Age Range
11-14 years old
Middle school students
Creston Academy (MS 447) - Bronx SONYC Program
FREE Good Shepherd Services program for ages 11-14 specializing in performing arts, visual arts, media arts, sports, and leadership. Strong school partnership with social-emotional learning. Mon-Fri 2:00-5:15PM.
Good Shepherd Services is a community-based organization that specializes in the performing, visual, and media arts, sports, and leadership. At MS 447 (Creston Academy) located at 125 E 181st Street in the Bronx, they pride themselves on providing social-emotional learning and developmental skills with a strong school partnership to ensure success upon graduation from middle school. Normal program hours are from 2:00-5:15PM, Monday-Friday.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 125 East 181st Street, Bronx, NY 10453 |
| Borough | Bronx |
| Neighborhood | Fordham / Belmont |
| Website | goodshepherds.org |
| Provider | Good Shepherd Services |
| School | MS 447 - Creston Academy |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 2:00-5:15PM |
| Zip Code | 10453 |
Cost
100% FREE
SONYC-funded program
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
After-school Mon-Fri 2:00-5:15PM
Category
Youth Development
Arts, sports, leadership, SEL
Good Shepherd Services provides comprehensive programming across multiple domains:
- Theater: Acting, improvisation, stage production
- Dance: Hip-hop, modern, choreography
- Music: Instrumental instruction, vocal training
- Performance Opportunities: Showcases and presentations
- Painting & Drawing: Exploring various mediums and techniques
- Sculpture: 3D art creation
- Mixed Media: Combining materials for creative expression
- Art Exhibitions: Displaying student work
- Video Production: Filming, editing, storytelling
- Photography: Digital and traditional photography
- Digital Design: Graphic design and digital art
- Media Literacy: Understanding and creating media content
- Team Sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball
- Individual Sports: Track and field, fitness activities
- Sports Skills Development: Coaching in fundamentals and strategy
- Sportsmanship: Learning teamwork and fair play
- Student Leadership: Opportunities to lead activities and projects
- Public Speaking: Communication and presentation skills
- Decision-Making: Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Community Service: Giving back through volunteer projects
- Self-Awareness: Understanding emotions and strengths
- Relationship Skills: Building healthy peer relationships
- Responsible Decision-Making: Making thoughtful choices
- Emotional Regulation: Managing stress and emotions
- Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges and learning from mistakes
- Coordinated Support: Close collaboration with MS 447 administration and teachers
- Academic Alignment: Programming that complements classroom learning
- Transition Support: Preparing students for high school success
- Family Engagement: Connecting with families to support student development
Good Shepherd Services has served New York City’s most vulnerable children and families since 1857, making it one of NYC’s oldest and most respected youth-serving organizations. With over 100 programs serving 30,000+ young people annually, Good Shepherd Services takes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to youth development.
Their middle school after-school programs combine academic support with enrichment activities designed to build confidence, develop skills, and prepare students for high school and beyond. The organization’s strong school partnerships ensure that programming is aligned with each school’s goals and that students receive coordinated support.
-
Contact Creston Academy (MS 447)
Reach out to the school at 125 East 181st Street or visit goodshepherds.org. -
Learn About Programming
Attend an information session to understand arts, sports, and leadership offerings. -
Complete SONYC Enrollment
Fill out enrollment forms including emergency contacts and activity preferences. -
Submit Required Documents
Provide proof of age, medical information, and parent/guardian consent. -
Begin Participating
Start attending after-school sessions Monday-Friday 2:00-5:15PM.
- SONYC enrollment application
- Proof of age (birth certificate or school ID)
- Emergency contact information
- Medical/health information
- Activity consent forms
- Photo/media release consent
- Program preference survey (arts, sports, leadership)
Public Transportation
Subway: B/D to 182nd-183rd St (3 min walk)
Subway: 4 to Burnside Ave (8 min walk)
Bus: Bx9, Bx12, Bx40, Bx55 routes
Parks & Recreation
Fordham Plaza (0.3 mi)
Devoe Park (0.4 mi)
Sports courts, playgrounds
Libraries
Fordham Library (0.4 mi)
Free books, homework help, computers, youth programs
Community Resources
Fordham Road shopping district (0.2 mi)
Restaurants, shops, services
- 167 Years of Experience: Since 1857, serving NYC’s most vulnerable youth
- 100+ Programs: Comprehensive services across education, youth justice, residential care
- Arts & Sports Specialization: Rich offerings in performing arts, visual arts, media, and athletics
- Evidence-Based Approach: Rigorous, data-driven programming proven to get results
- Strong School Partnership: Coordinated support with MS 447 administration
- Social-Emotional Focus: Building developmental skills alongside academics
- Transition Support: Preparing students for high school success
- 30,000+ Youth Served Annually: One of NYC’s largest youth-serving organizations
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Program Type: School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
School: MS 447 - Creston Academy
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00-5:15PM
Provider: Good Shepherd Services (since 1857)
Zip Code: 10453