
  • Enrollment: Online or in person; auditions required for advanced levels.
  • Location: Multiple locations, including Buckhead and Midtown.

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2. Sports Programs

Atlanta offers a variety of sports programs for all skill levels, from recreational leagues to competitive training.

• Atlanta Youth Soccer Association (AYSA)

  • What’s Offered: Recreational and competitive soccer leagues.
  • Ages: 4–18 years.
  • Cost: $150–$300 per season; financial aid available.
  • Enrollment: Online registration; early sign-up is recommended.
  • Location: Practices and games held at parks across Atlanta, including Piedmont Park.

• YMCA of Metro Atlanta

  • What’s Offered: Basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and more.
  • Ages: 3 years and up.
  • Cost: $50–$150 per program; YMCA membership may be required.
  • Enrollment: Register online or at your local YMCA branch.
  • Location: Multiple locations across Atlanta.

• Atlanta Track Club – Youth Running Program

  • What’s Offered: Running and track-and-field training for kids and teens.
  • Ages: 8–18 years.
  • Cost: $50–$100 per season.
  • Enrollment: Online registration.
  • Location: Various parks and schools in Atlanta.

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3. STEM Programs

Atlanta is home to several organizations that provide hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning opportunities.

• Fernbank Science Center

  • What’s Offered: STEM workshops, planetarium shows, and science camps.
  • Ages: 5–18 years.
  • Cost: Free to $50 per program.
  • Enrollment: Online or in person; some programs require advance registration.
  • Location: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307.

• Georgia Tech CEISMC K-12 Programs

  • What’s Offered: Robotics, coding, and engineering workshops, as well as summer camps.
  • Ages: 8–18 years.
  • Cost: $100–$500 per program; scholarships available.
  • Enrollment: Online registration through the Georgia Tech CEISMC website.
  • Location: Georgia Tech campus, 266 4th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332.

• MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta)

  • What’s Offered: Design and technology workshops, including 3D printing and game design.
  • Ages: 8–18 years.
  • Cost: $20–$50 per session.
  • Enrollment: Online registration.
  • Location: 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

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4. Language Learning Programs

Atlanta’s diverse population makes it a great place to learn new languages or improve existing skills.

• Alliance Française d’Atlanta

  • What’s Offered: French language classes for kids, teens, and adults.
  • Cost: $200–$400 per course (multi-week classes).
  • Enrollment: Online or in person.
  • Location: 1201 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361.

• Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta

  • What’s Offered: German language classes for all ages.
  • Cost: $250–$500 per course.
  • Enrollment: Online registration.
  • Location: 233 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• Atlanta Chinese School

  • What’s Offered: Mandarin Chinese classes for children and adults.
  • Cost: $150–$300 per semester.
  • Enrollment: Online or in person.
  • Location: 5373 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341.

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5. Other Notable Programs

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

  • What’s Offered: After-school programs focusing on academics, arts, and leadership.
  • Ages: 6–18 years.
  • Cost: $60 per year; financial aid available.
  • Enrollment: Online or in person at local clubs.
  • Location: Multiple locations across Atlanta.

• Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta / Boy Scouts of America Atlanta Area Council

  • What’s Offered: Leadership development, outdoor activities, and community service.
  • Ages: 5–18 years.
  • Cost: $25–$50 annual membership; additional costs for activities.
  • Enrollment: Online or through local troops.

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Tips for Enrollment and Participation

1. Plan Ahead: Many programs have limited spots and fill up quickly, especially during summer or school breaks.
2. Financial Aid: Many organizations offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees for low-income families. Be sure to inquire during registration.
3. Transportation: Atlanta’s public transit (MARTA) can help with accessibility, but having a car is often more convenient for reaching suburban locations.
4. Cultural Considerations: Atlanta is a diverse city, and many programs celebrate multiculturalism. Look for programs that align with your cultural interests or offer opportunities to learn about others.

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Atlanta’s extracurricular programs provide a wealth of opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and community engagement. Whether you’re interested in the arts, sports, STEM, or language learning, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city!