K-12 - Center for Architecture

The Center for Architecture promotes public understanding and appreciation of architecture and design through educational programs for K-12 students and teachers, families, and the general public.

Our programs take place at the Center for Architecture and in schools and community sites throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Youth & Family Programs

Family Day weekend programs for kids ages 5-13

Weekend public programs about architecture and design for youth ages 5-13 and their families.

Vacation & Summer Programs for kids grades 3 -12

Three-day school vacation programs and week-long summer programs for students in grades 3-12, exploring topics in architecture and design through art and design activities, walking tours, and site visits.

After-School Programs for kids grades 3-8

Weekly after-school programs for students in grades 3-8, introducing architecture and design through neighborhood exploration, drawing, and hands-on building activities.

K-12 School Programs

Student Day K-12 workshops at the Center for Architecture

K-12 Student Day, Scale Model Building, 7th Grade. Photo: Center for Architecture.

Student Day workshops are two-hour, hands-on programs for school groups interested in enriching their classroom learning through the disciplines of architecture, engineering, urban planning, and design.

Learning By Design:NY K-12 in-school residency program

Learning By Design:NY is a multi-session classroom residency program that weaves architecture and design into the classroom curriculum.

Professional Development design teaching strategies for instructors

Offered to classroom teachers, professional development workshops introduce participants to built environment education teaching strategies, activities, and curricula.

Special Youth Programs

Family Build and Wear Workshop Saturday, October 27

Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Create your own architecture-inspired Halloween costume! Families will learn how to “read” buildings for clues about their design and function through an interactive slide show. Using these concepts, participants will have the opportunity to construct their own wearable building using giant paper bags as the base for their design. Participants will also have the option of adding a crown to the design in the form of a building spire!

This Family Program is designed for children ages 5–13 years old, accompanied by an adult.

A program of Archtober 2019. See the full events lineup at archtober.org.

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Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street Saturday, October 27

Time: 3pm - 4:30pm

Join us for a family-friendly tour and workshop at the Museum at Eldridge Street! Guided by a CFA Design Educator, families will learn about the eclectic 19th-century synagogue in which the Museum makes it home. We will explore this landmark building to learn about various architectural styles and structural ideas before creating our own designs!

This program is only for students in grades 2-5, accompanied by an adult. Please purchase one ticket per person; registration is capped at 20 people.

Presented in partnership with the Museum at Eldridge Street as part of Archtober 2019. To learn more, please visit archtober.org.

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Discover Architecture Internship Program

The Center for Architecture in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects New York offers a program for current New York City high school students interested in learning more about the field of architecture. Selected participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and on-site learning at a local architecture firm.

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