Enrichment Programs
The student experience at PS 163 The Alfred E Smith School includes a diverse range of curricula, extracurricular activities, and opportunities to learn and grow. We offer many options for our students to choose from, making them directly involved in designing their own educational path.
Educational Enrichment
Our school gives students opportunities to create and grow in meaningful, challenging and joyful ways. Students are offered these sessions during the school day each school year.
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Art: 1 period/week, grades K–5
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Computers: 1 period/week, grades 2–5
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Library: 1 period/week, grades PreK–5
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Music: 1 period/week, grades K–5
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Physical Education: 1 period/week, grades Pre-K–5
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Robotics Residency: 12-weeks, grades 4–5
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Science: 2 periods/week, grades K–1; 1 period/week, grade 2
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Science Lab: 1 period/week, grade 3; 2 periods/week, grades 4–5
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Clubs Elective: 1 period/week, grades 3–5
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Chess: 1 period for 12 weeks, grades K–5
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National Dance Institute (NDI): 1 period/week, grades 3–5; 10-week residencies, grades PreK–2
Programs Spotlight
Dance
For over a decade, the National Dance Institute (NDI) has offered immersive arts programs at PS 163. Students work with talented teachers and musicians in weekly sessions, creating choreography that often connects to their schoolwork. Kids, whether they love dance or are new to it, have fun and learn discipline, teamwork, and focus through exciting performances.
Chess
NYChessKids offers in-class and after-school chess at PS 163. The program introduces chess to every student from K–5, building problem-solving skills and improving focus. Each year, students advance their strategies and understanding of the game, making chess a fun and enriching part of their school experience.
E3 Sports
E3Sports supports the school’s physical education by making recess more engaging and safe. Their program starts with a quick daily warm-up and organized free play that reduces bullying and playground injuries. With activities suited for all grades, even shy kids feel included. They also provide indoor recess solutions for days when space or weather is an issue.
Clubs
Teachers offer a variety of clubs during the school day for students in grades 3–5. These weekly clubs expose kids to new experiences from cooking new dishes to playing guitar and computer games. Fifth graders have the chance to create a yearbook for the graduating class. ​The after-school running club takes students in grades 3–5 to Central Park and around the reservoir.
Partnerships
The school partners with city cultural and educational institutions to offer additional enrichment programs.
NY Historical Society
For in-class social studies enrichment
Landmark West
For architectural literacy and awareness
Wellness in the Schools (WITS)
Provides a chef who works with the cafeteria staff twice per week to provide healthier lunch options. Students participate in a cooking lab 3 times during the school year.
Green Beetz
Provides educators with a curriculum for 4th–5th graders about the modern food system, nutrition, and sustainability.
Field Trips
Destinations students at PS 163 may visit during the school year.
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97th Street Greenmarket
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American Museum of Natural History
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Bard Graduate Center Gallery
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BioBus Junior Scientist Program
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Bronx Zoo
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Cathedral at St. John the Divine
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Central Park Carousel
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Cooper Hewitt Museum
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Cloisters
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The Drawing Center
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Guggenheim Museum
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National Museum of the American Indian
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NYU Skirball NDI Performance
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NYC Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics​​
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Harlem Grown
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The Hort
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The Jewish Museum
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The Highline
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Hindu Temple Society
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National Jazz Museum in Harlem
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Little Island
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Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
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Museum of the City of NY
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New York Fire Department
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NY Public Library (Bloomingdale)
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NYC Ballet
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Top of the Rock
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United States Post Office
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Whitney Museum
