Ignite Your Child's Passion for Learning
At The Armory, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of learning and develop the skills they need to thrive. That's why we offer the Great Minds After-School Program, designed to fuel a passion for learning that will carry them to lifelong success.
Great Minds bridges the gap between traditional classrooms and the demands of the future. Our program goes beyond rote memorization, immersing students in a world of exploration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities, students in grades 4-8 develop essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM). Project-based learning allows them to express their creativity, hone their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and collaborate effectively. Great Minds also provides a seamless transition to higher education through our Armory College Prep program, ensuring continued support on their path to success.
What Makes Great Minds Special?
1. STEAM Focus: Our program uses STEAM principles to make learning fun and engaging. Students apply concepts across disciplines, building a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.
2. Intro to Design: In Great Minds, students delve into the world of graphic and 3D design, exploring elements like color theory, layout techniques, and typography. They also dive into the principles of 3D design and CAD software to create digital models.
4. Game Design: Our students learn about game mechanics, goals, obstacles, chance, and utilize resources like Scratch to create their own game prototypes. They also analyze “impact games” and “remix” existing ones to create socially responsible game concepts. Through games design, our students also students develop their coding skills.
5. Intro to Video - Great Minds students create stop motion animation, digital animation, and scripted media. They explore storytelling, filming best practices, and editing techniques. By the end of the program, students create meaningful visual stories and share them with the world.
6. Financial Literacy: Our students participate in the Stock Market Game and learn about investment strategies, risk management, and financial literacy. They analyze market trends, research companies, and follow current events to make informed investment decisions.
7. High School Preparation: (Grades 6-8) Navigating NYC's vast selection of high schools can be daunting. Great Minds students receive comprehensive support throughout the high school application process. With over 500 high school options in NYC, our students are able to find their “best fit” school and confidently complete the requirements of the application process.
Contact the Director of Youth Programming, Alberto Aquino at alberto@armorytrack.com to learn more about Great Minds!
When does Great Minds Meet?
For Grades 4-5: Students meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM during the school year, following the NYC Department of Education schedule.
For Grades 6-8: Students meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:30 PM during the school year, following the NYC Department of Education schedule.
How can I apply for my child to join?
Please complete the application form. If you have trouble submitting the form electronically, please email Alberto Aquino, Director of Youth Programming, at aaquino@armorytrack.org.