QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
A little clarity. A confident start.
What we teach, how classes work, and what your family can expect.
What courses do you offer?
We offer three programs, each built around hands-on projects.
Robotics
- LEGO® WeDo
- LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential
- VEX Robotics
Coding
- Animation and game design with Scratch, from MIT
- Coding in Python
Artificial Intelligence
- Using AI thoughtfully and effectively, for ages 13+
We update our courses regularly so students learn with current tools and technology.
What’s the difference between the Robotics class and the Coding class? Does Robotics not already include coding?
Both classes involve coding, but the focus is different.
Robotics is project-based: small teams build projects suited to their grade level and experience, and about 70% of class time goes to building with LEGO and smart components. The rest of the time goes to coding the robot they’ve built. So there is coding, but it’s in service of bringing the robot to life rather than teaching coding concepts in depth.
The Coding class involves no LEGO or building. Children work in pairs (two children to one computer) using Scratch, a child-friendly coding platform built by MIT. Through a series of fun, structured modules, students learn coding concepts directly, such as branching logic, coordinates on the X-Y axis, and repeat loops, while building animations, stories, and even a video game.
In short: Robotics teaches robotics with some coding mixed in, while the Coding class focuses on coding concepts. Many students enjoy both, for different reasons.
What benefits do the courses provide?
Our courses are designed to spark your child’s interest in robotics and coding. Each course takes students on a learning journey from the basics through intermediate and advanced programming and logic, introducing concepts such as if-then-else branching, repeat loops, arrays, and variables. In robotics, we also bring in science and engineering, showing how concepts like gravity, pulleys, gears, and the laws of motion work in the projects students build.
Beyond technical skills, we teach good citizenship: following directions, working effectively in teams, presenting work confidently, and being respectful of each other and our environment.
How do you ensure my child stays interested in the course?
Most children love technology, and they’re naturally curious and creative when given the right space. That’s why children find so much joy in our courses, building and programming creations that amaze everyone, including themselves!
We also build variety into our courses for continuing students, rotating and mixing our robotics and coding courses to keep things fresh and interesting. Every child is unique, and on rare occasions a course may not spark a child’s interest. When that happens, we’re happy to talk with you and find the best next step for your child.
How much do you charge per class? Why are classes on a payment plan?
We don’t charge per class. Tuition, payment, and cancellation terms vary by session/class; please refer to your class for its details.
Like learning math, science, a new hobby, or a sport, robotics and coding take time. Your child gets the most out of our programs by staying with them: our curriculum progressively challenges students with increasingly complex projects and concepts, and the longer your child stays with us, the more skilled they become.
Tuition typically includes a registration fee plus tuition. Most of our sessions provide installment and payment plans to make it easy for parents to pay. Your registration confirmation email and your account page will have all the payment details.
Could we try out a class before committing? Is there a short term class option available?
Sorry, we don’t offer trial classes. Each session requires preparation and equipment planned for the number of children enrolled. The first few classes of each session also focus on building a classroom culture of fun, discipline, and learning.
Throughout the year, children work with our robotics kits on progressively more challenging projects, building coding skills, teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to learn from failure: skills we hope will help them well into the future.
The class mentions K-8? How is that handled?
We create groups of 2–3 children based on age, grade, and prior experience, and our curriculum challenges each group with projects suited to their level. Each class uses a ladder of projects with at least three levels of increasing complexity, so children at every level are challenged. As children continue with us, they take on more complex projects and keep building their science, engineering, and coding skills.
My child is on waitlist. What can I expect?
To keep classes a manageable size, we limit enrollment at each school. Once a class has a waitlist, our ability to add more children is limited. If a spot opens up and we can add your child while making sure they can catch up, we’ll be in touch.
Can I cancel the classes?
Please refer to your class for its cancellation policy.
Who will be teaching my child?
As an education provider for children, our highest priority is finding great teachers and training them to help your child grow. We value attitude over experience, and we look for positive, energetic, enthusiastic people who can be role models for your children.
Our teachers undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting through state law enforcement, to make sure they are cleared to work with children. They have backgrounds in science, engineering, or mathematics and complete rigorous training in childcare laws and regulations. They’re skilled in classroom management and trained to create a nurturing environment where your child can learn and grow.
What is the ratio of teacher to children?
We follow all local rules and regulations for teacher-to-child ratios. In our experience, great classes depend less on ratios and more on competent, well-trained teachers who know how to manage a class and handle the unique situations that come up. Our focus is on managing each classroom so every child gets the attention they need to learn and grow.
Who will my child be working with?
Our courses are designed for children ages 5–14, from kindergarten through 8th grade. In courses that use small groups, we place children in groups of 2–3 with others of a similar grade and level to work on projects together. When a child has prior experience or shows a strong aptitude for robotics and coding, we may place them up a level.
Can I request my child be placed in a different group?
While a group change is sometimes warranted, our preference is to help children learn to work in the group they’re placed in. Along with technical skills, we want to teach children how to work together effectively. In the real world we don’t always get to choose who we work with, and we want to prepare your child for that by teaching them to work in teams with different personalities.
How will I know what my child is learning?
We share photos and videos of your child working on projects. We also send regular updates on our learning plans and offer parent-teacher conferences from time to time to discuss your child’s growth.
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