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IEA Academy provides students in Kindergarten through 8th grade with advanced enrichment classes that promote exploration and application of knowledge. Courses provide compelling content and appropriate challenges taught at a flexible pace with small classes by highly qualified, dedicated professionals.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2023!
FALL 2023 SESSION – IN PERSON & ONLINE

IEA Academy is excited to offer a robust schedule of both in-person and online courses for the Fall 2023 session.

In-person classes are held at our Learning Center in Pasadena Monday through Saturday in 90 minute meetings. Classes are offered afterschool as well as throughout the day on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Online classes are held throughout the week in live online video sessions for 60 minute lessons.

IEA is committed to providing the best possible Academy program for your family. All courses will offer hands-on learning and high-level content that fit with IEA’s mission to serve the whole gifted child. In an effort to provide compelling classes, we are committed to maintaining small and intimate classes sizes for both online and in-person courses.

Tuition assistance is available for families in need.

FALL 2023 Dates
Session Dates: Monday, September 18 to Saturday, December 16
No class November 20 to November 25 (Thanksgiving Break)
 
Early Bird Application Deadline: Monday, August 14, 2023
Final Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE!

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to qualified applicants.

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE

Click a course block for details!

Showing All
In-Person Classes
Online Classes
Ages 6 to 8
Ages 8 to 10
Ages 10 to 14
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
Monday
Monday
Musical Math
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Music and math may seem like an odd couple, but they actually have a lot in common! This course will allow students to explore the intersection of these two disciplines through creative, hands-on activities that enhance computation, spatial reasoning, and creative problem solving… as well as unleashing musical self-expression! Music topics will include note values, meter, tempo, scales, intervals, harmonics and more. Whether you are a budding musician, or simply interested in new ways to exercise your math chops, music and math will soon be your forte!

Voice Acting
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In-Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Discover the world of voiceover acting with instructor Michael Rivkin, a seasoned professional known for his roles as Mr. Galvin in “Big Nate” and Rooster in “Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny” among others. In this comprehensive course, you’ll acquire essential skills to become a versatile voiceover actor, capable of narrating novels, bringing cartoon characters to life, and learning what it takes to be the voice of brands like Geico or Coke. Under Michael’s guidance, you’ll master vocal exercises that transform your voice into a high-quality instrument. Whether you aspire to create captivating characters or excel as an announcer, narrator, or salesperson, this class will equip you with the tools needed to pursue a successful voiceover acting career. Join us this fall and delve into the captivating world of Voiceover Acting!

Chemistry Lab
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
How do the 118 elements of the periodic table combine and react to create the world around us? Students in this class will be introduced to what makes up the universe and how the most important chemistry discoveries were made by exploring the properties of matter, atomic structure, acids and bases, electrochemistry, types of reactions, and chemical bonds. Through hands-on experimentation, engaging discussion, and examination of groundbreaking chemists throughout history, students will become comfortable predicting reactions and carrying out the scientific method to explain their outcomes. Mastery will be demonstrated by a presentation explaining the work of a past or present chemist of your choice to your classmates.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

Tuesday
Tuesday
Page One: Creative Writing
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Welcome to Page One, where writing springs from imagination! This course will draw inspiration straight from the stories, poems, lyrics and even comic books that students love most. Through short reading and writing exercises, students will learn how word choice, syntax, rhythm and rhyme bring setting, characters and plot to life. Interactive games and creative projects will build skills and confidence through exploration, experimentation and play. Mastery will be demonstrated by the creation of a short written work in the student’s genre of choice, which illustrates independent thinking and progress in reading, writing, and verbal expression.

Physics of Roller Coaster Design
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
The sit-down, stand-up, inverted, and pipeline are just a few types of roller coasters engineered to be exhilarating and terrifying all at once. But what brings riders back again and again? Students will explore the principles that make roller coasters so thrilling, including inertia, gravity, centripetal forces, and the conversion of potential to kinetic energy. By applying these laws to the analysis, design, and manufacture of rides, students will discover how material science has led to faster and more complex coasters over time, from the switchback of 1809 to Wonder Woman’s Golden Lasso in Six Flags Texas. Mastery will be demonstrated by students’ ability to analyze the motion of gravity-driven coasters and by the creation of models that illustrate concepts covered.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: This class requires a $30 materials fee.

The 6th Mass Extinction
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
In this course, students will explore the profound consequences of human activity on rising extinction rates, which are surpassing natural levels by 1,000 to 10,000 times. Together the class will investigate five historical mass extinctions triggered by Earth system shifts and students will engage in debates on positive and negative impacts of species loss. They will further develop their critical thinking skills by identifying and analyzing how human activity affects the rates of extinction and considering whether humans have a responsibility to take action to counteract the harm done to the environment. Mastery will be demonstrated by students creating an action plan to inform and mobilize others to preserve Earth’s biodiversity.

It's Elemental!
Location
Online
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Elements abound from aluminum to zirconium.  The periodic table organizes every element that exists – and those that have yet to be discovered!  There’s a story behind each and every one of them.  Some are part of our day-to-day lives.  Some not.  What are elements made up of?  What makes an element an element?   Students will explore the background, history, purpose, structure, interpretation of the symbols and the structure of the periodic table. There’s so much to learn in so little a time! 

Wednesday
Wednesday
How to Eat a Poem
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
In this course that draws on writing exercises developed by legendary poet and teacher Kenneth Koch, students will explore the five senses through the art of poetry. Together we will write Color Poems, Noise Poems, Comparison Poems, Wish Poems, and many more poems combining various strategies for entering into the world of writing. This class will encourage students to write freely and creatively, and develop an appreciation for the infinite possibilities that arise when we begin to play with language. Students will read and listen to poems by Mary Oliver, Shel Silverstein, Joy Harjo, and more. We will also explore visual modes of art-making that complement our literary adventures. At the end of our 12 weeks, student work will be compiled into an anthology they can take home.

Spelling Rules as Tools II
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Without the help of spellcheck, it can be easy to feel lost in letters! In this class, students will learn mnemonic devices and rhymes that make spelling fun – and more accurate! Rules will include the ubiquitous “I before E, except after C” and tips for spelling words like “friend” (“Your friend is your friend till the END, so the word ends with END”) as well as many others. Topics will also include etymology, covering Greek and Latin roots, and how to use their newfound knowledge to expand vocabulary and aid in reading comprehension. Spelling Rules as Tools I is not required as a prerequisite.

Words Can Change the World
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Humans have been communicating their ideas and beliefs using their voices for thousands of years. Even with our technology, a human speaking is the most powerful persuasive tool there is. Presenting ideas and opinions orally is a skill essential to most careers and educational situations. In this class, students will examine the records of words that have shaped cultures, from political speeches to literature and drama, and learn what historical effects they had. Then students will practice in order to grow more comfortable with oral presentation, beginning with very short fragments and gradually extending the length of the document they will read aloud.

Relax! Yoga and Other Calming Tricks
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Big emotions can be tricky for kids. In this class we will learn tools and concrete actions we can take in those moments of anxiety and stress. Yoga poses and deep breathing are very effective for self-calming. We’ll learn how to use the five senses to center oneself and return to a state of relaxation. Methods include practical mantras and counting tricks. This class will help kids learn how to “grab the reins” and conquer that runaway horse of emotions.

Space and UFOs
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Do you ever gaze into the starry night and wonder, “is there intelligent life outside our own galaxy?” Do you want to know more about UFOs and how sightings described as green fireballs, ghost rockets and ships in the sky can be explained? Are you fascinated by the wonders of space and technological advancements in space travel? In this class, students will explore what is fact, what is fiction, and what remains a mystery through inquiry-based discussion, creative problem-solving and hands-on projects to get closer to the age-old question of “what is out there?”

Decoding Media
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
In the 21st century we are all bombarded by media, whether TV news, political propaganda, or commercial advertisements. It has become increasingly difficult and time-consuming to determine the truth behind the noise. In this class, students will learn the 5 core concepts of media messages and practice applying them. We will discuss and analyze different examples of media messages, determining their embedded values and points of view and how they are intended to gain profit or power. Students will design their own messages, and explain their target audience, media plan, and how this message will achieve their goal to attain profit or power.

Alien Evolution
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Welcome to the fascinating world of speculative evolution! Armed with information about a planet (or system of planets), students will create creatures that would evolve to thrive in that alien environment and come up with a web of life/food chain for these creatures. Each class meeting in this course will represent the passage of 500 million years and students will speculate how their ecosystem of imaginary creatures would change and evolve during these spans of time. As the course unfolds, students will bring their creatures to life, creating original artistic renderings (drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) In the final weeks, the timeline will accelerate involving the evolution of intelligence, technology, civilization, and culture, and the course will culminate with an art exhibit of all the creatures and entities that the students created. Join us on this exciting adventure, where the only limitation is the vastness of the cosmos itself!

Poets and Players: A Poetry and Drama Workshop
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
In this workshop-style class, students will use poetry and drama as a springboard for exploring myriad ways in which language is communicated. Through experimentation in haiku, cinquain, free verse, theater games and improvisational skits, students will gain confidence in their own creative process and learn strategies to communicate with greater fluency. Mastery will be shown by the making of a book of personal poetry written during the workshop.

First Contact
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Course Description
What would you do if you and your scientific team were tasked with communicating with beings from another planet? Alternatively, what would you do if you and your alien community were suddenly visited by a group of curious, inquiring humans? This role-playing course will give students background in the engineering and science needed to work their way through various first-contact scenarios. Aliens and humans will have to decide whether to cooperate or clash — but only once they’ve learned how to communicate with each other! Students must be active independently and in teams to problem-solve how to anticipate the actions of intelligences very unlike their own. Students will learn the simple design program Tinkercad to mockup 3D designs of aliens, interstellar starships, extraterrestrial habitats and more. Student-designed 3D models will be printed at IEA’s Learning Center. Mastery will be demonstrated when students exhibit problem-solving skills and empathy to save human and alien civilizations.

Comics and Graphic Storytelling
Location
Online
Time
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Comics and graphic novels, or sequential art, have become some of the most accessible and engaging media for storytelling in the world. This course will provide students with the tools necessary to carefully balance art and language to construct narratives that bring their original characters and stories to life. Students will learn and apply elements of creation unique to visual storytelling, including drawing and inking techniques, character design, narrative rules, sequencing, page layout, text distribution, and more! By the end of the course, students will have completed a full-length comic, and they will have a roadmap to continue on to even longer visual stories. A list of recommended art supplies will be provided upon enrollment in the course, however, students can successfully participate in the class even with plain blank paper and markers they already have at home.

Food Science
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Are you hungry to explore science through hands-on experiments using food you might find in your fridge or pantry? In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, microbiology and more as they investigate how common household ingredients can be combined to yield interesting and surprising results. This class will offer a fresh batch of experiments for students who have taken Kitchen Chemistry 1 and 2, as both new and returning students are welcome to join. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the scientific method to projects using hypothesis, experimentation, observation, analysis, conclusion and discussion. Get ready to put your chef hat and lab coat on for some kitchen-meets-the lab fun!
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Science Fiction Writing
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Imagine aliens arriving on Earth, AI surpassing human intelligence, and humans gaining the ability to teleport. In the world of science fiction, writers often explore these possibilities by starting with the question, “What if…?” In this course, students will learn the craft of storytelling within the sci-fi framework. Through a fusion of various disciplines and writing techniques, they’ll craft imaginative yet scientifically plausible narratives. Worldbuilding and original sci-fi concepts will be influenced by history and the physical sciences. Psychology will aid in character development and writing compelling dialogue, while the study of literature and story arcs will lay the foundation for creative writing. The class will adopt a workshop-style approach, allowing students to write, share their stories, and receive feedback from peers, and will culminate with an anthology of all the students’ captivating stories, giving life to the “What if…” questions that ignited their imaginations and challenge the boundaries of possibility.

Electronic Wizardry
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Do you want to learn how to use basic electronics to create wizarding tools, like an animal familiar or a wand that lights up in response to what it senses? This course will teach you how to use the Micro:bit, a specialized microprocessor that has sensors to detect acceleration, sound, light, and more, and the ability to light up patterns on a small display. The students will build several different projects around their Micro:bit during the course, including one that has a part that moves, one that lights up, and perhaps some efforts to make projects communicate with each other or work in tandem. Some programming background (in C, Python, Arduino, etc) will be helpful but not absolutely required. Students may be asked to bring a hat, belt, fabric scraps etc to enhance their creations. Mastery will be demonstrated by programming and testing these projects.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $40 materials fee is required.

Showing All
In-Person Classes
Online Classes
Ages 6 to 8
Ages 8 to 10
Ages 10 to 14
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
Thursday
Thursday
Robotics: Get Rolling!
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
What exactly is a robot, and how does it work? Armed with their own Sphero Mini robots, students will dive into the thrilling realm of robots and unleash their inner engineer and coder! Students will develop complex thinking, cooperation, and problem-solving skills as they tackle challenges in this fun, hands-on class. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the building and coding skills learned in class.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $55 materials fee is required for the purchase of a Sphero Mini robot that students will take home at the end of the course.

AquaVenture: Dive Into the Science of Water
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
In this course, students will embark on a journey to understand the dynamic balance of water that sustains life on Earth. Beyond the water cycle, they will delve into the fascinating realm of water’s scientific wonders. From the mesmerizing phenomenon of evapotranspiration, where water defies gravity, to the delicate surface tension enabling insects to stroll on water, students will explore the secrets of H2O through lab experiments and will demonstrate their observations and understanding through a final presentation.

Journalism
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Students in this class will learn to think and communicate as journalists, observing the world around them to uncover stories inspired by their passions and interests. Guided by the principles of the Journalist’s Creed, students will learn how to communicate their findings in print, online or broadcast media and across a variety of journalistic forms including investigative, watchdog, opinion, entertainment and more! By digging into the who, what, when, where, why and how of their chosen topics, students will develop their critical thinking skills and expand upon their research tools to communicate effectively with their audience.

Fantastic Worlds: Creative Writing
Location
Online
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Have you ever read a book and wished you could walk around in the world it created? From Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, a great fantasy or sci-fi series can change even how we look at the real world around us. In this class, we’ll be looking at these series, figuring out what makes them so engaging, and using those tools in our own writing. We’ll write our own parodies and spin-offs of our favorite stories, and work on developing our own fantastic worlds. Through learning writers’ secrets, we’ll find out how to banish writer’s-block, support our fellow authors, and bring people into our stories the same way the best fantasy authors do.

Friday
Friday
STEM Building
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
This course will allow students to draw conclusions about complex physics concepts by designing, building, and testing structures according to many different challenges. For example, students will learn about aerodynamics by comparing paper airplane designs, acceleration and air resistance by measuring the drop time for various parachute designs, and momentum by building a structure to protect an egg from a two-story fall. This course will allow students to not only hone their math and engineering skills, but also to channel their creativity and practice collaboration and teamwork.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

Fashion Design I
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Step into the captivating world of apparel design, where fabric becomes a canvas for creativity and expression. It’s not just about covering and protecting ourselves; it’s a reflection of attitudes, innovations, and the pulse of our communities. In this unique course, students will embark on a journey of discovery, diving into the art of researching trends, ideating cutting-edge designs, and crafting a mini collection tailored to a specific consumer and brand. From sketches and mood boards to logo design, patternmaking, and garment construction, every step in the process will unlock the magic of fashion creation. The best part? No sewing machine is required, and previous sewing experience is not needed. It’s time to let your imagination and ideas soar in the world of fashion!

Electrifying Creations
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Electrifying Creations is an engaging and hands-on course that explores the world of electronics and creativity. Through the use of motors, sensors, and LEDs, participants will embark on a journey to construct mesmerizing moving and light-up projects. The course begins with a set of guided projects, allowing learners to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of circuits. They will then unleash their imagination to design personalized creations.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $30 materials fee is required.

Math Quest: Adventures in Math Circle
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
We’re off on a journey of math exploration with our young adventurers. We’ll bring the number system to life through delightful games, puzzles, and mathematical art. Develop critical thinking and teamwork skills while uncovering higher-order mathematical ideas. Let curiosity thrive; discover the joy of creative problem-solving and the wonders of mathematics!

Leave Your Sleep: Creative Writing
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Enter the world of sleeping giants, river raft adventures, and brave young hearts! Through music, literature and art, there is no nodding off in this creative writing class inspired by the curriculum, Leave Your Sleep for Education. Students will explore a short literary work through its musical interpretation, then apply newly acquired skills, perspectives, and problem-solving strategies to their own written work. This Writers Workshop-style class will encourage students to experiment with word choice, syntax, rhythm, and rhyme to bring fresh possibilities to character development, setting, and plot. Mastery will be demonstrated by the creation of a short written piece in the students’ genre of choice which illustrates independent thinking and progress in reading, writing, and verbal expression. LYSFE is an initiative created by Gifted Support Center, Inc. that provides arts and music curriculum for elementary school children and serves as a supplement to the Leave Your Sleep publication by Natalie Merchant and the children’s author Barbara McClintock.

Fashion Design II
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
Ignite your passion for creativity and precision in this course where artistry meets technical expertise! Students will unveil the artist within as they design and construct sample prototypes and evaluate them for their aesthetic, functionality, and marketable potential. From sketching to patternmaking and sewing, students will breathe life into their visions while learning basic construction techniques using a sewing machine provided by the instructor. Get ready to embark on a journey where innovation knows no limits and creativity takes center stage! Fashion Design I is not required as a prerequisite.

Maker Art History
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Humans have been making art for at least 30,000 years! Ever since those early cave paintings, art has been an important presence in cultures around the world, from the pyramids of Ancient Egypt and sculptures in Ancient Greece to tapestries in the Middle Ages and ceremonial masks in Africa. In this class, students will explore the great works of well-known painters and sculptors and these artists’ biographies, explanations of techniques, and what inspired them to make art. Students will then create their own multi-media works of art inspired by artistic movements and styles, including pointillism, surrealism, abstract expressionism, and more!
MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $25 materials fee.

Build it Better: Engineering Challenges for Creative Thinkers
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
Welcome, Innovators! Engage your creativity with the captivating world of problem-solving and hands-on exploration. Throughout this course, you’ll engineer innovative solutions to fun, quick challenges as well as immerse yourself in captivating multi-day projects that will push your imagination to new heights.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $10 materials fee.

Beginning Ukulele
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
In this course, ukulele will be the tool for diving into the wonderful world of music! Students will get comfortable with chord progressions and strumming patterns and apply these skills to learning songs like Let It Be by The Beatles, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish, and more! We’ll also explore music history and music theory through class discussions, games, performance videos, and other activities. No need to fret about your musical background, all aspiring musicians are welcome to join!
MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $75 materials fee for a ukulele kit (including instrument, bag, strap, and tuner) that students will take home at the end of the course.

Saturday
Saturday
The Math Kitchen
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Learn about fractions through edible math in this integrated (reading, writing, math, cooking) unit. Students explore fractions and food to learn concepts like equivalent fractions, mixed numbers and improper fractions. Through authentic problem solving with popular, kid-friendly recipes, students learn to multiply and divide fractions and work with ratios. Students will scale recipes to a large amount and an individual portion to create a class e-cookbook with “Monster Recipes” and “Dinner for One” recipes. Of course, we will cook the monster version of a recipe too!
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Fungi Fun
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Age Range
6 to 8

Course Description
Calling young mycologists! Come and explore the ancient origins of fungi and amazing ways that fungi could save our planet for future generations. Through experiments and field science, students will explore different ways that fungi can be both helpful and harmful, then come up with their own ideas for fungi-based inventions.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Manga Illustration
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
In this course, students will learn how to draw people and animals in Japanese-style comics (manga) as well as how to draw characters in different genres of Japanese Manga such shojo, shonen, adventure, kodomo, and so on. Students will ultimately create their own short manga using their own vision and design. The course will also survey the history of manga including the artists, genres, and works of manga produced in Japan and trace the historical antecedents of manga from ancient Japan to today. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $30 materials fee is required.

Paleontology
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Age Range
8 to 10

Course Description
In this course, students will study various topics within the field of paleontology, such as the origin of life, evolutionary radiation and extinctions, fossil preservation, paleoecology, isotope analysis, and key innovations. This class will draw elements from physics, biology, botany, ecology, chemistry, and geology—and will reveal how all these fields are entwined in Earth’s geological past as demonstrated by fossil records. Students will explore how the physical remains of organisms and traces of their behavior are incorporated into the geologic record as well as how paleontologists determine geological ages and ancient environments. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

The Power of Speech and Debate
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Age Range
10 to 14

Course Description
This course is for the student who desires to express themselves effectively and confidently in any situation, socially or academically. Students will develop and improve their public speaking, argumentative, and critical-thinking skills through their presentation and participation in several in-class speeches and debates. We will explore and research a variety of formats, including educational and persuasive speeches, Lincoln-Douglas debate, cross-examination, and academic debate. In addition, students will develop their ability to critique, analyze, and question speeches and debates delivered by others. Mastery will be demonstrated through the development and presentation of an independent speech and participation in a group debate. Students will be invited to choose their topic matter for speeches and debates appropriate for a classroom setting.

To download a PDF version of the Fall Academy schedule, click below. 

To be notified when information about new Academy sessions becomes available, please sign up for our email list and indicate an interest in Academy.

FALL 2023 TUITION
  • 90 Minute In-Person – $650 for 18 hours of instruction
  • 60 Minute Online – $375 for 12 hours of instruction

Materials

Some additional materials fees and supply purchases may apply and will be listed in the course description. A full supplies list will be provided in the syllabus upon your child’s confirmed enrollment.

Fall 2023 Discounts

  • Multiple class discount: $20 off for each additional class
  • Early bird discount: $20 off total tuition for enrolling by August 14
  • Sibling discount: $20 – Siblings enrolled in the same session will receive $20 off each student’s total tuition
  • Referral discount: $20 off total tuition for both referred and referring families

FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE!

In an effort to ensure all qualified families have access to programming, IEA has increased our overall financial aid packages for families in need.

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to qualified applicants. Please click here to fill out a Financial Aid Request form to receive IEA’s Financial Aid materials.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

Tuition may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or check (made payable to Institute for Educational Advancement).

As soon as your child’s courses are confirmed with the minimum number of enrolled students, a $75 enrollment deposit per confirmed course is due. Enrollment deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable should your child withdraw their enrollment prior to or after the first class meeting. The remaining tuition balance less the deposit amount and applied discounts will be posted to your account and due after the first class meeting. There are no refunds for withdrawals after the second class meeting.

If you will be paying tuition in part or in full using charter school funds, please contact us at academy@educationaladvancement.org. IEA is an approved vendor with many charter schools, including:

  • Blue Ridge (part of Inspire Charter Schools)
  • Golden Valley
  • iLead
  • Sage Oak
  • Sky Mountain
  • Ocean Grove
  • Compass
  • Epic
“We couldn’t have imagined a more ideal learning environment: one that combines high level academics with instructors who are consistently interested and nurturing.”

–– Academy Parent

Classes for gifted children
Institute for Educational Advancement - Connecting bright minds; nurturing intellectual and personal growth

“WE DO UNIQUE, FUN EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO FURTHER OUR UNDERSTANDING OF DEMANDING CONCEPTS, SUCH AS CREATING A DIAGRAM OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM MADE OUT OF DIFFERENT FOOD ITEMS TO HELP DEMONSTRATE EACH PLANET’S QUALITIES.”

– – Academy Student

“THE CLASSES AT IEA ARE CONTENT RICH. THIS IS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU NEED TO FEED AN INTELLECTUALLY HUNGRY STUDENT WHO THRIVES ON LEARNING.”

–– Academy Student

Institute for Educational Advancement - Connecting bright minds; nurturing intellectual and personal growth

Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010

Website: www.acswasc.org

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