With so much going on for teens in our area, we’ve decided to compile a resource of local enrichment opportunities for middle- and high-school students. Here is a selection of businesses in the area. When kids are younger, it’s easier to keep them occupied, but teens need high quality activities, with experienced instructors who understand how to inspire, and that can be hard to find. Centauri Arts is one of many local resources for teens; here, we’re showcasing a wide range of opportunities so this guide will be useful whatever the interests of your teen. Scroll down to the bottom for questions to ask the directors of these businesses, when you call to enquire.
Music Schools
Bloor West Music Studios
BW Music Studios has been around for three decades and offers classes in piano, voice, drums, ukelele, guitar, songwriting and more. Choose from private or semi-private lessons, in-person or virtual. BW Music Studios is “West Toronto’s premier music school” and teaches jazz, blues, classical, rock and more.
https://bloorwestmusicstudios.com/
Film & Acting Schools
Centauri Arts Academy
Choose from Acting, Film Production or Musical Theatre for ages 11-18. Instructors are all arts professionals and Centauri Arts has been around for 30+ years. Each semester is 15-weeks long, and the year ends with staged performances and film screenings. Acting and film classes not only encourage a creative mindset, but promote vital life skills: collaboration, problem-solving, public speaking and leadership. www.centauriarts.com/academy
Dance Schools
Swansea School of Dance
Located in the heart of Bloor West Village, Swansea offers classes for all ages from 2-adult, including Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro and Tap. Whether a student has been dancing for years or just starting out, Swansea has something for everyone. Our daughter enjoyed years of dance classes with Swansea, so we are happy to endorse them! https://www.swanseaschoolofdance.com/dance-classes/
Coding, Gaming and STEM
Code It Hacks
This company is located in Bloor West and offers programs in robotics and game development, including a special research program for ages 13+ offered in collaboration with the University of Toronto.
Maker Kids
While many programs are for elementary age students, several do go up to age 13, and private coding classes are also available to older students. Benefits include “resilience, confidence and internet safety.” www.makerkids.com
Educational Enrichment & Tutoring
Mathnasium
A terrific choice for students looking to “catch up and get ahead” in mathematics. Mathnasium offers a flexible choice of class times as well as summer camp programs. They build confidence as well as skills and are great for teens who believe they are ‘not good at math’. Our teen experienced a huge confidence boost after just a few weeks with Mathnasium. There are in-person or virtual classes available. www.mathnasium.com
Centauri English Enrichment
Located in Windermere Court, Bloor West Village (like Mathnasium) Centauri Arts offers English Enrichment programs for students in Grades 5-12 who are struggling in reading and writing skills, as well as advanced literature and language programs for gifted students who want more than they receive in school. The focus is on academic and creative writing skills. Instructors have MAs in English, MFAs in Creative Writing and years of teaching experience. www.centauriarts.com/english
Leadership Programs
Power4Teens
This company is focussed on ‘girl empowerment’ through after school programs and summer camps. They offer assertiveness training, self-esteem awareness, body positivity and more. Programs are available for up to 16-year-olds and teens can start at any time, staying as long as they wish. They are located on Windermere Avenue, in Bloor West. www.power4teens.ca
Rock Climbing
Boulderz Climbing Centre
Boulderz offers roped climbing and bouldering for all levels, with teen programs available. This is a terrific activity for stamina, fitness and self-esteem, and may be a great choice for a young person wishing to be active, but not inclined towards team sports. There are locations in The Junction and in Etobicoke.
https://www.boulderzclimbing.com/
Creative Writing and Fine Art Classes
Centauri Arts
Weekly classes include Creative Writing, Fine Art, Digital Art and Animation, with in-person and virtual options available. Semesters run for 15 weeks, with classes for ages 9-18. Creative Writing instructors are successful published writers with a wealth of teaching experience, and visual art programs are taught by local artists with a track record of success. Creative writing students contribute to an anthology of writing which is launched publicly at the end of the year, and artists share their work in a final exhibition.
The Pottery
Located at Runnymede & Annette, this company offers 10-week, small-group classes, with a choice of times available during the day and in the evenings. Programs are for kids, teens and adults. Students make, decorate and glaze their pieces and have the option to work on pieces of their own choosing. www.thepottery.ca/pottery-classes-toronto
Culinary Arts
Little Kitchen Academy
Located in High Park area, Little Kitchen Academy offers cooking classes for up to age 18. It’s possible to purchase individual 3-hour classes, or packages of 3, great for teens with limited free time. Cooking classes encourage healthy eating and promote independence – very important for older teens who may be cooking for themselves in college or university. https://littlekitchenacademy.com/
Martial Arts
Northern Karate Schools
Located on Jane, just north of Bloor, and offers novice programs as well as specialised options such as bully-proofing for kids, fitness classes and a fusion of yoga and martial arts. “Martial arts has tons of physical, mental and social benefits” including getting in shape, and building confidence.
https://northernkarateschools.com/
Questions to Ask Educational Companies When you Enquire:
- Are all instructors police record checked (including Vulnerable Sector Screening?)
- What is the money-back policy after the first class, if your child doesn’t like it?
- What are the qualifications of the staff?
- What is the staff/student ratio?
- What are the facilities like?
- Are subsidies available for low income families? (Many local arts providers – including Centauri Arts – work with Arts Access to offer financial subsidies to students who need them – https://www.artsaccessfund.org/)
