Is there a deadline for registration? How can I tell if a class/camp is still open?
Registration will remain open for a given class/camp until that class/camp is full. Once the class/camp is full, the word FULL will appear next to the class/camp description on the Information page.
What is the Teacher/Student ratio at class/camp?
For most of our classes and camps, we maintain a ratio of 1:12.
Is my child safe in your class/camp?
Experienced STEM professionals themselves or college students working towards a degree in STEM, all our adult instructors pass a background check and are trained to run our programs. They have undergraduate (and sometimes graduate) degrees in Science, Engineering, Computer Science or Education. Our instructors are assisted by high school students with a great interest and experience in science and technology. Our instructors and assistants love working with children and put their heart and soul into teaching STEM to their students!
What kinds of discounts do you offer?
After school classes: if one child is attending more than one after school class in the same month, s/he gets $10 of the second course. Also, if there are siblings attending the same class in the same month, the second child receives $10 off.
Camps: if one child is registered for multiple camps in the same summer, s/he gets $10 off the second (and third, and fourth) camp. If siblings are attending the same camp, the second child gets $10 off.
You will have to pay the full price for each when you register, but we will refund you $10 for each additional camp or class you register for after the first.
How is lunch/snack handled at class/camp?
We ask that students arrive with packed snacks to our after school classes and half day camps. The students attending a full day camp, please bring a snack and packed lunch with you. There are no microwaves in the facilities, so please keep that in mind. We also ask that snacks/lunches do not contain nuts.
What is your cancellation policy?
We will grant full refunds for all cancellations, unless the cancellation takes place within 7 days of the class or camp. Less than 7 days before the start of the program, and we are not able to offer a refund. Also, if you ask for a refund more than 60 days after having registered/paid, we can only grant you a 92% refund (because PayPal will not refund our transaction fee after 60 days).
Can my child’s camp or class be cancelled?
In the case of insufficient registration, Science Playhouse will cancel the class/camp, and all registered participants will receive a full refund or given a choice to transfer to another class/camp.
Does my student need to bring anything to the class/camp, like a Lego robotics kit or computer?
No! We provide all the lab equipment, technology and class materials for each class/camp.
Will my student be able to bring a Robot or experiments home?
Unfortunately, not. The robotics kits that we use cost $600 each. And most experiments we conduct have to stay in the classroom. However, we promise to take lots of photos and every student will leave our classes/camps having thoroughly enjoyed the experience, engaging and challenging their curious little minds and learning a lot of cool new science and technology! If you sign up for our newsletter, you will also get monthly experiments that you CAN do at home!
Does my student need to have any prior experience with Programming, Robotics or Science?
No, unless a prerequisite is listed, our classes and camps are designed to challenge students of all skill and experience levels. Instructional sessions and activities are tailored to the needs of individual students. This means that students who have never programmed or seen Lego robotics before will be able to have a great time succeeding at introductory-level challenges. In the same way, students who have some experience will be challenged by more advanced activities and projects. Our instructors are experts at identifying the needs of students based on their age and experience.
I registered for camp but haven’t paid yet. How can I pay? When is the deadline to pay for the class/camp?
Our payment options include Credit card via Paypal or by check/money order. We recommend using PayPal because it guarantees a space in the class for your child right away. If you prefer paying with a check, we need to receive the check within 5 days of your registration to guarantee a space for your child.
I have missed the first class, can I still sign up? And can my fee be prorated?
You can still sign up, if there is space in the class. Unfortunately, the fee cannot be prorated.
In case of a school closure, for example due to snow, do we still have the after school class? Or will it be rescheduled?
If the school is closed, there will be no after school enrichment classes that day. We will reschedule the class to another day. It is understood that some students will not be able to make the make-up class due to prior commitments.
How does Arrival and Pick up work?
After school classes: Upon arrival, our instructor will greet your child and sign him/her in, and the children will have an opportunity to eat their snack, drink water and use the bathroom. In the beginning of science classes, the children will put on safety goggles and lab coats, and we will do a quick Safety brief. In our technology classes, the children will be assigned to computer stations or Lego Robotics stations, depending on the class they are attending. At the end of the class, please pick up your child promptly and sign him/her out with our instructor. We can only release the children to their parents or authorized guardians.
Camps: In the beginning of our camps, our instructor will greet your child and sign him/her in. In half day camps, the children will have a break to eat their snack, drink water and use the bathroom. We will also engage them in a physical game/activity for 15 min, similar to a recess, to re-set their minds. In full day camps, the children need to bring a snack and lunch. At the end of the camp, please pick up your child promptly and sign him/her out with our instructor. We can only release the children to their parents or authorized guardians. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe!
What should my child wear to the camp?
Please have your child wear comfortable clothes that can get a bit dirty. Our Science and Green Beret Survival courses are 100% hands-on, and the children will be mixing and handling various substances, and more than likely, making a mess! Some of the materials, like food coloring and fruit juice can spill and stain their clothes as well so dress accordingly. Science is an EXCITING, and sometimes MESSY discovery!
Are you hiring?
Yes! We are always looking for motivated individuals to join our team. You can submit your application HERE.
© Copyright 2018 by Science Playhouse