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FAMILY   -   FAMILY FEATURES
In their Own Words...
September, 2009 - Issue #59
Local Parents (and Students) Tell All about their Favorite Back to School Resources


PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN & AFTERSCHOOL CARE
"In 2002 we interviewed many preschools and were disappointed at the quality of care - until we walked into Creative Years. We were so pleased with the cleanliness, the curriculum and the genuine love and compassion the staff and teachers had for our son. He attended for three years and went onto kindergarten. He is entering fourth grade this year and to this day has fond memories of his time spent at Creative Years. In 2007, we enrolled our daughter Paige who at the time was 2 A½ years old; she also adapted well to the love and care that was provided by the wonderful staff. We continue to highly recommend Creative Years." ~ Nicole Stinson, Saugus
Creative Years 254-0718 www.creativeyears.com

"Since my children have been at Canyon Vista [toddlers, preschool, K, after school and enrichment programs like Computer, Advanced Academics, Dance, Spanish and Music are available, plus transportation from local elementary schools], I have seen them grow academically, socially and developmentally. They proudly graduated from their respective classes - after one year and three months in each room - and had the same teachers the whole time. This continuity allows for a strong bond and trust to develop so that the kids flourish. There is an intimate environment at CVCA; it feels like a big family. I couldn't be happier about Canyon Vista and would recommend it to any parent." ~ Lisa Whitecrow, Santa Clarita
Canyon Vista Children's Academy 296-KIDS (5437)
www.canyonvistaschools.com


"My son Travis is 3. He has a sweet disposition but until recently was clingy, had limited verbal skills, didn't know his colors and had no interest in potty training. I hoped to find a place where Travis could socialize and learn some of the skills that eluded him. In the two months that Travis has been at Monarch Academy he has thrived. He is eager to get to school and see his friends, he has learned his colors, he is potty trained and his vocabulary has grown exponentially. From the programs, the classrooms, the curriculum, and the teachers, Monarch is a place where children are nurtured and engaged."
~ Heidi Wyckoff, Santa Clarita
Monarch Academy for Young Children 294-1045
www.monarch-academy.com


CREATIVE LEARNING & NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOOLING
"You've changed my life! Because of you, I want to be an astronomer. You've made astronomy soooo much fun! Thank you soooo much!" Sammy Raskin, SCV student. "My kids love taking classes at HuckleBerry [for ages 5-16]. The center has opened their eyes to a new kind of learning. Math can be fun and challenging. They have been allowed to grow and build new friendships along the way in a safe environment. HuckleBerry takes learning one step farther, right outside the box." Teri Diamond, Santa Clarita. "I love to walk past the classrooms and hear the excited voices of the students and teachers. We love HuckleBerry! Our lives are enriched because of 'our' learning center." ~ Marla Leighton, Santa Clarita
HuckleBerry Center for Creative Learning 476-2144
www.huckleberrycreativelearning.org


"The teachers in AV Learning Academy know what they are doing! [AVLA is a public school offering home study with classroom options; free tuition and tutoring; credentialed teachers; one-on-one teaching; organized activities.] The school and teachers are paying attention to my children and care about them. I love that! AVLA is so flexible with the meeting hours every month. The instruction is personalized to each student. Other schools don't seem to offer as much personal attention as our school can accommodate. My teacher, Rachelle Morlan, is willing to do what is necessary for each individual student. She is quick to answer my calls and emails; I never feel alone and have lots of support." ~ Andrea Tucker, Valencia
AV Learning Academy 952-6028 www.avlearning.org

"I have three children who have all had the benefit of working with the Legacy Tutoring Program - whether it was for a specific project or just accomplishing their day-to-day classwork. The beauty of this program is that I know I will have a consistent tutor that tailors his or her teaching methods to meet my child's specific academic needs. The Legacy Tutoring Program's tutors communicate directly with the teachers to determine my child's needs, set learning goals, and then implement hands-on instructions to meet those goals. My children have gained confidence and excelled academically through the help of the Legacy Tutoring Program." ~ Rhonda Parish, Stevenson RanchLegacy Tutoring Program 257-7377 www.legacy-tutoring.com

RELIGIOUS/TRADITIONAL EDUCATION

"Our K-12 Blue Ribbon School was founded in 1949 to provide an education that embodies the highest standards of academic excellence and spiritual development within a nondenominational Christian environment. 97 percent of Village Christian Schools graduates attend college. The Elementary, Middle and High School divisions each have their own principal and facilities on a secluded, 110-acre campus nestled in the Verdugo Hills. VCS provides academic, athletic and artistic resources for all grades as well as AP and Honor classes at the high school level. Our student body enjoys participating in activities like leadership groups, mission opportunities, journalism, theater productions, instrumental and vocal groups as well as a full range of varsity sports." ~ Camille Martinelli, director of admissions
Village Christian Schools 818-767-8382
www.villagechristian.org


"As a Catholic, a mom, and a university instructor, I'm thrilled that Saint Francis Academy's Classical Education is now available for grades K-8. A study of the liberal arts infuses children with a holistic, working knowledge of the world and a lifelong love of learning. The Academy's emphasis on logic, early introduction of foreign languages (including instruction in Latin beginning in the first grade), rhetorical exchange and - importantly - how our faith can deepen our understanding of academic topics, is commendable. Parents seeking not just the best in academic standards but an opportunity to nurture their child's soul and spirit should certainly consider Saint Francis Academy in Valencia." ~ Therese Haase, Canyon Country
Saint Francis Academy 260-2599 www.saintfrancisacademy.org

"My 14-year-old son attended Legacy Academy from K to 6th grade [K-8th available]. This amazing, unique school offered small teacher to student ratios, an emphasis on character education, phenomenal enrichment classes and personalized, loving attention from teachers and staff. Through the years, I had true peace of mind knowing my son was growing academically and emotionally in a safe environment with a moral focus parallel to my own. He made great memories and great friends at Legacy. Without a doubt, this unparalleled private school laid the foundation for his subsequent success in a large public junior high - success that will lead him to great achievements in high school and college." ~ Lori Baker-Schena of Valencia
Legacy Christian Academy 257-7377 www.legacy-christian.com

COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Speed Spanish
"This is the best Spanish course I have ever taken. I am astounded by how much I was able to learn in such a short time. I think our teacher is quite a genius to have invented this quick way to learn."
~ Carol Fonteno, Valencia

Medical Coding
"I enjoyed the class very much. The instructor writes as though she were right there in the room with you, speaking to you."
~ Bob Behen, Santa Clarita Creating
Community and Continuing Education at College of the Canyons 362-3300 www.canyons.edu/communityed

ATHLETIC ENRICHMENT
"We enrolled our son, Daniel, in Academy Swim Club in April, and now, as promised, he is swimming beautifully. We have found this to be an extremely positive experience. The staff and teachers are always so motivating. Instructions are clearly and kindly conveyed and Daniel has such a good time learning a necessary lifetime skill. While Daniel was definitely ready to learn, his success is also the Academy's success due to their superior program. We have witnessed many of the teachers at work and see a consistency in the way they teach. Because of this consistency we realize that no matter who's teaching, Daniel is comfortable and able to adjust quickly." ~ S & L M., Santa Clarita
Academy Swim Club 702-8585 www.swim4life.com


"My daughter, Zoe, has made amazing progress in only a few short months at Wallers GymJam Academy! What started out as a fun Saturday morning activity has become her focus day in and day out. Summer camp gave her the chance to try apparatus and acquire skills that she otherwise wouldn't have and her weekly class progressively builds upon the basics. She has made new friends, found inner confidence, and just smiles more. The coaching staff makes learning technical skills fun and the atmosphere is always encouraging. GymJam has provided an opportunity for Zoe to shine and for me to watch with unending pride. I couldn't be happier. And neither could Zoe!" ~ Susie Pittman, Valencia
Wallers GymJam Academy 251-3390
www.wallersgymjamacademy.com
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