Elementary Enrichment Classes for Kids

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Give your child a head start in programming with this foundational JavaScript course for kids and teens—where creativity meets code!

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.

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.

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).

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!

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:

• • 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.

 

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.

 

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!

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).

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!

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:

• • 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.

 

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.

 

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!