Mr. Rick
Music

I believe that music is one of the most powerful gifts that God has given to us. Within the many emotions it can take you through, the most important is the emotion that you get when it is used to worship and glorify Him. Psalm 98:4, Make a joyful noise....
The gift of music will last a lifetime. Long after your sports career or some other hobbies you may pick up in your younger years, music will be a tangible skill that you can use forever.
Music also helps in other academic areas such as math, science, and language arts. I will try to create a fun, no pressure learning environment to get all students to at least a very basic level on their instruments in their first semester.
My professional background includes:
HARTT Scholl of Music Summer Program, '83, '84
Berklee College of Music, '84-'86
Armed Forces School of Music, 1986
United States Marine Band, '86-'90
Theatre Circuit in Connecticut, Present
Los Angeles Film School (degree in Audio Production)
Worship and Tech Ministry, Liberty Baptist Church, 2018-2024

Classes:
Band/Orchestra, ages 10+
Individual Instrument Lessons, ages 8+

Miss Becca
English Language Arts

I have over 20 years of experience in teaching and tutoring students of all ages. After earning my Bachelor's of Science in Spanish and ESL, I went on to teach in the public school system. While teaching 4th, and then 3rd grade bilingual students, I earned my Masters of Science in Reading Education. In 2009, I decided to put my professional career on hold in order to raise my children. As my children reached school-age I made the decision to home-educate them. I have been teaching my own children for 10 years now and currently teach all subjects at the 5th and 8th grade levels. While homeschooling my children, I continue to tutor other students as well. Throughout this time I have been tutoring students in everything from sewing and crafting to learning to read to editing college essays. I am a passionate teacher who loves what I do! It is my joy to walk beside students as they grow and walk through their educational journey.

Classes: 
Literacy Launchpad, ages 6-8
Literacy Connections, ages 8-12

Mrs. Singh
Spanish

Classes:
Spanish in Action, ages 10-13
Spanish in Conversation, ages 9-12
Spanish in Conversation, ages 13+

Mrs. D
Art, Drama

Classes:
Smart Artists, ages 6-8
Art through Spatial Exploration, ages 9-12
Advanced Drawing and Painting, ages 13+
Art Mentorship, ages 13+
Drama Foundations, ages 9+
The Play Production, ages 10+

Coach Branko
Physical Education

Classes:
Phys Ed: Fit Kids Fun, ages 6-8
Phys Ed: Move It! ages 9-12
Phys Ed and Healthe for Teens, ages 13+
Athletic skills and sports, ages 10+

Dave Sensei
Japanese

Dave Mantese used to live in Japan, where he taught English to Japanese high schoolers as a participant on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. He has obtained the second highest level certification on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), and he also holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. In addition to teaching, he enjoys writing, hiking and playing the piano. Above all, he is defined by his Christian faith, the joys of which he strives always to share with others.

Classes:
Japanese Culture, ages 9+
Japanese Foundations, ages 9+
Learn Japanese with Anime, ages 9+

Alexa Cabrera
Spanish, STEM

I am a homeschooling mom with over 10 years of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. Having grown up in a Spanish-speaking home, I developed a strong foundation in the language and further strengthened my fluency through extensive Spanish coursework throughout my education. I also previously owned and operated an enrichment center, where I developed and taught Spanish and STEM classes for young children.

Although my bachelor's degree is in Communication Disorders (Speech Therapy), teaching has always been my true passion. I love creating a fun, welcoming environment where children feel encouraged, build confidence, and discover that learning can be exciting. Helping children develop a lifelong love of learning is what brings me the greatest joy. I am honored to bring my skills, experience, and passion for learning as I partner with families to support their children’s educational journey.

Classes: 
Hola Amigos! Exploramos el Español, ages 6-8
World of Wonder- A STEM Journey, ages 6-8

Tiffany Desmarais
Dance

I am a homeschool mom with more than 20yrs of dance experience. I began taking tap, jazz and ballet when I was 4 at Meta’s Academy of Dance in Bristol. I auditioned for the Jr and Sr dance company and made team every year. While in Sr. Dance company I performed in many local shows and parades. I also expanded my dance knowledge and skills to include lyrical and pointe. I assistant taught alongside Meta and bi annually I competed in NYC through Dance Educators of America. I took multiple classes with the talented Frank Hatchet. I taught dance at the Family Center in Bristol for 3yrs. I also taught Tuesday co op dance classes at Redwoods.

I love working with children. The pure joy that comes over kids when they’ve worked very hard and accomplish something they never thought they could is fulfilling. I am very excited to be teaching dance again. In my spare time, I love to dance, play the piano, kayak, paint, cook, sing, and hike. I’ve been told I’m inquisitive. I like to learn new things. I love history and read my Bible daily. I love being a mom. Homeschooling my children while being able to do other things I love is a great gift God has given me.

Classes:
Tap, ages 6-8
Jazz, ages 6-8
Tap, ages 9+
Jazz, ages 9+

Heather Hudson
Bible, ELA

Classes:
Read Your Bible Better, ages 13+
Who Killed the Mockingbird, ages 13+
Unfold yourself with Shakespeare, ages 13+