Are there any prerequisites for my child to join the program?

Our program is geared towards children with no background in chess. We start from the very beginning and gradually build knowledge. If your child has previous chess experience, please let us know, and we can ensure that s/he stays challenged.

Why Chess?

As the quote above says, chess is not just an exciting strategy game. Chess requires critical thinking and time management skills. Chess rewards learning from mistakes. Chess asks for a certain degree of physical fitness to maintain concentration. Chess helps children discover their creative potential. And finally, chess instills sportsmanship and team spirit.

Chess & Education Approach

Chess is an art form that helps children discover their creative potential. We encourage children to think independently and analyze chess, not simply memorize the moves. As a result, children learn pattern recognition, generalization and time management, skills applicable outside chess.

What will students learn?

Beginner: first-year students

  • Main rules and objectives: game piece movements, checkmates, castling, etc.
  • Time management: solving complex problems in finite time
  • Conceptual thinking: systematic problem solving with emphasis on skill application

Intermediate: second and third year students

  • Deeper understanding of the game: principles behind attack/defense strategies, individual strategies behind most common positions, recognizing and realizing competitive advantage
  • Self-improvement: understanding the mistakes to prevent them in the future
  • Building confidence in game play

Advanced: fourth year and above

  • Game development, improving individual style, including: building of opening repertoire, end-game technique and middle game strategies
  • Increased focus on physical fitness to help manage mental challenge
    Improving self-control and self-esteem in difficult game scenarios
  • We focus on teaching all our students top-level sportsmanship: respect for the game and opponents, following all tournament rules, and celebrating team spirit.

What is the ratio of Student/Coach for the after-school chess classes?

1:16 or better! All classes have 1 coach and 1 assistant.

Which days/time is the program offered?

The program runs on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Where are the classes held?

The after-school chess program at PS 6 is held at PS 6.

Check-In and Dismissal

Children are escorted to the PS 6 auditorium by their regular education teachers for check-in at 2:30pm. Chess coaches and assistants are there to greet the children and escort to classrooms. Dismissal is at 5:00pm sharp.

Where do I pick up my child?

Dismissal / Pick Up is at 5:00pm sharp at the 81st Street PS 6 main entrance, between Madison and Park.

Does my child need to bring supplies?

We provide all equipment: chess sets, boards, worksheets, and all related items.

Does my child need to bring a snack?

Please note: there is a NO NUTS policy and NO FOOD Sharing policy in all Chess & Education classes.
Please inform us immediately of any known allergies your child may have. Students should bring a snack for chess class and parents/guardians must be sure to pack this for their child. Please keep in mind that chess classes are from 2:30 until 5pm, so be sure to pack a snack or snacks that will be sufficient for your child for this time frame.

How do I register for the program?

Complete the registration form. Please note program placement is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Discounts

Chess & Education offers 10% siblings discount applicable to the second and all following children from one family. To receive such discount, all siblings must be registered in one single semester.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If registration is canceled prior to the start of the semester, a full refund of the amount paid will be provided. If a student would like to withdraw from the program after the 1st or 2nd class, prorated refund – minus the fees for the class/es attended. Prorated refunds are available up until 24 hours before the start of the third class in the program. After that time, no refunds will be issued.

There are no refunds or deductions for any absences during the term. Classes are not transferable. Chess & Education will not give refunds, nor offer make up days or credit for class absences or any class/es that have been cancelled due to any event that is out of Chess & Education’s control. This includes but is not limited to illness, school closures & cancellations, pandemics, weather, natural disasters or any other events that are out of Chess & Education’s control.