Avenues New York Explorers

Grades 4-5

In Grades 4–5, students emerge as confident, capable learners who are ready to take on greater leadership and independence. They engage in deeper inquiry, develop stronger analytical and creative thinking skills, and take more responsibility for their learning and personal growth. With opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and self-expression, students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Specialty Classes begin directly after school and run until 4:30 p.m. (Extended care is available until 5:15 p.m. for an additional cost.)
Stay & Play, our after-care program, begins directly after school and runs until 5:15 p.m.
All classes include healthy snacks.

Registration is for the Fall season. Please note that we are extending the Fall Season until January 29, 2027. This will help ease the transition back to school from winter break, without immediate changes to their after-school routine.

Important Dates – Fall 2026

Registration for the Fall season opens Wednesday, June 3, at noon!
Stay & Play: September 9 – January 29
All other programs: September 14 – January 29

Register Now

Want to learn more about each class? Scroll down to read the descriptions.

Ready to register? Just click the green button below!

Program	Action
Grades 4-5 Class Registration	Register here
LD Stay and Play Registration	Register here

Monday

3D Drawing
Learn to make your drawings pop off the page and truly come alive! In this drawing-forward class, students explore 3D drawing, shading techniques, and pencil and charcoal art to add depth, texture, and realism to their creations. Perfect for young artists ready to take their skills to the next level!

Coding
Every activity in this course is designed to help students build fundamental coding skills. They give each young inventor an opportunity to strengthen their logical thinking, develop their troubleshooting skills, and become resilient to the challenges that always come with using any new technology or tool.

Tuesday
Cracking Cases: Reasoning and Logic Lab
This class transforms students into junior detectives as they solve story-based mystery cases through math, logic, and language challenges. Designed by a team of PhDs and expert educators, this engaging program encourages students to think critically, analyze clues, solve puzzles, and build reasoning skills through creative, cross-disciplinary problem-solving. Each session ends with a collaborative debrief where students reflect on their strategies and discoveries.

Wednesday

FIRST LEGO® League

FIRST LEGO® League is an international robotics program that introduces students to mechanical and software engineering through exciting robotics challenges. Students build problem-solving skills while working in a collaborative, inclusive, and fun environment. The program is led by an experienced FIRST Robotics mentor, alongside student mentors from the Avenues Robotics Team.

Novel Study: Where great books become great thinking
This class invites students to dive deep into rich, thought-provoking novels through close reading, discussion, and analytical writing. Designed by a team of PhDs and expert educators, this class encourages students to explore themes, characters, and authors’ craft while developing critical thinking, interpretation, and discussion skills through engaging Socratic-style conversations. A physical copy of the novel is included in the class fee.

Thursday

Stitch Lab: Creative Sewing and Design
In Stitch Lab, students explore the art and craft of sewing while unleashing their creativity. Guided by expert instructors, they learn essential skills by hand and on the sewing machine, experimenting with fabrics, threads, and stitches to bring imaginative projects to life—like mini sneaker pillows and unique accessories. Along the way, students build problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and confidence, all while discovering the joy of designing and making something truly their own.

Public Speaking & Debate
Find your voice and speak with confidence! In this class, students will learn how to present ideas clearly, think on their feet, and debate topics in a fun, supportive environment that builds communication skills and self-assurance.

Friday
Sneaker Design
A creative opportunity for young designers to explore artistic expression! In this class, students learn the fundamentals of drawing sneakers from different angles while creating their own original designs. Guided by expert instructors, they’ll develop sketching techniques, experiment with colors and patterns, and bring their creative ideas to life.