Enrichment Programs for Kids of Every Age
Learning That Grows With Your Child!
Academic & Enrichment Programs
for Toddlers, Kids, Tweens & Teens
Grades PreK- 11
Up to 5 Years Old
- Chess: Learn chess basics through stories, games, and play while building focus and logic.
- Logic: Boost critical thinking with hands-on puzzles, games, and activities.
- Reading : Build early literacy with phonics games and fun comprehension activities.
- Russian : Learn Russian through songs, stories, and play-based immersion.


Grades 1-5
- Chess: Build logic, strategy, and focus from beginner to advanced.
- Coding: Create games, animations, and projects in Scratch, JavaScript and Python
- Essay Writing: Strengthen writing skills from paragraphs to persuasive essays.
- Math: Deepen understanding with Singapore Math to boost problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Reading: Improve fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in small-group classes.
- Robotics: Build and program robots through hands-on engineering and coding challenges.
- Rubik’s Cube: Learn solving techniques that strengthen memory, focus, and spatial reasoning.
- Russian: Grow reading, writing, and speaking skills through immersive, cultural learning.
Grades 6–11
- Chess: Improve strategy, critical thinking, and tournament skills.
- Coding: Learn Python, JavaScript, and Robotics with hands-on projects.
- Essay Writing: Build strong academic and creative writing skills.
- Math: Excel in Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and more with concept-based learning.
- Test Prep: Boost PSAT and ISEE scores with targeted strategies and practice.
- Russian: Advance fluency and cultural knowledge through reading, writing, and conversation.
Ready to get started? Enroll at AlphaMinds Academy today!

Classes Offered
LOGIC PRE-K (3-4 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Logic PreK course is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
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- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
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- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
ESSAY WRITING I (GRADES 3–4)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday
Our Essay Writing I course is designed to strengthen students’ writing skills and boost their confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively. Tailored for students in grades 3–4, this course introduces the fundamentals of structured writing across three key essay types: narrative (personal and story-based), informative/explanatory, and opinion.
Key Focus Areas:
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Essay Structure: Learn to organize writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Thesis Development: Understand how to craft a focused, compelling thesis.
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Paragraph Writing: Build effective paragraphs using the RACER model (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Reflect).
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Pre-Writing Strategies: Practice brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to support strong final pieces.
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Grammar & Mechanics: Improve writing through focused lessons on punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar.
Students will receive weekly writing assignments and personalized instructor feedback to help them revise, strengthen, and refine their work.
Course Format:
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Class Meets: Once a week for 60 minutes
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Home Assignments: Weekly writing tasks with individualized comments
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Feedback & Growth: Students receive constructive feedback to support continuous improvement
By the end of the course, students will have built a solid foundation in academic writing and developed the skills necessary for future essay assignments and creative expression.
Join us to develop essential writing skills and build lasting confidence as a young writer!
Recommended For:
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AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Reading III course
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New students in grades 3 and 4
ESSAY WRITING II (GRADES 4–5)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing II course is designed to build upon their foundational writing skills and take students to the next level of written expression. Ideal for students in grades 4–5, this course focuses on more advanced essay types—such as persuasive, explanatory, and literary analysis—and introduces key skills like research, argumentation, and critical thinking.
Key Focus Areas:
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- Advanced Essay Types: Narrative, explanatory, persuasive, and creative writing
- Persuasive Writing: Develop structured, evidence-based arguments and expressive, impactful language
- Research Skills: Learn how to gather credible information, cite sources, and integrate research effectively
- Literary Analysis: Practice interpreting texts with a critical eye and supporting ideas with textual evidence
- Engaging Introductions: Explore creative ways to open essays—using bold facts, anecdotes, or dramatic moments
- Extended Writing: Develop longer, multi-paragraph essays with improved organization and clarity
Course Format:
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- Schedule: Weekly 60-minute classes
- Assignments: Regular take-home writing tasks with individualized, detailed feedback
- Instructor Support: Ongoing guidance to help students revise, improve, and grow as writers
By the end of the course, students will have refined their writing style, strengthened their analytical thinking, and gained confidence in expressing ideas across a variety of formats. This course prepares students for more advanced academic writing and fosters skills they will use for years to come.
Join us to sharpen your writing, deepen your thinking, and express your ideas with confidence!
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing I course
- New students in grades 4 and 5
ESSAY WRITING MS I (GRADES 6-7)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday
Essay Writing MS I
Our Essay Writing MS I course is designed to equip middle school students with the tools and techniques needed to write clear, well-structured five-paragraph essays—essential for both academic success and standardized tests such as the ISEE and HSPT.
Through focused, step-by-step instruction, students will learn how to confidently craft argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory essays that showcase both strong content and polished style.
Key Skills Developed:
- Essay Mastery: Write effective argumentative, narrative, and informative essays with clarity and confidence.
- Organizational Structure: Understand and apply the classic five-paragraph format to structure ideas logically.
- Brainstorming & Planning: Use strategic pre-writing techniques to generate and organize strong ideas.
- Editing & Revising: Improve writing through careful editing for coherence, grammar, and precision.
Writing Enhancement:
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- Descriptive Language: Enrich essays with vivid imagery and powerful word choices.
- Sentence Fluency: Use varied sentence structures and smooth transitions to create natural flow.
- Literary Devices: Strengthen writing with figurative language, including similes and metaphors.
Course Highlights:
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- Targeted Practice: Assignments tailored to prepare students for middle school coursework and entrance exams.
- Supportive Environment: Encouragement and individualized feedback help students grow in skill and confidence.
- Creative & Academic Growth: Lessons blend creativity with academic rigor, fostering a well-rounded writing style.
By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to write compelling five-paragraph essays for school assignments and standardized assessments—and will have developed a strong foundation for high school-level writing and beyond.
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing II course
- New students in grades 6 and 7
ESSAY WRITING MS II (GRADES 7-8)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing MS II (Grades 7–8) course is specifically designed to help students refine their writing voice, strengthen essay structure, and confidently tackle high-stakes writing assignments—including high school application essays.
Students will deepen their skills in crafting well-developed argumentative, narrative, and expository essays, while also learning to write compelling personal statements that reflect individuality and purpose. With an emphasis on structure, clarity, and audience awareness, this course will prepare students for the types of writing expected in selective high schools and beyond.
Key Skills Developed:
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- High School Application Essays: Learn how to write authentic, persuasive personal statements and responses to application prompts.
- Advanced Essay Crafting: Refine five-paragraph essays with stronger introductions, thesis statements, and supporting details.
- Revision Strategies: Strengthen editing and revising skills to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
- Voice and Tone: Develop a more confident and mature writing voice appropriate for academic and personal essays.
Course Highlights:
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- Focused Instruction: Lessons emphasize clarity, precision, and intentional word choice in writing.
- Audience Awareness: Understand how to tailor writing to different audiences and purposes.
- Real-World Writing: Practice writing prompts modeled on high school applications and academic assignments.
- Supportive Feedback: Students receive individual feedback to help them grow as confident and expressive writers.
By the end of the course, students will not only be well-prepared to write standout high school application essays but will also possess advanced writing skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing MS I course
- New students in grades 7 and 8
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Logic K course is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
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- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
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- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic K (Russian) course is part of our Russian Immersion program. It is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
-
- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
-
- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
MATH I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math I course is designed for students who are comfortable counting to 100, recognize numbers up to 100, and have begun developing fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. In this course, students will build on that foundation by mastering addition and subtraction up to 100—beginning with facts within 10, progressing to 20, and eventually reaching 100—with an emphasis on mental math strategies.
In the second part of this school year long course, students will be introduced to the concepts of multiplication and division, gaining an understanding of equal groups and learning basic facts up to 12. They’ll also explore standard units of measurement, including length, weight, and time, as well as foundational concepts in money, basic fractions, graphs, and two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Rather than relying on rote memorization, this course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and the development of strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to make connections between topics, apply prior knowledge, and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
Our curriculum follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally respected method known for fostering deep mathematical understanding through problem-solving and logical reasoning.
Math I Topics:
- Numbers to 20: Counting and Comparing; Addition and Subtraction
- Number Bonds & Making Number Stories
- Addition: Making Addition Stories
- Addition With Number Bonds
- Subtraction: Making Subtraction Stories
- Methods of Subtraction
- Ordinal Numbers: Naming Positions
- Shapes: Common Shapes
- Length: Comparing & Measuring
- Weight: Comparing & Measuring
- Graphs: Picture Graphs
- Numbers to 40: Addition and Subtraction
- Adding Three Numbers
- Multiplication: Adding Equal Groups
- Making Multiplication Stories
- Multiplication Within 40
- Division: Sharing and Grouping
- Making Halves and Quarters
- Telling Time
- Numbers to 100: Tens and Ones
- Addition & Subtraction Within 100
- Money: Bills and Coins
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic K class
- New students entering Grade 1
- Kindergarten students who demonstrate proficiency with basic addition and subtraction within 20 and are fluent first-grade-level readers (assessment required; please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
MATH II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math II course is designed for students who have a strong command of addition and subtraction up to 100, particularly with mental math, and a solid understanding of place value and repeating patterns. Building on that foundation, students will advance to addition and subtraction up to 1000, with continued emphasis on mental strategies and number sense.
Students will begin learning multiplication tables up to 12 and the corresponding division facts. The course also introduces standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both metric and customary systems, along with the relationships among them. Students will explore fractions—including equivalent fractions and operations with like denominators—as well as money, time, graphs, area, and perimeter.
Throughout the year, students will apply their knowledge to increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, and fractions. They’ll also engage with math-based puzzles and logic challenges designed to build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math II Topics:
- Numbers to 1000: Comparing Numbers
- Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Addition and Subtraction Addition & Subtraction Without Renaming
- Addition & Subtraction with Renaming
- Multiplication & Division (tables of 2 -10)
- Addition and Subtraction: Finding the Missing Number
- Methods for Mental Addition & Subtraction
- Money: Adding & Subtracting Money
- Fractions: Halves and Quarters; Writing Fractions
- Time: Telling Time & Time Intervals
- Length: Measuring Length in Meters, Centimeters, Yards and Feet, Inches
- Weight: Measuring Weight in Kilograms, Grams, Pounds, Ounces
- Capacity: Comparing Capacity; Liters, Gallons, Quarts, Pints and CupsGraphs: Picture Graphs
- Geometry: Flat and Curved Faces; Making Shapes
- Area: Square Units
Enrollment Guidelines :
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math I class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math III course is designed for students who have confidently mastered addition and subtraction up to 1,000 using both vertical algorithms and mental math strategies; have a solid understanding of place value; know the multiplication table up to 10 and related division facts (with mastery up to 5 as a minimum); possess a basic understanding of fractions; and are comfortable solving simple multi-step word problems involving multiplication and division.
In this course, students will build on these skills by continuing with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and long division by a one-digit number, with a strong emphasis on mental strategies. Students will work with standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both the metric and customary systems, including compound unit operations and conversions between units.
We will deepen students’ understanding of fractions—covering equivalent fractions and performing addition and subtraction with like and unlike denominators—and expand on their knowledge of money, time, and other units of measurement. In geometry, we will move beyond basic shapes to study points, lines, and angles, laying the groundwork for future geometric reasoning.
Throughout the year, students will solve increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. A special emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving skills through non-routine word problems and mathematical puzzles across various topics.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math III Topics:
- Numbers to 10,000
- Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Numbers Patterns
- Addition and Subtraction within 10,000
- Multiplying Ones, Tens and Hundreds
- Quotient and Remainder
- Dividing Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Multiplication Tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9
- Money (U.S. currency) Dollars and Cents
- Mental Calculation
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Length
- Meters and Centimeters
- Kilometers
- Yards, Feet, and Inches
- Miles
- Weight
- Kilograms and Grams
- Pounds and Ounces
- Capacity
- Liters and Milliliters
- Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups
- Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Fractions
- Fraction of a Whole
- Equivalent Fractions
- Time
- Hours and Minutes
- Other Units of Time
- Geometry
- Angles
- Right Angles
- Area and Perimeter
- Area
- Perimeter
- Area of a Rectangle
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math II class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH IV
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math IV course is designed for students with a solid foundation in fractions and decimals, including operations with unlike denominators and introductory work with decimal multiplication and division. This course builds on those skills through more advanced applications, including multi-step word problems involving percents, fractions, ratios, and rates. Students will deepen their understanding of geometry through work with triangles, quadrilaterals, area, and perimeter, while also being introduced to special topics such as Pascal’s Triangle and basic probability. The course emphasizes logical thinking, creative problem solving, and real-world applications across a broad range of mathematical concepts.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
- Whole NumbersNumbers to 100,000
- Rounding off Numbers
- Factors
- Multiples
- Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
- Multiplication by a 1-digit Number
- Division by a 1-digit Number and by 10
- Multiplication by a 2-digit Number
- Fractions
- Adding Fractions
- Subtracting Fractions
- Mixed Numbers
- Improper Fractions
- Fraction of a Set
- Decimals (thens, hundreds, thousands, rounding off)
- The Four Operations of Decimals
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Tables and Graphs: Presenting Data
- Angles: Measuring Angles
- Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
- Area and Perimeter
- Measures (using multiplication and division)
- Symmetry & Symmetric Figures
- Solid Figures
- Volume
Enrollment Guidelines:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math III class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH V
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math V course is is designed for students who have a solid foundation in working with fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and multiplication and division of decimals by a whole number. We will continue with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals. Students will be solving word problems of increasing level of challenge involving fractions and percents, ratio and rate, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems.
Students will also engage in solving non-routine word problems and logic puzzles, applying math concepts in creative and challenging ways across various domains.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
List of Topics Covered in Math V (September – June) :
- Whole Numbers
- Place Values
- Millions
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplying and Dividing by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Order of Operations
- Multiplication and Division by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Fractions
- Fraction and Division
- Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Fractions
- Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers
- Product of a Fraction and a Whole Number
- Product of Fractions
- Dividing a Fraction by a Whole NumberArea of Triangle
- Ratios
- Decimals
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplication by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Division by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Multiplying by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Conversion of Measurements
- Percentage
- Average
- Rate
- Graphs: Line Graphs
- Triangles
- 4-sided Figures
- Parallelogram, Rhombuses and Trapezoids
- Drawing Parallelograms and Rhombuses
- Volume
- Cubes and Cuboids
- Finding the Volume of a Solid
- Tessellations: Tiling Patterns
Enrollment Guidelines:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math IV class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE / UPPER SCHOOL - GEOMETRY I
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Geometry – Year I Course: Introduction to Geometry
This is the first year of a comprehensive two-year Geometry course that covers the full scope of high school geometry. Meeting once per week over 32 weeks, this course emphasizes the study of properties and applications of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures.
Students will explore key geometric concepts through a combination of visual reasoning, logical deduction, and real-world problem solving. Inductive and deductive thinking are emphasized, along with foundational proof-writing techniques used to establish the properties of geometric figures. This course also introduces basic right triangle trigonometry and geometric transformations.
Topics Covered Include:
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- Points, lines, planes, and angles: definitions, postulates, and relationships
- Angle relationships with parallel lines and transversals
- Triangle congruence: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and corresponding parts
- Perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes
- Similar figures: ratios, proportions, and similar triangles
- Right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Quadrilaterals and special parallelograms
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS I course or higher
- New students in grades 7–9 who have completed a Pre-Algebra course or higher. New students are encouraged to take our placement assessment to ensure proper placement. Please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request the test.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS I (Pre-Algebra)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Our Math MS I (Pre-Algebra) course is designed for students who have a deep understanding of foundational number concepts and are confident working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents—including the relationships among them.
This course focuses on applying these core concepts to real-world situations through increasingly complex word problems. Students will learn key problem-solving strategies and explore mathematical patterns in a fun, creative, and intellectually engaging environment. This class aims to develop flexible thinking and strengthen students’ ability to translate real-life scenarios into mathematical expressions and equations.
In addition to reinforcing school-based concepts, this course introduces new content that deepens number sense and prepares students for pre-algebra.
Topics Covered Include:
- Prime factorization, Least Common Multiple (LCM), and Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
- Fractions, decimals, and approximation
- Percent, rate, and ratio applications
- Operations with negative numbers and absolute value
- Algebraic properties: commutative, associative, and distributive laws
- Algebraic expressions and one-variable equations
- Translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them
- Speed, rate, and proportional reasoning
- Introduction to geometry: area and circumference of a circle, triangle and quadrilateral properties, complex area, perimeter, and volume problems
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math V course in the previous school year.
- New students in grades 6–8 who have not yet taken a Pre-Algebra course. New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS II (Introduction to Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math MS II (Introduction to Algebra I) course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in Algebra and are ready to expand their skills with more advanced topics in algebra, introductory geometry, and logical problem solving. This course reinforces core algebraic principles while introducing more complex equations, functions, and geometric reasoning. Students will also encounter enrichment topics that deepen mathematical thinking and support success in competitive academic settings.
Topics covered include:
- Indices (Exponents)
- Radicals and rational expressions
- Algebraic manipulations and transformations
- Literal and quadratic equations (including completing the square and the quadratic formula)
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Fractional equations and inequalities
- Simultaneous linear equations
- Compound and system-based inequalities
- Rate, ratio, and percentage, including financial transaction problems
- Functions, sequences, and series
- Coordinate geometry: equations of circles, forming equations, parallel lines and angles
- Triangle geometry, congruence, and similarity
- Enrichment topics: Mathematical induction, combinatorics, Fibonacci sequence, and logical games
Throughout the course, students will develop logical reasoning, improve their problem-solving strategies, and gain confidence in working with multi-step word problems and abstract mathematical concepts. This course also helps prepare students for entrance exams to selective high schools.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS I course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS III (Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: To be determined
Our Math MS III (Algebra I) course is a comprehensive Algebra I course that builds and expans on students’ prior knowledge of algebraic concepts. The course focuses on developing fluency with algebraic expressions and equations while deepening understanding of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies, multi-step word problems, and real-world applications to promote strong mathematical reasoning and confidence.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Solving equations and absolute value equations
- Solving linear inequalities and compound inequalities
- Graphing linear functions and writing equations in multiple forms
- Modeling real-world contexts with linear equations
- Solving systems of equations (2 and 3 variables) and related word problems
- Factoring: trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1), special cases, grouping
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula
- Working with polynomials: operations, long division, and synthetic division
- Exploring polynomial functions and writing equations from given points
- Radical expressions: simplifying and multiplying
This course equips students with the skills and confidence needed for success in advanced math classes, standardized tests, and real-world problem solving.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS II course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Math MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II) course is the culmination of our Algebra I program and bridges into key Algebra II topics, offering students a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. Designed for advanced middle schoolers, this class challenges students with higher-level material and prepares them for future success in advanced mathematics.
Students will review and extend their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, and factoring, while also exploring more complex topics such as rational and radical expressions, conic sections, and polynomial functions. This course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application through real-world problems and multi-step exercises.
Math MS IV Topics Include:
- Linear Functions Review
- Writing the Equation of Lines
- Systems of Two Equations
- Solving Systems of Three Variables (with Elimination and Word Problems)
- Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
- Graphing Quadratic Functions (All Forms)
- Real-World Applications of Quadratics
- Factoring Polynomials
- Solving Quadratic and Nonlinear Equations
- Operating with Rational Expressions
- Complex Numbers and Complex Fractions
- Radical Expressions and Equations
- Writing Polynomial Functions
- Graphing and Writing Equations for: Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas
- Transformations of Quadratic and Absolute Value Functions
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have successfully completed our Math MS III course in the previous school year
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment prior to enrollment.
MOMMY & ME MUSIC / “Музыка с мамой”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Our Russian “Mommy & Me” Music program offers enriching musical-rhythmic classes for toddlers aged one to three years, which children attend together with their parents. Numerous modern studies show that introducing children to the wonderful world of music from an early age contributes to their emotional, physical, social, and psychological development. Therefore, each of our sessions is based on educational and developmental musical games. We introduce children to the music and songs we know from our childhood and also discover new songs together with them.
Live accompaniment, fun musical games and rhymes, exercises to music, and playing simple instruments develop children’s interest in music, enhance speech, attention, fine and gross motor skills, and cultivate musical perception. Moreover, it brings unforgettable moments of joy and bonding to both children and adults!
The program includes:
- Welcome and farewell songs
- Musical-rhythmic greetings and warm-ups
- Finger games, gesture games, and communication games
- Nursery rhymes, noisy games, and games with objects
- Games with children’s orchestra instruments
- Speech development, logorhythmics, articulation exercises
- Sound imitation, singing, dramatization of songs, listening to music
- Puppet theater and fairy tale dramatization
- Health exercises
- Dance and movement activities
Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are always welcome to join the fun!
Come sing, play, and bond through music—together.
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
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- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
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- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
READING I: PHONICS FOR EMERGING READERS (GRADES PREK–K)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Reading I “Intro to Phonics” class is designed to introduce young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten to the world of reading through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. The course lays the groundwork for strong early literacy by building essential phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and comprehension skills—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Key Learning Goals:
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- Phonemic Awareness: Students will develop key skills such as sound and word discrimination, blending, phoneme deletion, and manipulation.
- Sight Words: Focused practice with high-frequency DOLCH sight words to build reading fluency and confidence.
- Comprehension: Engaging activities that strengthen listening and understanding, as well as the ability to make predictions and connections with texts.
Teaching Methods:
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- Storytelling & Group Reading: Encourages imagination and builds vocabulary.
- Interactive Games: Reinforce concepts in a playful and memorable way.
- Small Group Activities: Foster collaboration and allow for personalized guidance.
Class Format:
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- Small Group Setting: Ensures personalized attention and peer interaction.
- Experienced Instructor: Taught by a certified elementary school teacher with a specialization in early literacy.
- Schedule: Online classes meet twice a week; each session lasts 30 minutes. In-Person classes meet once a week; each session lasts 60 minutes
By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation for reading success—and, just as importantly, a lifelong love for books.
Level Placement:
- This course is ideal for children new to reading or reading at levels A–D.
- If you are unsure which level is best for your child, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
READING II: FLUENCY FOR RISING READERS (GRADES 1–2)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday
Our Reading II: “Fluency for Rising Readers” course is designed to build upon the foundation established in Reading I, further developing students’ reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course helps young readers gain confidence and accuracy while deepening their understanding of texts through fun, engaging lessons.
Key Features:
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- Phonics & Fluency: Reinforcing decoding strategies to read with speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Vocabulary Development: Expanding word knowledge to support both reading and verbal expression.
- Comprehension Practice: Strengthening the ability to make predictions, draw inferences, and understand story elements.
- Interactive Learning: Group reading, independent practice, and games keep learning lively and enjoyable.
Our curriculum strikes the right balance between challenge and encouragement, helping students grow into confident, capable readers.
Class Structure:
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- Small Group Setting: Allows for personalized instruction and peer collaboration.
- Certified Instructor: Taught by an experienced elementary teacher with expertise in early literacy.
By the end of this course, students will show marked improvement in fluency and comprehension—and continue building a love for reading that will benefit them for years to come.
Placement Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading I-B during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at level G–J or slightly above. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
READING III: COMPREHENSION AND WRITING SKILLS (GRADES 2–3)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: To be determined
Our Reading III ‘Reading Comprehension and Introduction to Writing” course is designed to strengthen students’ reading comprehension skills and introduce foundational writing techniques. Through a combination of group discussions and individual activities, students will learn to analyze and interpret a variety of texts—both fiction and nonfiction—while developing confidence in expressing their ideas in writing.
Key Features:
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- Reading Comprehension: Students will learn to identify main ideas, make inferences, and discuss text structure across fiction and nonfiction genres.
- Writing Foundations: Emphasis on sentence structure, paragraph organization, and basic grammar usage to build effective written communication.
- Engaging Lessons: Lessons are supported by clear explanations, examples, and visual aids to meet the needs of diverse learners.
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate stronger reading fluency and comprehension and will be able to express themselves more clearly and effectively in writing.
Class Structure:
-
- Small Group Setting: Personalized instruction in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Experienced Instructor: Led by a certified elementary school teacher specializing in reading and early writing development.
Placement Guidelines – Fall 2025:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading II during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at Level M or higher. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
If your child is already confidently reading and writing in printed Russian letters—this is the perfect next step! Our Russian II class builds on early literacy foundations and takes students to the next level through engaging lessons, creative projects, and thematic exploration.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read fluently—handling texts up to three pages long
- Retell stories in their own words with clear structure and expression
- Create original projects based on class themes and personal interests
- Memorize and recite poems and songs in Russian
- Write short texts independently
- Begin cursive handwriting, writing individual words in cursive
- Recognize and understand Russian proverbs and riddles
- Distinguish between sounds vs. letters and words vs. sentences
- Grasp concepts like text structure, metagrams, and stress in pronunciation
- Expand their vocabulary and general knowledge through rich, thematic lessons
Give your child the opportunity to deepen their Russian language skills and confidence—join us and watch their literacy take flight!
RUSSIAN III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
In our Russian III level classes each lesson combines Russian language and grammar instruction with guided literary reading to deepen both fluency and appreciation for literature.
By the end of this course, students will:
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- Develop confident oral and written Russian skills appropriate to their age
- Understand and apply key grammar rules and Russian spelling conventions
- Read and discuss both classic and contemporary Russian literature
- Write clearly and confidently in cursive
- Identify and use nouns, verbs, and adjectives correctly
- Build a rich vocabulary and express themselves creatively
- Solve language-based puzzles and rebuses
- Create and share original written works with pride
This is the level where students begin to experience the transformative power of language and literature, developing not just skills—but a deeper connection to Russian culture and expression.
RUSSIAN IV-VI
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Our Russian IV, V and VI level courses combines advanced Russian grammar with literary reading to further strengthen students’ language skills and deepen their appreciation for Russian literature. The focus is on developing confident, articulate, and expressive language use—both spoken and written.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Read, analyze, and appreciate a variety of classic and contemporary Russian literary works
- Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills appropriate to their age
- Apply the fundamental rules of Russian spelling with confidence
- Write structured and thoughtful compositions and essays
- Understand and accurately use a range of idiomatic expressions
- Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms
- Create and present their own original written works, reflecting creativity and clarity
This level marks a significant step toward fluency and literary competence, empowering students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and cultural depth.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Where Language Meets the Spotlight!
Our Russian Musical Theater class offers an exciting and immersive experience for children ages 6 to 12 who are ready to take center stage—while strengthening their Russian language skills in a creative and dynamic setting.
Through a blend of acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, and character development, students build confidence, express themselves artistically, and improve communication—all in Russian. Each class is filled with energy, imagination, and laughter as students work together to bring stories and characters to life.
The semester culminates in a joyful end-of-session performance, where students showcase their talents in front of friends, family, and classmates.
Students will:
- Improve fluency and pronunciation in Russian through performance
- Develop stage presence, expression, and public speaking skills
- Explore imagination through improvisation and character play
- Learn choreography and musical numbers
- Build teamwork, confidence, and creativity in a supportive space
Join us for a semester of discovery, artistry, and applause—and watch your child shine on stage and in language!
RUSSIAN PRE-K I “Малышарики”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Play. Learn. Grow—Together in Russian!
Our Малышарики class is a warm and engaging play-and-learn program designed for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, conducted entirely in Russian. At this formative stage, we blend fun and education to nurture your child’s curiosity, communication, and early learning skills—while laying a strong foundation for language and social development.
What Makes Our Program Unique:
- Integrated Learning Through Play
Our thoughtfully designed curriculum introduces children to key concepts—such as numbers, shapes, colors, and early language skills—through play-based activities that also build fine and gross motor skills. - Caring, Experienced Educators
Classes are led by nurturing instructors with deep experience working with young children. They create a friendly, supportive space where each child feels safe, seen, and excited to participate. - Engaging, Multi-Sensory Activities
From music and movement to art, storytime, and interactive games, every class offers a variety of hands-on experiences that spark imagination and support overall development. - Social Growth and Confidence
Through structured play and group activities, children practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing their ideas—while forming early friendships along the way. - Safe and Supportive Environment
We prioritize each child’s well-being and comfort, offering individual attention in a small group setting that encourages exploration and builds confidence.
Let your child’s journey into learning—and the Russian language—begin with joy, play, and discovery in Малышарики!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
RUSSIAN PRE-K III “Познавайка”
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Preparing Preschoolers for Reading, Writing, and Beyond
At AlphaMinds Academy, we are committed to offering a rich and developmentally appropriate learning experience for older preschool children (ages 4–5). Our “Познавайка” program is designed as a preparatory step before Russian I (“Читайка”), combining educational structure with playful exploration to build a strong foundation for reading, writing, and confident language use in Russian.
Through a blend of interactive activities, storytelling, and movement, children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen early academic skills—all in a nurturing Russian-language environment.
Program Highlights:
- Alphabet Games
Play-based activities that help children become familiar with Russian letters and their sounds. - Fine Motor Skills
Hands-on exercises to prepare little hands for writing and improve coordination. - Role-Playing & Dramatic Play
Encourages creativity and language use through fun, imaginative scenarios. - Dialogues & Verbal Interaction
Develops conversational skills through guided discussions and peer interactions. - Story Retelling
Builds memory, sequencing, and storytelling skills—key components of reading comprehension. - Poetry & Rhythmic Language
Exposure to classic and age-appropriate Russian poems enhances speech rhythm and expression. - Exploration of the World
Themed lessons that introduce children to real-world topics, expanding their knowledge and curiosity. - Music & Movement Games
Promotes physical development and reinforces learning through rhythm, dance, and song.
This class lays the groundwork for early literacy and language confidence, supporting a smooth transition into formal reading instruction in Russian I (“Читайка”).
RUSSIAN PREK II “Развивайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK II “Развивайка” (3 – 5 л. )
рограмма “Развивайка” предлагается для детей для детей дошкольного возраста (от 3 до 5 лет) на русском языке! Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и развитие мышления, внимания, памяти и сенсорного восприятия . Дети также будут изучают русский алфавит и ознакомятся с азами чтения и письма на русском языке. Каждый урок построен в виде чередующихся блоков: интерактивных заданий, обыгрывания сказок и стихотворений, музыкальных перерывов, подвижных игр для всестороннего развития ребенка.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- развитие речи
- знакомство с буквами и звуками
- подготовку к обучению чтению
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN PREK III “Познавайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK III “Познавайка” (4 – 6 л. )
Программа “Познавайка” предлагается для детей старшего дошкольного возраста (от 4 до 5 лет) как подготовительная программа к классу “Читайка” (Русский I). Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и подготовки к чтению и письму на русском языке.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- игры с алфавитом
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- ролевые игры
- диалоги
- пересказы
- стихи
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN VII-X
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Russian VII-X level courses are designed for children who want to strengthen their conversational Russian, refine their grammar and writing, and deepen their engagement with literature.
At this age, students are ready to explore more meaningful topics—but often find that their developing language skills limit their access to age-appropriate Russian texts. Students will read and discuss a wide range of texts—including poetry, prose, humorous school stories, novellas, absurd sketches, and documentary essays—while alternating between easy-to-read materials and more challenging works to build both skill and confidence.
To bring literature and language to life, students will also:
- Create art projects and visual interpretations of the texts they read
- Stage short skits and dramatizations to explore characters and dialogue
- Prepare and deliver mini-presentations or book talks in Russian
- Write and share original works, such as short stories or scripts
- Participate in collaborative projects to strengthen communication and teamwork
In addition to literature, the course includes a strong focus on grammar, spelling, composition, and speech etiquette, all woven into meaningful, real-world language use.
Join us for this dynamic, creative, and inspiring journey through Russian language and literature—and watch your child grow into a confident, expressive, and imaginative Russian speaker and reader.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
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- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS II (Pre-Calculus / Introduction to Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Math HS II – Intro to Calculus course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of Calculus, building a bridge between Pre-Calculus and college-level Calculus. Through a combination of theory, problem-solving, and real-world applications, students will explore the core ideas of limits, derivatives, and integrals—equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for advanced math studies.
Course Topics Include:
- Limits and Continuity: Understanding the behavior of functions at specific points and over intervals.
- Derivatives: Learning how to compute and interpret derivatives, including the rules of differentiation, applications in motion, optimization, and graph analysis.
- Integrals: Exploring the concept of area under a curve, antiderivatives, and basic techniques of integration.
- Applications of Calculus: Solving real-world problems involving rates of change, area, and accumulated quantities.
- Introduction to Differential Equations: Simple separable equations and their applications.
- Review of Essential Pre-Calculus Topics: Reinforcement of key algebraic and trigonometric skills as needed.
Course Highlights:
- Deepen mathematical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Prepare for AP Calculus or college-level Calculus
- Hands-on practice with conceptual and applied problems
- Supportive environment with individualized guidance
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our Math HS I course
- New students with strong backgrounds in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus (assessment required—please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
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- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
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- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
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- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
ESSAY WRITING I (GRADES 3–4)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday
Our Essay Writing I course is designed to strengthen students’ writing skills and boost their confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively. Tailored for students in grades 3–4, this course introduces the fundamentals of structured writing across three key essay types: narrative (personal and story-based), informative/explanatory, and opinion.
Key Focus Areas:
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Essay Structure: Learn to organize writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Thesis Development: Understand how to craft a focused, compelling thesis.
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Paragraph Writing: Build effective paragraphs using the RACER model (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Reflect).
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Pre-Writing Strategies: Practice brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to support strong final pieces.
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Grammar & Mechanics: Improve writing through focused lessons on punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar.
Students will receive weekly writing assignments and personalized instructor feedback to help them revise, strengthen, and refine their work.
Course Format:
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Class Meets: Once a week for 60 minutes
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Home Assignments: Weekly writing tasks with individualized comments
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Feedback & Growth: Students receive constructive feedback to support continuous improvement
By the end of the course, students will have built a solid foundation in academic writing and developed the skills necessary for future essay assignments and creative expression.
Join us to develop essential writing skills and build lasting confidence as a young writer!
Recommended For:
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AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Reading III course
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New students in grades 3 and 4
ESSAY WRITING II (GRADES 4–5)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing II course is designed to build upon their foundational writing skills and take students to the next level of written expression. Ideal for students in grades 4–5, this course focuses on more advanced essay types—such as persuasive, explanatory, and literary analysis—and introduces key skills like research, argumentation, and critical thinking.
Key Focus Areas:
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- Advanced Essay Types: Narrative, explanatory, persuasive, and creative writing
- Persuasive Writing: Develop structured, evidence-based arguments and expressive, impactful language
- Research Skills: Learn how to gather credible information, cite sources, and integrate research effectively
- Literary Analysis: Practice interpreting texts with a critical eye and supporting ideas with textual evidence
- Engaging Introductions: Explore creative ways to open essays—using bold facts, anecdotes, or dramatic moments
- Extended Writing: Develop longer, multi-paragraph essays with improved organization and clarity
Course Format:
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- Schedule: Weekly 60-minute classes
- Assignments: Regular take-home writing tasks with individualized, detailed feedback
- Instructor Support: Ongoing guidance to help students revise, improve, and grow as writers
By the end of the course, students will have refined their writing style, strengthened their analytical thinking, and gained confidence in expressing ideas across a variety of formats. This course prepares students for more advanced academic writing and fosters skills they will use for years to come.
Join us to sharpen your writing, deepen your thinking, and express your ideas with confidence!
Recommended For:
-
- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing I course
- New students in grades 4 and 5
ESSAY WRITING MS I (GRADES 6-7)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday
Essay Writing MS I
Our Essay Writing MS I course is designed to equip middle school students with the tools and techniques needed to write clear, well-structured five-paragraph essays—essential for both academic success and standardized tests such as the ISEE and HSPT.
Through focused, step-by-step instruction, students will learn how to confidently craft argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory essays that showcase both strong content and polished style.
Key Skills Developed:
- Essay Mastery: Write effective argumentative, narrative, and informative essays with clarity and confidence.
- Organizational Structure: Understand and apply the classic five-paragraph format to structure ideas logically.
- Brainstorming & Planning: Use strategic pre-writing techniques to generate and organize strong ideas.
- Editing & Revising: Improve writing through careful editing for coherence, grammar, and precision.
Writing Enhancement:
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- Descriptive Language: Enrich essays with vivid imagery and powerful word choices.
- Sentence Fluency: Use varied sentence structures and smooth transitions to create natural flow.
- Literary Devices: Strengthen writing with figurative language, including similes and metaphors.
Course Highlights:
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- Targeted Practice: Assignments tailored to prepare students for middle school coursework and entrance exams.
- Supportive Environment: Encouragement and individualized feedback help students grow in skill and confidence.
- Creative & Academic Growth: Lessons blend creativity with academic rigor, fostering a well-rounded writing style.
By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to write compelling five-paragraph essays for school assignments and standardized assessments—and will have developed a strong foundation for high school-level writing and beyond.
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing II course
- New students in grades 6 and 7
ESSAY WRITING MS II (GRADES 7-8)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing MS II (Grades 7–8) course is specifically designed to help students refine their writing voice, strengthen essay structure, and confidently tackle high-stakes writing assignments—including high school application essays.
Students will deepen their skills in crafting well-developed argumentative, narrative, and expository essays, while also learning to write compelling personal statements that reflect individuality and purpose. With an emphasis on structure, clarity, and audience awareness, this course will prepare students for the types of writing expected in selective high schools and beyond.
Key Skills Developed:
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- High School Application Essays: Learn how to write authentic, persuasive personal statements and responses to application prompts.
- Advanced Essay Crafting: Refine five-paragraph essays with stronger introductions, thesis statements, and supporting details.
- Revision Strategies: Strengthen editing and revising skills to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
- Voice and Tone: Develop a more confident and mature writing voice appropriate for academic and personal essays.
Course Highlights:
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- Focused Instruction: Lessons emphasize clarity, precision, and intentional word choice in writing.
- Audience Awareness: Understand how to tailor writing to different audiences and purposes.
- Real-World Writing: Practice writing prompts modeled on high school applications and academic assignments.
- Supportive Feedback: Students receive individual feedback to help them grow as confident and expressive writers.
By the end of the course, students will not only be well-prepared to write standout high school application essays but will also possess advanced writing skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing MS I course
- New students in grades 7 and 8
LOGIC PRE-K (3-4 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Logic PreK course is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
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- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Logic K course is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
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- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
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- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
MATH I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math I course is designed for students who are comfortable counting to 100, recognize numbers up to 100, and have begun developing fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. In this course, students will build on that foundation by mastering addition and subtraction up to 100—beginning with facts within 10, progressing to 20, and eventually reaching 100—with an emphasis on mental math strategies.
In the second part of this school year long course, students will be introduced to the concepts of multiplication and division, gaining an understanding of equal groups and learning basic facts up to 12. They’ll also explore standard units of measurement, including length, weight, and time, as well as foundational concepts in money, basic fractions, graphs, and two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Rather than relying on rote memorization, this course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and the development of strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to make connections between topics, apply prior knowledge, and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
Our curriculum follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally respected method known for fostering deep mathematical understanding through problem-solving and logical reasoning.
Math I Topics:
- Numbers to 20: Counting and Comparing; Addition and Subtraction
- Number Bonds & Making Number Stories
- Addition: Making Addition Stories
- Addition With Number Bonds
- Subtraction: Making Subtraction Stories
- Methods of Subtraction
- Ordinal Numbers: Naming Positions
- Shapes: Common Shapes
- Length: Comparing & Measuring
- Weight: Comparing & Measuring
- Graphs: Picture Graphs
- Numbers to 40: Addition and Subtraction
- Adding Three Numbers
- Multiplication: Adding Equal Groups
- Making Multiplication Stories
- Multiplication Within 40
- Division: Sharing and Grouping
- Making Halves and Quarters
- Telling Time
- Numbers to 100: Tens and Ones
- Addition & Subtraction Within 100
- Money: Bills and Coins
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic K class
- New students entering Grade 1
- Kindergarten students who demonstrate proficiency with basic addition and subtraction within 20 and are fluent first-grade-level readers (assessment required; please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
MATH II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math II course is designed for students who have a strong command of addition and subtraction up to 100, particularly with mental math, and a solid understanding of place value and repeating patterns. Building on that foundation, students will advance to addition and subtraction up to 1000, with continued emphasis on mental strategies and number sense.
Students will begin learning multiplication tables up to 12 and the corresponding division facts. The course also introduces standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both metric and customary systems, along with the relationships among them. Students will explore fractions—including equivalent fractions and operations with like denominators—as well as money, time, graphs, area, and perimeter.
Throughout the year, students will apply their knowledge to increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, and fractions. They’ll also engage with math-based puzzles and logic challenges designed to build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math II Topics:
- Numbers to 1000: Comparing Numbers
- Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Addition and Subtraction Addition & Subtraction Without Renaming
- Addition & Subtraction with Renaming
- Multiplication & Division (tables of 2 -10)
- Addition and Subtraction: Finding the Missing Number
- Methods for Mental Addition & Subtraction
- Money: Adding & Subtracting Money
- Fractions: Halves and Quarters; Writing Fractions
- Time: Telling Time & Time Intervals
- Length: Measuring Length in Meters, Centimeters, Yards and Feet, Inches
- Weight: Measuring Weight in Kilograms, Grams, Pounds, Ounces
- Capacity: Comparing Capacity; Liters, Gallons, Quarts, Pints and CupsGraphs: Picture Graphs
- Geometry: Flat and Curved Faces; Making Shapes
- Area: Square Units
Enrollment Guidelines :
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math I class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math III course is designed for students who have confidently mastered addition and subtraction up to 1,000 using both vertical algorithms and mental math strategies; have a solid understanding of place value; know the multiplication table up to 10 and related division facts (with mastery up to 5 as a minimum); possess a basic understanding of fractions; and are comfortable solving simple multi-step word problems involving multiplication and division.
In this course, students will build on these skills by continuing with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and long division by a one-digit number, with a strong emphasis on mental strategies. Students will work with standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both the metric and customary systems, including compound unit operations and conversions between units.
We will deepen students’ understanding of fractions—covering equivalent fractions and performing addition and subtraction with like and unlike denominators—and expand on their knowledge of money, time, and other units of measurement. In geometry, we will move beyond basic shapes to study points, lines, and angles, laying the groundwork for future geometric reasoning.
Throughout the year, students will solve increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. A special emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving skills through non-routine word problems and mathematical puzzles across various topics.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math III Topics:
- Numbers to 10,000
- Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Numbers Patterns
- Addition and Subtraction within 10,000
- Multiplying Ones, Tens and Hundreds
- Quotient and Remainder
- Dividing Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Multiplication Tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9
- Money (U.S. currency) Dollars and Cents
- Mental Calculation
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Length
- Meters and Centimeters
- Kilometers
- Yards, Feet, and Inches
- Miles
- Weight
- Kilograms and Grams
- Pounds and Ounces
- Capacity
- Liters and Milliliters
- Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups
- Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Fractions
- Fraction of a Whole
- Equivalent Fractions
- Time
- Hours and Minutes
- Other Units of Time
- Geometry
- Angles
- Right Angles
- Area and Perimeter
- Area
- Perimeter
- Area of a Rectangle
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math II class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH IV
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math IV course is designed for students with a solid foundation in fractions and decimals, including operations with unlike denominators and introductory work with decimal multiplication and division. This course builds on those skills through more advanced applications, including multi-step word problems involving percents, fractions, ratios, and rates. Students will deepen their understanding of geometry through work with triangles, quadrilaterals, area, and perimeter, while also being introduced to special topics such as Pascal’s Triangle and basic probability. The course emphasizes logical thinking, creative problem solving, and real-world applications across a broad range of mathematical concepts.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
- Whole NumbersNumbers to 100,000
- Rounding off Numbers
- Factors
- Multiples
- Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
- Multiplication by a 1-digit Number
- Division by a 1-digit Number and by 10
- Multiplication by a 2-digit Number
- Fractions
- Adding Fractions
- Subtracting Fractions
- Mixed Numbers
- Improper Fractions
- Fraction of a Set
- Decimals (thens, hundreds, thousands, rounding off)
- The Four Operations of Decimals
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Tables and Graphs: Presenting Data
- Angles: Measuring Angles
- Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
- Area and Perimeter
- Measures (using multiplication and division)
- Symmetry & Symmetric Figures
- Solid Figures
- Volume
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math III class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH V
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math V course is is designed for students who have a solid foundation in working with fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and multiplication and division of decimals by a whole number. We will continue with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals. Students will be solving word problems of increasing level of challenge involving fractions and percents, ratio and rate, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems.
Students will also engage in solving non-routine word problems and logic puzzles, applying math concepts in creative and challenging ways across various domains.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
List of Topics Covered in Math V (September – June) :
- Whole Numbers
- Place Values
- Millions
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplying and Dividing by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Order of Operations
- Multiplication and Division by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Fractions
- Fraction and Division
- Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Fractions
- Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers
- Product of a Fraction and a Whole Number
- Product of Fractions
- Dividing a Fraction by a Whole NumberArea of Triangle
- Ratios
- Decimals
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplication by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Division by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Multiplying by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Conversion of Measurements
- Percentage
- Average
- Rate
- Graphs: Line Graphs
- Triangles
- 4-sided Figures
- Parallelogram, Rhombuses and Trapezoids
- Drawing Parallelograms and Rhombuses
- Volume
- Cubes and Cuboids
- Finding the Volume of a Solid
- Tessellations: Tiling Patterns
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math IV class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE / UPPER SCHOOL - GEOMETRY I
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Geometry – Year I Course: Introduction to Geometry
This is the first year of a comprehensive two-year Geometry course that covers the full scope of high school geometry. Meeting once per week over 32 weeks, this course emphasizes the study of properties and applications of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures.
Students will explore key geometric concepts through a combination of visual reasoning, logical deduction, and real-world problem solving. Inductive and deductive thinking are emphasized, along with foundational proof-writing techniques used to establish the properties of geometric figures. This course also introduces basic right triangle trigonometry and geometric transformations.
Topics Covered Include:
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- Points, lines, planes, and angles: definitions, postulates, and relationships
- Angle relationships with parallel lines and transversals
- Triangle congruence: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and corresponding parts
- Perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes
- Similar figures: ratios, proportions, and similar triangles
- Right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Quadrilaterals and special parallelograms
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS I course or higher
- New students in grades 7–9 who have completed a Pre-Algebra course or higher. New students are encouraged to take our placement assessment to ensure proper placement. Please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request the test.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS I (Pre-Algebra)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Our Math MS I (Pre-Algebra) course is designed for students who have a deep understanding of foundational number concepts and are confident working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents—including the relationships among them.
This course focuses on applying these core concepts to real-world situations through increasingly complex word problems. Students will learn key problem-solving strategies and explore mathematical patterns in a fun, creative, and intellectually engaging environment. This class aims to develop flexible thinking and strengthen students’ ability to translate real-life scenarios into mathematical expressions and equations.
In addition to reinforcing school-based concepts, this course introduces new content that deepens number sense and prepares students for pre-algebra.
Topics Covered Include:
- Prime factorization, Least Common Multiple (LCM), and Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
- Fractions, decimals, and approximation
- Percent, rate, and ratio applications
- Operations with negative numbers and absolute value
- Algebraic properties: commutative, associative, and distributive laws
- Algebraic expressions and one-variable equations
- Translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them
- Speed, rate, and proportional reasoning
- Introduction to geometry: area and circumference of a circle, triangle and quadrilateral properties, complex area, perimeter, and volume problems
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math V course in the previous school year.
- New students in grades 6–8 who have not yet taken a Pre-Algebra course. New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS II (Introduction to Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math MS II (Introduction to Algebra I) course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in Algebra and are ready to expand their skills with more advanced topics in algebra, introductory geometry, and logical problem solving. This course reinforces core algebraic principles while introducing more complex equations, functions, and geometric reasoning. Students will also encounter enrichment topics that deepen mathematical thinking and support success in competitive academic settings.
Topics covered include:
- Indices (Exponents)
- Radicals and rational expressions
- Algebraic manipulations and transformations
- Literal and quadratic equations (including completing the square and the quadratic formula)
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Fractional equations and inequalities
- Simultaneous linear equations
- Compound and system-based inequalities
- Rate, ratio, and percentage, including financial transaction problems
- Functions, sequences, and series
- Coordinate geometry: equations of circles, forming equations, parallel lines and angles
- Triangle geometry, congruence, and similarity
- Enrichment topics: Mathematical induction, combinatorics, Fibonacci sequence, and logical games
Throughout the course, students will develop logical reasoning, improve their problem-solving strategies, and gain confidence in working with multi-step word problems and abstract mathematical concepts. This course also helps prepare students for entrance exams to selective high schools.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS I course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS III (Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: To be determined
Our Math MS III (Algebra I) course is a comprehensive Algebra I course that builds and expans on students’ prior knowledge of algebraic concepts. The course focuses on developing fluency with algebraic expressions and equations while deepening understanding of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies, multi-step word problems, and real-world applications to promote strong mathematical reasoning and confidence.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Solving equations and absolute value equations
- Solving linear inequalities and compound inequalities
- Graphing linear functions and writing equations in multiple forms
- Modeling real-world contexts with linear equations
- Solving systems of equations (2 and 3 variables) and related word problems
- Factoring: trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1), special cases, grouping
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula
- Working with polynomials: operations, long division, and synthetic division
- Exploring polynomial functions and writing equations from given points
- Radical expressions: simplifying and multiplying
This course equips students with the skills and confidence needed for success in advanced math classes, standardized tests, and real-world problem solving.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS II course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Math MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II) course is the culmination of our Algebra I program and bridges into key Algebra II topics, offering students a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. Designed for advanced middle schoolers, this class challenges students with higher-level material and prepares them for future success in advanced mathematics.
Students will review and extend their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, and factoring, while also exploring more complex topics such as rational and radical expressions, conic sections, and polynomial functions. This course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application through real-world problems and multi-step exercises.
Math MS IV Topics Include:
- Linear Functions Review
- Writing the Equation of Lines
- Systems of Two Equations
- Solving Systems of Three Variables (with Elimination and Word Problems)
- Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
- Graphing Quadratic Functions (All Forms)
- Real-World Applications of Quadratics
- Factoring Polynomials
- Solving Quadratic and Nonlinear Equations
- Operating with Rational Expressions
- Complex Numbers and Complex Fractions
- Radical Expressions and Equations
- Writing Polynomial Functions
- Graphing and Writing Equations for: Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas
- Transformations of Quadratic and Absolute Value Functions
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have successfully completed our Math MS III course in the previous school year
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment prior to enrollment.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
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- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS II (Pre-Calculus / Introduction to Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Math HS II – Intro to Calculus course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of Calculus, building a bridge between Pre-Calculus and college-level Calculus. Through a combination of theory, problem-solving, and real-world applications, students will explore the core ideas of limits, derivatives, and integrals—equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for advanced math studies.
Course Topics Include:
- Limits and Continuity: Understanding the behavior of functions at specific points and over intervals.
- Derivatives: Learning how to compute and interpret derivatives, including the rules of differentiation, applications in motion, optimization, and graph analysis.
- Integrals: Exploring the concept of area under a curve, antiderivatives, and basic techniques of integration.
- Applications of Calculus: Solving real-world problems involving rates of change, area, and accumulated quantities.
- Introduction to Differential Equations: Simple separable equations and their applications.
- Review of Essential Pre-Calculus Topics: Reinforcement of key algebraic and trigonometric skills as needed.
Course Highlights:
- Deepen mathematical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Prepare for AP Calculus or college-level Calculus
- Hands-on practice with conceptual and applied problems
- Supportive environment with individualized guidance
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our Math HS I course
- New students with strong backgrounds in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus (assessment required—please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
READING I: PHONICS FOR EMERGING READERS (GRADES PREK–K)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Reading I “Intro to Phonics” class is designed to introduce young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten to the world of reading through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. The course lays the groundwork for strong early literacy by building essential phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and comprehension skills—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Key Learning Goals:
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- Phonemic Awareness: Students will develop key skills such as sound and word discrimination, blending, phoneme deletion, and manipulation.
- Sight Words: Focused practice with high-frequency DOLCH sight words to build reading fluency and confidence.
- Comprehension: Engaging activities that strengthen listening and understanding, as well as the ability to make predictions and connections with texts.
Teaching Methods:
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- Storytelling & Group Reading: Encourages imagination and builds vocabulary.
- Interactive Games: Reinforce concepts in a playful and memorable way.
- Small Group Activities: Foster collaboration and allow for personalized guidance.
Class Format:
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- Small Group Setting: Ensures personalized attention and peer interaction.
- Experienced Instructor: Taught by a certified elementary school teacher with a specialization in early literacy.
- Schedule: Online classes meet twice a week; each session lasts 30 minutes. In-Person classes meet once a week; each session lasts 60 minutes
By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation for reading success—and, just as importantly, a lifelong love for books.
Level Placement:
- This course is ideal for children new to reading or reading at levels A–D.
- If you are unsure which level is best for your child, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
READING II: FLUENCY FOR RISING READERS (GRADES 1–2)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday
Our Reading II: “Fluency for Rising Readers” course is designed to build upon the foundation established in Reading I, further developing students’ reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course helps young readers gain confidence and accuracy while deepening their understanding of texts through fun, engaging lessons.
Key Features:
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- Phonics & Fluency: Reinforcing decoding strategies to read with speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Vocabulary Development: Expanding word knowledge to support both reading and verbal expression.
- Comprehension Practice: Strengthening the ability to make predictions, draw inferences, and understand story elements.
- Interactive Learning: Group reading, independent practice, and games keep learning lively and enjoyable.
Our curriculum strikes the right balance between challenge and encouragement, helping students grow into confident, capable readers.
Class Structure:
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- Small Group Setting: Allows for personalized instruction and peer collaboration.
- Certified Instructor: Taught by an experienced elementary teacher with expertise in early literacy.
By the end of this course, students will show marked improvement in fluency and comprehension—and continue building a love for reading that will benefit them for years to come.
Placement Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading I-B during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at level G–J or slightly above. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
READING III: COMPREHENSION AND WRITING SKILLS (GRADES 2–3)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: To be determined
Our Reading III ‘Reading Comprehension and Introduction to Writing” course is designed to strengthen students’ reading comprehension skills and introduce foundational writing techniques. Through a combination of group discussions and individual activities, students will learn to analyze and interpret a variety of texts—both fiction and nonfiction—while developing confidence in expressing their ideas in writing.
Key Features:
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- Reading Comprehension: Students will learn to identify main ideas, make inferences, and discuss text structure across fiction and nonfiction genres.
- Writing Foundations: Emphasis on sentence structure, paragraph organization, and basic grammar usage to build effective written communication.
- Engaging Lessons: Lessons are supported by clear explanations, examples, and visual aids to meet the needs of diverse learners.
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate stronger reading fluency and comprehension and will be able to express themselves more clearly and effectively in writing.
Class Structure:
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- Small Group Setting: Personalized instruction in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Experienced Instructor: Led by a certified elementary school teacher specializing in reading and early writing development.
Placement Guidelines – Fall 2025:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading II during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at Level M or higher. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic K (Russian) course is part of our Russian Immersion program. It is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
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- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
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- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
MOMMY & ME MUSIC / “Музыка с мамой”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Our Russian “Mommy & Me” Music program offers enriching musical-rhythmic classes for toddlers aged one to three years, which children attend together with their parents. Numerous modern studies show that introducing children to the wonderful world of music from an early age contributes to their emotional, physical, social, and psychological development. Therefore, each of our sessions is based on educational and developmental musical games. We introduce children to the music and songs we know from our childhood and also discover new songs together with them.
Live accompaniment, fun musical games and rhymes, exercises to music, and playing simple instruments develop children’s interest in music, enhance speech, attention, fine and gross motor skills, and cultivate musical perception. Moreover, it brings unforgettable moments of joy and bonding to both children and adults!
The program includes:
- Welcome and farewell songs
- Musical-rhythmic greetings and warm-ups
- Finger games, gesture games, and communication games
- Nursery rhymes, noisy games, and games with objects
- Games with children’s orchestra instruments
- Speech development, logorhythmics, articulation exercises
- Sound imitation, singing, dramatization of songs, listening to music
- Puppet theater and fairy tale dramatization
- Health exercises
- Dance and movement activities
Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are always welcome to join the fun!
Come sing, play, and bond through music—together.
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
If your child is already confidently reading and writing in printed Russian letters—this is the perfect next step! Our Russian II class builds on early literacy foundations and takes students to the next level through engaging lessons, creative projects, and thematic exploration.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read fluently—handling texts up to three pages long
- Retell stories in their own words with clear structure and expression
- Create original projects based on class themes and personal interests
- Memorize and recite poems and songs in Russian
- Write short texts independently
- Begin cursive handwriting, writing individual words in cursive
- Recognize and understand Russian proverbs and riddles
- Distinguish between sounds vs. letters and words vs. sentences
- Grasp concepts like text structure, metagrams, and stress in pronunciation
- Expand their vocabulary and general knowledge through rich, thematic lessons
Give your child the opportunity to deepen their Russian language skills and confidence—join us and watch their literacy take flight!
RUSSIAN III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
In our Russian III level classes each lesson combines Russian language and grammar instruction with guided literary reading to deepen both fluency and appreciation for literature.
By the end of this course, students will:
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- Develop confident oral and written Russian skills appropriate to their age
- Understand and apply key grammar rules and Russian spelling conventions
- Read and discuss both classic and contemporary Russian literature
- Write clearly and confidently in cursive
- Identify and use nouns, verbs, and adjectives correctly
- Build a rich vocabulary and express themselves creatively
- Solve language-based puzzles and rebuses
- Create and share original written works with pride
This is the level where students begin to experience the transformative power of language and literature, developing not just skills—but a deeper connection to Russian culture and expression.
RUSSIAN IV-VI
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Our Russian IV, V and VI level courses combines advanced Russian grammar with literary reading to further strengthen students’ language skills and deepen their appreciation for Russian literature. The focus is on developing confident, articulate, and expressive language use—both spoken and written.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Read, analyze, and appreciate a variety of classic and contemporary Russian literary works
- Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills appropriate to their age
- Apply the fundamental rules of Russian spelling with confidence
- Write structured and thoughtful compositions and essays
- Understand and accurately use a range of idiomatic expressions
- Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms
- Create and present their own original written works, reflecting creativity and clarity
This level marks a significant step toward fluency and literary competence, empowering students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and cultural depth.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Where Language Meets the Spotlight!
Our Russian Musical Theater class offers an exciting and immersive experience for children ages 6 to 12 who are ready to take center stage—while strengthening their Russian language skills in a creative and dynamic setting.
Through a blend of acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, and character development, students build confidence, express themselves artistically, and improve communication—all in Russian. Each class is filled with energy, imagination, and laughter as students work together to bring stories and characters to life.
The semester culminates in a joyful end-of-session performance, where students showcase their talents in front of friends, family, and classmates.
Students will:
- Improve fluency and pronunciation in Russian through performance
- Develop stage presence, expression, and public speaking skills
- Explore imagination through improvisation and character play
- Learn choreography and musical numbers
- Build teamwork, confidence, and creativity in a supportive space
Join us for a semester of discovery, artistry, and applause—and watch your child shine on stage and in language!
RUSSIAN PRE-K I “Малышарики”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Play. Learn. Grow—Together in Russian!
Our Малышарики class is a warm and engaging play-and-learn program designed for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, conducted entirely in Russian. At this formative stage, we blend fun and education to nurture your child’s curiosity, communication, and early learning skills—while laying a strong foundation for language and social development.
What Makes Our Program Unique:
- Integrated Learning Through Play
Our thoughtfully designed curriculum introduces children to key concepts—such as numbers, shapes, colors, and early language skills—through play-based activities that also build fine and gross motor skills. - Caring, Experienced Educators
Classes are led by nurturing instructors with deep experience working with young children. They create a friendly, supportive space where each child feels safe, seen, and excited to participate. - Engaging, Multi-Sensory Activities
From music and movement to art, storytime, and interactive games, every class offers a variety of hands-on experiences that spark imagination and support overall development. - Social Growth and Confidence
Through structured play and group activities, children practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing their ideas—while forming early friendships along the way. - Safe and Supportive Environment
We prioritize each child’s well-being and comfort, offering individual attention in a small group setting that encourages exploration and builds confidence.
Let your child’s journey into learning—and the Russian language—begin with joy, play, and discovery in Малышарики!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
RUSSIAN PRE-K III “Познавайка”
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Preparing Preschoolers for Reading, Writing, and Beyond
At AlphaMinds Academy, we are committed to offering a rich and developmentally appropriate learning experience for older preschool children (ages 4–5). Our “Познавайка” program is designed as a preparatory step before Russian I (“Читайка”), combining educational structure with playful exploration to build a strong foundation for reading, writing, and confident language use in Russian.
Through a blend of interactive activities, storytelling, and movement, children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen early academic skills—all in a nurturing Russian-language environment.
Program Highlights:
- Alphabet Games
Play-based activities that help children become familiar with Russian letters and their sounds. - Fine Motor Skills
Hands-on exercises to prepare little hands for writing and improve coordination. - Role-Playing & Dramatic Play
Encourages creativity and language use through fun, imaginative scenarios. - Dialogues & Verbal Interaction
Develops conversational skills through guided discussions and peer interactions. - Story Retelling
Builds memory, sequencing, and storytelling skills—key components of reading comprehension. - Poetry & Rhythmic Language
Exposure to classic and age-appropriate Russian poems enhances speech rhythm and expression. - Exploration of the World
Themed lessons that introduce children to real-world topics, expanding their knowledge and curiosity. - Music & Movement Games
Promotes physical development and reinforces learning through rhythm, dance, and song.
This class lays the groundwork for early literacy and language confidence, supporting a smooth transition into formal reading instruction in Russian I (“Читайка”).
RUSSIAN PREK II “Развивайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK II “Развивайка” (3 – 5 л. )
рограмма “Развивайка” предлагается для детей для детей дошкольного возраста (от 3 до 5 лет) на русском языке! Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и развитие мышления, внимания, памяти и сенсорного восприятия . Дети также будут изучают русский алфавит и ознакомятся с азами чтения и письма на русском языке. Каждый урок построен в виде чередующихся блоков: интерактивных заданий, обыгрывания сказок и стихотворений, музыкальных перерывов, подвижных игр для всестороннего развития ребенка.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- развитие речи
- знакомство с буквами и звуками
- подготовку к обучению чтению
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN PREK III “Познавайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK III “Познавайка” (4 – 6 л. )
Программа “Познавайка” предлагается для детей старшего дошкольного возраста (от 4 до 5 лет) как подготовительная программа к классу “Читайка” (Русский I). Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и подготовки к чтению и письму на русском языке.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- игры с алфавитом
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- ролевые игры
- диалоги
- пересказы
- стихи
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN VII-X
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Russian VII-X level courses are designed for children who want to strengthen their conversational Russian, refine their grammar and writing, and deepen their engagement with literature.
At this age, students are ready to explore more meaningful topics—but often find that their developing language skills limit their access to age-appropriate Russian texts. Students will read and discuss a wide range of texts—including poetry, prose, humorous school stories, novellas, absurd sketches, and documentary essays—while alternating between easy-to-read materials and more challenging works to build both skill and confidence.
To bring literature and language to life, students will also:
- Create art projects and visual interpretations of the texts they read
- Stage short skits and dramatizations to explore characters and dialogue
- Prepare and deliver mini-presentations or book talks in Russian
- Write and share original works, such as short stories or scripts
- Participate in collaborative projects to strengthen communication and teamwork
In addition to literature, the course includes a strong focus on grammar, spelling, composition, and speech etiquette, all woven into meaningful, real-world language use.
Join us for this dynamic, creative, and inspiring journey through Russian language and literature—and watch your child grow into a confident, expressive, and imaginative Russian speaker and reader.
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
MOMMY & ME MUSIC / “Музыка с мамой”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Our Russian “Mommy & Me” Music program offers enriching musical-rhythmic classes for toddlers aged one to three years, which children attend together with their parents. Numerous modern studies show that introducing children to the wonderful world of music from an early age contributes to their emotional, physical, social, and psychological development. Therefore, each of our sessions is based on educational and developmental musical games. We introduce children to the music and songs we know from our childhood and also discover new songs together with them.
Live accompaniment, fun musical games and rhymes, exercises to music, and playing simple instruments develop children’s interest in music, enhance speech, attention, fine and gross motor skills, and cultivate musical perception. Moreover, it brings unforgettable moments of joy and bonding to both children and adults!
The program includes:
- Welcome and farewell songs
- Musical-rhythmic greetings and warm-ups
- Finger games, gesture games, and communication games
- Nursery rhymes, noisy games, and games with objects
- Games with children’s orchestra instruments
- Speech development, logorhythmics, articulation exercises
- Sound imitation, singing, dramatization of songs, listening to music
- Puppet theater and fairy tale dramatization
- Health exercises
- Dance and movement activities
Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are always welcome to join the fun!
Come sing, play, and bond through music—together.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN PRE-K I “Малышарики”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Play. Learn. Grow—Together in Russian!
Our Малышарики class is a warm and engaging play-and-learn program designed for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, conducted entirely in Russian. At this formative stage, we blend fun and education to nurture your child’s curiosity, communication, and early learning skills—while laying a strong foundation for language and social development.
What Makes Our Program Unique:
- Integrated Learning Through Play
Our thoughtfully designed curriculum introduces children to key concepts—such as numbers, shapes, colors, and early language skills—through play-based activities that also build fine and gross motor skills. - Caring, Experienced Educators
Classes are led by nurturing instructors with deep experience working with young children. They create a friendly, supportive space where each child feels safe, seen, and excited to participate. - Engaging, Multi-Sensory Activities
From music and movement to art, storytime, and interactive games, every class offers a variety of hands-on experiences that spark imagination and support overall development. - Social Growth and Confidence
Through structured play and group activities, children practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing their ideas—while forming early friendships along the way. - Safe and Supportive Environment
We prioritize each child’s well-being and comfort, offering individual attention in a small group setting that encourages exploration and builds confidence.
Let your child’s journey into learning—and the Russian language—begin with joy, play, and discovery in Малышарики!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
MOMMY & ME MUSIC / “Музыка с мамой”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Our Russian “Mommy & Me” Music program offers enriching musical-rhythmic classes for toddlers aged one to three years, which children attend together with their parents. Numerous modern studies show that introducing children to the wonderful world of music from an early age contributes to their emotional, physical, social, and psychological development. Therefore, each of our sessions is based on educational and developmental musical games. We introduce children to the music and songs we know from our childhood and also discover new songs together with them.
Live accompaniment, fun musical games and rhymes, exercises to music, and playing simple instruments develop children’s interest in music, enhance speech, attention, fine and gross motor skills, and cultivate musical perception. Moreover, it brings unforgettable moments of joy and bonding to both children and adults!
The program includes:
- Welcome and farewell songs
- Musical-rhythmic greetings and warm-ups
- Finger games, gesture games, and communication games
- Nursery rhymes, noisy games, and games with objects
- Games with children’s orchestra instruments
- Speech development, logorhythmics, articulation exercises
- Sound imitation, singing, dramatization of songs, listening to music
- Puppet theater and fairy tale dramatization
- Health exercises
- Dance and movement activities
Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are always welcome to join the fun!
Come sing, play, and bond through music—together.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN PRE-K I “Малышарики”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old
Days: Saturday
Play. Learn. Grow—Together in Russian!
Our Малышарики class is a warm and engaging play-and-learn program designed for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, conducted entirely in Russian. At this formative stage, we blend fun and education to nurture your child’s curiosity, communication, and early learning skills—while laying a strong foundation for language and social development.
What Makes Our Program Unique:
- Integrated Learning Through Play
Our thoughtfully designed curriculum introduces children to key concepts—such as numbers, shapes, colors, and early language skills—through play-based activities that also build fine and gross motor skills. - Caring, Experienced Educators
Classes are led by nurturing instructors with deep experience working with young children. They create a friendly, supportive space where each child feels safe, seen, and excited to participate. - Engaging, Multi-Sensory Activities
From music and movement to art, storytime, and interactive games, every class offers a variety of hands-on experiences that spark imagination and support overall development. - Social Growth and Confidence
Through structured play and group activities, children practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing their ideas—while forming early friendships along the way. - Safe and Supportive Environment
We prioritize each child’s well-being and comfort, offering individual attention in a small group setting that encourages exploration and builds confidence.
Let your child’s journey into learning—and the Russian language—begin with joy, play, and discovery in Малышарики!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
-
- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
ESSAY WRITING I (GRADES 3–4)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday
Our Essay Writing I course is designed to strengthen students’ writing skills and boost their confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively. Tailored for students in grades 3–4, this course introduces the fundamentals of structured writing across three key essay types: narrative (personal and story-based), informative/explanatory, and opinion.
Key Focus Areas:
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Essay Structure: Learn to organize writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Thesis Development: Understand how to craft a focused, compelling thesis.
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Paragraph Writing: Build effective paragraphs using the RACER model (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Reflect).
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Pre-Writing Strategies: Practice brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to support strong final pieces.
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Grammar & Mechanics: Improve writing through focused lessons on punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar.
Students will receive weekly writing assignments and personalized instructor feedback to help them revise, strengthen, and refine their work.
Course Format:
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Class Meets: Once a week for 60 minutes
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Home Assignments: Weekly writing tasks with individualized comments
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Feedback & Growth: Students receive constructive feedback to support continuous improvement
By the end of the course, students will have built a solid foundation in academic writing and developed the skills necessary for future essay assignments and creative expression.
Join us to develop essential writing skills and build lasting confidence as a young writer!
Recommended For:
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AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Reading III course
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New students in grades 3 and 4
ESSAY WRITING II (GRADES 4–5)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing II course is designed to build upon their foundational writing skills and take students to the next level of written expression. Ideal for students in grades 4–5, this course focuses on more advanced essay types—such as persuasive, explanatory, and literary analysis—and introduces key skills like research, argumentation, and critical thinking.
Key Focus Areas:
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- Advanced Essay Types: Narrative, explanatory, persuasive, and creative writing
- Persuasive Writing: Develop structured, evidence-based arguments and expressive, impactful language
- Research Skills: Learn how to gather credible information, cite sources, and integrate research effectively
- Literary Analysis: Practice interpreting texts with a critical eye and supporting ideas with textual evidence
- Engaging Introductions: Explore creative ways to open essays—using bold facts, anecdotes, or dramatic moments
- Extended Writing: Develop longer, multi-paragraph essays with improved organization and clarity
Course Format:
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- Schedule: Weekly 60-minute classes
- Assignments: Regular take-home writing tasks with individualized, detailed feedback
- Instructor Support: Ongoing guidance to help students revise, improve, and grow as writers
By the end of the course, students will have refined their writing style, strengthened their analytical thinking, and gained confidence in expressing ideas across a variety of formats. This course prepares students for more advanced academic writing and fosters skills they will use for years to come.
Join us to sharpen your writing, deepen your thinking, and express your ideas with confidence!
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing I course
- New students in grades 4 and 5
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
MATH I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math I course is designed for students who are comfortable counting to 100, recognize numbers up to 100, and have begun developing fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. In this course, students will build on that foundation by mastering addition and subtraction up to 100—beginning with facts within 10, progressing to 20, and eventually reaching 100—with an emphasis on mental math strategies.
In the second part of this school year long course, students will be introduced to the concepts of multiplication and division, gaining an understanding of equal groups and learning basic facts up to 12. They’ll also explore standard units of measurement, including length, weight, and time, as well as foundational concepts in money, basic fractions, graphs, and two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Rather than relying on rote memorization, this course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and the development of strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to make connections between topics, apply prior knowledge, and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
Our curriculum follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally respected method known for fostering deep mathematical understanding through problem-solving and logical reasoning.
Math I Topics:
- Numbers to 20: Counting and Comparing; Addition and Subtraction
- Number Bonds & Making Number Stories
- Addition: Making Addition Stories
- Addition With Number Bonds
- Subtraction: Making Subtraction Stories
- Methods of Subtraction
- Ordinal Numbers: Naming Positions
- Shapes: Common Shapes
- Length: Comparing & Measuring
- Weight: Comparing & Measuring
- Graphs: Picture Graphs
- Numbers to 40: Addition and Subtraction
- Adding Three Numbers
- Multiplication: Adding Equal Groups
- Making Multiplication Stories
- Multiplication Within 40
- Division: Sharing and Grouping
- Making Halves and Quarters
- Telling Time
- Numbers to 100: Tens and Ones
- Addition & Subtraction Within 100
- Money: Bills and Coins
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic K class
- New students entering Grade 1
- Kindergarten students who demonstrate proficiency with basic addition and subtraction within 20 and are fluent first-grade-level readers (assessment required; please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
MATH II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math II course is designed for students who have a strong command of addition and subtraction up to 100, particularly with mental math, and a solid understanding of place value and repeating patterns. Building on that foundation, students will advance to addition and subtraction up to 1000, with continued emphasis on mental strategies and number sense.
Students will begin learning multiplication tables up to 12 and the corresponding division facts. The course also introduces standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both metric and customary systems, along with the relationships among them. Students will explore fractions—including equivalent fractions and operations with like denominators—as well as money, time, graphs, area, and perimeter.
Throughout the year, students will apply their knowledge to increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, and fractions. They’ll also engage with math-based puzzles and logic challenges designed to build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math II Topics:
- Numbers to 1000: Comparing Numbers
- Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Addition and Subtraction Addition & Subtraction Without Renaming
- Addition & Subtraction with Renaming
- Multiplication & Division (tables of 2 -10)
- Addition and Subtraction: Finding the Missing Number
- Methods for Mental Addition & Subtraction
- Money: Adding & Subtracting Money
- Fractions: Halves and Quarters; Writing Fractions
- Time: Telling Time & Time Intervals
- Length: Measuring Length in Meters, Centimeters, Yards and Feet, Inches
- Weight: Measuring Weight in Kilograms, Grams, Pounds, Ounces
- Capacity: Comparing Capacity; Liters, Gallons, Quarts, Pints and CupsGraphs: Picture Graphs
- Geometry: Flat and Curved Faces; Making Shapes
- Area: Square Units
Enrollment Guidelines :
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math I class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math III course is designed for students who have confidently mastered addition and subtraction up to 1,000 using both vertical algorithms and mental math strategies; have a solid understanding of place value; know the multiplication table up to 10 and related division facts (with mastery up to 5 as a minimum); possess a basic understanding of fractions; and are comfortable solving simple multi-step word problems involving multiplication and division.
In this course, students will build on these skills by continuing with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and long division by a one-digit number, with a strong emphasis on mental strategies. Students will work with standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both the metric and customary systems, including compound unit operations and conversions between units.
We will deepen students’ understanding of fractions—covering equivalent fractions and performing addition and subtraction with like and unlike denominators—and expand on their knowledge of money, time, and other units of measurement. In geometry, we will move beyond basic shapes to study points, lines, and angles, laying the groundwork for future geometric reasoning.
Throughout the year, students will solve increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. A special emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving skills through non-routine word problems and mathematical puzzles across various topics.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math III Topics:
- Numbers to 10,000
- Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Numbers Patterns
- Addition and Subtraction within 10,000
- Multiplying Ones, Tens and Hundreds
- Quotient and Remainder
- Dividing Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Multiplication Tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9
- Money (U.S. currency) Dollars and Cents
- Mental Calculation
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Length
- Meters and Centimeters
- Kilometers
- Yards, Feet, and Inches
- Miles
- Weight
- Kilograms and Grams
- Pounds and Ounces
- Capacity
- Liters and Milliliters
- Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups
- Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Fractions
- Fraction of a Whole
- Equivalent Fractions
- Time
- Hours and Minutes
- Other Units of Time
- Geometry
- Angles
- Right Angles
- Area and Perimeter
- Area
- Perimeter
- Area of a Rectangle
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math II class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH IV
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math IV course is designed for students with a solid foundation in fractions and decimals, including operations with unlike denominators and introductory work with decimal multiplication and division. This course builds on those skills through more advanced applications, including multi-step word problems involving percents, fractions, ratios, and rates. Students will deepen their understanding of geometry through work with triangles, quadrilaterals, area, and perimeter, while also being introduced to special topics such as Pascal’s Triangle and basic probability. The course emphasizes logical thinking, creative problem solving, and real-world applications across a broad range of mathematical concepts.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
- Whole NumbersNumbers to 100,000
- Rounding off Numbers
- Factors
- Multiples
- Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
- Multiplication by a 1-digit Number
- Division by a 1-digit Number and by 10
- Multiplication by a 2-digit Number
- Fractions
- Adding Fractions
- Subtracting Fractions
- Mixed Numbers
- Improper Fractions
- Fraction of a Set
- Decimals (thens, hundreds, thousands, rounding off)
- The Four Operations of Decimals
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Tables and Graphs: Presenting Data
- Angles: Measuring Angles
- Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
- Area and Perimeter
- Measures (using multiplication and division)
- Symmetry & Symmetric Figures
- Solid Figures
- Volume
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math III class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH V
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math V course is is designed for students who have a solid foundation in working with fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and multiplication and division of decimals by a whole number. We will continue with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals. Students will be solving word problems of increasing level of challenge involving fractions and percents, ratio and rate, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems.
Students will also engage in solving non-routine word problems and logic puzzles, applying math concepts in creative and challenging ways across various domains.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
List of Topics Covered in Math V (September – June) :
- Whole Numbers
- Place Values
- Millions
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplying and Dividing by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Order of Operations
- Multiplication and Division by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Fractions
- Fraction and Division
- Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Fractions
- Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers
- Product of a Fraction and a Whole Number
- Product of Fractions
- Dividing a Fraction by a Whole NumberArea of Triangle
- Ratios
- Decimals
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplication by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Division by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Multiplying by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Conversion of Measurements
- Percentage
- Average
- Rate
- Graphs: Line Graphs
- Triangles
- 4-sided Figures
- Parallelogram, Rhombuses and Trapezoids
- Drawing Parallelograms and Rhombuses
- Volume
- Cubes and Cuboids
- Finding the Volume of a Solid
- Tessellations: Tiling Patterns
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math IV class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
READING II: FLUENCY FOR RISING READERS (GRADES 1–2)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday
Our Reading II: “Fluency for Rising Readers” course is designed to build upon the foundation established in Reading I, further developing students’ reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course helps young readers gain confidence and accuracy while deepening their understanding of texts through fun, engaging lessons.
Key Features:
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- Phonics & Fluency: Reinforcing decoding strategies to read with speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Vocabulary Development: Expanding word knowledge to support both reading and verbal expression.
- Comprehension Practice: Strengthening the ability to make predictions, draw inferences, and understand story elements.
- Interactive Learning: Group reading, independent practice, and games keep learning lively and enjoyable.
Our curriculum strikes the right balance between challenge and encouragement, helping students grow into confident, capable readers.
Class Structure:
-
- Small Group Setting: Allows for personalized instruction and peer collaboration.
- Certified Instructor: Taught by an experienced elementary teacher with expertise in early literacy.
By the end of this course, students will show marked improvement in fluency and comprehension—and continue building a love for reading that will benefit them for years to come.
Placement Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading I-B during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at level G–J or slightly above. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
READING III: COMPREHENSION AND WRITING SKILLS (GRADES 2–3)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: To be determined
Our Reading III ‘Reading Comprehension and Introduction to Writing” course is designed to strengthen students’ reading comprehension skills and introduce foundational writing techniques. Through a combination of group discussions and individual activities, students will learn to analyze and interpret a variety of texts—both fiction and nonfiction—while developing confidence in expressing their ideas in writing.
Key Features:
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- Reading Comprehension: Students will learn to identify main ideas, make inferences, and discuss text structure across fiction and nonfiction genres.
- Writing Foundations: Emphasis on sentence structure, paragraph organization, and basic grammar usage to build effective written communication.
- Engaging Lessons: Lessons are supported by clear explanations, examples, and visual aids to meet the needs of diverse learners.
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate stronger reading fluency and comprehension and will be able to express themselves more clearly and effectively in writing.
Class Structure:
-
- Small Group Setting: Personalized instruction in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Experienced Instructor: Led by a certified elementary school teacher specializing in reading and early writing development.
Placement Guidelines – Fall 2025:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading II during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at Level M or higher. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
If your child is already confidently reading and writing in printed Russian letters—this is the perfect next step! Our Russian II class builds on early literacy foundations and takes students to the next level through engaging lessons, creative projects, and thematic exploration.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read fluently—handling texts up to three pages long
- Retell stories in their own words with clear structure and expression
- Create original projects based on class themes and personal interests
- Memorize and recite poems and songs in Russian
- Write short texts independently
- Begin cursive handwriting, writing individual words in cursive
- Recognize and understand Russian proverbs and riddles
- Distinguish between sounds vs. letters and words vs. sentences
- Grasp concepts like text structure, metagrams, and stress in pronunciation
- Expand their vocabulary and general knowledge through rich, thematic lessons
Give your child the opportunity to deepen their Russian language skills and confidence—join us and watch their literacy take flight!
RUSSIAN III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
In our Russian III level classes each lesson combines Russian language and grammar instruction with guided literary reading to deepen both fluency and appreciation for literature.
By the end of this course, students will:
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- Develop confident oral and written Russian skills appropriate to their age
- Understand and apply key grammar rules and Russian spelling conventions
- Read and discuss both classic and contemporary Russian literature
- Write clearly and confidently in cursive
- Identify and use nouns, verbs, and adjectives correctly
- Build a rich vocabulary and express themselves creatively
- Solve language-based puzzles and rebuses
- Create and share original written works with pride
This is the level where students begin to experience the transformative power of language and literature, developing not just skills—but a deeper connection to Russian culture and expression.
RUSSIAN IV-VI
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Our Russian IV, V and VI level courses combines advanced Russian grammar with literary reading to further strengthen students’ language skills and deepen their appreciation for Russian literature. The focus is on developing confident, articulate, and expressive language use—both spoken and written.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Read, analyze, and appreciate a variety of classic and contemporary Russian literary works
- Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills appropriate to their age
- Apply the fundamental rules of Russian spelling with confidence
- Write structured and thoughtful compositions and essays
- Understand and accurately use a range of idiomatic expressions
- Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms
- Create and present their own original written works, reflecting creativity and clarity
This level marks a significant step toward fluency and literary competence, empowering students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and cultural depth.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Where Language Meets the Spotlight!
Our Russian Musical Theater class offers an exciting and immersive experience for children ages 6 to 12 who are ready to take center stage—while strengthening their Russian language skills in a creative and dynamic setting.
Through a blend of acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, and character development, students build confidence, express themselves artistically, and improve communication—all in Russian. Each class is filled with energy, imagination, and laughter as students work together to bring stories and characters to life.
The semester culminates in a joyful end-of-session performance, where students showcase their talents in front of friends, family, and classmates.
Students will:
- Improve fluency and pronunciation in Russian through performance
- Develop stage presence, expression, and public speaking skills
- Explore imagination through improvisation and character play
- Learn choreography and musical numbers
- Build teamwork, confidence, and creativity in a supportive space
Join us for a semester of discovery, artistry, and applause—and watch your child shine on stage and in language!
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
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- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
ESSAY WRITING I (GRADES 3–4)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday
Our Essay Writing I course is designed to strengthen students’ writing skills and boost their confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively. Tailored for students in grades 3–4, this course introduces the fundamentals of structured writing across three key essay types: narrative (personal and story-based), informative/explanatory, and opinion.
Key Focus Areas:
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Essay Structure: Learn to organize writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Thesis Development: Understand how to craft a focused, compelling thesis.
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Paragraph Writing: Build effective paragraphs using the RACER model (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Reflect).
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Pre-Writing Strategies: Practice brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to support strong final pieces.
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Grammar & Mechanics: Improve writing through focused lessons on punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar.
Students will receive weekly writing assignments and personalized instructor feedback to help them revise, strengthen, and refine their work.
Course Format:
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Class Meets: Once a week for 60 minutes
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Home Assignments: Weekly writing tasks with individualized comments
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Feedback & Growth: Students receive constructive feedback to support continuous improvement
By the end of the course, students will have built a solid foundation in academic writing and developed the skills necessary for future essay assignments and creative expression.
Join us to develop essential writing skills and build lasting confidence as a young writer!
Recommended For:
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AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Reading III course
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New students in grades 3 and 4
ESSAY WRITING II (GRADES 4–5)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing II course is designed to build upon their foundational writing skills and take students to the next level of written expression. Ideal for students in grades 4–5, this course focuses on more advanced essay types—such as persuasive, explanatory, and literary analysis—and introduces key skills like research, argumentation, and critical thinking.
Key Focus Areas:
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- Advanced Essay Types: Narrative, explanatory, persuasive, and creative writing
- Persuasive Writing: Develop structured, evidence-based arguments and expressive, impactful language
- Research Skills: Learn how to gather credible information, cite sources, and integrate research effectively
- Literary Analysis: Practice interpreting texts with a critical eye and supporting ideas with textual evidence
- Engaging Introductions: Explore creative ways to open essays—using bold facts, anecdotes, or dramatic moments
- Extended Writing: Develop longer, multi-paragraph essays with improved organization and clarity
Course Format:
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- Schedule: Weekly 60-minute classes
- Assignments: Regular take-home writing tasks with individualized, detailed feedback
- Instructor Support: Ongoing guidance to help students revise, improve, and grow as writers
By the end of the course, students will have refined their writing style, strengthened their analytical thinking, and gained confidence in expressing ideas across a variety of formats. This course prepares students for more advanced academic writing and fosters skills they will use for years to come.
Join us to sharpen your writing, deepen your thinking, and express your ideas with confidence!
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing I course
- New students in grades 4 and 5
MATH I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math I course is designed for students who are comfortable counting to 100, recognize numbers up to 100, and have begun developing fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. In this course, students will build on that foundation by mastering addition and subtraction up to 100—beginning with facts within 10, progressing to 20, and eventually reaching 100—with an emphasis on mental math strategies.
In the second part of this school year long course, students will be introduced to the concepts of multiplication and division, gaining an understanding of equal groups and learning basic facts up to 12. They’ll also explore standard units of measurement, including length, weight, and time, as well as foundational concepts in money, basic fractions, graphs, and two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Rather than relying on rote memorization, this course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and the development of strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to make connections between topics, apply prior knowledge, and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
Our curriculum follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally respected method known for fostering deep mathematical understanding through problem-solving and logical reasoning.
Math I Topics:
- Numbers to 20: Counting and Comparing; Addition and Subtraction
- Number Bonds & Making Number Stories
- Addition: Making Addition Stories
- Addition With Number Bonds
- Subtraction: Making Subtraction Stories
- Methods of Subtraction
- Ordinal Numbers: Naming Positions
- Shapes: Common Shapes
- Length: Comparing & Measuring
- Weight: Comparing & Measuring
- Graphs: Picture Graphs
- Numbers to 40: Addition and Subtraction
- Adding Three Numbers
- Multiplication: Adding Equal Groups
- Making Multiplication Stories
- Multiplication Within 40
- Division: Sharing and Grouping
- Making Halves and Quarters
- Telling Time
- Numbers to 100: Tens and Ones
- Addition & Subtraction Within 100
- Money: Bills and Coins
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic K class
- New students entering Grade 1
- Kindergarten students who demonstrate proficiency with basic addition and subtraction within 20 and are fluent first-grade-level readers (assessment required; please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
MATH II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math II course is designed for students who have a strong command of addition and subtraction up to 100, particularly with mental math, and a solid understanding of place value and repeating patterns. Building on that foundation, students will advance to addition and subtraction up to 1000, with continued emphasis on mental strategies and number sense.
Students will begin learning multiplication tables up to 12 and the corresponding division facts. The course also introduces standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both metric and customary systems, along with the relationships among them. Students will explore fractions—including equivalent fractions and operations with like denominators—as well as money, time, graphs, area, and perimeter.
Throughout the year, students will apply their knowledge to increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, and fractions. They’ll also engage with math-based puzzles and logic challenges designed to build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math II Topics:
- Numbers to 1000: Comparing Numbers
- Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Addition and Subtraction Addition & Subtraction Without Renaming
- Addition & Subtraction with Renaming
- Multiplication & Division (tables of 2 -10)
- Addition and Subtraction: Finding the Missing Number
- Methods for Mental Addition & Subtraction
- Money: Adding & Subtracting Money
- Fractions: Halves and Quarters; Writing Fractions
- Time: Telling Time & Time Intervals
- Length: Measuring Length in Meters, Centimeters, Yards and Feet, Inches
- Weight: Measuring Weight in Kilograms, Grams, Pounds, Ounces
- Capacity: Comparing Capacity; Liters, Gallons, Quarts, Pints and CupsGraphs: Picture Graphs
- Geometry: Flat and Curved Faces; Making Shapes
- Area: Square Units
Enrollment Guidelines :
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math I class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math III course is designed for students who have confidently mastered addition and subtraction up to 1,000 using both vertical algorithms and mental math strategies; have a solid understanding of place value; know the multiplication table up to 10 and related division facts (with mastery up to 5 as a minimum); possess a basic understanding of fractions; and are comfortable solving simple multi-step word problems involving multiplication and division.
In this course, students will build on these skills by continuing with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and long division by a one-digit number, with a strong emphasis on mental strategies. Students will work with standard units of length, weight, and capacity in both the metric and customary systems, including compound unit operations and conversions between units.
We will deepen students’ understanding of fractions—covering equivalent fractions and performing addition and subtraction with like and unlike denominators—and expand on their knowledge of money, time, and other units of measurement. In geometry, we will move beyond basic shapes to study points, lines, and angles, laying the groundwork for future geometric reasoning.
Throughout the year, students will solve increasingly complex word problems involving multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. A special emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving skills through non-routine word problems and mathematical puzzles across various topics.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach, a globally recognized curriculum known for its emphasis on problem-solving and deep conceptual understanding.
Math III Topics:
- Numbers to 10,000
- Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Numbers Patterns
- Addition and Subtraction within 10,000
- Multiplying Ones, Tens and Hundreds
- Quotient and Remainder
- Dividing Hundreds, Tens and Ones
- Multiplication Tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9
- Money (U.S. currency) Dollars and Cents
- Mental Calculation
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Length
- Meters and Centimeters
- Kilometers
- Yards, Feet, and Inches
- Miles
- Weight
- Kilograms and Grams
- Pounds and Ounces
- Capacity
- Liters and Milliliters
- Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups
- Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Fractions
- Fraction of a Whole
- Equivalent Fractions
- Time
- Hours and Minutes
- Other Units of Time
- Geometry
- Angles
- Right Angles
- Area and Perimeter
- Area
- Perimeter
- Area of a Rectangle
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math II class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH IV
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math IV course is designed for students with a solid foundation in fractions and decimals, including operations with unlike denominators and introductory work with decimal multiplication and division. This course builds on those skills through more advanced applications, including multi-step word problems involving percents, fractions, ratios, and rates. Students will deepen their understanding of geometry through work with triangles, quadrilaterals, area, and perimeter, while also being introduced to special topics such as Pascal’s Triangle and basic probability. The course emphasizes logical thinking, creative problem solving, and real-world applications across a broad range of mathematical concepts.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
- Whole NumbersNumbers to 100,000
- Rounding off Numbers
- Factors
- Multiples
- Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
- Multiplication by a 1-digit Number
- Division by a 1-digit Number and by 10
- Multiplication by a 2-digit Number
- Fractions
- Adding Fractions
- Subtracting Fractions
- Mixed Numbers
- Improper Fractions
- Fraction of a Set
- Decimals (thens, hundreds, thousands, rounding off)
- The Four Operations of Decimals
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Tables and Graphs: Presenting Data
- Angles: Measuring Angles
- Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
- Area and Perimeter
- Measures (using multiplication and division)
- Symmetry & Symmetric Figures
- Solid Figures
- Volume
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math III class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MATH V
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Math V course is is designed for students who have a solid foundation in working with fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and multiplication and division of decimals by a whole number. We will continue with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals. Students will be solving word problems of increasing level of challenge involving fractions and percents, ratio and rate, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems.
Students will also engage in solving non-routine word problems and logic puzzles, applying math concepts in creative and challenging ways across various domains.
This course follows the Singapore Math approach—an internationally acclaimed method known for its emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, and number sense.
List of Topics Covered in Math V (September – June) :
- Whole Numbers
- Place Values
- Millions
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplying and Dividing by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Order of Operations
- Multiplication and Division by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Fractions
- Fraction and Division
- Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Fractions
- Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers
- Product of a Fraction and a Whole Number
- Product of Fractions
- Dividing a Fraction by a Whole NumberArea of Triangle
- Ratios
- Decimals
- Approximation and Estimation
- Multiplication by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Division by Tens, Hundreds or Thousands
- Multiplying by a 2-digit Whole Number
- Conversion of Measurements
- Percentage
- Average
- Rate
- Graphs: Line Graphs
- Triangles
- 4-sided Figures
- Parallelogram, Rhombuses and Trapezoids
- Drawing Parallelograms and Rhombuses
- Volume
- Cubes and Cuboids
- Finding the Volume of a Solid
- Tessellations: Tiling Patterns
Enrollment Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math IV class in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
READING II: FLUENCY FOR RISING READERS (GRADES 1–2)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Monday
Our Reading II: “Fluency for Rising Readers” course is designed to build upon the foundation established in Reading I, further developing students’ reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course helps young readers gain confidence and accuracy while deepening their understanding of texts through fun, engaging lessons.
Key Features:
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- Phonics & Fluency: Reinforcing decoding strategies to read with speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Vocabulary Development: Expanding word knowledge to support both reading and verbal expression.
- Comprehension Practice: Strengthening the ability to make predictions, draw inferences, and understand story elements.
- Interactive Learning: Group reading, independent practice, and games keep learning lively and enjoyable.
Our curriculum strikes the right balance between challenge and encouragement, helping students grow into confident, capable readers.
Class Structure:
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- Small Group Setting: Allows for personalized instruction and peer collaboration.
- Certified Instructor: Taught by an experienced elementary teacher with expertise in early literacy.
By the end of this course, students will show marked improvement in fluency and comprehension—and continue building a love for reading that will benefit them for years to come.
Placement Guidelines:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading I-B during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at level G–J or slightly above. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
READING III: COMPREHENSION AND WRITING SKILLS (GRADES 2–3)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: To be determined
Our Reading III ‘Reading Comprehension and Introduction to Writing” course is designed to strengthen students’ reading comprehension skills and introduce foundational writing techniques. Through a combination of group discussions and individual activities, students will learn to analyze and interpret a variety of texts—both fiction and nonfiction—while developing confidence in expressing their ideas in writing.
Key Features:
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- Reading Comprehension: Students will learn to identify main ideas, make inferences, and discuss text structure across fiction and nonfiction genres.
- Writing Foundations: Emphasis on sentence structure, paragraph organization, and basic grammar usage to build effective written communication.
- Engaging Lessons: Lessons are supported by clear explanations, examples, and visual aids to meet the needs of diverse learners.
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate stronger reading fluency and comprehension and will be able to express themselves more clearly and effectively in writing.
Class Structure:
-
- Small Group Setting: Personalized instruction in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Experienced Instructor: Led by a certified elementary school teacher specializing in reading and early writing development.
Placement Guidelines – Fall 2025:
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- Returning AlphaMinds Students: This class is recommended for students who completed Reading II during the previous school year.
- New Students: Recommended for students currently reading at Level M or higher. If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request a placement assessment.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
If your child is already confidently reading and writing in printed Russian letters—this is the perfect next step! Our Russian II class builds on early literacy foundations and takes students to the next level through engaging lessons, creative projects, and thematic exploration.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read fluently—handling texts up to three pages long
- Retell stories in their own words with clear structure and expression
- Create original projects based on class themes and personal interests
- Memorize and recite poems and songs in Russian
- Write short texts independently
- Begin cursive handwriting, writing individual words in cursive
- Recognize and understand Russian proverbs and riddles
- Distinguish between sounds vs. letters and words vs. sentences
- Grasp concepts like text structure, metagrams, and stress in pronunciation
- Expand their vocabulary and general knowledge through rich, thematic lessons
Give your child the opportunity to deepen their Russian language skills and confidence—join us and watch their literacy take flight!
RUSSIAN III
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
In our Russian III level classes each lesson combines Russian language and grammar instruction with guided literary reading to deepen both fluency and appreciation for literature.
By the end of this course, students will:
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- Develop confident oral and written Russian skills appropriate to their age
- Understand and apply key grammar rules and Russian spelling conventions
- Read and discuss both classic and contemporary Russian literature
- Write clearly and confidently in cursive
- Identify and use nouns, verbs, and adjectives correctly
- Build a rich vocabulary and express themselves creatively
- Solve language-based puzzles and rebuses
- Create and share original written works with pride
This is the level where students begin to experience the transformative power of language and literature, developing not just skills—but a deeper connection to Russian culture and expression.
RUSSIAN IV-VI
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Our Russian IV, V and VI level courses combines advanced Russian grammar with literary reading to further strengthen students’ language skills and deepen their appreciation for Russian literature. The focus is on developing confident, articulate, and expressive language use—both spoken and written.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Read, analyze, and appreciate a variety of classic and contemporary Russian literary works
- Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills appropriate to their age
- Apply the fundamental rules of Russian spelling with confidence
- Write structured and thoughtful compositions and essays
- Understand and accurately use a range of idiomatic expressions
- Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms
- Create and present their own original written works, reflecting creativity and clarity
This level marks a significant step toward fluency and literary competence, empowering students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and cultural depth.
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER II
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5
Days: Saturday
Where Language Meets the Spotlight!
Our Russian Musical Theater class offers an exciting and immersive experience for children ages 6 to 12 who are ready to take center stage—while strengthening their Russian language skills in a creative and dynamic setting.
Through a blend of acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, and character development, students build confidence, express themselves artistically, and improve communication—all in Russian. Each class is filled with energy, imagination, and laughter as students work together to bring stories and characters to life.
The semester culminates in a joyful end-of-session performance, where students showcase their talents in front of friends, family, and classmates.
Students will:
- Improve fluency and pronunciation in Russian through performance
- Develop stage presence, expression, and public speaking skills
- Explore imagination through improvisation and character play
- Learn choreography and musical numbers
- Build teamwork, confidence, and creativity in a supportive space
Join us for a semester of discovery, artistry, and applause—and watch your child shine on stage and in language!
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
ESSAY WRITING MS I (GRADES 6-7)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday
Essay Writing MS I
Our Essay Writing MS I course is designed to equip middle school students with the tools and techniques needed to write clear, well-structured five-paragraph essays—essential for both academic success and standardized tests such as the ISEE and HSPT.
Through focused, step-by-step instruction, students will learn how to confidently craft argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory essays that showcase both strong content and polished style.
Key Skills Developed:
- Essay Mastery: Write effective argumentative, narrative, and informative essays with clarity and confidence.
- Organizational Structure: Understand and apply the classic five-paragraph format to structure ideas logically.
- Brainstorming & Planning: Use strategic pre-writing techniques to generate and organize strong ideas.
- Editing & Revising: Improve writing through careful editing for coherence, grammar, and precision.
Writing Enhancement:
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- Descriptive Language: Enrich essays with vivid imagery and powerful word choices.
- Sentence Fluency: Use varied sentence structures and smooth transitions to create natural flow.
- Literary Devices: Strengthen writing with figurative language, including similes and metaphors.
Course Highlights:
-
- Targeted Practice: Assignments tailored to prepare students for middle school coursework and entrance exams.
- Supportive Environment: Encouragement and individualized feedback help students grow in skill and confidence.
- Creative & Academic Growth: Lessons blend creativity with academic rigor, fostering a well-rounded writing style.
By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to write compelling five-paragraph essays for school assignments and standardized assessments—and will have developed a strong foundation for high school-level writing and beyond.
Recommended For:
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- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing II course
- New students in grades 6 and 7
ESSAY WRITING MS II (GRADES 7-8)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing MS II (Grades 7–8) course is specifically designed to help students refine their writing voice, strengthen essay structure, and confidently tackle high-stakes writing assignments—including high school application essays.
Students will deepen their skills in crafting well-developed argumentative, narrative, and expository essays, while also learning to write compelling personal statements that reflect individuality and purpose. With an emphasis on structure, clarity, and audience awareness, this course will prepare students for the types of writing expected in selective high schools and beyond.
Key Skills Developed:
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- High School Application Essays: Learn how to write authentic, persuasive personal statements and responses to application prompts.
- Advanced Essay Crafting: Refine five-paragraph essays with stronger introductions, thesis statements, and supporting details.
- Revision Strategies: Strengthen editing and revising skills to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
- Voice and Tone: Develop a more confident and mature writing voice appropriate for academic and personal essays.
Course Highlights:
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- Focused Instruction: Lessons emphasize clarity, precision, and intentional word choice in writing.
- Audience Awareness: Understand how to tailor writing to different audiences and purposes.
- Real-World Writing: Practice writing prompts modeled on high school applications and academic assignments.
- Supportive Feedback: Students receive individual feedback to help them grow as confident and expressive writers.
By the end of the course, students will not only be well-prepared to write standout high school application essays but will also possess advanced writing skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.
Recommended For:
-
- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing MS I course
- New students in grades 7 and 8
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
MIDDLE / UPPER SCHOOL - GEOMETRY I
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Geometry – Year I Course: Introduction to Geometry
This is the first year of a comprehensive two-year Geometry course that covers the full scope of high school geometry. Meeting once per week over 32 weeks, this course emphasizes the study of properties and applications of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures.
Students will explore key geometric concepts through a combination of visual reasoning, logical deduction, and real-world problem solving. Inductive and deductive thinking are emphasized, along with foundational proof-writing techniques used to establish the properties of geometric figures. This course also introduces basic right triangle trigonometry and geometric transformations.
Topics Covered Include:
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- Points, lines, planes, and angles: definitions, postulates, and relationships
- Angle relationships with parallel lines and transversals
- Triangle congruence: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and corresponding parts
- Perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes
- Similar figures: ratios, proportions, and similar triangles
- Right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Quadrilaterals and special parallelograms
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS I course or higher
- New students in grades 7–9 who have completed a Pre-Algebra course or higher. New students are encouraged to take our placement assessment to ensure proper placement. Please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request the test.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS I (Pre-Algebra)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Our Math MS I (Pre-Algebra) course is designed for students who have a deep understanding of foundational number concepts and are confident working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents—including the relationships among them.
This course focuses on applying these core concepts to real-world situations through increasingly complex word problems. Students will learn key problem-solving strategies and explore mathematical patterns in a fun, creative, and intellectually engaging environment. This class aims to develop flexible thinking and strengthen students’ ability to translate real-life scenarios into mathematical expressions and equations.
In addition to reinforcing school-based concepts, this course introduces new content that deepens number sense and prepares students for pre-algebra.
Topics Covered Include:
- Prime factorization, Least Common Multiple (LCM), and Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
- Fractions, decimals, and approximation
- Percent, rate, and ratio applications
- Operations with negative numbers and absolute value
- Algebraic properties: commutative, associative, and distributive laws
- Algebraic expressions and one-variable equations
- Translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them
- Speed, rate, and proportional reasoning
- Introduction to geometry: area and circumference of a circle, triangle and quadrilateral properties, complex area, perimeter, and volume problems
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math V course in the previous school year.
- New students in grades 6–8 who have not yet taken a Pre-Algebra course. New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS II (Introduction to Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math MS II (Introduction to Algebra I) course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in Algebra and are ready to expand their skills with more advanced topics in algebra, introductory geometry, and logical problem solving. This course reinforces core algebraic principles while introducing more complex equations, functions, and geometric reasoning. Students will also encounter enrichment topics that deepen mathematical thinking and support success in competitive academic settings.
Topics covered include:
- Indices (Exponents)
- Radicals and rational expressions
- Algebraic manipulations and transformations
- Literal and quadratic equations (including completing the square and the quadratic formula)
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Fractional equations and inequalities
- Simultaneous linear equations
- Compound and system-based inequalities
- Rate, ratio, and percentage, including financial transaction problems
- Functions, sequences, and series
- Coordinate geometry: equations of circles, forming equations, parallel lines and angles
- Triangle geometry, congruence, and similarity
- Enrichment topics: Mathematical induction, combinatorics, Fibonacci sequence, and logical games
Throughout the course, students will develop logical reasoning, improve their problem-solving strategies, and gain confidence in working with multi-step word problems and abstract mathematical concepts. This course also helps prepare students for entrance exams to selective high schools.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS I course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS III (Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: To be determined
Our Math MS III (Algebra I) course is a comprehensive Algebra I course that builds and expans on students’ prior knowledge of algebraic concepts. The course focuses on developing fluency with algebraic expressions and equations while deepening understanding of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies, multi-step word problems, and real-world applications to promote strong mathematical reasoning and confidence.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Solving equations and absolute value equations
- Solving linear inequalities and compound inequalities
- Graphing linear functions and writing equations in multiple forms
- Modeling real-world contexts with linear equations
- Solving systems of equations (2 and 3 variables) and related word problems
- Factoring: trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1), special cases, grouping
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula
- Working with polynomials: operations, long division, and synthetic division
- Exploring polynomial functions and writing equations from given points
- Radical expressions: simplifying and multiplying
This course equips students with the skills and confidence needed for success in advanced math classes, standardized tests, and real-world problem solving.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS II course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Math MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II) course is the culmination of our Algebra I program and bridges into key Algebra II topics, offering students a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. Designed for advanced middle schoolers, this class challenges students with higher-level material and prepares them for future success in advanced mathematics.
Students will review and extend their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, and factoring, while also exploring more complex topics such as rational and radical expressions, conic sections, and polynomial functions. This course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application through real-world problems and multi-step exercises.
Math MS IV Topics Include:
- Linear Functions Review
- Writing the Equation of Lines
- Systems of Two Equations
- Solving Systems of Three Variables (with Elimination and Word Problems)
- Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
- Graphing Quadratic Functions (All Forms)
- Real-World Applications of Quadratics
- Factoring Polynomials
- Solving Quadratic and Nonlinear Equations
- Operating with Rational Expressions
- Complex Numbers and Complex Fractions
- Radical Expressions and Equations
- Writing Polynomial Functions
- Graphing and Writing Equations for: Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas
- Transformations of Quadratic and Absolute Value Functions
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have successfully completed our Math MS III course in the previous school year
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment prior to enrollment.
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
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- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
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- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
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- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
RUSSIAN VII-X
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Russian VII-X level courses are designed for children who want to strengthen their conversational Russian, refine their grammar and writing, and deepen their engagement with literature.
At this age, students are ready to explore more meaningful topics—but often find that their developing language skills limit their access to age-appropriate Russian texts. Students will read and discuss a wide range of texts—including poetry, prose, humorous school stories, novellas, absurd sketches, and documentary essays—while alternating between easy-to-read materials and more challenging works to build both skill and confidence.
To bring literature and language to life, students will also:
- Create art projects and visual interpretations of the texts they read
- Stage short skits and dramatizations to explore characters and dialogue
- Prepare and deliver mini-presentations or book talks in Russian
- Write and share original works, such as short stories or scripts
- Participate in collaborative projects to strengthen communication and teamwork
In addition to literature, the course includes a strong focus on grammar, spelling, composition, and speech etiquette, all woven into meaningful, real-world language use.
Join us for this dynamic, creative, and inspiring journey through Russian language and literature—and watch your child grow into a confident, expressive, and imaginative Russian speaker and reader.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
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- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS INTERMEDIATE I "KNIGHT EXPLORERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate I “Knight Explorers” course builds on foundational skills from beginner levels, advancing students’ chess knowledge and strategies. This course focuses on developing advanced tactics, strategic planning, and positional understanding.
Key Skills Covered:
- Understanding the three phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame
- Mastering advanced tactics like pins, forks, and skewers
- Learning the importance of pawn structure and piece development
- Recognizing and defending against common checkmate patterns
- Enhancing game mechanics, including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
- Practicing checkmating patterns with different pieces
Classes include board demonstrations, practical interactions, and playing matches under the instructor’s guidance. Students will also be invited to participate in chess tournaments to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Join us to enhance your chess skills and enjoy a challenging, engaging learning experience!
Prerequisites: This class is for children who have a strong command of basic chess moves and rules, including check, stalemate, and checkmate. Familiarity with castling and en passant is expected.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE II "CASTLE KEEPERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Chess Intermediate II “Castle Keepers” focuses on strengthening students’ tactical and strategic thinking while preparing them for deeper game analysis and more competitive play. This course introduces more advanced concepts and develops their ability to think several moves ahead.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Multi-move tactical combinations including discovered attacks, deflection, and removal of the defender
- Positional concepts: open files, outposts, weak squares, and space advantage
- Building and recognizing effective pawn structures
- Introduction to classical opening systems and responding to popular lines
- Intermediate endgames: king and pawn vs. king, opposition, and basic technique
- Notation and structured self-analysis of games
Students are placed into small skill-based groups when appropriate to tailor instruction. This level serves as a key stepping stone toward tournament preparation and strategic depth.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate I or demonstrated mastery of rules, basic tactics, and end-of-game procedures.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
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- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
CODING with SCRATCH ADVANCED (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Scratch Advanced course is designed for students who are ready to take their skills to the next level before advancing to more rigorous programming tracks like JavaScript or Python. In Scratch Advanced students will strengthen their understanding of core computer science concepts and apply them to build dynamic, interactive projects. Through hands-on lessons and a final Capstone project, students will gain greater confidence in writing structured code and problem-solving with Scratch.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Skills: Deepen understanding of variables, conditionals, loops, and logic through increasingly complex code structures.
- Custom Blocks & Functions: Learn to create reusable blocks of code to simplify and streamline large projects.
- Data Structures: Use lists and arrays to manage and manipulate sets of data.
- Parallel Execution & Events: Create scripts that respond to user inputs and broadcast messages in real-time.
- Sprite Animation & Cloning: Build more complex behaviors using clones, advanced animation techniques, and interactive elements.
- Game Mechanics: Design multi-level games with features like score tracking, lives, timers, and counters.
- Debugging & Testing: Develop strategies for identifying and fixing bugs, testing logic, and refining user experiences.
- User Interaction: Incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs for enhanced interactivity.
- Capstone Project: Apply all learned skills to design and develop an original, multi-stage game or interactive project.
Learning Approach:
- Structured & Supportive: Guided instruction with room for creative freedom.
- Paced for Mastery: Students advance through material at their own pace with instructor support.
- Review-Friendly: Professionally produced video lessons are available for home reinforcement.
- Creative Confidence: Emphasis on independence, logical thinking, and creative coding.
Who Should Enroll:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students: Ideal for students who completed Scratch Intermediate but would benefit from additional practice before moving on to more advanced programming.
- New Students: Recommended for students in grades 3–8 who have prior Scratch experience but have not yet mastered key coding concepts such as lists, custom blocks, and cloning. An assessment may be recommended.
CODING with SCRATCH BEGINNERS (GRADES 2-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
In our Scratch Beginners course, young learners are introduced to the exciting world of coding through Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language developed by MIT. This course teaches foundational programming concepts in a fun, accessible way—perfect for sparking creativity while building essential skills.
Using stackable code blocks, students will learn object-oriented programming principles as they design interactive stories, animated scenes, simple games, and even digital art. Along the way, they’ll master Scratch’s user-friendly interface and gain confidence with the key programming functions represented by each block.
These classes are built around Scratch, a project of the MIT Media Lab, which is a simple yet powerful programming language developed at MIT that uses color-coded blocks that appeal to young students. Scratch is the most popular language for young programmers, with about seven million users around the world.
What Students Will Learn:
- Creative Coding: Design interactive stories, games, and animations using Scratch’s visual block-based language.
- Programming Concepts: Master sequencing, loops, conditionals, and events through fun, hands-on projects.
- Scratch Interface Skills: Navigate the Scratch environment confidently; use sprites, sounds, and backdrops effectively.
- Debugging & Problem-Solving: Learn how to troubleshoot code and think like a programmer.
- Sharing & Presentation: Share projects with peers and family to build confidence and communication skills.
This course offers a balanced blend of technical skill-building and creative expression, helping students become confident problem-solvers and imaginative thinkers.
Why Coding Matters for Kids:
- Builds problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Strengthens computational thinking
- Encourages persistence and creativity
- Fosters digital literacy
- Provides a head start on a career-building skill
Recommended For:
This course is ideal for young beginners in grades 2–8 with little to no prior coding experience. It’s perfect for curious kids who enjoy storytelling, games, or digital art—and want to start learning how to create them through code in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us and let your child’s imagination come to life through the colorful, empowering world of Scratch coding!
CODING with SCRATCH INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 3-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Our Scratch Intermediate course is designed for students who have completed the introductory Scratch course and are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. In Scratch Intermediate, students will explore more advanced programming concepts such as custom blocks, variables, lists, and more complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.
Through hands-on projects, students will develop the ability to design more sophisticated games and animations, practice independent problem-solving, and begin to think more like real programmers. Emphasis is placed on integrating logic and creativity, allowing students to take more ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs
- Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction
- Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking
- Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence
- Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors
By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have previously completed our full Scratch Beginners (parts I-III) course
- New Students in grades 3–8 who are already familiar with Scratch, have mastered the use of basic blocks, and are ready to advance to more complex programming and game design
JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED: 3D ANIMATION, MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Advanced JavaScript Course for Teens: 3D Web, CSS Animation, Game Design & Machine Learning
Grades 5–10 | Full Academic Year Course
Unlock the full potential of JavaScript in this advanced, yearlong course for middle and high school students. Perfect for aspiring developers and digital artists, this hands-on class explores 3D web design, animation, machine learning, and advanced 2D game development using modern web technologies.
Semester 1: 3D Web Design with A-Frame & CSS Animation
In the fall semester, students expand their HTML and JavaScript skills by creating interactive 3D environments using the A-Frame JavaScript library. They experiment with physics attributes and 3D object behavior, ultimately designing their own immersive scene.
Next, students dive into CSS animation, learning how to create smooth, expressive web animations using advanced techniques like @keyframes. Through guided projects, students blend visual creativity with technical precision as they build engaging, animated designs entirely in HTML and CSS.
By the end of the semester, students master essential tools in modern web design—from dynamic 3D environments to polished, professional-level CSS animations.
Semester 2: Machine Learning & 2D Game Development
In the spring, students enter the world of machine learning with JavaScript using Google’s Teachable Machine and the ML5.js library. They train models to recognize and classify images, and apply those models in real web applications—like a browser-based image classifier.
The semester then shifts to JavaScript game design. Using the Document Object Model (DOM), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students code interactive 2D games and apps from scratch. Projects include:
- The Mad-Lib Webpage
- The Monty Game
- A Custom Trivia Game
Students gain the skills to build, modify, and publish their own JavaScript-based games and web applications.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Design and code interactive 3D scenes with A-Frame
- Build custom animations using pure CSS
- Understand the basics of machine learning and apply pre-trained models
- Develop original 2D games and web apps using DOM-based JavaScript
- Strengthen real-world coding skills through engaging, hands-on projects
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our JavaScript Intermediate course
- New students with strong prior experience in JavaScript coding and DOM manipulation
Ready to take your JavaScript skills to the next level?
Join us for a creative, cutting-edge coding journey into 3D web design, AI, and game development!
JAVASCRIPT BEGINNERS: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
JavaScript Beginners: Animation, Game Design & Web Development
Grades 4–10 | Full Academic Year
Introduce your child to the world of coding with our JavaScript Beginners course, designed for students who are ready to transition from block-based platforms like Scratch to real-world programming. Through fun, hands-on projects in animation, game development, and web design, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding in an engaging and creative way.
Using a beginner-friendly, block-based JavaScript platform, students build interactive animations, develop their own games, and design personal websites—laying a strong foundation for future coding courses and independent digital projects.
Semester 1: Animation with JavaScript
In the fall, students explore the world of animation by coding interactive art and stories. They:
- Create shapes and visual effects
- Add sound and movement
- Control sprites using mouse and keyboard inputs
- Learn core programming concepts like variables and conditional logic
Projects include interactive sticker cards and a final animated scene, giving students plenty of opportunities to bring their creativity to life.
Semester 2: Game Design & Web Development
In the spring, students apply their animation skills to game development. They:
- Build 2D games like side-scrollers, platformers, and flying games
- Learn game mechanics, collision detection, and physics
- Use state variables, loops, and functions to create interactive experiences
In the final weeks, students shift to web development, where they build and style their own personal webpages using HTML and CSS.
Course Highlights
- Creative Projects: Animations, original games, and a personal website
- Key Programming Concepts: Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, coordinates, and more
- Hands-On Learning: Student-driven coding in a supportive, engaging environment
- Intro to Web Design: Build and customize webpages using real coding tools
- Small Group Instruction: Personalized support in every class
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who completed Scratch Intermediate or Advanced
- New students in Grades 4–10 with Scratch or other block-based coding experience
- Students ready to bridge the gap between block-based and JavaScript-based programming through fun, creative projects
Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!
JAVASCRIPT INTERMEDIATE: ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (GRADES 4-10)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our JavaScript Intermediate Course: Complex Games, Data Structures & Interactive Web Apps is designed for students ready to expand their JavaScript skills through more complex coding structures, interactive web applications, and multi-stage game development.
Semester 1: Advanced Game Logic & Data Handling
Students will deepen their programming knowledge by learning to use arrays, objects, nested conditionals, and modular functions to build more advanced and interactive games. Projects include multi-stage platformers, strategy games with inventories, and timed challenge games. Students will also learn debugging strategies and techniques for optimizing code.
Semester 2: Interactive Web Applications & Capstone Project
In the second half of the course, students will apply their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills to create interactive web apps that go beyond basic webpages. They’ll build apps such as a dynamic quiz generator, a virtual to-do list, and a weather dashboard using real-time data from public APIs. The semester concludes with a capstone project, allowing students to design and code a custom game or app that showcases their skills.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Coding Concepts: Arrays, objects, nested logic, and modular functions
- Game Architecture: Multi-stage games, scoring, inventory systems
- App Development: Real-world web apps using DOM manipulation and APIs
- Capstone Project: Original student-designed app or game
- Personalized Instruction: Small group setting with expert guidance
Recommended For:
- Students who completed AlphaMinds JavaScript Beginners course
- Students in Grades 5–10 with foundational knowledge of JavaScript and HTML/CSS
- Coders ready to take on deeper challenges in logic and interactivity before exploring 3D, CSS animation, or machine learning
By the end of the course, students will be able to design and code interactive, multi-functional programs and games—giving them the confidence and skills to tackle the advanced world of 3D coding, animation, and AI in the next level.
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
-
- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
-
- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
ROBOTICS (GRADES 4-8)
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Thursday
Our Robotics course featuring the mBot Ranger kit offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to the world of robotics, engineering, and coding. Students will dive into the fundamentals of robotics as they build, program, and control their own mBot Ranger robot—gaining real-world STEM skills through creative, interactive challenges.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students actively assemble and program the mBot Ranger, experiencing firsthand how hardware and software work together.
- STEM Skill Building: Learn core concepts in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming in a fun, accessible format.
- Interactive Projects: Tackle real-world challenges like obstacle courses and task-based programming.
- Problem-Solving Focus: Strengthen analytical thinking and debugging skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
- Creativity & Innovation: Encourage inventive thinking and experimentation through project-based learning.
This Course is Recommended For:
- Students in grades 4–7 with prior experience in block-based coding platforms such as Scratch. Perfect for curious learners eager to explore robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities.
ESSAY WRITING MS I (GRADES 6-7)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Wednesday
Essay Writing MS I
Our Essay Writing MS I course is designed to equip middle school students with the tools and techniques needed to write clear, well-structured five-paragraph essays—essential for both academic success and standardized tests such as the ISEE and HSPT.
Through focused, step-by-step instruction, students will learn how to confidently craft argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory essays that showcase both strong content and polished style.
Key Skills Developed:
- Essay Mastery: Write effective argumentative, narrative, and informative essays with clarity and confidence.
- Organizational Structure: Understand and apply the classic five-paragraph format to structure ideas logically.
- Brainstorming & Planning: Use strategic pre-writing techniques to generate and organize strong ideas.
- Editing & Revising: Improve writing through careful editing for coherence, grammar, and precision.
Writing Enhancement:
-
- Descriptive Language: Enrich essays with vivid imagery and powerful word choices.
- Sentence Fluency: Use varied sentence structures and smooth transitions to create natural flow.
- Literary Devices: Strengthen writing with figurative language, including similes and metaphors.
Course Highlights:
-
- Targeted Practice: Assignments tailored to prepare students for middle school coursework and entrance exams.
- Supportive Environment: Encouragement and individualized feedback help students grow in skill and confidence.
- Creative & Academic Growth: Lessons blend creativity with academic rigor, fostering a well-rounded writing style.
By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to write compelling five-paragraph essays for school assignments and standardized assessments—and will have developed a strong foundation for high school-level writing and beyond.
Recommended For:
-
- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing II course
- New students in grades 6 and 7
ESSAY WRITING MS II (GRADES 7-8)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Our Essay Writing MS II (Grades 7–8) course is specifically designed to help students refine their writing voice, strengthen essay structure, and confidently tackle high-stakes writing assignments—including high school application essays.
Students will deepen their skills in crafting well-developed argumentative, narrative, and expository essays, while also learning to write compelling personal statements that reflect individuality and purpose. With an emphasis on structure, clarity, and audience awareness, this course will prepare students for the types of writing expected in selective high schools and beyond.
Key Skills Developed:
-
- High School Application Essays: Learn how to write authentic, persuasive personal statements and responses to application prompts.
- Advanced Essay Crafting: Refine five-paragraph essays with stronger introductions, thesis statements, and supporting details.
- Revision Strategies: Strengthen editing and revising skills to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
- Voice and Tone: Develop a more confident and mature writing voice appropriate for academic and personal essays.
Course Highlights:
-
- Focused Instruction: Lessons emphasize clarity, precision, and intentional word choice in writing.
- Audience Awareness: Understand how to tailor writing to different audiences and purposes.
- Real-World Writing: Practice writing prompts modeled on high school applications and academic assignments.
- Supportive Feedback: Students receive individual feedback to help them grow as confident and expressive writers.
By the end of the course, students will not only be well-prepared to write standout high school application essays but will also possess advanced writing skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.
Recommended For:
-
- AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Essay Writing MS I course
- New students in grades 7 and 8
MIDDLE / UPPER SCHOOL - GEOMETRY I
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday
Geometry – Year I Course: Introduction to Geometry
This is the first year of a comprehensive two-year Geometry course that covers the full scope of high school geometry. Meeting once per week over 32 weeks, this course emphasizes the study of properties and applications of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures.
Students will explore key geometric concepts through a combination of visual reasoning, logical deduction, and real-world problem solving. Inductive and deductive thinking are emphasized, along with foundational proof-writing techniques used to establish the properties of geometric figures. This course also introduces basic right triangle trigonometry and geometric transformations.
Topics Covered Include:
-
- Points, lines, planes, and angles: definitions, postulates, and relationships
- Angle relationships with parallel lines and transversals
- Triangle congruence: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and corresponding parts
- Perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes
- Similar figures: ratios, proportions, and similar triangles
- Right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Quadrilaterals and special parallelograms
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS I course or higher
- New students in grades 7–9 who have completed a Pre-Algebra course or higher. New students are encouraged to take our placement assessment to ensure proper placement. Please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request the test.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS I (Pre-Algebra)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Our Math MS I (Pre-Algebra) course is designed for students who have a deep understanding of foundational number concepts and are confident working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents—including the relationships among them.
This course focuses on applying these core concepts to real-world situations through increasingly complex word problems. Students will learn key problem-solving strategies and explore mathematical patterns in a fun, creative, and intellectually engaging environment. This class aims to develop flexible thinking and strengthen students’ ability to translate real-life scenarios into mathematical expressions and equations.
In addition to reinforcing school-based concepts, this course introduces new content that deepens number sense and prepares students for pre-algebra.
Topics Covered Include:
- Prime factorization, Least Common Multiple (LCM), and Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
- Fractions, decimals, and approximation
- Percent, rate, and ratio applications
- Operations with negative numbers and absolute value
- Algebraic properties: commutative, associative, and distributive laws
- Algebraic expressions and one-variable equations
- Translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them
- Speed, rate, and proportional reasoning
- Introduction to geometry: area and circumference of a circle, triangle and quadrilateral properties, complex area, perimeter, and volume problems
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math V course in the previous school year.
- New students in grades 6–8 who have not yet taken a Pre-Algebra course. New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS II (Introduction to Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Our Math MS II (Introduction to Algebra I) course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in Algebra and are ready to expand their skills with more advanced topics in algebra, introductory geometry, and logical problem solving. This course reinforces core algebraic principles while introducing more complex equations, functions, and geometric reasoning. Students will also encounter enrichment topics that deepen mathematical thinking and support success in competitive academic settings.
Topics covered include:
- Indices (Exponents)
- Radicals and rational expressions
- Algebraic manipulations and transformations
- Literal and quadratic equations (including completing the square and the quadratic formula)
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Fractional equations and inequalities
- Simultaneous linear equations
- Compound and system-based inequalities
- Rate, ratio, and percentage, including financial transaction problems
- Functions, sequences, and series
- Coordinate geometry: equations of circles, forming equations, parallel lines and angles
- Triangle geometry, congruence, and similarity
- Enrichment topics: Mathematical induction, combinatorics, Fibonacci sequence, and logical games
Throughout the course, students will develop logical reasoning, improve their problem-solving strategies, and gain confidence in working with multi-step word problems and abstract mathematical concepts. This course also helps prepare students for entrance exams to selective high schools.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS I course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS III (Algebra I)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: To be determined
Our Math MS III (Algebra I) course is a comprehensive Algebra I course that builds and expans on students’ prior knowledge of algebraic concepts. The course focuses on developing fluency with algebraic expressions and equations while deepening understanding of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies, multi-step word problems, and real-world applications to promote strong mathematical reasoning and confidence.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Solving equations and absolute value equations
- Solving linear inequalities and compound inequalities
- Graphing linear functions and writing equations in multiple forms
- Modeling real-world contexts with linear equations
- Solving systems of equations (2 and 3 variables) and related word problems
- Factoring: trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1), special cases, grouping
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula
- Working with polynomials: operations, long division, and synthetic division
- Exploring polynomial functions and writing equations from given points
- Radical expressions: simplifying and multiplying
This course equips students with the skills and confidence needed for success in advanced math classes, standardized tests, and real-world problem solving.
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Math MS II course in the previous school year.
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MATH MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Math MS IV (Advanced Algebra I / Intro To Algebra II) course is the culmination of our Algebra I program and bridges into key Algebra II topics, offering students a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. Designed for advanced middle schoolers, this class challenges students with higher-level material and prepares them for future success in advanced mathematics.
Students will review and extend their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, and factoring, while also exploring more complex topics such as rational and radical expressions, conic sections, and polynomial functions. This course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application through real-world problems and multi-step exercises.
Math MS IV Topics Include:
- Linear Functions Review
- Writing the Equation of Lines
- Systems of Two Equations
- Solving Systems of Three Variables (with Elimination and Word Problems)
- Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
- Graphing Quadratic Functions (All Forms)
- Real-World Applications of Quadratics
- Factoring Polynomials
- Solving Quadratic and Nonlinear Equations
- Operating with Rational Expressions
- Complex Numbers and Complex Fractions
- Radical Expressions and Equations
- Writing Polynomial Functions
- Graphing and Writing Equations for: Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas
- Transformations of Quadratic and Absolute Value Functions
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds Students who have successfully completed our Math MS III course in the previous school year
- New students are admitted by assessment. Please email info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment prior to enrollment.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
-
- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
RUBIK'S CUBE MASTER CLASS
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8
Days: Friday
Location: Hoboken
Crack the cube and unlock your problem-solving superpowers! In our Rubik’s Cube Master Class, kids will learn step-by-step methods to solve the classic 3×3 cube—and beyond—while building spatial reasoning, memory, and logical thinking.
Through hands-on practice, fun challenges, and friendly competitions, students progress from beginner techniques to advanced solving strategies. Along the way, they’ll strengthen focus, patience, and persistence—skills that go far beyond the cube.
By the end of the course, every student will be able to solve the cube independently, understand solving algorithms, and tackle new patterns with confidence. Whether your child wants to impress friends, compete in speedcubing, or just enjoy a satisfying mental workout, this class makes learning fun and rewarding!
Recommended Ages: 8–14 (no prior experience required!)
RUSSIAN VII-X
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8
Days: Saturday
Our Russian VII-X level courses are designed for children who want to strengthen their conversational Russian, refine their grammar and writing, and deepen their engagement with literature.
At this age, students are ready to explore more meaningful topics—but often find that their developing language skills limit their access to age-appropriate Russian texts. Students will read and discuss a wide range of texts—including poetry, prose, humorous school stories, novellas, absurd sketches, and documentary essays—while alternating between easy-to-read materials and more challenging works to build both skill and confidence.
To bring literature and language to life, students will also:
- Create art projects and visual interpretations of the texts they read
- Stage short skits and dramatizations to explore characters and dialogue
- Prepare and deliver mini-presentations or book talks in Russian
- Write and share original works, such as short stories or scripts
- Participate in collaborative projects to strengthen communication and teamwork
In addition to literature, the course includes a strong focus on grammar, spelling, composition, and speech etiquette, all woven into meaningful, real-world language use.
Join us for this dynamic, creative, and inspiring journey through Russian language and literature—and watch your child grow into a confident, expressive, and imaginative Russian speaker and reader.
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
-
- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
-
- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
-
- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS II (Pre-Calculus / Introduction to Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Math HS II – Intro to Calculus course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of Calculus, building a bridge between Pre-Calculus and college-level Calculus. Through a combination of theory, problem-solving, and real-world applications, students will explore the core ideas of limits, derivatives, and integrals—equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for advanced math studies.
Course Topics Include:
- Limits and Continuity: Understanding the behavior of functions at specific points and over intervals.
- Derivatives: Learning how to compute and interpret derivatives, including the rules of differentiation, applications in motion, optimization, and graph analysis.
- Integrals: Exploring the concept of area under a curve, antiderivatives, and basic techniques of integration.
- Applications of Calculus: Solving real-world problems involving rates of change, area, and accumulated quantities.
- Introduction to Differential Equations: Simple separable equations and their applications.
- Review of Essential Pre-Calculus Topics: Reinforcement of key algebraic and trigonometric skills as needed.
Course Highlights:
- Deepen mathematical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Prepare for AP Calculus or college-level Calculus
- Hands-on practice with conceptual and applied problems
- Supportive environment with individualized guidance
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our Math HS I course
- New students with strong backgrounds in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus (assessment required—please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
CHESS ADVANCED "QUEEN'S GAMBIT"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Chess Advanced “Queen’s Gambit” course is designed for highly motivated students aiming to compete at a strong tournament level and significantly raise their USCF rating. This course focuses on elite-level tactical execution, advanced strategic concepts, and psychological preparation for competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
- Complex tactics in practical settings: deflection, overloading, interference, and underpromotion
- Strategic planning and dynamic decision-making across all three phases of the game
- Deep opening repertoire development based on student style and tournament frequency
- In-depth positional evaluation and identification of imbalances
- High-level endgames: bishop + knight checkmate, Lucena and Philidor positions, triangulation, and conversion techniques
- Studying master-level games to understand advanced planning, execution, and critical moments
- Tournament readiness: time control strategies, scorekeeping, psychological focus, and rule adherence (touch move, etc.)
- Self-analysis and preparation routines for both online and over-the-board (OTB) events
This course is structured around advanced practice games, annotated analysis, and scenario-based tournament simulations.
Prerequisites: USCF rating of 1,000+ or equivalent strength. Completion of Intermediate IV or instructor recommendation.
CHESS INTERMEDIATE III "BISHOP QUEST"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate III “Bishop’s Quest” course is designed for students ready to refine advanced tactics, deepen strategic understanding, and enhance competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Mastering complex tactics: decoys, interference, and clearance
- Developing long-term strategic plans and pawn structure dynamics
- Advanced endgame techniques and theoretical endgames
- Expanding opening repertoire and handling unconventional openings
- Positional play and exploiting imbalances
- Analyzing famous games and personal game critique
- Tournament preparation and competitive play strategies
Classes involve board demonstrations, practical interactions, and match play under instructor guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in regional and national chess tournaments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate II or equivalent knowledge.
Duration: One school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
CHESS INTERMEDIATE IV "ROOK MASTERS"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Our Chess Intermediate IV ” Rook Masters” course is designed for students who have mastered core intermediate strategies and are now ready to push their chess skills to a more advanced level. This course focuses on deepening analytical thinking, advanced planning, and high-level competitive play.
Key Skills Covered:
-
- Applying complex tactical combinations in practical settings (e.g., deflection, overloading, and underpromotion)
- Deep strategic planning: outposts, space advantage, and dynamic imbalances
- Mastery of advanced theoretical endgames and practical endgame conversion
- Building a versatile and flexible opening repertoire tailored to personal style
- In-depth positional evaluation and long-term planning
- Advanced game analysis: famous master games and student self-analysis
- Tournament mindset: time management, preparation routines, and psychological readiness
Classes feature advanced board demonstrations, intensive guided analysis, and tournament-style match play. Students are strongly encouraged to compete regularly in USCF-rated regional and national tournaments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of Intermediate III or equivalent tournament-level experience.
Duration:
One school year (approximately 32–34 lessons).
Challenge yourself in a high-level, intellectually engaging environment designed for serious chess improvement!
PYTHON ADVANCED (GRADES 7-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Master Real-World Programming with Our Advanced Python Course for Middle and High School Students
Our Advanced Python Programming course is designed for students ready to go beyond the basics and tackle real-world challenges with Python. Tailored for teens in grades 7–12, this project-based class helps students think like software developers as they build advanced applications, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore topics in data science, machine learning, and web development.
Through hands-on learning, students deepen their understanding of Python and develop coding skills that align with real-world software engineering.
What Students Will Learn:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Create scalable programs using abstract classes, interfaces, and class hierarchies
- Data Management & Databases: Work with SQL, CSV, and JSON to store and manipulate data effectively
- Web Development with Flask: Build and deploy dynamic websites using Flask
- REST APIs: Design and integrate RESTful APIs into Python projects
- Data Science Tools: Analyze and visualize data with NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
- Intro to Machine Learning: Apply pre-trained models using scikit-learn to real datasets
- Software Architecture & Modular Design: Structure code for performance and maintainability
- Testing & Version Control: Write unit tests, debug efficiently, and manage projects with Git and GitHub
- Capstone Project: Complete an independent project to showcase your advanced Python skills
This advanced Python course is ideal for:
- Students in grades 7–12 who have completed a Python Intermediate course
- New students with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and core Python concepts
Why Choose This Python Class?
- Real-world coding experience
- STEM-focused curriculum
- Prepares students for high school and college-level computer science
- Taught by experienced coding instructors
- Small group or 1-on-1 class options available (in-person or online)
By the end of this advanced Python programming class, students will:
- Build full-stack applications
- Analyze and visualize complex datasets
- Develop confidence in software design
- Prepare for future studies in computer science, AI, or software engineering
PYTHON BEGINNNERS (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Friday
Our Python for Beginners course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of text-based programming using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
Through creative projects and interactive challenges, students will transition from block-based coding (such as Scratch) to real-world, syntax-based programming. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore foundational coding concepts while building their own games, animations, and visual programs.
Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn to:
-
- Create and Use Variables: Store and manipulate data with ease.
- Work with Core Data Structures: Understand and use lists, tuples, and dictionaries to organize information.
- Write Functions and Modules: Build clean, reusable code through modular design.
- Use Control Structures: Apply loops and conditionals to create logic-driven programs.
- Draw with Code: Explore computer graphics using Python’s Turtle module.
- Build Interactive Projects: Design games, animations, and simple graphical applications using Tkinter.
Along the way, students will build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming concepts and problem-solving techniques, preparing them for more advanced Python courses.
Whether your child dreams of developing games, designing apps, or diving into data science, this course is the perfect first step into the world of real-world coding.
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed JavaScript Advanced course
- New students in Grades 6 and up who have prior experience with a text-based language such as JavaScript
PYTHON INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-11)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Python Intermediate course is designed to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Python by introducing more advanced programming concepts and real-world applications. Through engaging, hands-on projects and practical coding challenges, students will deepen their understanding of Python, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and gain confidence working with more complex code structures. Python Intermediate serves as the next step for students ready to elevate their programming abilities and prepare for advanced topics in computer science.
Course Topics Include:
-
- Object-Oriented Programming: In-depth work with classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
- Data Structures: Mastering sets, dictionaries, and designing custom structures
- File I/O: Reading from and writing to files, including exception handling
- APIs and Libraries: Incorporating external Python libraries and using APIs to enhance functionality
- Advanced Algorithms: Designing and implementing more complex algorithmic solutions
- Debugging and Testing: Developing effective debugging strategies and learning basic test practices
- Project Development: Creating full-scale projects that apply learned concepts in creative and functional ways
By the end of the course, students will have gained strong command of intermediate-to-advanced Python concepts and the confidence to solve more sophisticated programming problems. This course serves as a critical step toward advanced coding, future computer science coursework, and real-world application development.
Join us to take your Python skills to the next level—deeper, broader, and more powerful than ever before!
Recommended For:
-
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed Python Beginners course
- New students with some prior Python coding experience
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 6 - 8, Grade 9-11
Days: Tuesday
Our Math HS I (Advanced Algebra II / Introduction to Pre-Calculus) course is a rigorous course designed for students who are ready to move beyond Algebra I and dive into the deeper and more complex world of advanced mathematics. Building on the foundation established in earlier courses, this class blends advanced Algebra II with a wide range of Pre-Calculus topics to prepare students for future coursework in Calculus, physics, engineering, and beyond.
Students will develop fluency with exponential and logarithmic functions, strengthen their trigonometry skills, and explore key concepts in analytical geometry, vectors, and matrices. The course also introduces students to the fundamental principles of calculus, such as limits, continuity, basic differentiation, and integration—providing a head start on AP or college-level courses.
Through a mix of problem-solving, graphing, and real-world applications, students will build both the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary for success in advanced math.
Enrollment Guidelines:
Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class during the previous school year.
-
- New Students are admitted by assessment. To request an assessment, please email us at info@alphamindsacademy.com.
UPPER SCHOOL - MATH HS II (Pre-Calculus / Introduction to Calculus)
Age Group: Grade 9-11
Days: Saturday
Our Math HS II – Intro to Calculus course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of Calculus, building a bridge between Pre-Calculus and college-level Calculus. Through a combination of theory, problem-solving, and real-world applications, students will explore the core ideas of limits, derivatives, and integrals—equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for advanced math studies.
Course Topics Include:
- Limits and Continuity: Understanding the behavior of functions at specific points and over intervals.
- Derivatives: Learning how to compute and interpret derivatives, including the rules of differentiation, applications in motion, optimization, and graph analysis.
- Integrals: Exploring the concept of area under a curve, antiderivatives, and basic techniques of integration.
- Applications of Calculus: Solving real-world problems involving rates of change, area, and accumulated quantities.
- Introduction to Differential Equations: Simple separable equations and their applications.
- Review of Essential Pre-Calculus Topics: Reinforcement of key algebraic and trigonometric skills as needed.
Course Highlights:
- Deepen mathematical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Prepare for AP Calculus or college-level Calculus
- Hands-on practice with conceptual and applied problems
- Supportive environment with individualized guidance
Enrollment Guidelines:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have completed our Math HS I course
- New students with strong backgrounds in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus (assessment required—please email info@alphamindsacademy.com)
LOGIC PRE-K (3-4 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Logic PreK course is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
-
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
-
- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Logic K course is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
-
- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
-
- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic K (Russian) course is part of our Russian Immersion program. It is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
-
- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
-
- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
READING I: PHONICS FOR EMERGING READERS (GRADES PREK–K)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Reading I “Intro to Phonics” class is designed to introduce young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten to the world of reading through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. The course lays the groundwork for strong early literacy by building essential phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and comprehension skills—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Key Learning Goals:
-
- Phonemic Awareness: Students will develop key skills such as sound and word discrimination, blending, phoneme deletion, and manipulation.
- Sight Words: Focused practice with high-frequency DOLCH sight words to build reading fluency and confidence.
- Comprehension: Engaging activities that strengthen listening and understanding, as well as the ability to make predictions and connections with texts.
Teaching Methods:
-
- Storytelling & Group Reading: Encourages imagination and builds vocabulary.
- Interactive Games: Reinforce concepts in a playful and memorable way.
- Small Group Activities: Foster collaboration and allow for personalized guidance.
Class Format:
-
- Small Group Setting: Ensures personalized attention and peer interaction.
- Experienced Instructor: Taught by a certified elementary school teacher with a specialization in early literacy.
- Schedule: Online classes meet twice a week; each session lasts 30 minutes. In-Person classes meet once a week; each session lasts 60 minutes
By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation for reading success—and, just as importantly, a lifelong love for books.
Level Placement:
- This course is ideal for children new to reading or reading at levels A–D.
- If you are unsure which level is best for your child, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
RUSSIAN PRE-K III “Познавайка”
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Preparing Preschoolers for Reading, Writing, and Beyond
At AlphaMinds Academy, we are committed to offering a rich and developmentally appropriate learning experience for older preschool children (ages 4–5). Our “Познавайка” program is designed as a preparatory step before Russian I (“Читайка”), combining educational structure with playful exploration to build a strong foundation for reading, writing, and confident language use in Russian.
Through a blend of interactive activities, storytelling, and movement, children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen early academic skills—all in a nurturing Russian-language environment.
Program Highlights:
- Alphabet Games
Play-based activities that help children become familiar with Russian letters and their sounds. - Fine Motor Skills
Hands-on exercises to prepare little hands for writing and improve coordination. - Role-Playing & Dramatic Play
Encourages creativity and language use through fun, imaginative scenarios. - Dialogues & Verbal Interaction
Develops conversational skills through guided discussions and peer interactions. - Story Retelling
Builds memory, sequencing, and storytelling skills—key components of reading comprehension. - Poetry & Rhythmic Language
Exposure to classic and age-appropriate Russian poems enhances speech rhythm and expression. - Exploration of the World
Themed lessons that introduce children to real-world topics, expanding their knowledge and curiosity. - Music & Movement Games
Promotes physical development and reinforces learning through rhythm, dance, and song.
This class lays the groundwork for early literacy and language confidence, supporting a smooth transition into formal reading instruction in Russian I (“Читайка”).
RUSSIAN PREK II “Развивайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK II “Развивайка” (3 – 5 л. )
рограмма “Развивайка” предлагается для детей для детей дошкольного возраста (от 3 до 5 лет) на русском языке! Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и развитие мышления, внимания, памяти и сенсорного восприятия . Дети также будут изучают русский алфавит и ознакомятся с азами чтения и письма на русском языке. Каждый урок построен в виде чередующихся блоков: интерактивных заданий, обыгрывания сказок и стихотворений, музыкальных перерывов, подвижных игр для всестороннего развития ребенка.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- развитие речи
- знакомство с буквами и звуками
- подготовку к обучению чтению
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN PREK III “Познавайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK III “Познавайка” (4 – 6 л. )
Программа “Познавайка” предлагается для детей старшего дошкольного возраста (от 4 до 5 лет) как подготовительная программа к классу “Читайка” (Русский I). Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и подготовки к чтению и письму на русском языке.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- игры с алфавитом
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- ролевые игры
- диалоги
- пересказы
- стихи
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
CHESS BEGINNERS "PAWN PATROL"
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Chess Beginners “Pawn Patrol” course is designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of chess, laying a strong foundation for their future growth in the game. This course is perfect for children with little to no prior knowledge of chess and aims to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling, games, and interactive activities.
Throughout the school year, students will develop essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging and interactive lessons:
-
- Understanding Chess Pieces and Moves
- Chessboard Familiarity
- Basic Chess Rules and Concepts such check, checkmate, stalemate and castling
- Game Mechanics of putting the opponent in “check”, using the C-P-R method to get out of check and how to checkmate and avoid stalemates
- Checkmate Patterns
- Opening Moves
- Tactical Awareness
- Phases of a chess game: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
In addition to learning chess, children will develop critical skills such as patience, persistence, logic, and reasoning.
Classes for younger students are taught in an interactive and playful manner. Part of each class involves board demonstrations, while the other part focuses on practical interaction (playing chess). The complete beginners course consists of three trimesters (Beginners I, II, and III) and is typically completed within one school year (approximately 32-34 lessons).
Join us for a year of fun, learning, and growth in the world of chess!
LOGIC PRE-K (3-4 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Our Logic PreK course is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
-
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Saturday
Our Logic K course is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
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- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
-
- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
READING I: PHONICS FOR EMERGING READERS (GRADES PREK–K)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Reading I “Intro to Phonics” class is designed to introduce young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten to the world of reading through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. The course lays the groundwork for strong early literacy by building essential phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and comprehension skills—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Key Learning Goals:
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- Phonemic Awareness: Students will develop key skills such as sound and word discrimination, blending, phoneme deletion, and manipulation.
- Sight Words: Focused practice with high-frequency DOLCH sight words to build reading fluency and confidence.
- Comprehension: Engaging activities that strengthen listening and understanding, as well as the ability to make predictions and connections with texts.
Teaching Methods:
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- Storytelling & Group Reading: Encourages imagination and builds vocabulary.
- Interactive Games: Reinforce concepts in a playful and memorable way.
- Small Group Activities: Foster collaboration and allow for personalized guidance.
Class Format:
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- Small Group Setting: Ensures personalized attention and peer interaction.
- Experienced Instructor: Taught by a certified elementary school teacher with a specialization in early literacy.
- Schedule: Online classes meet twice a week; each session lasts 30 minutes. In-Person classes meet once a week; each session lasts 60 minutes
By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation for reading success—and, just as importantly, a lifelong love for books.
Level Placement:
- This course is ideal for children new to reading or reading at levels A–D.
- If you are unsure which level is best for your child, please contact us at info@alphamindsacademy.com to request an assessment.
LOGIC K (4-5 yo)
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic K (Russian) course is part of our Russian Immersion program. It is designed to lay the foundation for strong math and thinking skills by helping children develop their reasoning, arithmetic, and critical thinking abilities through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This class promotes cognitive growth and introduces the essential skills needed for early success in both math and logic-based learning.
Ideal for students beginning formal math instruction, the course blends foundational arithmetic with creative problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and build confidence.
In our classes, children will learn:
-
- counting up to 100
- number patterns
- addition and subtraction within 20
- comparisons: greater/less/equal
- whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
-
- puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
- Venn diagrams
- logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
- special games that develop memory and attention
- sudoku with pictures and numbers
- and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
Recommended For:
- Returning AlphaMinds students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK course
- New students in Kindergarten who and ready to begin structured math and logic instruction
LOGIC PRE-K Class (3–4 yo)
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Our Logic PreK (Russian) course is part of our Russian immersion program. It is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build reasoning skills, and lay a strong foundation in early logic and math for our youngest learners. Through playful exploration and guided activities, children will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and early numeracy skills that will support their growth in school and beyond.
For many students, this will be their first introduction to logic, arithmetic, and structured thinking. Using engaging games, verbal and visual puzzles, and hands-on activities, children will explore essential concepts such as patterns, sequencing, analogies, and basic number sense—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In this course, children will learn:
- Ordinal numbers from 1st to 10th
- Recognition of basic geometric shapes
- Matching, sorting, and classification
- Patterns and sequences
- Analogies and associations
- Spatial orientation and positioning
- Symmetry
- Understanding of whole and parts
The math portion of this class is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curriculum, widely recognized for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Recommended For:
Children ages 3–4 who are ready for an engaging introduction to early logic, math, and critical thinking.
RUSSIAN I
Age Group: Grade 1 - 5, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
In our Russian I “Читайка” class, children take their first exciting steps into reading and writing in Russian! This class is perfect for young learners who are showing signs of readiness to begin literacy work—even if they don’t yet know the Russian alphabet. Through playful instruction, engaging activities, and interactive games, students quickly gain confidence and skills. In fact, by the end of the very first lesson, most children are already reading and writing their first words in Russian!
This immersive and joyful program builds a strong foundation in language, literacy, and communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Confidently read and write in printed Russian letters
- Create short stories based on pictures and personal ideas
- Engage in conversations on topics like:
Family, School, Fruits & Vegetables, People, Animals, Toys, Space, the Library, and the Museum - Pronounce a variety of tongue twisters with ease
- Recite Russian poems from memory
- Retell and act out beloved fairy tales
- Solve riddles, play language games, and explore creative thinking
- Produce and present their own “author’s books”
- Even help parents write shopping lists in Russian!
Class Readiness:
- We recommend this class for children ages 5 and up.
- Children younger than 5 may be admitted by teacher recommendation from “Развивайка” or “Познавайка”, or following a brief interview (for new students).
RUSSIAN MUSICAL THEATER I
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Where Imagination, Language, and Music Come Together!
Our Russian Musical Theater I class offers a joyful and immersive introduction to the world of performance for children ages 3 to 6. Through play-based activities, songs, movement, and role-playing, young learners express themselves creatively while building confidence and developing their conversational Russian.
This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and language exploration in a nurturing environment where every child is a star. With each session, children grow more comfortable speaking and performing in Russian—culminating in an adorable end-of-semester performance that celebrates their progress and creativity.
Children will:
- Explore characters and emotions through playful theatrical games
- Strengthen Russian speaking and listening skills in a fun, natural way
- Develop rhythm, coordination, and expression through music and movement
- Build social and communication skills through group interaction
- Gain confidence performing for others in a safe and supportive space
Join us on a magical journey of creativity and connection—where music, movement, and language come alive!
RUSSIAN PRE-K II “Развивайка”
Age Group: 1-3 Years Old, PreK - K
Days: Saturday
A Comprehensive Russian Immersion Experience for Preschoolers
At AlphaMinds Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning. Our “Развивайка” program is designed for preschoolers who are ready to deepen their Russian language skills while building strong foundations for academic and personal growth.
This thoughtfully structured program blends interactive learning, storytelling, music, movement, and play to promote well-rounded development—cognitively, linguistically, socially, and physically. Children will begin learning the Russian alphabet and develop early reading and writing skills in a warm, supportive environment.
Program Highlights:
- Speech & Language Development
Activities that expand vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and promote confident verbal expression in Russian. - Alphabet & Phonics
Introduction to letters, sounds, and syllables—building a strong foundation for future reading. - Reading Readiness
Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and pre-literacy skills prepare children for early reading in Russian. - Fine Motor Development
Hands-on exercises that strengthen finger and hand muscles to support writing and coordination. - Exploration & Discovery
Guided activities that introduce children to the natural and social world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. - Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm games, and active play that support physical development and enhance learning through movement. - Each class features alternating blocks of quiet and active activities, including storytime, poems, music breaks, sensory tasks, and group games—creating a dynamic and joyful learning experience.
RUSSIAN PRE-K III “Познавайка”
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: Saturday
Preparing Preschoolers for Reading, Writing, and Beyond
At AlphaMinds Academy, we are committed to offering a rich and developmentally appropriate learning experience for older preschool children (ages 4–5). Our “Познавайка” program is designed as a preparatory step before Russian I (“Читайка”), combining educational structure with playful exploration to build a strong foundation for reading, writing, and confident language use in Russian.
Through a blend of interactive activities, storytelling, and movement, children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen early academic skills—all in a nurturing Russian-language environment.
Program Highlights:
- Alphabet Games
Play-based activities that help children become familiar with Russian letters and their sounds. - Fine Motor Skills
Hands-on exercises to prepare little hands for writing and improve coordination. - Role-Playing & Dramatic Play
Encourages creativity and language use through fun, imaginative scenarios. - Dialogues & Verbal Interaction
Develops conversational skills through guided discussions and peer interactions. - Story Retelling
Builds memory, sequencing, and storytelling skills—key components of reading comprehension. - Poetry & Rhythmic Language
Exposure to classic and age-appropriate Russian poems enhances speech rhythm and expression. - Exploration of the World
Themed lessons that introduce children to real-world topics, expanding their knowledge and curiosity. - Music & Movement Games
Promotes physical development and reinforces learning through rhythm, dance, and song.
This class lays the groundwork for early literacy and language confidence, supporting a smooth transition into formal reading instruction in Russian I (“Читайка”).
RUSSIAN PREK II “Развивайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK II “Развивайка” (3 – 5 л. )
рограмма “Развивайка” предлагается для детей для детей дошкольного возраста (от 3 до 5 лет) на русском языке! Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и развитие мышления, внимания, памяти и сенсорного восприятия . Дети также будут изучают русский алфавит и ознакомятся с азами чтения и письма на русском языке. Каждый урок построен в виде чередующихся блоков: интерактивных заданий, обыгрывания сказок и стихотворений, музыкальных перерывов, подвижных игр для всестороннего развития ребенка.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- развитие речи
- знакомство с буквами и звуками
- подготовку к обучению чтению
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
RUSSIAN PREK III “Познавайка” - RUSSIAN
Age Group: PreK - K
Days: To be determined
РУССКИЙ PREK III “Познавайка” (4 – 6 л. )
Программа “Познавайка” предлагается для детей старшего дошкольного возраста (от 4 до 5 лет) как подготовительная программа к классу “Читайка” (Русский I). Наши уроки нацелены на обогащение речи, расширение кругозора и подготовки к чтению и письму на русском языке.
Комплексные занятия включают в себя:
- игры с алфавитом
- укрепление руки и подготовка к письму
- ролевые игры
- диалоги
- пересказы
- стихи
- познание явлений окружающего мира
- музыкальные и подвижные игры
