Core Values and Mission
Core Values
Child-Centered | Learning | Fun | Diversity | Safety | Organization | Teamwork
Since its founding in 1971, ACT programs evolved to meet a variety of development and enrichment needs for the young people in and around the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. We recognize our young people as individuals, and we serve a deliberately diverse population. Families can trust a wide variety of programs provided in a nurturing, educational environment and facilitated by caring, highly trained leaders.
Mission
Founded in 1971, ACT provides a safe haven where toddlers to teens from many faiths, cultures and economic backgrounds gather to learn, play and grow, as they participate in a broad range of programs among highly-trained and caring adults. ACT consistently provides children and their families with high quality services that sustain, support and enhance their ability to thrive in diverse communities. ACT offers year-round, affordable, reliable, nonsectarian and socially enriching educational programs and special events for families in and around the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the world's largest Gothic cathedral.
Summer Camp 2023 Applications and Nursery 2023-24 Applications now available!
Still accepting 2022-23 applications for Nursery, Afterschool, and Hangout Haven.
DISCOUNTS
- 10% sibling discount for the second child you enroll in the same program (applies to Nursery, Afterschool and Summer Camp)
- 25% discount for children whose guardians are currently employed at the Cathedral St. John the Divine
Programs
ACT DOE-3K Program (3 years as of Dec. 31st)
SEPTEMBER TO JUNE 8:30AM-2:50PMCLASS ENDS THE 3RD WEEK OF JUNE
Our play-based preparation for PreK serves diverse young people in small, mixed age classes taught by master teachers and dedicated, eager to learn assistant teachers. Children learn confidence and independence in our flexible program that is tailored to the individual children it serves, thanks to an incredible teacher/child ratio. Learning with each other through play helps support children’s social and emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, and physical development. Parents provide snack and lunch.
Download 2022-23 registration form or contact our office for current school year.
To register for following 2023-24 school year, visit: https://www.myschools.nyc/en/
ACT is listed as Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine
Download additional required forms:
- Safety & Emergency Form
- Medical
- Allergy-anaphlyaxis
- Code of Conduct
- Non-Medication Consent Form
ACT DOE-UPK Program
September to JuneOur play-based preparation for kindergarten serves diverse young people in all subject areas, from natural Science on the Close to Math and Literacy. Children play games and explore our incredible gym and play spaces, as well as the Cathedral grounds themselves, and all the life and richness they entail. PreK students at ACT go on to a variety of public and private school experiences and families often stay closely connected with other ACT programs!
To register for 2022-23, visit: https://www.myschools.nyc/en/
Download additional required forms:
- Safety & Emergency Form
- Medical
- Allergy-anaphlyaxis
- Code of Conduct
- Credit Card Authorization
- Non-Medication Consent Form
Call for virtual tour.
Afterschool
September to JuneOur play-based after school program serves diverse young people from public, private and homeschool settings, providing social-emotional learning, games, gym time, homework help, art, baking, outdoor play and talent shows. We build character and community through service projects, in our peacemakers program and philosophy, and by listening to young people and providing both clubs and choice in activities.
Applications for the 2022-23 school year are now open!
Download additional required forms:
- Safety & Emergency Form
- Medical
- Allergy-anaphlyaxis
- Code of Conduct
- Credit Card Authorization
- Non-Medication Consent Form
Download 2022-2023 Half Day Registration Form
Hangout Haven Camp
Sept., Nov., Dec., Feb., Mar., Apr., Jun.Our play-based holiday and vacation camp serves diverse young people whenever school is closed. We provide games, teamwork, and social-emotional learning in a safe environment. Young people experience a variety of artists and experts, and even take trips around the city!
Download 2022-2023 Registration Form (PDF)
Download 2022-2023 Half Day Registration Form
Download additional required forms:
- Safety and Emergency Form
- Code of Conduct
Divine Parties (Private Events)
SaturdaysOur affordable, awesome party service provides a theme-based 2-hour party that is completely customizable to the young person being celebrated. From planning, to set-up, to clean-up, ACT staff provides indoor and outdoor parties on the Cathedral’s beautiful Close. Choose an Outdoor or Indoor Mat Party, Techno Party, Art Party or Sports Party on Saturdays between 10am and 6pm. Additional services and hours can be added to customize the party!
Summer Camp
Late June to August9 Fun-filled weeks!
Three Camps:
July Day Camp
August Specialty
August Adventure
Learn more about the different sessions here >
Download 2023 Summer Camp Application
Download additional required forms:
- Safety & Emergency Form
- Medical
- Allergy-anaphlyaxis
- Code of Conduct
- Credit Card Authorization
- Non-Medication Consent Form
One-to-One Classes
Currently on holdACT is now offering adult and child 45 minute outdoor classes, which will allow us to have small, safe, socially distanced classes in a variety of disciplines for young people of various ages with the support and presence of a parent. Caregivers and Children join us for social-emotional learning, music, games, and play.
Indoor Playstation
Temporarily ClosedOur play-based indoor gym time serves diverse young people under age 5 when the weather is inclement. From late November through March, families can bring young people to play in our gym space. Drop in, buy a ten class pass, or buy a monthly subscription to a safe, fun, child-centered and stimulating play space at an awesome and affordable rate.
Contact
Office Hours
8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday
1047 Amsterdam Ave (in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine)
New York, NY 10025
Phone
Full-Time Staff
Find contact information for and learn more about our experienced full-time staff!
Donate
ACT, as a program of the Cathedral, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. You can donate to ACT via our website by selecting Advancing the Community of tomorrow. Help us provide a safe and diverse haven for more children of all ages and cultures.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for parents and children who face obstacles that may challenge a family's health and safety and to expand opportunities for parents and children to pursue ventures otherwise out of reach. ACT's unique environment, focused programming, talented staff and diverse student body can make a difference in the lives of parents and children. Working parents can depend on a safe learning environment away from home. Families that cannot afford ACT or are in a crisis situation can enroll at reduced rates into these A.C.T. Programs:
- Nursery Program
- Summer Camp Programs
- After School Programs
Financial Aid Application (PDF)
To be used by new and returning financial aid applicants.
Calendar
ACT's 2022-2023 calendar is now available! Important deadlines, program start and end dates, and much more is available here (PDF).
Employment
ACT is always looking for leaders with all levels of experience to work, volunteer, or intern with us. You can browse a list of open positions and learn how to apply or email us with any specific questions!
