Fun with Math 8-11

Fun with Math will engage the intermediate elementary math student to build upon basic math skills. We will engage in games, small team competitions, problem solving, logic puzzles, and real life examples. We will have fun learning shortcut methods and apply them in ways to expedite problem solving. This class is designed to be a fun supplement to and reinforcement of any learning done at home, with the fun companionship of friends. No homework.

Class fee: $150 per semester, includes supplies

Min/Max: 5 students/10 students

Teacher Information: Liz Cassidy

cassidies@comcast.net

Math Tutoring

The concept here is that students can drop in and have help on their math homework. Students who are taking math elsewhere or want to spend an hour a week being able to ask questions can sign up for this class and I will help them with their work. Besides answering questions I can help them outline their study plans, give them feedback on weaknesses that they have and provide additional material. The cost is $45 per month. 
Teacher: Guy Desaulniers
Email: guy@discoverylearninginstitute.com
Call or text 847-566-9669

Children's Theatre Class I

Ages *6 -7

*Child must be 6 years old by first day of class.

Taking what these youngin's already naturally do, with their own ingenious imaginations, the kids will be put “on stage." They will use an array of home-made, home-found costumes and props. They'll create scenery and sets making favorite stories come to life!  Our class fairytales will allow for unique diversions as in having four little piggies instead of the usual three. Improvised Mind-Island stories are a favorite!  Mind Island is where the kids get to make up their own characters and situations to a narrative we create together. 

Presenting their self-written and/or self-illustrated book, after a visit of our class-stuffed-pet to your home, adds to conquering stage-fright and boosting self-esteem.  

No memorization is expected for this class. 

Throughout the year, expect to be invited to our classroom for the occassional open-show.

INSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one time fee per child - due first day of classes

CLASS FEE: $25 per month due first Wednesday of each month except May. 

      or  $100 for each semester  

      or  $200 for entire year 

      ~ Cash or check only ~

Min/Max: 6/10

Children's Theatre Class II

Ages *8-11 

*Child must be 8 by first day of class.

This group of boys and girls will be put “on stage" using an array of "backyard" costumes, props and stage materials. Kids will create familiar stories incorporating their own imaginative twists. Improvised Mind-Island stories - where the kids get to make up their own characters and add their own ideas to any plot they act out - are always a favorite. Participation of these students will be more evident than the younger class with a hope for less narration on the part of a storyteller (me) and more dialogue participation from the young thespians.  Once the kids have gotten the hang of our theatre expectations, the kids will be encouraged to produce excerpts of popular fairy-tales working in small groups; allowing them to choose their own costuming, setting and dialogue.  

Memorization of scripts won't be expected. 

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom for the occassional open-show.

INSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one time fee per child - due first day of classes

CLASS FEE: $25 per month due first Wednesday of each month except May.

      or  $100 for each semester  

      or  $200 for entire year 

  ~ Cash or check only ~

Min/Max: 6/10

Improv Theatre A

Ages 10-12

*Child must be 10 by first day of class.

FYI: Improv has been proven to breed good listening skills and self-confidence.

In this class the laughs come naturally as improvisational scenes, stories, and/or scenes materialize. AND these pre-teens and teens may not realize it - but, built into the program, they're improving listening skills, group cooperation skills, abilities to move conversations forward to be more interesting and how to Yes, And! The environment encourages imagination and lots of creativity that “just happens.” And... any inhibitions are dissolved in a safe and fun environment.  No scripts, no props, no costumes. Thus, no material fees!

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom or to the blackstage in the eating area for an occassional improvized show.

Instructor: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

Min/Max: 6/12

CLASS FEE:  $25 per month due first Wednesday of each month 

      or  $100 for either semester  

      or  $200 for entire year 

  ~ Cash or check only ~

Shakespeare in Performance

(Ages 10 and up)

Students will dive into the world of Shakespeare, exploring language and verse through the performance of sonnets, monologues, and scene studies. With an introduction to iambic pentameter and scansion, students will tackle the occasionally difficult language of The Bard in his original words. Opportunities for memorization abound but are not required. Students will come away with a greater understanding of and appreciation of Shakespeare's work. 

Enrollments fee: $125 for each semester, supplies included

Teacher: Matt Holmes (Matt Holmes has several decades' experience studying and performing Shakespeare.)

Children's Theatre Class III

Ages 12+

Acting skills and stage presence will be developed in this class through fun theatrical activities. As a result, the boys and girls will bring to life short scripted plays using an array of "backyard" costumes and props to create their own scenery and stage sets. 

If your child is a writer of any sort - one's own made-up play will be encouraged to be written and could potentially be read by the class and/or performed with instructor's approval. Past classes have produced several fabulous productions written, costumed, and directed by some of the students themselves. Though, writing a play is not at all mandatory. 

Some memorization will be expected.  Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom or to the blackstage in the eating area for an occassional show.

INSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one time fee per child - due first day of classes

CLASS FEE: $25 per month due first Wednesday of each month except May.

      or  $100 for either semester  

      or  $200 for entire year 

  ~ Cash or check only ~

Min/Max: 6/10

Improv Theatre B

Ages 13+

FYI: Improv has been proven to breed good listening skills and self-confidence.

In this class the laughs come naturally as improvisational scenes, stories, and/or scenes materialize. AND these teens may not realize it - but, built into the program, they're improving listening skills, group cooperation skills, abilities to move conversations forward to be more interesting and how to Yes, And! The environment encourages imagination and lots of creativity that “just happens.” And... any inhibitions are dissolved in a safe and fun environment.  No scripts, no props, no costumes. Thus, no material fees!

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom or to the blackstage in the eating area for an occassional improvized show.

Instructor: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

Min/Max: 6/12

CLASS FEE:  $25 per month due first Wednesday of each month 

      or  $100 for either semester  

      or  $200 for entire year 

  ~ Cash or check only ~

Creative Sprouts Art Class

Preschool Ages 3-6

Creative Sprouts Art Class is a joyful, hands-on art class designed for children ages 3–6 years old. Children explore the beauty of the changing seasons while experimenting with a wide variety of art materials such as watercolor, clay, collage, printmaking, and nature art. Each class invites children to observe nature, listen to a short story, and create a seasonal art project inspired by what they see and learn. Through playful exploration, students develop creativity, fine motor skills, curiosity about the natural world, and confidence in expressing themselves through art. Children will paint autumn leaves, sculpt animal tracks in clay, create sparkling winter snow scenes, explore icy paint experiments, and celebrate spring with butterflies, flowers, and garden art. Along the way, they will also enjoy engaging picture books that connect art, nature, and seasonal discovery. Each student will be encouraged to create an art piece from their own imagination based on what they read/see in each short story. I will show an example of something for students who are unsure of where to start. The class will be structured to help kids explore creativity and foster their imagination. I hope to encourage them to think outside of the box and express their thoughts and feelings through art!

This class focuses on process over perfection, encouraging imagination, curiosity, and joyful creativity. By the end of the year, students will have a beautiful collection of seasonal artwork and a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of nature.

Parents can expect their children to:

• Explore many different art materials and techniques
• Learn about seasons, weather, plants, and animals
• Develop fine motor skills and creativity
• Build friendships in a warm, collaborative environment

The year concludes with a Spring Nature Art Gallery, where children proudly share their favorite creations with parents and friends.

Min/max students: 5 / 10
Supply Fee $30 due each semester
Monthly Fee (4 months each semester): $25
Semester Pay in full option: $75 + $30 supply fee= $100 ($5 discount)

Teacher: Ashley Washington

Young Artist Lab

(ages 7-12)

 Build Skills, Creativity & Self-Expression

In this fun and hands on art class, children will learn essential art techniques while experimenting with a variety of materials and creative projects. Each project is carefully chosen to build new skills, and encourage imagination and personal expression, helping every student develop confidence in their own artistic style. We will work with real, high quality art mediums, which is not only a wonderful and exciting opportunity for young artists, but will also help elevate the children’s artwork. This class is a great continuation of Artful Journeys, featuring all new projects. It is also a beginner friendly class.

Class fee: $25 due first week of each month 

Supply fee: $30 per semester due with the first months payment

Teacher: Susy Garcia

Teen Art Studio

Teen Art Studio: Foundations and Expression 

MIX IT. PRINT IT. SCULPT IT. PAINT IT.

In this exploratory art studio class, young artists will learn fundamentals of art such as shading, color theory, composition, and 3D form while working with mediums including pencil, paint, printmaking, clay, oil pastels, alcohol markers, and mixed media. Each project encourages creativity, self expression, and problem solving as students discover what materials they enjoy most and begin developing their own artistic style. Individual guidance and one-on-one support ensure that every student can grow at their own pace while expanding their technical abilities.

Perfect for beginners and experienced young artists alike, this class builds confidence, creativity, and foundational art skills in a fun, supportive studio environment.

Class fee: $25 due first week of each month 

Supply fee: $30 per semester due with the first months payment

Teacher: Susy Garcia

Young Explorers

Ages: 4-8

Come join us for some good old fashioned fun! Students will experience learning about a bygone era through a variety of means - stories, game play, experiments, and hands-on activities - while fostering positive peer interactions. Our adventures will include activities such as scavenger hunts, churning butter, weaving and fiber arts, old fashioned chores, etc.

Enrollment fee: $120 per student
Supply fee: $30 per student

Teachers: Amanda Greco-Holmes & Jim Matson

Tumbling

Ages 4-8

Beginner Tumbling

Experience Level: Beginner (No prior experience required!)

In this class, your child will build confidence in the foundational skills of tumbling. Students will be introduced to a variety of rolls, bends, cartwheels, and handstands in a progressive manner. These skills will help improve coordination, flexibility, and strength. They will receive guided spotting by an experienced instructor to ensure every move is performed correctly. Tumbling attire includes snug-fitting clothes (no buttons or zippers) that can stretch and be moved in.

Min 6  max 10
Per Semester: $130 class fee, $20 material fee

Teacher: Chi-Li Quenteros

Survival Skills Class Level I

Ages: 10+

Learn essential outdoor survival skills in a fun, hands-on environment! This class is perfect for students aged 10 and older who want to develop confidence and independence in the wilderness. (Disclaimer: Students and parents will need to sign a knife safety waiver to participate in this part of the class. Regardless of their knife use background.)
What You’ll Learn:

• How to build and maintain a fire, including fire starter techniques
• Safe whittling and knife maintenance
• Shelter building and knot-tying
• Navigation, hiking, and biking basics
• Wilderness first aid
• Using a jet boil for outdoor cooking
• How to stay safe and have fun on an overnight event.
• Plus, many more practical survival skills!

Field Trips: Throughout the year, we’ll schedule exciting field trips tailored to the skills students are mastering.
Instructor: Annie Alvarez
Class Size: Minimum 6 students, maximum 12 students.

Semester fee $190 (this includes a $50 Supply Fee)

Photography & Yearbook

Ages: 12+ 

In this hands-on, creative course, students explore the art of photography, the fundamentals of design, and the process of creating a professional-quality yearbook. Through photo shoots, layout editing, and design projects, students will learn to capture meaningful moments, tell stories through images, and bring our publication to life. Skills in digital photography, photo editing, graphic design, and publishing software will be developed. Teamwork, deadlines, and attention to detail are key components as students collaborate to create a lasting memory book for the school community.
Students will need a digital camera and a computer
Instructor: Annie Alvarez
 Minimum 6 students, maximum 12 students.

Monthly Fee: $20 OR semester fee of $80

Supply Fee: $30 per year (Includes hardcover yearbook)

Discovery Science

Ages 5-7

This is a beginning science class designed to engage 5-7 year olds and help them to discover and understand the world around them. We will touch on many different facets of science such as the fall happenings, fire safety in October, recycling and how it is reflected in the world around us, an exciting unit on raptors and bats, a look into the world of Antarctica, study some new creatures of the sea, as well as a smattering of other fun topics interspersed for fun. This class is meant to be a fun and exploratory learning class, supplemental to any science taught at home and is designed to mostly include topics and projects different from the last two years should your child have taken Discovery Science before.

Class fee: $180 per semester, includes supplies.
Min/Max: 5 students/10 students
Payment: Check, Cash or Zelle cassidies@comcast.net
Teacher Information: Liz Cassidy

Taste of Science: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics

Ages 8-12
Course Description: During the year, we will spend 3 months each in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. We will have a hands-on project each week to test the concepts they will be reading about during the week. This includes chemical testing, dissection (using dissect it kit), and power challenges. We will be using the books Chemistry, Physics, and Biology for Curious Kids. They are about $12 each and can be purchased on Amazon, new or used, at AbeBooks. Homework Requirements: Everything will be organized and assigned through Google Classroom. Students will be assigned optional Weekly reading and videos.

Field Trips: Upon completion of each unit, we’ll schedule exciting field trips tailored to the skills students are mastering.
Instructor: Annie Alvarez
Class Size: Minimum 6 students, maximum 12 students.

$220 per semester

MacGyver Robotics: Hands-On Engineering and Creativity

Ages 10+

Step into the exciting world of robotics with MacGyver Robotics! This class is designed to introduce kids to the fundamentals of circuits, wiring, soldering, and coding while sparking their creativity to design and build more advanced projects as the year progresses. Over the course of the year, students will complete 8 unique projects using everyday household items to create race cars, battle bots, and much more. They’ll design, wire, glue, and solder to craft their own amazing creations, fostering both technical skills and imaginative problem-solving. New this year, students will be working for 8 weeks building a Mindstorm bot or car, learning block coding, then using it to bring their build to life.

Instructor: Annie Alvarez
Semester Fee: $230 per semester (includes all supplies).

Overview of Science Through Hands-On Labs & Experiments

Ages 11-14

This engaging, hands-on science class introduces students to a wide range of scientific topics through weekly labs and experiments. Each week focuses on a new area of science, giving students a strong foundational overview that prepares them for future core science subjects. Classes begin with a brief, age-appropriate introduction to the topic, followed by an interactive lab or experiment. Students then wrap up with a guided discussion and review to reflect on what happened, why it happened, and what they learned. Throughout the course, students will keep a science journal to record observations, data, and conclusions, building essential scientific thinking and documentation skills.
Field Trips: Throughout the year, I will offer exciting field trips tailored to the skills students are mastering.
Instructor: Annie Alvarez
Class Size: Minimum 6 students, maximum 12 students.

$220 per semester

Perfect for curious learners who enjoy exploring science by doing!

High School Chemistry & Crime Scene Science

Course Description: This high school–level course introduces students to the fundamental principles of chemistry while exploring how science is used to investigate crimes and enhance daily life. Students will start with an introduction to chemistry, learning what matter is and how it behaves. They will learn about the scientific method and use observation, experiments, and data to solve problems like real forensic scientists. We will also take a field trip to see how evidence is processed after it is collected from a crime scene. Next, students will study the periodic table, including atomic numbers and the organization of elements. They will explore the properties of matter, learn the difference between physical and chemical changes, and use these ideas to identify unknown substances. Students will also learn how to read and use the pH scale, including through hands-on cooking activities. The goal of this course is to connect chemistry to crime scene investigation and everyday life. Students will examine mock evidence, practice techniques like fingerprinting and chemical testing, and use logical thinking to solve simulated crimes both in and outside the classroom. The spine textbook we will use is Glencoe Chemistry: Matter and Change. I will also set up a Google Classroom where additional materials, assignments, resources, and field trip details will be posted. By the end of the course, students will not only understand core chemistry concepts but also appreciate how chemistry is a powerful tool for solving mysteries and improving everyday experiences in the kitchen and beyond.

Instructor: Annie Alvarez

Class Details:

• Age Group: 9th -12th grade
• Cost: $220 per semester (includes all supplies)
• Families will be responsible for providing: Glencoe Chemistry Matter and Change textbook, 1-5-subject student notebook (with folders)  
• Class Size: Minimum 5 students, maximum 16 students

Learn About the USA!

Ages: 7-11

Learn about the history and facts of our United States by studying its inception through the Westward Expansion, its geography, state capitals, the many symbols and landmarks of our country, and other facts all through books, games, videos, songs, and projects. We will even do a mini-study of Illinois and Chicago!  No homework.

Class fee: $180 per semester, includes supplies

Min/Max: 5 students/10 students

Teacher Information: Liz Cassidy

cassidies@comcast.net

History thry Everyday Life: Middle Ages to Modern Times

Middle School and High School

Perfect for curious learners, this history class brings history to life—showing that the past is not just something to study, but something to create, experience, and interact with. We will step beyond textbooks as we explore the progression of history through everyday life of humans living from the Middle Ages to Modern Times  – studying the art, inventions, struggles and turning points. Instead of focusing on wars or controversial topics, students will be presented with history as a dynamic story of how people, places, and ideas change over time across cultures and continents.  Hands-on activities will help them to make connections to the relevance that history plays in their lives and ensure they have a lot of fun while learning about it! 

This course may meet the requirements for 1 high school history credit through a combination of in-class instruction and independent study.

$150 per semester

Min 6 max 14

Teacher: Chi-Li Quenteros

Spanish for Elementary

Students will learn the Spanish basics through songs, games and movement. 

Pricing per semester: $150

Supply fee: $30/semester

Age requirement: 5-11

Teacher: Ainara Moreno Solano

Spanish for Middle School

Students will learn the Spanish basics through songs, games and movement. 

Pricing per semester: $150

Supply fee: $30/semester

Age requirement: 11-14

Teacher: Ainara Moreno Solano

Spanish for High School

Students will learn the Spanish basics through songs, games and movement. 

Pricing per semester: $150

Supply fee: $30/semester

Age requirement: High School

Teacher: Ainara Moreno Solano

Creative Writing

Ages: Middle School and High School

This creative writing course is designed for students who want to expand their imagination and experiment across multiple genres. Rather than relying solely on traditional instruction, this class uses thought-provoking videos, interactive games, and hands-on activities as spring boards into the creative process. Whether students are avid or reluctant writers, they will engage with writing in a way that is playful and comfortable in order to encourage growth.

$150 per semester

Min 6 Max 14

Teacher: Chi-Li Quenteros