Cost
Free
Academy of Arts and Letters Afterschool Program
SONYC middle school program for students ages 11-14 in Brooklyn, provided by Learning Through An Expanded Arts Program (LEAP)
The Academy of Arts and Letters offers an arts-focused SONYC afterschool program through Learning Through An Expanded Arts Program (LEAP). Located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, this free program promotes access and equity in the arts for middle school students. LEAP inspires diverse school communities to love learning while building creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills through comprehensive arts education.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 344 Monroe Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (Bedford-Stuyvesant) |
| Provider | Learning Through An Expanded Arts Program, Inc. (LEAP) |
| Website | leapnyc.org |
| Zip Code | 11216 |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
The SONYC program at Academy of Arts and Letters provides:
- Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media projects
- Performing Arts: Theater, dance, music, and performance production
- Creative Writing: Poetry, playwriting, storytelling, and literary arts
- Digital Arts: Photography, video production, and digital design
- Academic Support: Homework help and tutoring with arts integration
- Arts-Based Learning: Using arts to teach core academic subjects
- Exhibition & Performance: Showcasing student work through exhibitions and performances
- College & Career Exploration: Arts college tours and creative career pathways
- Leadership Development: Student voice, collaboration, and community engagement
- Cultural Experiences: Museum visits, theater trips, and artist workshops
About Learning Through An Expanded Arts Program (LEAP)
Section titled “About Learning Through An Expanded Arts Program (LEAP)”LEAP has been transforming education through the arts since 1997, serving over 15,000 NYC students annually across multiple schools and communities. The organization believes that all students deserve access to high-quality arts education and uses arts integration to make learning more engaging, relevant, and effective. LEAP’s school-based programs are led by professional teaching artists who work in partnership with classroom teachers to develop students’ artistic skills while strengthening their academic achievement. The organization’s comprehensive approach focuses on equity, creativity, and student empowerment.
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Contact the School Visit the Academy of Arts and Letters main office or guidance counselor to express interest in the afterschool program.
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Complete Application Fill out the LEAP program application form, available at the school or through the LEAP website.
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Submit Required Documents Provide necessary documentation including proof of enrollment, emergency contacts, and parent/guardian consent.
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Attend Orientation Participate in a student and family orientation to learn about arts offerings and program expectations.
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Select Arts Tracks Choose from available arts disciplines based on student interests and program capacity.
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Begin Participation Start attending the program and engaging in arts-based learning activities.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Program application form
- Proof of school enrollment
- Emergency contact information
- Parent/guardian consent form
- Medical and allergy information
- Photo/video release for exhibitions
- Student arts interest survey
The school is well-served by public transportation:
- A, C Trains: Utica Avenue station (0.3 miles)
- 3 Train: Kingston Avenue station (0.4 miles)
- B15, B25, B43, B46 buses serve the area
Brooklyn Public Library - Macon
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Herbert Von King Park
Community park with cultural center, sports facilities, and arts programs
Bed-Stuy Arts Alliance
Community arts organization supporting local artists and cultural programs
Brooklyn Museum
World-class art museum with free programming and student resources (2 miles)
Last Updated: November 25, 2025