AcroSports | 639 Frederick Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 | Contact- E: info@acrosports.org or O: 415-665-2276
2023 Calendar of Events - Click for More Info | Tuition Assistance | Installment Plans​

Kids Classes: 10 months - 16 years Old
AcroSports is a unique space designed to inspire play and empowerment through non-competitive movement.

• ​PreK/Toddler Classes: 10 months - 5 Years Old
  • Students are encouraged to be themselves in a colorful, creative, and stimulating space. Our coaches help students use a variety of apparatus as they learn to move and discover their own bodies.
     
• Youth/Teen Classes: 6 to 18 years Old
  • From artistic gymnastics to aerial arts, breakdancing and parkour, AcroSports offers fun and challenging youth classes for active children aged 6 and up.
     
• Special Needs 
  • Come to our Special Needs Open Gym and encourage your child in self-guided exploration of our facility. We have space to run, jump, crawl, swing, balance, bounce and climb.

Bayview Hunters Point Center for Arts & Technology (BAYCAT) | 2415 Third Street, Suite 230, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact- E: info@baycat.org or O: 415-701-8228

BAYCAT believes that every person’s story matters. We envision a world where media and technology facilitate the telling of stories from the broadest possible range of experiences, driving people to create inclusive, equitable communities.

BAYCAT addresses racial, gender and economic inequity by creating powerful, authentic media while diversifying the creative industry. Through the education and employment of low-income youth, young people of color, and young women in the Bay Area, and producing media for socially-minded clients, we are changing the stories that get shared with the world.

• Youth  Programs | ​Digitial Media Classes for Youth: Filmmaking, Graphic Arts

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco | Main Office: 380 Fulton Street, SF, CA 94102 | Various Clubhouse Locations Across San Francisco | Serving Youth Ages 6 -18 years Old

At Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, we inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

We provide high-quality programs and support services that allow Club members to leave us at age 18 “ready for life.” We focus on four essential program areas that we call our Formula for Impact: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character and Community Engagement, Job Readiness With Earning Potential. Our Formula for Impact is based on running targeted programs in these areas and ensuring regular attendance and an optimal experience in our Clubs.

• Find A Club Near You For More Info- Bayview | Excelsior | Fillmore | Mission | Tenderloin | Visitacion Valley 

Citizen Film | 1111 Buhanan Street, Suite 11, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact- Contact Form Here or O: 415-206-1880

Citizen Film is a not-for-profit production company dedicated to crafting documentaries with care and dignity. We collaborate with cultural institutions, communities and civic organizations to create documentary media that fosters active engagement in cultural and civic life.

• Youth Work

Cuicalli | 2781 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact- E: cuicacalli.sf@gmail.com or O: 415-672-6550 | Class Information and Registration

Cuicacalli (House of Culture) is a year-round youth dance program, based at Brava Theater in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District-the ​​unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. Founded in 2008 by renowned international performer Jesus “Jacoh” Cortes, Cuicacalli is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts educational institution, providing Indigenous, Ballet Folklórico, and Contemporary Dance programs.

The Cultural Conservancy Sacred Land Foundation | 1016 Lincoln Bluvd #5, San Francisco, CA 94129

Contact- E: tcc@nativeland.org or O: 415-561-6594

Youth and Elders are integrated into all of our work, which is inherently intergenerational, as we work together to clear the spring of our minds, hearts, bodies and communities, serving not only living generations, but also our ancestors and descendants. Youth and elders in our programs engage in activities such as harvesting and weaving native tule plants, participating in community workshops to build canoes, holding night astronomy sessions with traditional Hawaiian navigators teaching Native star sciences, and studying clean water systems to revitalize traditional water springs in the historical Presidio National Park of San Francisco.

• Apprenticeships & Internships
• Youth Arts
• Native Youth Guardians of the Waters Program

Horizons Unlimited of San Francisco, Inc. | 440 Portrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110

• Employment Programs | LifeWorks Employment Program (LWP) | Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP) 
• Gender Specific Programs 
• Prevention Programs
• Treatment Programs

The DJ Project Programs/Class | Ages 16-26 | Contact: Nancy Abdul-Shakur, Program Manager | O: 415 - 487 - 6714 or E: nancy@horizons-sf.org

​The DJ Project’s one-of-a-kind DJing classes harness the hip-hop culture and use it as a medium through which youth validate their own existence and express themselves. Under the guidance of a world-renowned DJ and scratch guru, youth participate in a variety of cutting-edge and industry specific skill building trainings such as scratching, digital DJing, and live performances, while also engaging in lessons in professionalism, project management, artist development, and collaboration. Our youth have gone on to become high-profile DJs in the industry while contributing to a cultural movement that promotes inclusion and attachment.

Trainings culminate in public performances during in-house events such as graduation ceremonies and orientations, but also at highly attended and famous community events such as Carnaval.

Eligibility/Commitment

• Youth and young adults ages 12-26
• Willing to commit to an 8-month program
• Able to commit to programming twice per week
• Excited to learn industry skills

Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) | 1840 Sutter Street, Suite 207, San Francisco, CA 94115

• Child Development | Chibi Chan Preschool & Chibi Chan Too
• College Access
  • ​Educational Talent Search (Middle School) | Educational Talent Search (High School)
  • San Francisco College Access Center (Middle School) | San Francisco College Access Center ( High School)
  • Upward Bound (High School)
• Youth Development | Asian Youth Prevention Services (AYPS) | Japantown Youth Leaders (JYL) | Nikkei Community Internship (NCI)
• YouthWorkforce
  • Mayor's Youth Employment & Education Program (MYEEP) | Deadline to Apply September 4, 2023
  • SF Youth Works | Deadline to Apply September 15, 2023
  • SF STEM Academy

Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) | 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact MCCLA: 415-796-6422

• Weekly Class Schedule | * SIgn Up Online

Presidio Dance Theatre | 2902 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123 
Contact - E: info@presidiondance.org or O: (415) 561-3958
Presidio Dance Theatre (PDT) is a program of the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation (PPAF). PPAF’s mission is to create cultural change, global dialogue and human connection through the artistry of dance. PPAF preserves, enhances and presents dance, music and theatre traditions in their historical context, increasing public knowledge and appreciation of peoples and art forms throughout the world.

Community Engagement

• Youth Company | Ages 5 to 18 | Youth Ensemble & Elite Division | E: presidiodance@gmail.com
  • Presidio Dance Theatre's Youth Company provides young dancers, ages 5 to 18, with the opportunity to study Vaganova-style Ballet, Folk, Character & Historical Court Dance, and perform alongside the Adult Company in PDT Signature Productions. Youth Company students have been accepted into professional dance companies, college dance programs and summer programs with Kirov, Royal, Bolshoi and American Ballet Theaters. 
     
• DANCEOUT!
  • Presidio Dance Theatre community outreach program, DANCEOUT!, provides opportunities for sustained engagement in the arts, while advancing racial equity and supporting youth development. In partnership with SFUSD and the YMCA, 280,000+ Bay Area students and families have benefitted from our programming, including our annual Children’s Day at the SF War Memorial Opera House, a multicultural dance presentation highlighting the diversity and inclusive spirit of California. 99% of our students pursue a college degree and 85% of DANCEOUT! students are the first in their families to attend university, the majority receiving scholarships for dance. 

San Francisco Children's Art Center (SFCAC) | Fort Mason Center, Bldg C San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact: sfcac@childrensartcenter.org | SFCAC Scholarships

• Fall Session | September 20 to December 16
• Click Here to Enroll Now
• Drop-in Classes 
  • In once-a-week classes, our inquiry-based approach supports an exploratory process. Tailored to children’s stages of development, our classes sequentially build children’s creative skills, social interaction, imagination, and reflective dialogue with both the teaching artist and peers.
  • Wednesdays | Sep 20 to Dec 13 |No Class Nov. 23)
    • Side-by-Side (2-3 years old with adult co-participant) | 11am -12pm | Cost: $280 | 1 hr classes x 12 weeks
    • Art Sutdio I (3-5 years old, drop-off class) | 1:30-3pm | Cost: $340 | 1.5 hr class x 12 weeks
    • Drawing & Painting from Observation & Imagination ( 6-10 years old) 4-5:30pm) | Cost: $340 | 1.5 hr class x 12 weeks
  • Saturdays | Sep 23 to Dec 15 (No class Nov. 26) | 10am-12pm | Cost: $400 | 2-hr class x 12 weeks
    • Art Studio II (3.5-5.5 years old, drop-off class)

San Francisco Historical Society | 608 Commercial Street, San Francisco, CA 94142
Contact: Lana Constantini, SFHS Director of Educaiton and Publications, E: lana@sfhistory.org

San Francisco Youth Theatre (SFYT) | 3106 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact - E: info@sfyouththeatre.org or O: 415-571-1234

• SFYT Classes | *Accessible to All! No student turned away for lack of funds. Financial Aid is available. Learn More.
  • Story Theatre | Entering Grades PreK - 1 | Dates: 9/15 - 12/11/ 2023 | Times: 3:15-4:15 | Cost: $265 | Location: SFYT @ Casa Doulas (3106 Folsom Street @ Cesar Chavez) | Instructor: Sally Davis
    • Magical Sally Davis will delight young actors with costumes, fantasy, music and movement. Children act out stories from around the world, creating magic through theatre and imagination. Story Theatre promotes self-confidence, creativity, language skills and brings children together in joyful and surprising ways.
       
  • Take The Stage| entering Grades 2-4 | Dates: 9/25-12/5/23 |Times: Tuesdays 4:15-5:30pm | Cost: $350/10-wk session | Winter Showcase Performance: Tuesday December 12 at 6pm | Location: SFYT @ Casa Doulas (3106 Folsom Street @ Cesar Chavez) | Instructor: Sally Davis
    • Take the Stage leads elementary-aged children through a journey into the world of theater. Students develop acting and improvisation skills through theater games, scene work, storytelling, creative movement, music-making, and character exploration.
    • Find your voice, build self-confidence, and discover the joys of performance through collaboration. This class prepares students for SFYT’s full-scale elementary performance ensemble, Madcap Players, beginning in January.
  • Acting is Believing | Cost: $375/11-wk session | Location: SFYT @ Casa Doulas (3106 Folsom Street @ Cesar Chavez) 
    • Level 1: Grades 5-7 | Times: Wednesdays 4:15-5:45pm | Dates: 9/20 - 12/6/23 | Insturctors: Dyana Diaz & Daniel Benitez
    • Level 2: Grades 8-12 (8th Gradres May Choose Level 1) | Times: Mondays 4:40-6pm | Dates: 9/18-12/11/23 | Instructors: Leslie Price & Dankia Butler 
      • Winter Showcase Performance: Tuesday December 12 at 5pm
         
      • SFYT Middle School students embark on training body, mind and voice with scene work and audition skills. SFYT's 415 Teen Ensemble builds a strong sense of community with full-scale productions that focus on social justice issues, with plenty of fun and new friends.
         
      • Acting is Believing explores techniques of acting through theatrical games, movement exercises, voice development, storytelling, and improvisational work, using scenes and monologues.
      • Students grow their creative skills and develop the tools they need to successfully prepare for the parts they were meant to play. This class also prepares students for our full scale 2024 spring 415 Teen Ensemble production.
  • Your Best Audition | Grade: 8 | Cost: $400 | Times: Saturdays at 11:30am - 1:30pm | Dates: October 21 - February 3 * Every 2 weeks Location: SFYT @ Casa Doulas (3106 Folsom Street @ Cesar Chavez)
    • Winter Showcase Performance: Tuesday December 12 at 5pm
    • These Saturday master classes will covers the essential aspects of a strong audition, and is geared towards preparing 8th graders who want to apply to the theatre department at Ruth Asawa SF School of the Arts, or for those who want to gain general audition skills for plays or performing arts programs.
    • Choosing and Preparing Audition Materials: You’ll select and memorize a memorize a monologue that showcases your talents and speaks to your identity.
    • The Audition Process: Students will hone their audition materials through opportunities to perform, improvise, and interview in front of others.
  • Vocal Play | Cost: $350/10-wk sessionGrades: 8-12 | Dates: 9/27 - 12/6/23 | Times: Wednesdays 4:15pm- 5:15pm | Location: Red Poppy Art House (2698 Folsom Street) | Instructor: Michelle Jordan
    •  Winter Showcase Performance: Tuesday December 12 at 6pm
    • Develop your voice and become the singer you want to be. Explore pop, gospel and musical theatre repertoire with expert singing maestra, Queen Michelle Jordan. You’ll sing in community using both the solo and ensemble training that suits your desires and needs.
  • Queer Drama | Cost: 200 or Pay What You Can | Ages: 14-18 | Dates: 9/14 - 11/2 (8 weeks) | Location: SFYT @ Casa Doulas (3106 Folsom Street @ Cesar Chavez) | Instructor: Guillermo Ornelas & Daniel Benitez
    • A class for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-18, to explore Queer narratives through theater, storytelling, and performance. In this class students will learn about Queer playwrights, the art of Drag, and share your own narratives while building a supportive and inclusive cohort with their peers. This class will be shaped by YOU!

Tech in the Tenderloin | 1446 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact- E: info@techinthetenderloin.org 

Tech in the Tenderloin (TNT) expands career imaginations and life possibilities for low-opportunity youth and families in our city's and nation's most challenging neighborhoods by connecting them with high-opportunity tech through fun events and educational activities.

• Tech Clubs, Event, Field Trips, Tech Initiatives, & Spark Sessions

The MIX at SFPL | 100 Larkin Street, San Franciosc, CA 94102
Contact: O: 415-557-4404 or E: themix@sfpl.org

Check out the San Francisco Public Library's resources, programs, and services for Middle School and High School Youth

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (YBGF) | Venue: Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St. (Between 3rd & 4th Sts.) | Office: 760 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: 415-543-1718 | Now through October 2023

• Calendar of Events- Weekend Sessions | Thursday Lunchtime | Children's Garden Series | Poetic Tuesdays | Salsa at Jessie | Outoor Classes

Youth Art Exchange (YAX) | 5137 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 

 Contact- O: 415-574-8137 or E: info@youthartexchange.org 

Youth Art Exchange sparks a shared creative practice between professional artists and public high school students, furthering youth as leaders, thinkers, and artists in San Francisco.

YAX Fall 2023 Programs | September 13 - December 6  x All Ages at YAX Studios at LA Fenix | Learn More + Sign Up Here | 
FREE SFUSD HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES | Orientation for high school classes, Wednesday, September 13th 4:30pm. Classes start the week of September 18th.

• Architecture | Fashion Design | Darkroom Photography | Comic Book Illustration | Animation
   
• ​To apply for a scholarship, visit the our program page and select Scholarship Application as your activity. After you sign up for the scholarship, YAX will be in touch shortly to help you enroll for the intensives.
   
• Free arts studio classes and programming for San Francisco public high school students are starting in September! 
   
• Please note, YAX has changed their registration system to better manage enrollments and communicate with participants and families. Parents/guardians and students should complete the applications together as there are specific questions for both. If you need support completing an application, please contact info@youthartexchange.org.
   
• ADULT CLASSES- Have you always wanted to take a class at YAX but are past your high school days? We are excited to extend our work to adults! Fees for these classes support our free community and youth programming!

.The Art Education Directory provides access to a profile list of San Francisco-based Arts Education Organizations and Programs which includes details about the following below. If there is an Arts Education Organization and Program you would like to add to the list please contact Program Officer Jonell T. Molina at jonell.molina@sfgov.org  or 415-252-2218.

Information About the Program

Name of Artist/Organization

Contact Information: Address, Contact Number, Email Contact, and Website (If available)

Organization Type: N/A, Arts Organizer, Teaching Artist, Arts Administrator/Coordinator

Type of Program/Services Offered by the Program:

• Field Trip takes place off school grounds and includes structures for student interaction and engagement
• Performance takes place at the school site, fits into a 45-60 minute time frame (the length of a typical assembly program) and includes structures for students interaction and engagement.
• Workshop includes one to four instructional sessions working with the same group of students each session and may include performance or field trip opportunities
• Residency Includes  five or more sequential instructional sessions working with the same group of students each session and may include performances or field trip opportunities.
• Professional Development includes providing art education lectures, workshops, or seminars to teaching artists or art organizations.
• Advocacy & Community Organizing incldues individuals and organizations that serve as a link between teh arts education community and public agencies.

Filter for a Specific Category(ies):

• Grade Level: Pre-K, TK, Grades K-5, Grades 6-8, High School, Post High School, All Ages, Adults, and Seniors
• Discipline: Dance, Literary Arts, Media, Multi-Discipline, Music, Storytelling, Theater, Visual Art
• Subject(s): History, Language Arts, Math, Science, N/A
• Languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), Spanish, Filipino (Tagalog), Russian
• Professional Development Type: Arts Integration or Deepenign Disciplinary Knowledge

Program Description

Arts Education Directory

Poetry Out Loud is an annual (November - March) free, tiered recitation competition supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and California Arts Council, where students choose poems from the POL website anthology (www.poetryoutloud.org) that resonate or speak to them. Students memorize and recite these poems in a performance competition, beginning at the classroom/school level or afterschool program. One student champion will represent their school/program at the San Francisco County competition, the county champion will compete at the state competition, and the state champion will represent California at the national competition. The national champion wins a grand prize of $20,000! POL is a way to introduce/expose teens to Literature/Poetry, developing their public speaking skills, and being able to add this onto their resume/personal statements/scholarships for college as well.

For questions about the Poetry Out Loud (POL) Program, please contact Program Officer Jonell T. Molina at jonell.molina@sfgov.org

Poetry Out Loud Website 

SF 2023 SF County Poetry Out Loud Competition Results
1st Place/ 2023 SF POL County Champion: Duyen Huynh, 9th Grade, George Washington High School

2nd Place: Amy Bernal, 12th Grade, George Washington High School

3rd Place: Cielo Fernandez, 9th Grade, Boys & Girls Clubs of SF - Tenderloin Clubhouse