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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 2024!

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FALL 2024 SESSION – IN PERSON & ONLINE

IEA Academy is excited to offer a robust schedule of both in-person and online courses for the Fall 2024 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 in-person and online courses.
 
Tuition assistance is available for families in need.

FALL 2024 DATES

Session Dates: Monday, September 16 to Saturday, December 14
(No classes Monday, November 25-Saturday, November 30 for fall break.)
 
Early Bird Application Deadline: Monday, July 22, 2024
Final Application Deadline: Monday, August 19, 2024
Tuition Assistance Application Deadline: Monday, August 26, 2024
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE!

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

“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

FALL 2024 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
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
Monday
Monday
Intro to Microbiology
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Summer Ebs

Course Description
Microbes are everywhere! They turn milk into cheese, make bread rise, and live in the stomach where they help digest food. In this course, students will explore different types of microbes and how they grow and multiply. We will learn the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, explore bacterial multiplication through a bacterial culture experiment, study the different types of fungi and their shape, structure, and growth, and more!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Electronics: Voltage, Currents, and Circuits
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Richard Krejcir

Course Description
Electronics, smartphones, and computers are ubiquitous, and this hands-on class will teach students how they actually work! Students will explore the basic principles of electronics and conduct experiments using manipulatives to understand voltage, amperes, watts, and ohms. We’ll learn about photoresistors, servos, oscillators, and students will work with solderless breadboards to develop prototype electronics and test circuit designs.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Cardiology
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Dao Humphreys

Course Description
The human heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood daily to keep every cell, tissue, and organ in our body stocked with oxygen, free of waste, energized with sugar, and more. But how does the system of valves, muscle, electricity, veins, and arteries work cohesively to accomplish such a big job? What are the most common problems that can interfere with heart function, and what techniques and procedures have doctors developed to fix them? In this course we will tackle these questions as we learn about the anatomy, physiology, and medical study of the circulatory system! Students will then apply this knowledge to link anatomical structures with regulatory functions of a normal heart and a diseased heart.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

ONLINE Philosophy and Science Fiction
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm PT
Location
Online
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Benjamin Fields

Course Description
Course description coming soon!

Tuesday
Tuesday
Intro to Physics
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Richard Krejcir

Course Description
In this class, students will be introduced to the laws of physics through hands-on projects and experiments. They will learn about the different sources of energy that can be converted into electricity and conduct experiments to determine the effects of momentum on collisions and rocketry. Students will participate in demonstrations of Newton’s three laws of motion and discover how to do science–physics style!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Comics & Graphic Storytelling
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Sareh Karimilangi

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.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

Make: Calculus
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Joan Horvath and Rich Cameron

Course Description
When Isaac Newton developed calculus in the 1600s, he drew a lot of pictures and saw it as a tool to study how things move and change. After that, it got buried in a lot of algebra and symbols. Suppose Newton had owned a 3D printer? Maybe calculus would still be taught with pictures and models. We will take an intuitive approach to calculus that starts off by using LEGO bricks to gain intuition on basic calculus concepts, and then moves on to 3D prints and other hands-on items. Students will use open source, 3D printable models developed by the instructors for their book Make: Calculus. These models are freely available and were developed in OpenSCAD, a free and open source CAD program which students will learn to use to view and modify the models. Mastery will be demonstrated by being able to use and modify the models used in the class. Selected models will be 3D printed at IEA.

Prerequisites: Students should have at least modest typing ability and ideally will have done a little text coding (Java, C, Python etc). Students also should know very basic algebra (e.g., be able to solve for x in an equation like x + 4 = 3 and what it means to square something).

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

ONLINE Prehistoric Animals
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm PT
Location
Online
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Cynthia Molt

Course Description
So you want to know more about prehistoric animals? In this course we’ll explore, visualize, and model what is understood about these early animals. Students will learn how and what prehistoric creatures ate, what made up their families, their origins, and diversity, and the ways they attacked and defended themselves. We’ll gain information from their fossils and examine the reasons they became extinct. We’ll answer questions like: Are some dinosaurs still alive today in some form? Can others be brought back from the past? How did they evolve over time? How did these species even start to begin with? We’ll cover this and a lot more in a deep dive into Earth’s earliest creatures!

NOTE: All classes are held in Pacific Time.

Wednesday
Wednesday
Verse to Verse: The Art of Songwriting
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Ellen Brown

Course Description
You don’t have to be a pop star to put words to music! In this class, students will apply basic knowledge of poetic elements such as rhythm, rhyme scheme, alliteration, simile, metaphor and mood to create their own song lyrics. From folk tunes and the blues to Broadway hits and rock ‘n roll, students will take a page from history’s musical greats to practice poetic analysis, critical thinking, and word play that will strengthen their emerging skills in writing and self-expression.

MakeBot Challenges
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Blanca Lopez-Gonzalez

Course Description
In this course, students will build their own MakeBot robot and then tackle advanced robot challenges! They will learn engineering and coding methods while testing and building designs using multi-port Hub motors and actuators. In each class, students will learn a new coding sequence, from programing light sensors to object avoidance, and then take on a challenge that incorporates these skills. Will your robot succeed? Let’s find out!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $100 materials fee is required. The materials fee for this class covers the cost of the MakeBot robot kit. Students will be able to take home their completed robot at the end of the course.

America's Pastime: A History of Baseball
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Time
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Anita Russell

Course Description
This course explores the rich history of baseball, tracing its origins from the 1840s to its contemporary status as America’s pastime. We will examine how baseball has mirrored and influenced American society through significant historical periods, including the Civil War, the Jazz Age, and the World Wars. We’ll learn about how baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and the Dodgers’ very own Jackie Robinson transformed the game, and we’ll look at how baseball has endured and evolved through turbulence and even scandals within Major League Baseball itself. Finally, we will learn about the history of the Dodgers – their origins in Brooklyn, the move to Los Angeles, and how they became a team beloved by so many Angelinos. Let’s play ball!

Imagination Lab: Exploring Art and Science
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Mary Kenney

Course Description
Get ready to create some STEAM magic in Imagination Lab: Exploring Art and Science! In this course, students will create original pieces using different art mediums, and learn about the scientific concepts behind their work. They’ll study the enigmatic elements of borax while making borax crystals, create chromatography art, and design kaleidoscopes to explore light, reflections, and symmetry. Creative chaos will ensue when students discover how chemical reactions can produce an artistic and explosive (yet safe!) paint display! Students will unleash their artistic expression as they study the science behind the beautiful and surprising materials and reactions.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Create and Rule Your Own Country
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Anita Russell

Course Description
Tired of someone else making the rules? Think you could organize a better way of living? Have you always wanted to be a king or queen, or a dictator? Here’s your chance! In this class students will create their own countries. They will choose where their country will be and what it will be called. Big cities? Small towns? You get to decide! Students will study different countries and apply this knowledge to creating their own, step by step. They will map out their country, design the flag, choose their laws, and write a constitution. The course will culminate with all countries coming together for a global summit. Will alliances be created? Will governments crumble? You decide!

The Hero's Journey in Film and Literature
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Ellen Brown

Course Description
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging,” wrote Joseph Campbell. In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell explains his philosophy of the hero’s journey as a formula that all adventure stories follow. George Lucas’s Star Wars is one of the most famous expressions of this narrative framework, but it can be seen in countless other films and pieces of literature including The Wizard of Oz, Moana, Mulan and many more. This class will feature film clips and excerpts from widely and lesser- known literary works that inspire discussion around such questions as: Are heroes born or made? Must they always be larger-than-life? Students will also be encouraged to explore their own story arc as they consider each hero’s path of adventure and eventual transformation.

Math in Motion
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Kristin Petherbridge

Course Description
In this course students will learn mathematical processes using objects in nature and everyday experiences. Through games and challenges, movement and art, they will strengthen their understanding of numbers and math concepts, and further develop their addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills. There’s math all around us just waiting to be explored!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Batter Up! Probability in Sports
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Patrick McGrail

Course Description
Sports and math don’t go together, right? Wrong! Math is used all the time in sports – from pitchers deciding what ball to throw, to team managers deciding which players to trade, to quarterbacks deciding which play to run. All these decisions are based on probability and statistics. In this course, students will learn how probability and statistics play a role in athletics and will become familiar with how to use mathematical principles to make sports-related predictions of their own. They will create projects such as making predictions about an athlete’s performance based on available data.

Prerequisites: Students should come ready to discuss sports (!) and be comfortable with basic math skills and concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and percentages.

Machines, Gears, and Motors
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Joan Horvath and Rich Cameron

Course Description
Everyone loves robots, but how do they really work? Students will use a mix of LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot kits parts, various found objects, and craft materials to deconstruct the mechanisms and programming that let robots perform tasks. We will learn about the classic “simple machines” (lever, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane and screw). We will see how combinations of these simple machines create mechanical advantage and exert forces with gearing, linkages, motors and the like. Students will have open-ended challenges which they will assemble and program Mindstorms EV3 robots to solve. Mastery will be demonstrated by being able to both fabricate and program robots to attempt the challenges and also to articulate how they work. Note that this will NOT be a “make and take” class. Projects will incorporate (expensive!) kits that need all the constituent parts. It will be important that students do not take any parts home, or mix in their LEGO parts from home (unless parts will be donated to IEA after class is over).

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

Space Science
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Alka Kumar

Course Description
Junior astronomers prepare to blast off into a deep exploration of all things outer space! This hands-on course will have students act as experimenters, scholars, and theorizers as each lesson takes them deeper into the field of astronomy. From the Ancient Greeks to modern day, students will investigate how astronomers have come to understand the scientific principles that govern our universe. Topics will include The Big Bang, stars and constellations, black holes, the solar system, the structure and evolution of galaxies, and more!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Medieval Battle Tech: Land and Sea
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Joan Horvath and Rich Cameron

Course Description
Technology is often driven by the need to defend territories or the desire to conquer new ones. In this class, students will learn about offensive and defensive techniques in medieval warfare. They will learn Tinkercad to design and 3D print models of some of these. Students will then take on the role of military advisors and invent “secret weapons” that would have been plausible at the time but were not invented until much later. Several times during the course, we will role play famous land and naval battles of the period, but with a twist. Students will incorporate their own secret weapons into the strategy of the side they are playing. Mastery will be demonstrated by being able to discuss and apply strategy and technology appropriate to the period.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

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

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.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

ONLINE Anatomy & Physiology
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm PT
Location
Online
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Dao Humphreys

Course Description
Anatomy and physiology are the foundation of all health professions. In this course students will learn to identify body systems while tracing the specific regulatory pathways and mechanisms to show the cooperative functions of the human body. Students will study the anatomy (structure), physiology (function) and pathology (disease) of the pulmonary, and neurologic systems through case studies, clinical simulation, modeling and dissection. They will learn and practice real skills of monitoring and intervention, as well as the physical exam. Students will apply this knowledge by using their understanding of each individual system and its link to cooperative functions that control the human body to help identify effects of drugs and trauma to each system.

NOTE: All classes are held in Pacific Time.

Showing All
In-Person Classes
Online Classes
Ages 6 to 8
Ages 8 to 10
Ages 10 to 14
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
Thursday
Thursday
Sense-ational Brain Science
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Mélanie Robichaud

Course Description
Have you ever wondered how your brain actually works? And how your brain is different from another person’s brain? In this class, students will explore neuroscience through an introduction to the basic structures and functions of the brain. Through creative hands-on activities and experiments, students will learn about what neurons are, how they are connected, and investigate how the brain functions to enable vision, auditory processing, memory, motor control, and other modalities.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Genetics: A Splice of Life
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Sareh Karimilangi

Course Description
This class will provide students with knowledge of genetics through an overview of the history of the study of inheritance, a discussion of the origins of genetic variation and diversity, DNA replication mechanisms, and real-life applications. Students will also learn about the mutations in the human genome that cause genetic disorders. Finally, we will discuss the development of genetic techniques, such as sequencing and genetic engineering, and its role in scientific research and modern medicine. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through accurate predictions and conclusions based on genetic data, fluency in genetic terminology and pathologies, and an understanding of both the positive implications and potential problems associated with genetic engineering techniques.

Designed Through Destruction
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Tricia Edwards

Course Description
In this unconventional art class, you must destroy to create! Within the contained chaos, students will think outside the box to transform everyday items into imaginative works of wearable art. Through experimentation with various materials and techniques like deconstructing, shredding, ripping, and spraying various materials, students will learn to see the potential in the unexpected, and foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Designers, you’ve been given the challenge, now make it work!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

ONLINE Myths and Monsters
Time
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm PT
Location
Online
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Grayson Kent

Course Description
Cultures all around the globe feature fantastical creatures, including fire-breathing dragons, bizarre chimerical hybrids, quasi-humans, and multi-headed monstrosities. Behind the myth, however, there lies a kernel of truth based in biological fact. In Myths & Monsters, we will separate fact from fantasy as we uncover the real-world origins and scientific explanations behind some of the world’s best-known mythical beasts, including dragons, unicorns, Bigfoot, the Chupacabra, werewolves, Pokémon, and more.

NOTE: All classes are held in Pacific Time.

Friday
Friday
Stories in the Making
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Kristin Petherbridge

Course Description
Everyone loves a good story, and in this course, students will learn how to craft their own captivating narratives as they explore the art of storytelling. We will use story prompts that we develop in class, find in nature, or collectively and creatively brainstorm. We will discuss components of a story (e.g., who, what, where, why, when) and sequence of a story (beginning, middle, and end). We will support each other in telling stories using our prompts and imaginations. Some of our stories will be collaboratively told, with students building on each other’s ideas and some stories will be imagined and told individually. Our goals are to have fun with visual and verbal storytelling, practice active listening skills, and support each other in developing our storytelling skills.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Shark Tank: Products and Pitches
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Mary Kenney

Course Description
Are you a budding entrepreneur? Do you enjoy brainstorming and sketching out new ideas? The next great inventions, product, or service is just waiting to be created – by you! If you have an interest in business and marketing, here’s your chance to hone your skills. You’ll delve into product design, market supply and demand, focus groups, overhead costs, and much more. Whether you’re looking to create something from scratch, or simply improve upon an existing product, you’ll have the chance to see it through from conceptualization to completion. Students will apply their knowledge with a culminating pitch to a panel, including a prototype, business plan, and marketing campaign.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

Proportional Reasoning
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Kathleen Caine

Course Description
Discover the power of proportional reasoning in this dynamic math course. Students will explore ratios, rates, and percentages in real-life scenarios and interactive projects. Through collaborative group work and individual tasks, students will develop a deep understanding of proportionality concepts. Activities will include cooking recipes, scale modeling, and solving challenging puzzles to make math both engaging and practical. We’ll shrink the solar system down to a walkable scale and figure out what you would look like if your thumbprint was two inches long. Proportional reasoning will unlock a new world of mathematical possibilities.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Vivid Threads: Screen Printing & Dyeing
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Tricia Edwards

Course Description
Aspiring creatives will embark on a journey through the colorful world of screen printing, resist dyeing, stamping, and ice dyeing to express their artistic visions. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will learn surface design techniques and skills while creating unique and vibrant textile pieces. Starting from 2D sketches, students will plan, execute, and evaluate each project to create a portfolio of work.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

Crime Scenes and Storylines: Forensic Science in Literature
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Kathleen Caine

Course Description
Grab a magnifying glass and get ready to dust for fingerprints because we’ll be doing more than just reading in this language arts and forensic science course. In addition to reading and analyzing captivating mystery stories, students will explore the art of forensics and code-breaking techniques featured in these tales. We’ll hone our observation and deductive reasoning skills through DNA extraction with gel electrophoresis, ink chromatography, handwriting analysis, and more. By examining clues and solving puzzles, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Throughout the course, students will also craft their own short mysteries. Join us to unravel mysteries and unleash your inner detective and writer!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Neuroscience: The Incredible Brain
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Kristin Petherbridge

Course Description
Experiencing sensations such smell, sight, touch, pain, as well as memories associated with experiences are brought to you by the amazing 3-pound organ in your skull– the brain! Working with associated nervous system components, the brain performs an amazing number of functions in our bodies and in this course, students will learn about the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Through hands-on activities and discussions, we’ll study the structure of the brain and nervous system from the overall anatomy to tissues, cells, and molecules that make up this fascinating organ. We will learn about phenomena that play out in single cells all the way to behaviors that rely on the integration of information across major cognitive systems.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $15 materials fee is required.

Fungi Fun
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
TBD

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.

Puzzle Pros: Logic, Reasoning, and Creative Problem Solving
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Kristin Petherbridge

Course Description
Calling all super sleuths, logical thinkers, and problem solvers! In this class, we will have fun solving a variety of brain teasers, puzzles, mysteries, and hands-on activities that challenge us to think logically and use innovative problem solving skills. Activities and games will challenge us to explore spatial reasoning, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and mathematical reasoning in a variety of engaging formats.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $10 materials fee is required.

Stop Motion Animation 2.0
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Kathleen Caine

Course Description
New and returning stop motion animators are welcome to join! Dive into the core elements of storytelling through the lens of stop-motion animation. Engage in a series of hands-on exercises, allowing students to craft narratives and bring their ideas to life through the creation of their own animated shorts. Participants will undergo the process of storyboarding while developing characters and scenery, ultimately leading to the production of their personalized animation. Join us in this creative journey to become 21st-century storytellers!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $40 materials fee is required.

ONLINE NASA: Missions, Mysteries, and Discoveries
Time
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
Online
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Cynthia Molt

Course Description
On October 1, 1958, the world’s first civilian space agency began as an emergency response to the USSR’s launch of Sputnik. Within a decade, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, universally known as NASA, had evolved from modest research teams into one of the greatest technological and managerial enterprises ever known. Yet, NASA couldn’t have done it alone. There was the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, in Pasadena, and Aerojet, in Azusa, California. JPL has been involved in 80 projects in over 50 years with NASA. There were also the Rocket Girls, who did all the calculations for both NASA and JPL. There were other projects that received little to no notice. Some were designed but not built; others were built but not flown; and a few were flown to failure but little reported. Others were just way out-of-the-box. Let’s explore, build, and learn!

NOTE: All classes are held in Pacific Time.

Saturday
Saturday
Bees and Other Builders
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Adela Robins

Course Description
The animal kingdom is buzzing with amazing architects of structures and systems! City-like beehives, earthworm tunnels, termite mounds, weaver bird nests, and beaver dams are examples of spectacular structures designed and built by animals. This class will look not only at animals’ impressive structures, but also how some species help keep nature in balance through pollination, decomposition, and more! Students will learn from, and about, animal builders, demonstrating their mastery by building a product inspired by an animal architect.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Physics Lab
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Sareh Karimilangi

Course Description
In this course, students will transform their physics knowledge into deep understanding through participation in hands-on experiments and activities! Students will enrich their comprehension of Newton’s Laws of motion, energy, thermodynamics, and more by designing their own experiments, gathering and interpreting data, and witnessing the laws of physics in action. In each class, they will observe the conservation of energy by collecting data about a pendulum’s motion or learn about simple machines by building and testing their own. Lab activities will be engaging, relevant, inquiry-based, and memorable for any budding physicist!

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Creative Coding: Design Graphics with Python
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Blanca Lopez-Gonzalez

Course Description
Unlock your creativity and learn the fundamentals of programming in Python through an engaging and interactive experience! This course will use the Python Turtle Sandbox and is designed for students who are interested in learning text coding and exploring the world of computer graphics. Through the Turtle graphics library, they will discover how to use code to create beautiful, intricate designs, patterns, and animations. Students will learn to type their own code to gain a solid understanding of Python syntax and programming concepts, including loops, functions, and conditional statements. Each student’s code will generate lines, shapes, patterns, and fractals only limited by their own imaginations! The creations will come to life through experimentation with colors, digital pens, animation, and other graphical elements.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

ONLINE The Power of Speech and Debate
Time
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Location
Online
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Tessa Lamb

Course Description
This course is for students who desire to express themselves effectively and confidently in any situation, socially or academically. Throughout the course, students will develop and improve their critical-thinking, public speaking, and argumentative skills through participation in speeches and debates. They 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. They will apply this knowledge to develop and present an independent speech and participate in group debates. Topic matter for speeches and debates throughout the course will be selected by students.

NOTE: All classes are held in Pacific Time.

Robotics: Get Rolling!
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
6 to 8
Instructor
Blanca Lopez-Gonzalez

Course Description
What exactly is a robot, and how does it work? While working with their very own Sphero Mini robots, students will learn how to use block coding to control the robot’s every move, from navigating around obstacles to playing Sphero soccer. Complex thinking, cooperation, and problem-solving skills will be developed as students tackle challenges in this fun, hands-on 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.

STEAM Challenges
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
8 to 10
Instructor
Adela Robins

Course Description
Calling all engineers, inventors, and builders! Get ready to take on exciting challenges that will put your innovation to the test. This course will present students with tasks that will require problem-solving by combining science, technology, engineering, art, and math. These challenges support both independence and teamwork skills while strengthening engineering intuition and hands-on building techniques. Students will apply this knowledge by creating a STEAM challenge of their own that shows their ability to create a prototype and improve upon it based on its success.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Microbiology: Pathogens and Petri Dishes
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location
In Person
Age Range
10 to 14
Instructor
Sareh Karimilangi

Course Description
From Actinomyces (beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract that helps us break down food) to Varicella Zoster (the tiny virus that causes chicken pox) the microscopic world is wildly diverse in structure, function, and impact on our lives. If you’ve ever wondered about the culprits behind common diseases or the heroes behind some of life’s core processes, this class will help lead you to answers through hands-on activities, case studies, and engaging discussion. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the causes, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and cures for illnesses, as well as how some microbes are beneficial to humans and the environment. Students will apply their knowledge through participation in activities where they act as doctors and microbiologists in intriguing case studies.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

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 2024 TUITION

In-Person Course: $675 for twelve 90-minute class meetings

Online Course: $400 for twelve 60-minute class meetings

MATERIALS

Some additional materials fees and supply purchases may apply and will be listed in the course description.

FALL 2024 DISCOUNTS

  • Multiple course discount: $20 off for each additional course
  • Early bird discount: $20 off total tuition for enrolling by July 22, 2024
  • 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

TUITION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE!

We are pleased to be able to offer need-based tuition assistance. Families who would like to apply for tuition assistance must submit materials before each session in which they are enrolled. To make decisions in a fair and equitable manner, IEA Academy requires that new and returning families submit all of the following tuition assistance request materials to LMittermiller@EducationalAdvancement.org by Monday, August 26, 2024.

  1. A completed 2024 Financial Aid Request Form, including which classes your child will be taking. Please complete a Financial Aid Request Form for each child;
    2. A letter describing the circumstances that make tuition assistance necessary for your child(ren) to attend the Academy session to which they are applying;
    3. A copy of your most recent tax return. If parents/legal guardians file taxes separately, please include both tax returns.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

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

As the session approaches, a $75 enrollment deposit per 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
  • Granite Mountain
  • Excel Academy
  • Suncoast

“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

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