_{Illustrations by Ben Ciccati}

While the phrase “back to school” may not elicit the same excitement from kids as, say, “summer camp,” we bet parents don’t mind so much. Luckily there’s a compromise: Kids may have to return to school, but they’ve got a wealth of exciting activities to choose from once the final bell rings. So check out this year’s offerings, and see how much fun the school season can be. Parents, that means you’ve got the whole day taken care of.

Preschool, Toddler, and Baby and Me Programs

Mommy & Me Ballet

Budding ballerinas can try this new city Parks & Rec class from popular instructor Susan Manchak. Adults enjoy a gentle exercise while introducing their child to the world of dance. Price includes both the parent and child.

Tue., six-week sessions beginning Sept. 18, 10-11am. Carrillo Recreation Center. $74/$67*. Ages 2-3. Call 451-2304 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop

A half-day preschool sponsored by SBCC Continuing Education that supports whole-child development. Become a part of a community of families who value parent involvement in education. Parent participation is required one morning a week along with an evening parent education class.

Mon.-Fri., 9am-noon. 4750 Hollister Ave. Monthly fees vary depending on days enrolled. Call 964-8994 or visit smpcw.org.

Teens

AHA! (Academy of Healing Arts for Teens)

Through an active, experiential curriculum, facilitators teach youth to stop bullying, express themselves creatively, communicate and listen effectively, solve their own problems, set and reach goals, and serve their community.

Mon.-Fri., Oct. 1 - mid Jan., 3:30-5pm (some evening programs available). Meets at 111 E. Arrellaga St. or the Unitarian Society (1535 Santa Barbara St.). Ages 14-19. By donation. Call 882-2424 x309 or visit ahasb.org.

Face Painting

Stephanie Mings teaches beginning through advanced face-painting techniques in this city Parks & Rec class. Learn in three-week sessions of progressive levels.

Carrillo Recreation Center. Teens+. Call 897-2519 for more information or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Investigative Journalism Adventure to Laos

This program blends cultural awareness, adventure travel, insider access to living historians, and community service, encouraging students to explore the craft of professional journalism on cutting-edge issues. Trip includes informative preparatory seminars, historical curriculum, and daily instruction.

Mar. 21 - Apr. 1, 2013. Laos. $3,885 (excluding airfare). Grades 8-12. Call 685-8687 or visit friendshiptoursworld.com.

Isla Vista Teen Center

Teens have access to a variety of recreational, educational, and leadership opportunities. Tutoring, homework support, and UCSB tutors are available.

Mon.-Fri., 3-7:30pm. 889 Camino Del Sur. Free. Grades 6-12. Call 685-9170 or email luis.ortega@ciymca.org.

General Programs

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara After-School Program

Girls can enjoy swimming, art, dance, cooking, sports, and reading.

Weekly after-school program begins Aug. 27.

531 E. Ortega St. or 4973 Hollister Ave. $100/week for three days or more, $60/week for two days or less. Ages 3+. Call Annabel at 963-4017 or Kristina at 967-0319 or visit girlsincsb.org.

Lompoc Family YMCA After-School Program

Emphasizing values such as caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, Y programs are open to all.

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 22 - June 5, 2013, school end-6pm. Full-time: $295-$350/month; part-time: $220-$275/month. Call 736-3483 or email stephanie.silva@ciymca.org.

Montecito Family YMCA After-School Program

Kids will develop self-confidence, social and physical skills, and new friends while participating in activities such as sports, games, crafts, cooking, and swimming.

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 29 - June 11, 2013, 3-6pm. Montecito Family YMCA, 591 Santa Rosa Ln. Five-day option, $475/month; four-day option, $450/month; three-day option, $425/month. Grades K-6. Call Yvonne at 969-3288 or visit ciymca.org/montecito.

Rainbow School After School

Kids enjoy arts and crafts, special theme days, board games, outdoor activities, and homework time.

Mon.-Fri., 1:30-5:30pm. (All-day care available during elementary school holidays.) 5689 Hollister Ave. $27/day for kindergarten; $22/day. Grades K-6. Call 964-4511.

Santa Barbara Family YMCA After-School Care

Children will receive homework help, make new friends, and take part in games and arts and crafts.

Mon.-Fri., noon-6:15pm (kindergarten), 2:30-6:15pm (grades 1-3), 3-6:15pm (grades 4-6). Meets at Hope Elementary School, 3970 La Colina Rd.; and Monte Vista Elementary School, 730 N. Hope Ave. Monthly fees vary depending on schedule. Grades K-6. Call 687-7720 x256 or email berlyn.springer@ciymca.org.

Santa Ynez Family YMCA After-School Education and Safety Program.

Providing a nurturing environment and the resources students need to deepen positive values and their motivation to learn while having fun.

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 24 - June 7, 2013, 2:30-6pm (Mon. starts at 1:30pm). Santa Ynez Elementary School, 3325 Pine St., Bldg. #27. Five-day option, $290/month; four-day option, $260/month; three-day option, $230/month. Grades K-8. Call 686-2037 x226 or email michelle.marland@ciymca.org.

Art, Dance, Theater, and Music

The Adderley School for the Performing Arts

Kids will sing, dance, act, and shine at this after-school and weekend musical theater program.

Fourteen-week sessions meet weekly. 316-A State St.

Prices vary. Ages 3-17. Call 899-3680 or visit theadderleyschool.com.

Art from the Heart

An educational program with the goal of encouraging diverse expression through music, dance, drama, visual arts, and literacy.

Aerial Dance Youth Series

A progression-based curriculum covering static trapeze, aerial fabrics, lyra, corde lisse, aerial sling, and innovative apparatus. Each class will include skill building, conditioning, partnering work, and choreography.

Mon.-Fri., Sept. 3 - Dec. 21, hours vary. 810 E. Gutierrez St., Ste B.

$80-$100/series. Ages 6-17. Call 284-8785 or visit lapetitechouette.com.

Art from the Heart

An educational program with the goal of encouraging diverse expression through music, dance, drama, visual arts, and literacy.

Three sessions, Sept. 17 - Dec. 3, Mon., 3:30-4:30pm. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $44. Ages 6 months+. Call 897-2519 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Ballet Classes

Young dancers learn basic moves with balances, turns, and jumps. Dance combinations allow for individual interpretation and expression.

Mon., 4:30-5:30pm; Wed., 3:30-4:30pm and 4:30-5:30pm; beginning Sept. 17. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $63/$57*. Ages 3-10. Call 451-2304 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Dance Unlimited

Offering classes in classical ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, modern, and hip-hop dance.

Mon.-Sat., hours vary. 5370 Hollister Ave., #1. $17+. Ages 3+. Call 681-0684 or email sbdanceunltd@gmail.com.

Goleta School of Ballet

Classical ballet training for boys and girls as well as open adult classes for continuing education. Classes culminate in two annual performances.

Sept. 4 - June 2013, hours vary. 303 Magnolia Ave., Goleta. $49+ depending on class level. Ages 3+. Call 328-3823 or email lisa.abshere@goletaschoolofballet.com.

Jensen’s Lessons

Private and group guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, violin, banjo, and ukulele lessons.

Mon.-Sat., 10am-8pm. Jensen Guitar & Music Co., 2830 De la Vina St. $25/hour. All ages. Call 687-4027 or visit jensenguitar.com.

KinderMusik

A creative and dynamic program in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria that offers after-school music, instrument instruction, and vocals.

Tue.-Thu., afternoons and evenings; Sat. mornings; Sept.-Dec. Notre Dame School, 33 E. Micheltorena St.; and Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Rd., Carpinteria. $20/class. Ages 3½-10. Call 884-4009 or visit kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Montecito School of Ballet

Daily classes offered in creative movement, pre-ballet, classical ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Students participate in performances in December and June at the Lobero Theatre and the Marjorie Luke Theatre.

Mon.-Fri., 3:30-7pm; Sat., noon-4pm. 529 E. Gutierrez St. $50 for four lessons/month, $180 for up to five classes/week. Ages 4+. Call 560-0597.

Nick Rail Music

Providing daily music lessons to kids of all ages.

Mon.-Sat. 2801 De la Vina St. Cost varies. All ages. Call 569-5353 or visit nickrailmusic.com.

S.B. Dance Arts

Celebrating its 16th year under the direction of Alana Tillim and Steven Lovelace, Dance Arts offers professional training in jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and more.

Sept. 10 - May 31, times vary. 1 N. Calle César Chávez, #100. Cost varies. Ages 3+. Call 966-5299 or visit sbdancearts.com.

Sino West Performing Arts Dance and Kung Fu Classes

Offering classes in ballet, acrobatics, hip-hop, jazz, kung fu, and Chinese dance.

Ongoing classes. 5718 Hollister Ave., #105. Rates vary. Ages 3+. Call 967-2983 or visit sinowestsb.com.

Young Singers Club

An inclusive vocal performance program that offers weekly solo voice classes and twice-weekly choirs. Performances held at various locations, including SOhO Restaurant & Music Club.

Mon., Tue., Wed.; Sept. 17 - Nov. 17; times vary. 4713 Chandler St. $165/$215. Ages 4+. Call 681-7078 or email youngsingers@aol.com.

Youth Acting Program

Youth acting classes are led by experienced instructor Brendan Fleming. Students work on an age-appropriate play, learning how to memorize lines through repetition and how to work with other actors onstage.

Tue., six-week sessions beginning Sept. 18, 4:30-5:30pm. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $165/$150*. Ages 6-12. Call 569-2852 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Sports and Nature

After-School Junior Golf Program

Montecito Country Club golf instructor Nick Sanregret teaches the basics of golf.

Mon.-Fri., 3:30-4:30pm and 4:30-5:30pm, beginning Aug. 27.

920 Summit Rd., Montecito. $150 for six-week session. Ages 6-13.

Call (707) 548-7878 or email nsanregret@pga.com.

Blacktop Basketball League

Practices are held after school, and six regular season games are scheduled at area elementary schools on outdoor blacktop basketball courts in this city Parks & Rec league.

Jan.-Mar., afternoons. $50. Grades 4-6. Call 564-5422 for more information or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Capoeira for Kids and Teens

Professor Chin teaches this Brazilian martial art that combines music, acrobatics, and fun.

Mon.-Fri., hours vary. 617 E. Gutierrez St. $50-$90. Ages 3-14. Call 637-5355 or visit capoeirasb.com.

Family Kung Fu

City Parks & Rec class to help children develop flexibility, coordination, balance, and control using kung fu workouts and traditional forms of self-defense techniques. Parents are encouraged to participate. All students will compete in tournaments where they learn to apply the martial art skills they’ve acquired.

Dates and hours vary, begins Sept. 17. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $110/$100*. Ages 7-12. Call 897-2519 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Flag Football League

Volunteer coaches and paid referees provide a city Parks & Rec–sponsored league that’s organized and exciting. Seven regular season games are played at Dwight Murphy Park Field. Single elimination playoff games are held at S.B. City College’s La Playa Stadium.

Weekly practices after school, Sept. 17 - Nov. 15. Dwight Murphy Park Field. $60. Grades 3-6. Call 564-5422 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Gymnastics Program

Recreational and competitive-level gymnastics, cheer, and tumbling for girls and boys.

Mon.-Fri., 2-7pm. 531 E. Ortega St. $60 for a four-week session. Ages 3+ for girls and boys. Call Nicole at 963-4492 or visit girlsincsb.org.

Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Providing children with an environment that allows them to experience and understand core values like focus, discipline, persistence, cooperation, and respect.

Mon.-Sat., classes vary. 1014 State St. $100/month plus $50 registration. Ages 3-12. Call 845-2272 or email info@gbsantabarbara.com.

Harmony Horse Training

Private and group horseback riding lessons and twice-monthly day camps that teach English riding techniques and proper horse care in a healthy and safe environment.

Classes by appointment, available 9am-5pm. 1840 N. San Marcos Rd. $50-$100. Ages 4+. Call 451-9909 or email harmonyhorsetraining@gmail.com.

Hearts Afterschool Horse Riding Program

Students will be split into two groups based on age and riding experience. More experienced participants will ride independently while other participants will have horses on leads.

Tue., eight-week program beginning Sept. 11, 4-5:30pm. $600. Ages 8-15. Call 897-2519 for more information or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Ken Ota’s Aikido with Ki and Judo, Too!

Learn the martial art with class, and develop confidence, coordination, and respect.

Tue., Thu., 4-6pm. 255 Magnolia Ave., Goleta. Ages 7-14. Call 967-3103 for more information.

Kidz Love Soccer

Kids of all ages learn the world’s most popular sport from professional coaches trained in the Kidz Love Soccer method. City Parks & Rec sessions include age-appropriate activities, skill demonstrations, games, and instructional scrimmages conducted in a non-competitive, recreational format.

Sat., Sept. 29 - Nov. 17 and Jan. 19 - Mar. 9, 2013. Dwight Murphy Softball Field. $99/$90*. Ages 2½-12. Visit sbparksandrecreation.com or call 564-5422.

Little Dragons Kung Fu

Kids learn the 12 animal movements of kung fu in three different class levels.

Dates and hours vary, begins Sept. 17. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $74/67*. Ages 4-6. Call 897-2519 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Pedal Power

This Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition program teaches participants bike mechanics, bike riding and handling skills, and signage, and takes field trips. Bring a working bicycle and a helmet on the first day of class. Registered participants who don’t have a bike can earn one from Bici Centro upon completion of the program.

2:30-4pm, twice a week. S.B., Goleta Valley, La Colina junior high schools. $20. Ages 12-16. Call 699-6301 or email edu@sbbike.org.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is both a sport and entertainment that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation (such as the ball, rope, hoop, clubs, and ribbons).

Dates and hours vary, begins Sept. 17. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $198/$86*. Ages 6-9. Call 451-2304 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Russ Morrison Junior Golf Program

PGA teaching professional Matt Easterbrook leads a program that emphasizes hands-on instruction and playing opportunities for members while introducing youth of all social, cultural, and economic backgrounds to the game of golf.

Sat. Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3500 McCaw Ave. Ages 7-17. Call 687-7087 for more information.

T-Ball Clinic

Learn how to hit, field, throw, and run bases in this fun clinic geared for beginners. Each session ends with a scrimmage. All players receive a team shirt and baseball hat. Parents are encouraged (but not required) to participate.

Sat., Mar. 2 - Apr. 20, 2013, 9-10:15am. S.B. High School. $91/$83*. Ages 4-5. Call 564-5422 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

T-Ball League

The city Parks & Rec T-Ball League emphasizes fun and skill development. No score is kept. Learn how to throw, catch, hit, and run bases. One weekday practice, and one game per week. All players receive a team shirt and baseball hat.

Sat., Mar. 2 - Apr. 20, 2013, 10:30am-12:15pm. Pershing Park. $91/$83*. Ages 6-8. Call 564-5422 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Tennis

Quality city Parks & Rec programs for the beginning to intermediate player, as well as tournaments and leagues.

Four-week sessions, beginning Sept. 3. Municipal Tennis Center, 1414 Park Pl. $51/$46*. Ages 8-14. Call 564-5573 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Wildcatz Cheer

A new after-school cheerleading class sponsored by Parks & Rec.

Tue., 5:30-7:30pm. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $82/$75*. Ages 4-13. Call 897-2519 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.

Tutoring

California Learning Center

Affordable tutoring instruction available for all grades and academic levels in reading, writing, math, study skills, test prep, and homework help.

Mon.-Thu., 2:30-6:30pm. 350 S. Hope Ave., #A104. All ages. Call 563-1579 for more information or email info@clcsb.com.

Dubin Learning Center Back-to-School Preparation and After-School Instruction

Offering a wide range of methodology, materials, games, and computer activities to meet the needs of students with abilities ranging from gifted to underachievers and those with processing difficulties.

Dates and hours vary. 112 W. Cota St. $65-$85/hour. Grades K+. Call 962-7122.

Educational Support Services

Providing private sessions in reading intervention, study skills, math tutoring, curriculum development, special needs services, and more.

Mon.-Fri., hours vary. At location of choice. $60/session. Grades 1-7. Call 698-2623 or email courtney_ferriera@yahoo.com.

Math Circles at S.B. Family School

An opportunity for kids who love math to engage in a guided exploration of advanced mathematical topics with similarly inclined peers. Fun, challenging, noncompetitive groups meet weekly after school for 90 minutes.

Sept.-May. Classes are held in a Goleta home. $12/hour. Visit santabarbaramathellipse.org.

McEnroe Reading Clinic

The Tina Hansen McEnroe and Paul V. McEnroe Reading and Language Arts Clinic provides literacy assessments and evidence-based, small-group interventions on reading and language arts.

Tue., Thu., Oct. 2 - June 6, 3:30-4:30pm. UCSB, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Rm. 2204. $35/hour plus $200 assessment; scholarships available. Grades 1-3. Call 893-7905 or email readingclinic@education.ucsb.edu.

Poppins Mentoring

Providing individual consultations designed to advance and guide children and parents through educational and personal challenges.

Mon.-Fri. 3803 Connie Wy. $125/hour (sliding scale). Grades preschool–high school. Call 448-6289 or email poppinsmentoring@gmail.com.