City School of the Arts: Free Arts Classes, Fall 2026
Registration Open!
Because there is a waiting list for our program…
- Please only register your child if they can attend the program every week and on time.
- Please make sure that your child is interested in the subject that you are registering them for.
- If you confirm and accept a class and do not attend, your child will not be accepted for future classes.
Unless otherwise noted classes are for children ages 6-18. See class descriptions for specific age requirements. Students must be at least 6 years old at time of registration and be in first grade.
Please call 860-310-2589 for CSA weather closings. We do not always follow the HPS dismissal.
Attendance is important. Please notify us if your child will be out for any reason. If your child is going to be absent for a class (Si su hijo va a faltar a una clase): (860) 310-2589 / barbarag@charteroakcenter.org
Fall 2026 Schedule
- Open House Wednesday, September 30, 5:30–7:00
- Classes begin the week of October 5
- Classes end December 3
- Showcases are the week of December 7
- No classes November 25-26 for Thanksgiving
City School of the Arts Fall 2026
NOW ACCEPTING FALL REGISTRATION!
We are now accepting registration for Fall 2026. Because there is a waiting list for our program please make sure that your child is interested in the subject you are registering them for.
Registration is not a guarantee of enrollment.
For questions, please call 860-310-2589.
Schedule is subject to change. For more information, or to register for classes, contact the City School of the Arts Family Coordinator: barbarag@charteroakcenter.org or 860-310-2589. Due to class size restrictions, we regret that we cannot accept every student that registers. Charter Oak will notify all registrants.
Mondays
Monday 4:30-5:30
Piano | Ages 6-10
Learn foundational keyboard/piano skills and the fundamentals of music. For beginners with no previous experience.
Monday 4:30-5:30
Painting and Drawing | Ages 11-18
Using acrylic, oil, pastel, and other forms, you’ll create masterpieces on canvas, and various types of surfaces. Express your ideas and emotions using a variety of tools and techniques.
Monday 5:30-6:30
Piano | Ages 6-10
Learn foundational keyboard/piano skills and the fundamentals of music. For students with at least one full semester of experience.
Monday 5:30-6:30
Alternative Learning Visual Art (for students with accommodations 504 or IEP) | Ages 8-14
This visual art class is for students who need more attention and one-on-one time in class. Class projects will include crafts and entangle drawing. Not Suitable for students that require a para-professional.
Monday 6:30-7:30
Piano | Ages 11-18
This all-levels keyboard/piano class is for students from beginner to intermediate.
Monday 6:30-7:30
ART WITH HEART: Creating Through Kindness | Ages 9-14
Students will create meaningful art projects each week, inspired by empathy, imagination and community. Making kindness cards, paintings, and crafts, students will discover the power of using their creativity to make a difference and brighten someone’s day!
Tuesdays
Tuesday 4:30-5:30
Creative Play and Movement | Ages 6-10
This class explores ways students can get out their energy, and be calmer and more centered using mindfulness games, art, yoga, mindfulness, QiGong, singing, dance and calisthenics.
Tuesday 4:30-5:45
Cooking | Ages 6-10
Calling all cooks! Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? This class will have you cooking like a pro―it’s easier than you think. Each student will get a cookbook at the end of the class: The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs.
Tuesday 5:30-6:30
Ballet | Ages 6-10
Share your creative expression through movement. This class is for all levels and ballet shoes will be provided. Includes a trip to a professional ballet at the end of the semester!
Tuesday 5:30-6:30
Sing Out! | Ages 9-14
Join this high energy vocal ensemble, Treble Rebels, singing all styles of music. The class features field trips, performances, and guest artists throughout the semester. For beginners to advanced levels.
Tuesday 6:00 – 7:15
Cooking | Ages 11-18
Calling all cooks! Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? This class will have you cooking like a pro―it’s easier than you think. Each student will get the cookbook to take home at the end of class: The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs.
Tuesday 6:30-7:30
Ballet | Ages 6-10
Share your creative expression through movement. This class is for all levels and ballet shoes will be provided. Includes a trip to a professional ballet at the end of the semester.
Wednesdays
Wednesday 4:30–5:30
Violin | Ages 6-10
Learn the fundamentals of music and basic violin technique. Instrument provided. For beginners with no previous experience.
Wednesday 4:30–5:30
Rhythm & Power: Youth Step Dance Class | Ages 8-18
Unleash your inner rhythm, build unstoppable confidence, and become part of a powerful team. This high-energy class turns the music into powerful, fast-paced group routines. This space is all about self-expression and community.
Wednesday 4:30–5:45
Baking | Ages 6-10
Want to make your own homemade empanadas? What about creating a showstopping pie? Maybe some chewy brownies after school? From breakfast to breads, from cookies to cakes (yes, even cupcakes!), learn to bake it all here. You can do this, and it’s fun! Each student will get a cookbook at the end of the class: The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Wednesday 5:30-6:30
Hip Hop Dance | Ages 6-10
Hip Hop borrows elements from a number of different street-styles of dance like African and freestyle. In this class you will learn from a professional dancer–Dashawn! Various styles of Hip Hop will be covered.
Wednesday 5:30-6:30
Violin | Ages 11-18
Learn the fundamentals of music and basic violin technique. Instrument provided. For beginners or students with at least one semester of experience.
Wednesday 6:00-7:15
Baking | Ages 11-18
Want to make your own homemade empanadas? What about creating a showstopping pie? Maybe some chewy brownies after school? From breakfast to breads, from cookies to cakes (yes, even cupcakes!), learn to bake it all here. You can do this, and it’s fun! Each student will get a cookbook at the end of the class: The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Wednesday 6:30-7:30
Hip Hop Dance | Ages 11-18
Hip Hop borrows elements from a number of different street-styles of dance like African and freestyle. In this class you will learn from a professional dancer: Dashawn! Various styles of Hip Hop will be covered.
Wednesday 6:30–7:30
String Ensemble | Ages 9-18
If you play violin, viola, or cello and have at least two years of experience, this ensemble is for you. Learn repertoire of various styles and end the semester with a public performance.
Thursdays
Thursday 4:30–5:30
Martial Arts | Ages 6-10
Have fun in the physically active class that teaches self-defense, discipline, respect, self-esteem and other life skills while building strong bodies!
Thursday 5:00–6:30
Tapeworks Recording | Ages 12-18
Learn to create music with professional recording equipment. Become an expert in electronic loops, digital audio workstation (DAWS), and music production software. Record, edit, mix, and master music in a commercial recording facility. No experience necessary/beginning to advanced students. Must bring a laptop.
Thursday 5:30–6:30
Alternative Learning Music (for students with accommodations 504 or IEP) | Ages 8-14
This general music class is for students who need more attention and one-on-one time in class. Students will explore various instruments, sing, and move to the music. Not Suitable for students that require a para-professional.
Thursday 5:30–6:30
Crazy and Creative Crafts! | Ages 6-10
Learn how to design t-shirts, sew a blanket, make gifts with beads, design cards and notes…every week there will be a new and exciting project!
Thursday 5:30–6:30
Martial Arts | Ages 6-10
Have fun in the physically active class that teaches self-defense, discipline, respect, self-esteem and other life skills while building strong bodies!
Thursday 6:30–7:30
Crazy and Creative Crafts! | Ages 11-18
Learn how to design t-shirts, sew a blanket, make gifts with beads, design cards and notes…every week there will be a new and exciting project!
Thursday 6:30–7:30
Martial Arts | Ages 11-18
Have fun in the physically active class that teaches self-defense, discipline, respect, self-esteem and other life skills while building strong bodies!
Our free programming is designed to help those most in need and we therefore consider household income when we assess eligibility for our classes. We welcome families to apply. We will get back to you as soon as possible about the status of your application.
Support for City School of the Arts music programs at Charter Oak Cultural Center provided by:
Divine really loved the ballet program, she cried at the end of the week and wished it could have been longer. She talked alot about girls of all colors being able to enjoy ballet. She was excited to get her ballet shoes and other goodies delivered right to her door and kept walking around the house in her shoes all day just like a ballerina she said. […] I kept expecting to see a dollar amount in the mail. It was unbelievable to me that a program could offer so much at no cost to the parents.
March 2022 Student of the Month: Natalia Reyes
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Charter Oak’s Got Talent
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Spring 2021 Youth Arts Institute Student Showcase
Watch our Youth Arts Institute Spring 2021 students share what they’ve learned by clicking on the video below! https://youtu.be/qOjt_BVRpj4
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Here Comes the Poetry Bus!
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Lip Sync Battle!
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Charter Oak proudly presents the Fall 2020 Youth Arts Institute Showcase
https://youtu.be/hDnmuKC5qcI
Charter Oak’s Music Matters program, featured on WFSB
“Unlike sports, everyone’s in the game. When you have a band or an ensemble, all the kids are needed. You don’t say, 'You clarinet, go sit over here while you wait for these clarinets to play.'...