This year we have included this section dedicated to classes designed for elementary aged students. We hope this makes your decision process easier.
Elementary Classes
American History Through Music!
(Songs & Stories!)
Taught by:
Carolyn Forte
Fridays
3:00 – 4:00
Open to ages 5 and up (younger children may attend with a parent)
Description: In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the stories behind them. We will do a lot of singing, clapping and moving with great music while learning about American History. Carolyn majored in music and has been a song leader for several decades. End your week with music, fun and history!
COST: $100 per semester (ask about family discounts)
Semester 1: September 21 – February 1
Semester 2: February 8 – May 31
Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025
.
We Spark Learning
by: Ani Janbazian
.
CLASS TOWN SHIPWRECK ISLAND
JOURNAL WRITING
Taught by Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Wednesdays
8:30am – 9:30am
TARGET: Grades 1-5.
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 15 week semesters – classes begin Sept 12, 2018)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$250 for homeschool families paying out-of-pocket
$275 for iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain and Excel Academy Charter students. Please contact WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com in advance for the option to use HOMESCHOOL COACHES for Gorman, Golden Valley, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Compass Charter students.
Shipwrecked on a remote island, 1st-5th graders explore their exotic surroundings, scavenge for supplies, tame the wilderness, form a rescue plan, and band together for survival through perilous adventures — all the while journaling their epic story.
Your weekly explorations will serve as the journal prompt or inspiration for your creative writing assignments.
“The eerie howling sound seemed to be coming from…”
“After tirelessly digging in the sand, it was a miracle that I found a…”
“Seeing that spectacular splash, I started to believe the mythical stories about…”
Each student will be assigned special skills to contribute to the group’s success, and keep an inventory of valuable items they have salvaged or scrounged for in the search for more island resources.
Some drawing, crafts, prize games, and other creative expressions will also be incorporated throughout the year to fit our Island theme. Mini lessons on writing techniques, literary devices, and poetry will be explored, while maintaining the goal of this class: to motivate students to put pen to paper with enthusiasm! Journal writing is done during class time, and writing expectations can be varied to adapt to different learning levels and abilities.
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, craft projects, art materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
How will you survive this harrowing story? Will your party ever be rescued? Join the adventure!
TO REGISTER: Opening May 1, 2018, simply download and complete the registration form that will be available on WeSparkLearning.com. Send it in with payment to reserve your spot. In addition to sending us your registration form, Charter School students must arrange for payment by P.O./Enrichment Certificate request, to be issued before classes begin.
SECRET SOLVERS SOCIETY
In Sherlock’s Study
Taught by Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
9:45 – 10:45
OR
3:30 – 4:30
TARGET: Grades 2-6
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 15 week semesters – classes begin Sept 12, 2018)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$250 for homeschool families paying out-of-pocket
$275 for iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain and Excel Academy Charter students. Please contact WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com in advance for the option to use HOMESCHOOL COACHES for Gorman, Golden Valley, CA Enrichment Academy
You are invited to become a savvy problem solver tackling Sherlock Holmes inspired challenges, with thoughtful exploration, hands-on testing, logic and deductive reasoning. As a member of our distinguished society where we treasure out-of-the-box ideas, your S.S.S. membership entitles you to solve weekly challenges that will stretch your brainpower, flex your reasoning, boost your creativity, and harness the power of teamwork!
Your challenges will include:
Perplexing Puzzles
Detective Mysteries
S.T.E.M. Challenges (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Brain Games
Treasure Hunts
Escape Room Adventures
And more!
Use critical and creative thinking for success, just like Sherlock – and it could even grant you a place in the Secret Solvers Society “Brain Hall of Fame”.
Who is Sherlock Holmes?
Sherlock is a fictional private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This famous character is known for his amazing powers of observation and superior logical reasoning that helps him solve the most difficult and unusual cases.
TO REGISTER: Opening May 1, 2018, simply download and complete the registration form that will be available on WeSparkLearning.com. Send it in with payment to reserve your spot. In addition to sending us your registration form, Charter School students must arrange for payment by P.O./Enrichment Certificate request, to be issued before classes begin.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
KID’S VID’S N’
REVOLUTION
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Wednesdays 1
11:00am – 12:15pm (1 hr. 15 min)
TARGET: Grades 2-6
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 15 week semesters – classes begin Sept 12, 2018)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$250 for homeschool families paying out-of-pocket
$275 for iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain and Excel Academy Charter students. Please contact WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com in advance for the option to use HOMESCHOOL COACHES for Gorman, Golden Valley, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Compass Charter students.
Journey through the life and times of the American Revolution through the on-screen adventures of LIBERTY’S KIDS, James and Sarah –two of Benjamin Franklin’s young reporters. Featuring the award-winning educational cartoon series, we use episode-inspired explorations and creations to immerse students in learning about our nation’s journey to freedom.
Inspired by the 22-minute episodes, classes will include:
video comprehension guides
weekly hands-on creative activities
timeline of events
introduction to important people, ideas, icons, and inventions
Who are Liberty’s Kids?
James, a street-smart 14 year-old, takes the perspective of a Colonist. Sarah, a spirited 15 year-old offers the British point of view. As rookie reporters for Benjamin Franklin’s Print Shop, they compete for front page stories about events taking place in America prior to and during The Revolution. Their investigations land them, and their ambitious young friend, Henri, in many dangerous and thrilling situations.
Please note, this class is 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, to accommodate the viewing of a 22 minute episode of Liberty’s Kids, each week. Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, craft projects, art materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
TO REGISTER: Opening May 1, 2018, simply download and complete the registration form that will be available on WeSparkLearning.com. Send it in with payment to reserve your spot. In addition to sending us your registration form, Charter School students must arrange for payment by P.O./Enrichment Certificate request, to be issued before classes begin.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
WHERE IN THE WORLD
IS NINA PASADENA?
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
12:45 – 1:45 PM
OR 4:45 – 5:45 PM
TARGET: Grades 2-6
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 15 week semesters – classes begin Sept 12, 2018)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$225 for homeschool families paying out-of-pocket
$250 for iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain and Excel Academy Charter students. Please contact WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com in advance for the option to use HOMESCHOOL COACHES for Gorman, Golden Valley, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Compass Charter students.
Join the Acme Detective Agency on the hunt for super spy criminal mastermind, Nina Pasadena. She and her henchmen are stealing treasures, and monuments from around the world. You and the other Acme Agents will follow the clues leading you through countries of the world, exploring exotic cultures and locations — all to deduce and track down the identity of the criminals and return the stolen goods.
As Nina and her gang escape to different parts of the globe, you will give chase by solving clues using travel guides, atlases, encyclopedias, books on nature, cultures, art, architecture, landmarks, and more. Each case will take you to three continents, three countries, and three cities on your hunt for suspects.
You will be given one Agent Special Assignment during the year (aka- a short research paper, and drawing task to work on at home) about a specific country that is a henchman hide-out. You will present your Special Assignment in front of the Acme team (oral presentation). You will also take turns to role play as witness and lead detective, as you learn about geography from around the world.
Will we catch Nina Pasadena in the end? Join us to find out! This crime-solving class is sure to be full of mystery and intrigue!
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, books, school supplies, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
PLEASE NOTE: If you took the USA version of this class last year, this class uses the same theme, but features new criminals, and is structured differently so that the cases unfold in a fresh new way for our world-wide adventures!
TO REGISTER: Opening May 1, 2018, simply download and complete the registration form that will be available on WeSparkLearning.com. Send it in with payment to reserve your spot. In addition to sending us your registration form, Charter School students must arrange for payment by P.O./Enrichment Certificate request, to be issued before classes begin.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
BUILD-A-BIZ:
Pizza Edition
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Wednesdays
2:00 – 3:00 PM
TARGET: Grades 3-7
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 15 week semesters beginning Sept 12, 2018)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$250 for homeschool families paying out-of-pocket
$275 for iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain and Excel Academy Charter students. Please contact WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com in advance for the option to use HOMESCHOOL COACHES for Gorman, Golden Valley, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Compass Charter students.
As a classroom entrepreneur you will plan and create your own pizzeria and take care of it’s daily operations, learning dozens of practical concepts related to your new venture along the way.
What will the week’s assignment be: Designing and naming your restaurant? Planning the Grand Opening? Calculating profit? Scripting a commercial? Making a brochure? Conducting an employee job interview?
In the exciting world of business, there is so much you can learn:
Writing a Simple Business Plan
Basic Economics
Money Matters
Math
Problem Solving
Marketing
Customer Service
Management
Nutrition
and Design.
You will dream up weekly pizza specials to test the market as you look for successful dishes to grow your permanent menu. Will your new recipe be a hit? Find out the following week, through a Consumer Report showing customer sales and reviews. We will track the collective profits of all class Pizzerias to earn real prizes throughout the year.
In Semester #2, you will have one special project to complete at home, followed by a chance to present it in front of your fellow “business owners”. We will finish our year with a real-life Pizza Party to celebrate how well you Build-a-Biz!
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, design materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
TO REGISTER: Opening May 1, 2018, simply download and complete the registration form that will be available on WeSparkLearning.com. Send it in with payment to reserve your spot. In addition to sending us your registration form, Charter School students must arrange for payment by P.O./Enrichment Certificate request, to be issued before classes begin.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
Click below to watch a Build-A-Biz student commercial:
TRAVEL THE WORLD with ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES
by Brenda Vanderloo
ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES Literature Classes
Exploring the world through great authors!
This year we are going to be combining GREAT STORIES with GEOGRAPHY!!
We will be leaning about the different countries where the stories we read take place. So your child will be studying literature and geography in one class!!

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 7-10
Wednesdays
2:00-3:00 or
Fridays
11:00 – 12:00
Recommended for 7-10 year olds. The books will be approximately 100-150 pages long and appropriate for 2nd-4th graders. We will be reading a series called Classic Starts. With Classic Starts, young readers can experience the wonder of the classics from an early age. Abridged for easier reading and carefully rewritten, each classic novel is filled with all the magic and excitement that made the original story a beloved favorite.
ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 10-12
Wednesdays
12:45 – 1:45 OR
Fridays
12:00 – 1:00
Recommended for 10-12 year olds. The books will be approximately 150-300 pages long and appropriate for 5th-7th graders.
ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 12-15+
Wednesdays
4:15 – 5:15
Recommended for 12-15+ year olds (Middle School/ High School). The books will be appropriate for middle school and high school students. This class will be fun and a great way to meet other teens!
WHY HAVE YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION LITERATURE CLASS?
TALKING ADVENTURES
The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself . . . . . and Public Speaking!!!
TALKING ADVENTURES
Taught by Brenda Van Derloo
Wednesdays
3:15 – 4:15
IEW WRITING CLASSES
All Things Fun & Fascinating
Writing for Younger Students
IEW Level A
Taught by Lilli Witczak

Mondays
10:30-11:30
Recommended grade levels – 3 through 5; however, ability dictates
Class begins September 10, 2018
Humorous characters, fascinating creatures, and important men of history will gain the attention of students as they learn to write with structure and style. During the course, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, put together a mini research report, and compose creative essays. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn. The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in May.
COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc. Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.
COURSE DURATION: 1 year.
TEXT BOOK REQUIRED All Things Fun & Fascinating [Student Book only]
- By Lori Verstegen
- ISBN: 978-0-9801005-2-5
- Edition/Printing: Second Edition, January 2012.
CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626)232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com
U.S. History Based Writing
Taught by Lilli Witczak
IEW LEVEL C
Mondays
11:30-12:45
Writers Level B
Recommended grade levels – 5 through 8; however, ability dictates
Class begins September 10, 2018
Recommended for students with previous IEW experience. This year’s theme will cover U.S. History while using IEW’s stylistic techniques and the nine structural units. During these lessons, students will learn about our country’s history from colonial times to twenty-first-century technology! The student book includes assignments, blank outlines, source texts, checklists, and grammar helps.
COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc. Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.
COURSE DURATION: 1 year.
TEXT BOOK REQUIRED: U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons [Student Book only] by Lori Verstegen. ISBN: 978-1-62341-266-1
CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626)232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com
CHESS
Chess
Taught by:
Jeff Schwartz
Monday
11:00 – 12:00
Cost: $139.00 for each 11-week session per student.
First session starts September 10
Recommended ages: 5 to 13 or grades K to 8.
Open to beginners and advanced students
Students will learn to play the game of Chess and learn winning strategies. They will become prepared for tournament play which is organized by Coach Jeff. Tournament play is not required but is an added bonus.
Chess is a wonderful game that helps children develop mental discipline, analytical skills, strategic thinking, and do better academically. Studies have shown that students studying Chess demonstrated a marked development of their verbal and math aptitudes. This class is a great way for kids to have fun, improve in Chess, and make new friends.
Added bonus: As Coach Jeff’s program is in twenty-one elementary schools in the San Gabriel Valley, Coach Jeff organizes three tournaments per semester.
About Coach Jeff: Jeff Schwartz has played tournament chess from the time he was a freshman in college. Coach Jeff is a Life Member of the United States Chess Federation, and an active member of the Arcadia Chess Club. Coach Jeff has taught Chess since 2007, helping hundreds of students mature in the world of Chess, even while he uses an individualized approach for each student.
Contact: chesscoachjeff@live.com or (626) 232-5466
THEATER ARTS
Kids and Teens On-Camera Acting Class
Taught by:
Casting Director and Set Coach
Chris Gillmore
Watch the interview with Chris about her class.
Monday
12:00 – 2:30 Introductory Class
3:00 – 5:30
Regular Class
New sign ups should meet at 11:45.
EIE Campus in Monrovia
Classes are held on two Mondays
of the month.
2019 SCHEDULE
- JANUARY 7, 14
- FEBRUARY 4, 25
- MARCH 4,11
- APRIL 1, 8
- MAY 6,1
ACTING SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP
- JUNE 3, 10
- JULY 8, 15
- AUGUST 5, 12
FALL 2019 SCHEDULE
- SEPTEMBER 9, 16
- OCTOBER 1, 8
- NOVEMBER 4, 18
- DECEMBER 2, 9
VENDOR WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS:
- Academy of Arts and Sciences
- California Enrichment Academy
- Excel Academy
- Golden Valley
- Gorman
- iLead
- Inspire
- Sage Oak
- Sky Mountain
COST:
- $125 per month private funds
- $150 with charter funds made out to Home School Coaches
So…Whatever you’re thinking an acting class for kids and teens is, you will be happily surprised! This acting class, taught by professional casting director and set coach of over 15,000 kids and teens, Chris Gilmore. It is much more than just a class where students learn how to act professionally on camera for movies, television and commercials.
The added benefits of this incredible series of classes are: It builds the student’s self esteem and self image. It teaches discipline and focus as well as teaching students to use their creativity and imagination. It empowers the students to be able to speak in front of a group with great confidence and improves memorization, improvisation and even helps develop a sense of humor.
From start to finish all students will learn the art of comedy, drama, two-party scene study, cold-reading, monologue technique, comedy improvisation as applied to on-camera film and television performances as well as commercial techniques. Every month is a different acting theme. This course is the Real Thing, and if acting professionally is the goal, students will receive all the skills necessary to pursue a professional acting career while having fun learning them.
THE ADDED BONUS: At the end of every month, all parents will receive an on-line video of the students’ performances in class so you can watch their progress. (upon request)
CONTACT: Chris Gilmore (661) 600-7372