Academic Activities Near Me

Level 2: Public Speaking for Grades 5–8 (***Prerequisite: Completion of any Summer Camp 2026 Week or any of our full 5 week course within the 2025-2026 school year. Please email info@highestspeak.com to ask if not sure of which level your child should be at. ) Now that your student has built a strong foundation, it’s time to level up! Our Level 2 course helps students refine and expand their public speaking skills with more structure, deeper content, and a greater focus on delivery, persuasion, and audience engagement. In this 5-session, high-energy course, students will: - Strengthen speech organization and clarity with more complex prompts - Learn how to deliver longer speeches confidently and how to use notecards to prepare effectively instead of memorizing - Master confident delivery techniques including tone, pacing, gestures, and eye contact - Craft stronger openings, memorable closings, and smooth transitions - Explore more advanced speech types—persuasive, informative, motivational, and storytelling - Participate in challenging impromptu speaking activities - Receive in-depth instructor feedback and practical tips for growth - Present in every class, both prepared and off-the-cuff. While still playful and supportive, this course encourages students to dig deeper, speak with intention, and sharpen their presence as young communicators. Whether they’re preparing for school presentations, leadership roles, or competitions, Level 2 equips them with the tools to speak up—and stand out. All of our instructors are experienced public speaking educators and performers, so your child will be learning from experts who make public speaking fun, meaningful, and memorable. 💬 Please Note: Classes with more than 8 students will have two instructors to ensure every student receives individual feedback. Light assignments may be given between classes; outside practice is strongly encouraged.

Welcome to Winter at Highest Speak! No prerequisites necessary — this is a Level 1 introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginner teens and tweens! In this fully interactive, high-energy class, students will have a ton of fun learning the essential elements of effective storytelling, story writing, and story structure. Through hilarious storytelling games and multiple hands-on storytelling assignments, your child will sharpen both their creative writing and public speaking skills. Winter is the perfect time for storytelling! With the season’s cozy vibes and magical atmosphere, students will be inspired to create and share imaginative, captivating stories that bring their ideas to life. Each class includes: - Open Forum: a positive, welcoming discussion to warm up - Mini Lesson: focused on a specific storytelling or performance topic - Speaking Games: fun, fast-paced activities to build creativity and confidence - Assignment: a daily storytelling or writing task to practice new skills For classes with more than 10 students, we provide two instructors to ensure every child receives plenty of individual attention and feedback in smaller breakout groups. Our instructors are not only professional skilled educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers, guaranteeing a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience for every student! Please note: Assignments are expected to be completed outside of class to help students get the most out of their learning.

Immerse yourself in a world of swords, sorcery, and imagination as you take on the roles of brave heroes or dasterdly villains at Playformance Dungeons and Dragons camp!!! This camp will combine the role playing adventure of 5 edition dungeons and dragons with specialized games and activities to create a fun and immersive role play experience. Players will create their own characters, costumes welcomed and encouraged, and take them on adventures in Playformance with our amazing dungeon master team. Games will revolve around quick, one shot adventures or experiences with different dungeon master's along with classic Playformance games featuring a fantasy twist. No experience in D&D is required as our DM team will guide you through the experience and give you the tools to become your character! Feel free to bring your own D&D dice if you'd like but not required. Whether you're an experienced veteran or an eager newbie, this camp will bring you on a D&D adventure you'll never forget!

Why use your PTO when you can use your WOW Back-Up Care? Join us for a full day of fun, including: - Obstacle courses - Arts & crafts - Playground time - Spanish lessons, and more! Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are all included. Full details will be sent out 48 hours before your scheduled day. What to bring: - A complete change of clothes - A sippy cup Location: Back-Up Care operates out of our Harrison Street and Jackson Street locations. Your assigned location will be confirmed 48 hours before your back-up day. Questions? Email us at office@worldofwondercenter.com.

Our premium, curriculum-based program has children ready to embark on an academic journey beyond introductory experiences. Children will expand upon the fundamental skills necessary for reading and writing as we explore letter recognition, phonics, sight words, spelling, and comprehension. They will engage in advanced academic learning, collaborate and negotiate with their peers, and learn ways to communicate, cooperate and play together.

This monthly class specializes in teaching basic pastry & baking techniques, including creaming, folding, whisking & beating, cutting in, kneading, and sifting. We also teach how to measure properly and the difference between measuring dry and wet ingredients. We create everything from scratch, and tastings are always included. Baking Favs Menu Wk 1: Donuts...Cake & Yeast Wk 2: Funnel Cakes with Fresh Strawberry Compote Wk 3: French Beignets Wk 4: Italian Zeppole's

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session, so sign-up for all sessions OR our school program for discounted rate. Drawing Class This drawing class is designed for students of all levels of drawing experience, and would like to learn some advanced techniques and explore new mediums. Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects.

Welcome to Winter Storytelling at Highest Speak! No prerequisites – this is our introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginners! Whether your child is brand new to storytelling or just wants to boost their confidence, this fun, high-energy class is the perfect place to start! Students will improve both their public speaking and creative writing skills as they learn how to craft and perform powerful stories in a supportive, laughter-filled environment. From developing story structure to delivering stories out loud, students will have a blast while building real-world communication skills. And what a perfect time of year to tell magical stories! Winter is full of wonder, imagination, and inspiration—making it the ideal season to bring creative ideas to life through words and performance. Students will work on both prepared stories and impromptu storytelling, building flexibility and confidence as they learn to think on their feet and express themselves clearly and creatively. Each class includes: Open Forum: positive group discussion to warm up and build connection Mini Lesson: focused instruction on a storytelling or performance concept Speaking Games: fast-paced, hilarious activities to boost confidence and creativity Story Assignment: writing or speaking activity that reinforces the day’s lesson Throughout the course, students will write, share, and present their original stories—building confidence in both written expression and spoken delivery. Individualized feedback helps each student grow at their own pace. ✨ All classes with more than 10 students are led by two instructors, ensuring personalized attention in smaller breakout groups. And yes—our instructors are not only experienced educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers—so your child can expect to laugh, engage, and leave class buzzing with excitement each week. 💬 Please Note: Light homework may be assigned each week. Students get the most out of the class when they practice their skills outside of our sessions.

Busy Bees is a fun, hands-on morning designed to help little ones learn, play, and grow together! 💚 Each week we explore a new theme through stories, art, music, sensory play, movement, and simple activities that build confidence and school-readiness skills. Parents stay and join in the fun—it’s learning through play, the Treehouse way!

High School Public Speaking Weekend Bootcamp Join us for a fun, high-energy bootcamp designed to help high school students become confident, clear, and engaging speakers! Whether you're prepping for class presentations, student leadership, or college interviews, this bootcamp will give you the tools to speak up and stand out. Over this 3-hour session, students will learn the fundamentals of public speaking, including how to structure their thoughts, write compelling content, and deliver with confidence. We’ll explore 3 key fundamentals of public speaking: content, structure, and performance, while keeping the atmosphere encouraging and collaborative. With a balance of writing and speaking exercises, students will improve their communication on the page, on the stage, and in daily conversations. The workshop includes plenty of individualized instructor coaching and peer feedback, so each student walks away with tangible growth and renewed confidence. This bootcamp is not only about skills—it’s about connection. Students will build friendships, practice social confidence, and have a blast while they learn critical skills for high school and beyond!

Join us to celebrate the 60th annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival at French Park in Seymour, featuring handmade craft vendors, live entertainment, food, and kid friendly activities (including The Giggling Pig!). Visit us in Goblin Gulch for fun family crafts and enter our Pumpkin Festival Giveaway for a chance to win a FREE OPEN Studio session for your little (or yourself!). We hope to see you there! Dress for a mess!

Puppet shows are back! Join us twice a month on Saturday mornings as we take kiddos on a story-time adventure with puppet pals small and large - Sneaky Pete, Mama Mavis, Chef Meowzers, Sadie Blue Boots, Grandfather Time, and an ever growing crew of puppet friends! We'll even get to introduce some of our original musicals (that debuted at Filoli this summer!) to the studio! There will also be theater and movement games, dancing, and singing. Caregiver is required to stay.

Gentle separation PRE school step class. -Helps children develop independence and self-confidence. -Reduces separation anxiety for both children and parents. -Provides opportunities for children to socialize and develop social skills. -Encourages children to learn and explore in a safe and supportive environment. -Helps establish a routine and sense of structure. *Play Rules* -Enrollment in this class does not include access to our Open Gym sessions -This class is held exclusively in our classroom and does not take place on the playfloor - Arrive 5-10 minutes early for checking in. - 1 adult and 1 child for each class reservation. - Food & drinks are not allowed in class. - Adults are required to wear socks. - Children should go barefoot. - Only bring healthy children to class. *Note: Cancellation or rescheduling must be made 24 hours before the start of the class to get a refund.

Ease your child into independent learning. This class combines time for you and your child to explore imaginary themes together, along with a separation time where your child will enjoy a story with their friends, and visit a variety of hands-on stations to ignite their love of learning.

Little Folkies is excited to offer classes at KIDDIE ACADEMY this FALL Season 2026! Little Folkies' folk music class that welcomes toddlers and preschoolers to come together every week to sing like one big family! There is never a dull moment in this class, with the teacher leading the students through fun and engaging finger play activities, hand movements, fun lap songs, call and response singing and hands-on jamming with shakers, wooden kids instruments, harmonicas, and more! The sweet, gentle and simple songs of the folk tradition have lyrics easy enough for children to sing along to and creating positive early musical memories for them. Here at Little Folkies we share the knowledge that music is at the core of every human being, and we believe that all children should experience genuine, heartfelt, acoustic music making which will increase their musical confidence and give them a healthy relationship to music right from the start.

This monthly class specializes in teaching basic pastry & baking techniques, including creaming, folding, whisking & beating, cutting in, kneading, and sifting. We also teach how to measure properly and the difference between measuring dry and wet ingredients. We create everything from scratch, and tastings are always included. Baking Favs Menu Wk 1: Donuts...Cake & Yeast Wk 2: Funnel Cakes with Fresh Strawberry Compote Wk 3: French Beignets Wk 4: Italian Zeppole's

This monthly class specializes in teaching basic pastry & baking techniques, including creaming, folding, whisking & beating, cutting in, kneading, and sifting. We also teach how to measure properly and the difference between measuring dry and wet ingredients. We create everything from scratch, and tastings are always included. Baking Favs Menu Wk 1: Donuts...Cake & Yeast Wk 2: Funnel Cakes with Fresh Strawberry Compote Wk 3: French Beignets Wk 4: Italian Zeppole's

Our school skill classes help your child make that important transition to academic learning by way of a creative bridge. Our program instils classroom curiosity and a genuine love of learning. Children build self-confidence through art, science, math, language, movement and more.

Impromptu Speaking & College Interview Boot Camp For High School Students Looking to nail that college interview, build unshakable confidence, and speak like a pro—all while having a blast? This high-energy boot camp is designed for high school students who want to think on their feet, speak with clarity, and shine in any situation—whether it’s an interview, a class discussion, or just day-to-day conversations. Through interactive games, group challenges, and fun, fast-paced activities, students will learn how to craft strong, spontaneous responses and speak with presence, purpose, and personality. Saturday: Speak Up, Think Fast We’ll kick things off with: Fun games and warm-ups to break the ice and get comfortable Strategies to overcome speech anxiety and find your voice Quick-thinking structures for answering any kind of question—academic, social, or professional Tips to make any impromptu speech engaging and impactful Lots of chances to practice in a supportive, lively environment College interviews, job interviews, and academic Q&A prep How to talk about your accomplishments and goals authentically and confidently Real-time practice with feedback to help you sharpen your answers Focus on content, structure, and delivery—with your unique personality front and center This boot camp is perfect for students who want to build real-world speaking skills while gaining an enjoyment of public speaking. Whether you're prepping for an interview or just want to walk into any room with more confidence, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready for anything. Our college interview coaching students, just this past academic year, have gotten admissions and even full scholarships at schools like Vanderbilt, UNC, NYU, Perdue, UPenn, MIT and more! Confidence. Clarity. Charisma. And a whole lot of YOU. Let’s unlock it all—one impromptu moment at a time!

This is a Level 1 class — ideal for beginners in Grades 5–8! No prior experience necessary. Students MUST be in Grades 5-8 (No exceptions.) ( Not sure which class your student took or what level is right? Just reach out at info@highestspeak.com—we’re happy to help! If they have never taken a class with Highest Speak, our Level 1 is the perfect start! ) Talk Trekkers: Intro to Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) This 5-session, interactive class is designed to help middle schoolers become confident, engaging speakers in a supportive, encouraging, and FUN environment. Whether your student wants to speak up more in class, prep for debate, lead presentations, or simply build everyday confidence, this course is the perfect starting point. In this 5-session, small-group course, students will: - Learn the key elements of strong public speaking and explore different types of speeches - Develop strategies to manage stage fright and speak with clarity - Participate in creative public speaking games and on-the-spot speech challenges - Present to the group during every class - Improve their impromptu speaking and speech structuring abilities - Receive individualized feedback from instructors and peers - Practice both prepared speeches and spontaneous speaking Students will explore multiple speaking formats—persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling—to discover their voice and style. Our instructors are not only experienced educators and public speaking coaches—they’re also performers and comedians, so classes are always lively and fun! 💬 Please Note: If there are more than 10 students enrolled, we always have two instructors to ensure personalized attention and feedback. Light assignments may be given. Practicing outside of class helps students apply their new skills and build lasting confidence.

Our play floor comes to life with trips to the grocery store, eating pizza, finding animals, and even bugs! School is just around the corner, and in this class, you get to witness your child’s imagination come to life and be part of their learning journey.