Got questions?
Everything parents ask about H.o.M.E!
Ages, programs, the Inner Strength method, enrollment, scholarships and opening date, for the performing arts school at Harborside, Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ.
About
What is H.o.M.E!?
H.o.M.E! (House of Musical Expression) is a performing arts school for children ages 2 to 14 at Harborside, in Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ. Kids learn singing, dance, acting and musical theater, and every class also builds Inner Strength: confidence, self-awareness and an artistic voice of their own. The school was founded by Priscillia Assohou (known on stage as Cylia), a singer with more than 20 years on international stages. It opens in September 2027.
Is H.o.M.E! a musical theater school or a performing arts school?
Both. Musical theater is at the heart of the school because it brings singing, dance and acting together, and children can also take each art form on its own.
Where is H.o.M.E! located?
At Harborside, on the Jersey City waterfront in Exchange Place, NJ. Families can get there by PATH, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, bus or ferry. Downtown Jersey City, Paulus Hook, Newport and Hoboken are minutes away. The full address and directions go to every family before opening.
When does H.o.M.E! open?
Doors open in September 2027, with the FLOW program. The STAGE pre-professional company launches in September 2028. Founding Family open houses take place in spring 2027.
Programs
What ages do you teach?
Children from 2 to 14, in small groups by age. FLOW welcomes every age from 2 to 14. STAGE is for ages 7 to 14, by audition. There are also prenatal and parent-and-child classes for grown-ups.
What is the difference between FLOW and STAGE?
FLOW is recreational: no audition, one to three classes a week of 45 to 60 minutes, and two showcases a year on our own stage. STAGE is the pre-professional company: by audition, three 90-minute classes a week, regular rehearsals and an end-of-year musical in a public venue. FLOW opens in September 2027, STAGE in September 2028.
How long are the classes?
FLOW classes last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the age group. STAGE classes last 90 minutes.
Does my child need experience?
Not for FLOW: curious beginners are exactly who it is for. STAGE asks for an audition.
Is H.o.M.E! a good fit for a shy child?
Yes. Welcoming spaces and supportive teachers help every child feel comfortable taking part, and Inner Strength builds confidence step by step, at the child's own pace.
Do students perform on stage?
Yes. FLOW students perform in two showcases a year on our own stage, and the STAGE company puts on an end-of-year musical in a public venue.
Do you offer camps, birthday parties or classes for adults?
Yes: summer and school-break camps, masterclasses, musical birthday parties and family shows, plus prenatal and parent-and-child classes for grown-ups. Dates go to the waitlist first.
Inner Strength
What is the Inner Strength method?
Inner Strength is the H.o.M.E! teaching method: personal growth is part of the curriculum, in every class. It follows the four letters of the name: Human awareness (understanding emotions and strengths), Ownership (making choices and owning the artistic journey), Mastery (turning practice into lasting skills) and Expression (bringing personality and imagination to every performance).
How will I follow my child's progress?
H.o.M.E! is building its own app to give parents a clear view of their child's progress, alongside regular contact with the teachers.
Enrollment
How much does it cost?
Tuition for the first season is shared with waitlist families first, before it is published. Joining the waitlist is free and commits you to nothing.
How do we enroll?
Join the waitlist on this site. You will be invited to a Founding Family open house, receive tuition and the class schedule first, and pre-enroll before registration opens to the public.
What is a Founding Family?
One of the first 50 families to join H.o.M.E!. Founding Families meet the team at an open house in spring 2027, get tuition and the schedule before anyone else, and have first pick of class days and times.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes. Trial classes start when the studios open, and waitlist families can book them first.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. The H.o.M.E! Foundation, an independent nonprofit, offers scholarships based on family income, so that every child has a place to grow. Join the waitlist and tick the Foundation box to hear about it.
Community
How can I support the H.o.M.E! Foundation?
By sponsoring a child's artistic journey, or by joining our community events, which bring local arts to everyone. Join the waitlist and tick the Foundation box: we will write with the details.
Who teaches?
Working performers and educators. Priscillia Assohou (Cylia), founder and executive director, and Alexandra Trovato, artistic director, lead the school with teaching artists Julie (dance and movement), Angelika (voice and music) and Brielle (acting and scene work). Every teacher is trained in Inner Strength.
How can I contact H.o.M.E!?
Call 201-241-9606 or write to contact@houseofmusicalexpression.com. We reply within 24 hours on business days.
Still have a question?
Call 201-241-9606 or write to contact@houseofmusicalexpression.com. Or join the waitlist and get tuition and the schedule first.