Summer Programs – FAQs

Full program schedule and registration for summer 2025 is available on the Summer Programs page.  

What is a typical Summer Program schedule?  

• All Summer Programs meet from 9:00 am–4:00 pm. We have an hour-long break for lunch and recess, typically from 12:00 pm–1:00 pm. Monday is a get to know you day and students are introduced to the program theme and work on design challenges. Tuesday and Wednesday we will have either full or half-day field trips. Thursday and Friday are primarily devoted to working on final models of their own design projects. On the final day we invite families to join us for student presentations. 

How many students will be in each class? 

• Our Summer Programs typically have 12-16 students per class, depending on the class format.  

What is the student to teacher ratio?  

• There will be one lead educator and one assistant educator. When we leave the Center for Architecture for lunch and field trips, there will be two to three adult staff members with the group at all times. 

What types of field trips will the students take? 

• All field trips are specific to the theme of the program. Closer to the start date of each program, all registrants will receive an email outlining the field trips that your child’s program will be taking along with any additional information you might need. 

What is the mode of transportation for field trips?  

• We walk or travel via subway and the cost of this is included in the program tuition.  

Is lunch included? 

• No, all students, who do not have permission to leave the Center for Architecture for an independent lunch break, will need to bring their own lunch and refillable water bottle each day. All lunches should be nut free. No refrigeration or heating will be available. Please pack food with ice packs if needed. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local park (weather permitting).  

Can my child leave the Center for Architecture to purchase lunch? 

• Students entering grades 6-12 can leave the Center for Architecture for an independent lunch break with parental permission. On some field trip days, all students will need to bring lunch. You will be emailed in advance if there are any trip days where a packed lunch is required.  

Are snacks included? 

• Yes, we will provide all students with a nut-free snack at the end of each day. If allergies are a concern, please feel free to pack a snack for your child.   

What does my child need to bring for the program? 

• Bagged lunch (if applicable) and a refillable water bottle. Sunscreen and sun hats for lunch and field trips may also be helpful. Please note, staff will not apply sunscreen for students.  

Can my child bring their phone, tablet, etc. if they are not in a digital design class? 

• During class hours, students will not be allowed to use personal electronic devices. These items may be used during lunch. The Center for Architecture is not responsible for lost, damaged, or broken items. 

What should my child wear for these programs? 

• We recommend comfortable clothing that can get a little messy and is appropriate for the current weather conditions. While the programs are largely indoors, we will take some field trips and be outside for lunch each day (weather permitting). A sweater for indoor working time is highly recommended. 

Where should I go on the first day of the program?  

• All Summer Programs, other than Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12), meet at the Center for Architecture at 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY. Architectural Design Studio will meet at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate at 20 W. 43rd Street, New York, NY. 
• The Center for Architecture opens at 9:00 am when the programs begin. Each day, you will need to remain with your child until they are checked into the classroom unless you have given your child permission to come and go on their own (designated during registration). Additional check-in procedure information will be sent to all families via email prior to their program. 

Do you offer before or after care for Summer Programs? 

• No. Due to other events in our space, we cannot accommodate early arrivals or late pick-ups.  

What happens if my child can’t attend one day or if they are late?  

• Please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org and/or call 212-358-6133 and notify our Youth Programs Manager if your child will be late or absent on any given day. There are no make-ups or refunds for missed days. 

What happens if I need to pick up my child early?  

• If you would like to pick up your child prior to 4:00pm, please notify k12education@centerforarchitecture.org at least 24 hours in advance. Based on the program schedule, early pick up is not always possible. For emergencies, please call the front desk at 212-358-6121. 

Who can sign out my child?  

• People signing out students must be listed as a contact or authorized pick-up person on our sign-in sheet. You can designate these individuals when completing registration and can add individuals to this list at check-in each morning. Students in grades 6-12 can sign themselves out with adult permission.  

What if my child gets injured during the program? 

• Our Educators and staff are CPR and First-Aid trained. In case of injury, we will respond to the situation and reach out to the child’s emergency contact as soon as possible.  

Is there flexibility in the age groups for Summer Programs?  

• All grade levels are based on the grade the student will be entering in the fall. Students are not eligible to go up a grade level. However, students at the youngest age of their group can opt to enroll in the younger class. For example, a student who has just completed 8th grade and will be entering 9th grade in the fall can choose to register for a Grades 6-8 class.  

Do you offer scholarships for Summer Programs? 

• Yes, need-based partial scholarships are available. Upon completing program registration as a “scholarship applicant”, you will automatically receive a confirmation email which includes a link to the Scholarship Application. Your registration is complete once you submit the Scholarship Application. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified by email within two weeks of the due date. At that time, balance payment will be due. The scholarship application deadline is May 1. 

Do you offer a payment plan? 

• We do not have a payment plan available. Full tuition is due at the time of registration, except for need-based scholarship applicants who can delay payment until they have received notice of any scholarship award.  

Do you have a multiple child discount? 

• We do not offer a multiple child discount. 

When do Summer Programs sell out?  

• Usually, a few weeks to a month after registration opens. Occasionally, we have programs fill the day registration opens. 

What does waitlist mean? 

• Waitlist means that we are currently full for that program. You are welcome to sign up for the waitlist, but a spot will only open if someone else cancels their registration. To be added to a waitlist, please follow the waitlist link on the Summer Programs page, enter your information, and select all programs you would like to be waitlisted for. You should receive an automated email confirmation for your records. We will contact you if a spot opens in the program. 

What are the chances of getting admitted from the waitlist for a Summer Program?  

• Generally, there will be some waitlist movement in late May/early June. Our waitlists are formed on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be notified if a space becomes available. We cannot guarantee a spot will become available.