Circus education offers a unique blend of physical activity and artistic expression, fostering skill development in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Breaking down barriers of language, culture, economics, and age, circus arts are a powerful tool for community building. Fern Street Circus stands at the forefront of this movement, bringing the transformative power of circus to the heart of San Diego communities.
After-School Circus Programs Flourish in City Heights
Since September 2023, Fern Street Circus has established a vibrant residency at the former Central Elementary School campus, located on Fern Street. This 2,500 square foot gym, complete with a soaring 20-foot ceiling, natural light from tall windows, a classic wood floor, and a raised stage, provides the perfect setting for young imaginations to take flight. The Circus Fun classes, held twice weekly in the afternoons, offer free-of-charge circus arts training to City Heights youth, welcoming everyone from beginners to advanced students. Under the guidance of skilled, paid instructors, children and teenagers from six years old upwards learn and grow. The dedicated bi-lingual staff ensures effective communication and support for parents, strengthening the program’s connection with the community.
Every Wednesday, up to 35 students from Central Elementary School eagerly walk over to Fern Street’s dedicated gym space for enriching circus instruction and healthy snacks. This is especially beneficial on minimum days when school dismisses early at 12:30 p.m. The program extends care until the regular school dismissal time of 2:30 p.m., providing crucial childcare support for working parents and simplifying transportation logistics, all while eliminating disruptions to parents’ workdays. The City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department has been a valuable partner in hosting Fern Street Circus programs since 1993, with ongoing weekly classes currently held year-round at Mid-City Gym, further expanding access to circus education across the city.
Nurturing Talent: The Circus Youth Apprentice Program
A vital part of the ongoing After-School Circus Program is the Apprentice Program, designed to provide intensive training and act development for highly motivated students. Each year, these dedicated young individuals join professional circus coaches and musical artists for the month-long Neighborhood Tour in Mid-City San Diego parks. This immersive experience is both challenging and rewarding, offering an empowering learning environment where young people hone their skills and artistic talents through real-world performance.
In-School Circus Residencies: Reaching Every Classroom
With the generous support of the California Arts Council (CAC), Fern Street Circus artists bring the excitement of circus directly into the classrooms during the school day at the new Central Elementary School campus in City Heights. Through these in-school residencies, students benefit from an eight-week circus arts program. In 2024, this enriching program will reach all 24 classes at the school, running from January through May, ensuring every student has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of circus education.
Expanding Reach: After-School Circus Clubs in South Bay
Fern Street Circus collaborates with the South Bay Union School District to extend the reach of circus education to more communities. Offering instruction four days a week throughout the school year, Fern Street Circus currently provides programs at Central School in Imperial Beach, as well as Imperial Beach Charter School, bringing the magic of circus to even more young people in the South Bay area.
Customized Circus Learning Programs for Diverse Needs
Beyond these core programs, Fern Street Circus excels at creating customized circus learning experiences for schools and community organizations. Starting with foundational circus skills like juggling, tumbling, and clowning, these tailored programs can incorporate elements of literacy, physical conditioning, or even nutrition into the curriculum, adapting to the specific needs and goals of each partner organization.
Fern Street Circus is dedicated to providing high-quality circus education that is accessible and impactful. Through a variety of programs across San Diego, particularly focused around Fern Street and its surrounding communities, they are fostering creativity, physical literacy, and community spirit through the captivating art of circus. By engaging with Fern Street Circus, young people gain valuable life skills, build confidence, and discover the extraordinary within themselves.
