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 2024 – 25

Health, Safety, and

Good Old-Fashioned Manners!

For Kids

Taught by Lilli Witczak

Thursdays

10:00 – 11:00

STARTS FEBRUARY 6, 2025

ONE SEMESTER

COST: $200.00 per semester ($250 if a charter student) plus books, etc. 

This is a sort of survey course. In the fall, we may offer a more in-depth yearlong course.

In this one semester course, students will learn about the following:

  •  Health – Exercise, rest, a healthy diet, a balanced diet, maintaining healthy body habits (such as taking care of teeth, eyes, ears, lungs, etc).
  •  Safety – Public such as parking lot, street, and personal, recreational safety (don’t be a Wile coyote), home safety, for example, fire and internet. We will discuss “what should you do if?’ scenarios.
  •  Manners – Kindness, respect, helpfulness, obedience, etiquette, and cultivating a heart of gratitude.

 During the course, students will gain valuable tools while having fun with activities and games. This will be a fun yet serious atmosphere. The goal is to develop a collection of tools that will help students navigate daily life and a stressful situation or two.

 Miss Lilli is a vendor for: Sky Mountain, ILEAD, Excel Academy, Sage Oaks, Golden Valley, Gorman, Inspire, and more.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:

Title: Health, Safety, & Manners 3

Published by: abeka

Edition/Printing: Fourth Edition

Copyright Date: January 2019

Specifications: 160 pages

 

For questions and/or registration forms please contact Lilli Witczak by text at (626) 232-7932 or email at lilli.witczak@gmail.com

MATH THROUGH 

GAMES

Taught by

Malia Poggio

Monday

2:00 – 3:00

After Elementary Science

Hey kids, come join this awesome game oriented class to teach the following concepts:

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division

Not only will you have fun, meet new kids but learn easily the above functions.  

Parents:  Do you realize that it takes up to 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain

through rote memory, but it only takes between 15 – 30 repetitions if using games and activities.

This class follows the Science2U Elementary class on Mondays.

Enrollment:

  • Call or Text Malia (323) 513-6816

  • Email maliapoggio10@gmail.com

Lego Builders

Taught by Malia Poggio

Fridays

1:00 – 2:30

AND

3:00 – 4:30

Grades: 1st-5th

Cost: $160 PER SEMESTER

Class Description: In this class students will learn engineering and public speaking skills while expanding their creativity. Each week students will be given a build challenge and then they will present their creations to the class. Each week students will learn a new public speaking skill, such as eye contact, speaking clearly, standing up straight, etc. They will also learn listening skills as each of their classmates present their creations. In addition, students will also learn some fun Lego facts along the way.

 

Enrollment:

  • Call or Text Malia (323) 513-6816
  • Email maliapoggio10@gmail.com

American History Through Music! 

(Songs & Stories!)

Taught by:

Carolyn Forte

FRIDAY

12:00 – 12:45

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Appropriate for grades K-8.  Older music lovers are welcome! Younger children are welcome with a parent.

 Traditional American songs, which include folk songs from around the world, were once known by every schoolchild.  Although they are foundational to an understanding of American literature, culture and history, our public schools dropped almost all of them in the 1970s, along with the fun and historical understanding they include.

In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the history/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 History and has been a song leader for several decades.  End your week with music, fun and history!

COST:  FREE

 

Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025

LEARN SCRIPTURE THROUGH MUSIC

By Carolyn Forte

Monday

3:30-4:00

How many Bible verses do you and your children have memorized?  It’s easy when it’s put to music!  Join us for a family sing-a-long at EIE.  Carolyn taught Sunday School music for many years and has a large collection of songs that teach Bible verses.  All ages are welcome.

Class will begin as soon as we have at least 3-4 people.signed up. 

FREE

Sign up with Carolyn at EIE: 626-821-0025

U.S. & World Geography with Games

Taught by:

Carolyn Forte

Wednesday

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

4:15 – 5:00

GRADES:  4th – 8th (Mut be able to read)

Did you know that Geography is everything?  It covers places, landforms, history, cultures, music, languages, religions, astronomy and even math?

Learn every state and country in the world and lots of important information about them through games!  We will play a variety of games every week from Carolyn’s vast collection of geography card and board games and the National Geographic Geography Bee.

Note:  This class can count for High School Credit; ask Carolyn for information.

Cost:

FREE

OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!  Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025

Elementary  Art 

Taught by

Cindra Barnes

Friday

10:00 – 11:00

Session Starts:       Friday September 13

Cost:                          $230 per semester (all materials included)                                                        $

Age appropriate:   7 – 10 and for grades 2 – 5

 

Description:            This class will explore fun and creative ways to use different art mediums. This class is part art instructional and part DYI. The students will be introduced to different mediums and use them to create something unique and purposeful. Students will gain basic knowledge of art and art forms while progressing at their own rate and releasing their creativity. Some of the mediums to explore will be tempera, watercolor, tissue paper, clay, wax paper, chalk, and graphite. Some of the creations will consist of stain glass, popsicle sticks, foam, glass magnets, recyclables, origami, and much more.  The fun will be elevated with category contests and displays  if enough students participate.

Contact:        Cindra Barnes for information and questions at:

                        schoolhouseofthegroves@yahoo.com or TEXT attention SHG 909-993-2203

NOTES           Class size limited

                        We do not accept Charter funds at this time

MICHELE’S MATH CLASSES

FOR ELEMENTARY AGE

Math Masters

Grades 3rd – 5th

Taught by:  Michele Small

Tuesday

1:00 – 2:00

Website:  Michele’s Math

Did you know that math can be fun?  With play, movement and teambuilding, your student can learn to love math. Supplemental to your curriculum at home, no matter what math program you use, this class will help review the fundamentals of math with your tired, struggling or confused student.  In class we will help students build the foundation to understand multiplication, factoring, division and take some mystery out of math.  Using games and old fashioned, time-tested methods, Mrs. Small helps students review, drill and finally learn those multiplication facts.

COST:

  • $200/semester private pay
  • PLUS $20.00 Registration Fee

NOTE:  8 PERSON MINIMUM FOR CLASS TO CONTINUE

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We Spark Learning

by:  Ani Janbazian

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KID’S VID’S & LEGACIES

Taught by Ani Janbazian

Wednesdays – two time slots

9:15-10:15am (grades 2-5) OR

1:30-2:30pm (grades 3-6)

 

 

 

 

TARGET: Grades 2nd-5th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

What made Mozart a musical prodigy?

How did Marie Curie’s development of X-ray’s change medicine forever?

How many lives were saved because of Harriet Tubman’s commitment to the Underground Railroad?

Why is Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa one of the most famous painting of all time?

How did the Wright Brothers success impact transportation and modern air travel?

Journey through the life and legacies of some of histories most notable people, with video episode-inspired, discussion and hands-on explorations.  Meet the scientists and inventors who changed how we live through their innovation, technology and contributions to medicine.  Wonder at the creative genius of some of the worlds most talented musicians, artists and writers. Learn about formidable leaders and patriots that fought for their people, their freedom or a new way of thinking.  Follow the adventures of explorers who charted the earth, and made history with their discoveries.

Inspired by video cartoon biography series’ World Ahoy , Now You Know About , and Sung History and more,  classes will include:

  • one or two educational cartoon biographies
  • video comprehension guide
  • weekly hands-on creative activities

 

Notable people will include*

Leonardo Da Vinci, Magellan, Marie Curie, Vincent Van Gogh, Mahatma Gandhi, Dimitri Mendeleev, William Shakespeare, Susan B. Anthony, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison/Nikola Tesla, George Washington Carver, Marco Polo, Caravaggio, Harriet Tubman,  Alexander Fleming, Zheng He, Amadeus Mozart,  Claude Monet, Ada Lovelace, Alexander the Great, Louis Pasteur, Wright Brothers, Isaac Newton, Cleopatra, Vasco De Gama, Galileo

*subject to change

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th @ 8pm, complete the Charter registration form available here.

 

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

 

MEDIEVAL CLASS TOWN JOURNAL WRITING

Taught by Ani Janbazian

Wednesdays

10:45-11:45am

TARGET: Grades 1st-5th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

 Students become “neighbors” in a delightful Medieval Town they help create, where they will experience many events through the year including historic celebrations, festivals, traditional crafting, medieval games, natural disasters, and unbelievable mishaps!  As each town event effects the residents, it will serve as the journal prompt for a creative writing assignment for the week.

 “Swarms of bees overtook the town, and I…

“The highlight of the festival was one daring performer who…

“The wagon unhitched sending us barreling into the…”

 

Town residents will start by deciding what to name their town and decorating their own home and property. Each student will choose a historic job that will produce weekly earnings. They can use their income to save and upgrade their home, or buy or barter for additions to the property from the marketplace.  Each student will get a chance to be crowned “Royal of the Day” , and Town residents will talk about and compare stories about the events of the week.  Some drawing, crafts, prize games, and other creative expressions will also be incorporated throughout the year to fit our Medieval theme.

 While the class will have some mini lessons on writing techniques, literary devices, figurative language, and poetry, our focus is not on the formal fundamentals of writing.  The main goal of this class is to motivate kids to put pen to paper to write with enthusiasm and express their ideas in written form.    Journal writing is done during class time, and journal expectations can be varied to adapt to different learning levels and abilities.

 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th @ 8pm, complete the Charter registration form available here.

 Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

 

BUILD-A-MICRONATION

Taught by Ani Janbazian

Wednesdays

12:00 – 1:00

 

TARGET:  Grades 3th-6th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

 

Imagine…

…an underwater nation where residents live in bio-domes, and use candy for money.

…a rock n’ roll republic where music starts each day and the president looks like Elvis.

…a kingdom whose citizens wear shades of purple, and travel by unicorn.

…a gamer state where video game scores translate to real money in the bank.

 

In this class, students can mastermind, invent, develop, and design their very own nation and culture.  Micronations are imaginary countries that have many of the same things as real ones: laws, customs, culture and history – even their own flags, coins, and stamps.

 Step by step, using examples from real nations, other micronations, and fictional lands, students will establish a government, create a language and distinctive clothing, initiate unique holidays, print a currency, write a constitution, and so much more.

 Dynamic discussions and hands-on activities will explore:

  • Government
  • Political Systems
  • Language
  • National Symbols
  • History
  • Geology & Resources
  • Physical Geography
  • Economy
  • Currency
  • Citizenship
  • Infrastructure:
  • Transportation & Communication
  • Cultural Identity:
  • Food, Art, Music, Clothing, Pastimes, Holidays

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th @ 8pm, complete the Charter registration form available here.

 

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

TREASURE HUNTERS

Taught by Ani Janbazian

Wednesdays

2:45-3:45pm

TARGET:  Grades 5th-8th

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 13 week semesters) begins Sept 11th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

 Join a classroom expedition to discover lost cities, buried riches, world antiquities, sunken fortunes, valuable art, and precious collectibles. Using fascinating film footage and first-hand accounts, you’ll dive into history and culture to uncover treasures from around the globe.

 You’ll explore the long-lost gold and jewel mines, vintage heirlooms, the spoils of war, religious icons, forgotten manuscripts, Jurassic fossils, hidden Hollywood mysteries and more through the thrill seeking, true history DVD video series narrated by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) “The Hunt for Amazing Treasures”.

 Each week, you’ll uncover the hidden item of the week, watch how it was recovered, record your findings in Adventurer’s Logbook, chart it on a map, then embark on your own classroom quest, treasure hunting to seek out a prize chest of delights!

 This class captures the imagination  and engages students across multiple subjects combining history, cultural studies, geography and…curiosity!

 Our discoveries will include the following in addition to a deeper dive into related topics:

 

  • Sunken Riches: The Maravillas and Atocha Galleon Ships, The 1715 Fleet, Titanic’s Deck Chair, Steamship Arabia
  •  Heroes and Masters: Beethoven’s Lost Manuscript, George Washingtons Pages, Charles Lindbergh Trunk, Hidden Heade Paintings
  •  Hollywood Collectibles:The Stolen Oscar, Oz Costume Caper, The Maltese Falcon Statue, Frankensteins Film Poster
  •  Minerals and Mining: Emerald City, Gem Mountain, Mars Meteorite
  •  Buried Treasure: Dinosaur Digs, Karst Caves, Roman Coin Hoards, Lost City of Ubar
  •  And more!

 REGISTRATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th @ 8pm, complete the Charter registration form available here.

 Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

 

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THE FOLLOWING CLASS BY ANI JANBAZIAN IS DESIGNED

FOR GRADES 9 – 12!

ART OF THE HEIST:

Fakes, Frauds & Forgeries

TAUGHT BY

ANI JANBAZIAN

Wednesday

4:00 – 5:30

TARGET: Grades 9th-12th grade

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER :

$350 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

 

Mona Lisa – she’s been kidnapped!

Fake police make an arresting choice to steal a Rembrandt!

“The Scream” is silently taken – twice!

Robbers raid and run-off with Renoirs!

Pesky pilferer pinches Pablo Picassos Le Pigeon aux Petits Pois!

 

Students 9-12th grade will go behind-the-scenes of these stories ripped straight from the headlines,  of the  most notorious crimes of the art world.

 You’ll “meet” the criminal masterminds and investigate the psychology behind their twisted motives and just how they pulled it off!

 Study the masterpieces at the heart of each felony, and explore the significant artists, art movements, and museums involved, that each made their own mark in history.  Using the action filled true-crime documentary series “Art of the Heist” and select readings from art crime texts, you will discover the elaborate scams, stings, and bold hustles of thieves and forgers who infiltrate the high-priced world of rare art works.

 ThIs class captures the imagination, and engages students across multiple subjects, combining art history and culture with elements of criminology, sociology and psychology.

 REGISTRATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th @ 8pm, complete the Charter registration form available here.

 Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

SCIENCE-2-U ELEMENTARY CLASSES

Science-2-U

The ultimate hands-on Science classes in the area!

Taught by Marty Forte

Contact:  Marty  (626) 821-0025

Cost of Class: $360 per semester

2024 -25 CLASS SCHEDULE

All classes are on Monday 

11:00 – 12:00 (Grades 3-6)

or

12:30 – 1:30 ( Grades 1-3)

Grades 1-6 two-semester course

Cost of Class: $360 per semester

The subject of study changes monthly with a mix of physical and life science courses. The order of subjects will vary per location. These are not offered as individual sessions but as two-semester courses. 

 

Mean, Green

Photosynthesizing Machines

 

September

9, 16, 23, 30

Come learn about the fascinating life of plants. Plants provide us with life-giving oxygen. In this class, we’ll grow our own plants and learn all about the different parts of plants, photosynthesis, and the carbon-oxygen cycle and we’ll also discover the process of germination and transpiration. You’ll be a real green thumb when you finish this class.

Space, The Final Frontier

October

7, 14, 21, 28

The final frontier….come explore the planets of our solar system including satellites like our moon! We’ll discover what planets are made of and what the differences are among them. We’ll even discover why the Earth is the perfect place for us to live. You’ll get to make your own rocket to launch on the last day of class!

Detective Investigations – Part 1

November

4, 11, 18 No class on Nov. 25

December 2

You’ll become a real forensic scientist as you use modern-day crime-solving techniques to solve a variety of mysteries. Some of the tests you will perform are fingerprint analysis, chromatography (ink analysis), hair analysis using microscopes, and more! There will be a new case to crack each week. Come join the fun!

The Tiny World of Microbes

December 9, 16

NO CLASSES ON DECEMBER 23, 30

January 6, 13

Welcome to the wonderful world of microbes! We’ll look at the differences between plant and animal cells and also discover protists and bacteria. With the use of our microscopes, we’ll also discover what lives in a drop of pond water as well as some crazy new organisms each week! fi causes some things to float while others sink? Let’s find the answers through hands-on experiments!

Inventors and Their Inventions

January 20, 27

February 3, 10

What does it take to be an inventor and make some of the most famous inventions of all time? We will complete some of the experiments that were used by inventors like Galileo (make a telescope) and Thomas Edison (make a light bulb). You will even make a few inventions of your own, like an apparatus to safely escort an egg from the top of a building to the ground. Put on your thinking caps before you come to this class!

Biology of Birds

February 12,  24

March 3, 10

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Rocks and Minerals

March 17, 24, 31

April 7

Come explore the fascinating world of rocks and minerals! We’ll explore crystal formation, and learn how to identify minerals through various tests like the Mohs hardness test, specific gravity, color, streak, and others. We’ll also learn about sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

The Incredible Human Body

NO CLASSES ON APRIL 14, 21

April 28

May 5, 12, 19

Come discover how wonderfully intricate the human body is! We’ll explore the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems as well as bones and muscles. You’ll learn how your own body works. Come join the fun!

CHESS

 

Chess

Taught by:

Jeff Schwartz

Wednesday

10:00 – 11:00

Enjoy the wonderful benefits of chess today.

Cost:            

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