The Village Kids' Club: Afterschool Program: Quantum Quest - Math, Art, Science

Quantum Quest, our Math, Science, and Art Afterschool Program, operational on AUSD in-service days, aims to enhance elementary education through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches. 

The program, beginning with a pickup from Franklin, Love and Maya Lin Elementary (other schools will require parental transportation), is designed for students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Our curriculum fosters deep understanding and confidence in fundamental math concepts and introduces students to scientific inquiry through the scientific method. The cost is $900/month. Student to Staff ratio of 6:1. The program includes dedicated time for homework completion. 

Math Focus: Our program expands on traditional math teaching methods by incorporating hands-on activities with manipulatives and the creation of tactile learning tools. This method allows students to grasp core mathematical concepts by building physical objects that reinforce operations like multiplication and division. We cater to each student's current level of ability, allowing their individual needs to guide our curriculum, not their grade level. Our aim is to empower students to tackle mathematical challenges well beyond their current grade, fostering lasting confidence in their mathematical abilities. 

Science Approach: In science, our emphasis is on the scientific method, encouraging students to hypothesize, experiment, observe, and conclude to understand the world around them. This approach cultivates critical thinking, and a hands-on understanding of how scientific principles apply in everyday life. 

Interdisciplinary Components: Recognizing the interconnectedness of disciplines, our program offers a broad selection of electives, including martial arts, languages, music, robotics, and sports. Monthly Wednesday field trips provide real-world applications of learned skills and promote a well-rounded educational experience. This interdisciplinary approach enhances problem-solving and logical thinking, while also fostering creativity and emotional intelligence. 

Educational Philosophy: We strive to create a balanced environment that avoids the pressures of high-stakes learning, focusing instead on nurturing well-rounded individuals. Our goal is to make learning enjoyable and impactful by extending classroom skills to real-life applications and elevating them to higher levels of familiarity.