First, I read the prior reviews well before I registered for the training. I noted in the negative…read morereviews, the owner commented on each one with facts that were impressive. Now that I spent 60 hours in training there, I have NO issues withe the program or Mr. Bonnacci's training skills. He teaches with wisdom from decades. Old school, hell yes, and it was very, very necessary. He is outstanding, his company, very professional, his staff personable.

The security business is not what most people think. The images of a nondescript security guard…read moregiving directions at a mall, on patrol at an apartment complex, or checking bags at a concert are what most people imagine. But there's more to the job and the industry. A lot more. Security officers are professionals who serve a vital role and not one that is devoid of danger. A significant number are killed in the line of duty every year. Many because their training was inadequate or incomplete. It's a serious and hazardous business. A profession that can be unforgiving. So if you want to get into the business or keep your skills sharp, you need the best training available. The instructors at A Security Training Academy are the best in the Metropolitan DC area by far. They're tough and direct when it comes to learning your lessons, but that's what's needed if you're going to succeed and survive. They're in business to prepare you for some very serious work and how to get the job done correctly, professionally, and, of course, safely. The owner of A Security probably has more security-related qualifications than anyone in the region. And his team of instructors is every bit as dedicated to the students' success as he is. I've attended several classes at the school for various disciplines: Armed Security, Patrol Rifle, Tactical Handcuffing, Baton Usage, Pepper Spray Deployment, and Basic First Aid. At the end of every course, I knew I was not only more effective at doing my job, but I was also a more desirable employee at any security company I went to work for. Don't take chances with instructors or schools that are less experienced and knowledgeable. If you're entering a no-nonsense business like security or are continuing your education in the field, you need a no-nonsense approach to learning the trade. Your success, and your life, depend on it.

Absolutely awesome service. Calling from West Coast, I left a voice mail because it was after hours…read more in VA. That did not keep the owner of the business, Mr. Chuck Roberts, from calling me and finding out how he could help. Not only did I order 300 pocket constitutions, but I also had a lovely conversation with Mr. Roberts. He was delightful and the service was the best. The highest recommendation for this business.

Photography classes in DC can get pretty pricey and you never really know what you're going to get,…read morebut I was really pleased with getting a 2 hour private class with Rachel for less than what I've paid for other group classes. She was accommodating to my schedule (meeting at 8pm) and willing to meet at a specific location that I wanted to shoot. I like her style of teaching and have actually remembered what I learned. The key to getting better, of course, is practising but I feel comfortable with the basics and never shoot in "auto" any more.

A one day photography lesson for the entire family (six of us) was a Father's Day for my husband…read morebefore we took a family trip. Ranging in ages from 13 to 53-we all had a great time with Rachel. It was amazing how much information she was able to pack in in one lesson. Everyone appreciated it-even the college age guys. It made our trip more fun and it ended up being a very good Father's Day gift. Thank you Rachel

Shaun and IAO instructors provided the upmost professional service and knowledge with helping me…read moreacquire all the necessary pieces to qualify for my HQL/CCW license. To Shaun and all the staff at IAO thank you for providing me the skills to protect myself, and family. I will be back to continue and keep up with my training... Thanks again!

I came here to attend the Maryland Play Therapy Bootcamp and I was educated and gathered some great…read moretools to put in my tool bag. If you are a clinician or caregiver this is a great place to learn and seek support services in parenting. Sonia Hinds also provides play therapy, family and individual therapy to her clients. She is hard worker and even more compassionate woman, she is a great therapist and educator.

Lado International Institute relies on the reputation of its founder, Dr. Lado. Trouble is, he…read moredied long ago and they are still using the same 40 year old "Lado Method". The lies start with its name: It is not "international". They don't really teach the English language. Their technique is to practice in class. But you could do that on the street even better, as long as you were with someone to correct your mistakes. In fact, the instructors at LADO don't do that - they just mark you wrong on tests and never tell you why. They have no syllabus or course plan, just a series of "sessions" that you supposedly advance through. But every "session" is just like the one before it. The only difference between "session 1" and "session 12" is the experience of the students. When they show you costs, it is for one 4-week "session" and doesn't include the mandatory "text" - looseleaf copies of the materials they have used for decades. The actual cost is more than $1000 for each 4 weeks, and to that you must add living expenses. It will end up costing you more than a reputable college. https://lado.edu/english/ Lado does not require its instructors to have any professional degree or qualification. They are not salaried employees, but poorly paid hourly employees. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/LADO-International-College-Reviews-E200798.htm I was *not* a student at LADO. I could not write this if I had been. Rather, I was in a position to observe their operation. They lease space in run-down office buildings to hold classes. They used to post pictures of their students in a park nearby. When a student told them he wanted to transfer to an ESL program in a real college, they retaliated by terminating his I-20 instead of transferrring it to the new school, and accused him of "cheating" because he brought home a completed and graded "test" for me to explain why he was marked wrong since the instructor did not. One star is too many!

I asked the professor if she could extend the time for me to complete the online homework assigns…read morebecause I really want to improve myself, no matter what if its graded or not! that's why each of us the students we pay for. That should be open the entire course. they ended up telling me that I cant keep working because the already submit the grades. they just care about your money!! the just want to follow rules whenever they feel like it. professors never show up! cancelling classes. bad experience in this institution.

I learned to paddle a kayaking in white water with Liquid Adventures and can't think of learning…read morethis sport anywhere else. The school offers classes for every range of ability from beginner through intermediate and even advanced. The instructors are first rate and very friendly. They even have a national team member teach the slalom classes, and you can find the owner, DC kayaking legend Tom McEwan, teaching classes and leading trips to Mexico and Canada for all abilities. If you think white water paddling is for you, I can't think of a better school to teach you the ropes. Best of all, while most other schools in the DC area offer only beginner classes, Liquid Adventures offers classes for all ranges of abilities from beginner to advanced. In fact, I still paddle their Cheat river training programs in the Spring of each year, and will have them teach my kids how to paddle come summer. In short, I would recommend Liquid Adventures kayaking school without reservation to anyone who wants to learn how to paddle a kayak or wants to refine their skills on the water.

Tom McEwan, Ashley McEwan, and the Liquid Adventures Kayak School (LAKS) team are fantastic people…read moreand outstanding instructors. On Father's Day last year, my kids and I signed up for an introductory private lesson. Tom is a legend in the whitewater kayaking world, so we were excited that he came out to guide us that day. My kids had both spent significant time in kayaks at their summer camps, but Tom took the time to get us properly outfitted in his boats, and then review basic principles on land before we got in the water. Once in the water, we reviewed several basic safety issues, how to give each other bow rescues if we flipped over, and how to exit the boat if needed. Then off we went! Tom guided us into some gentle moving water, and took us into progressively bigger rapids as our comfort level increased. At one point, my 9 year old daughter flipped over - which of course happens routinely - and she calmly waited, upside down, for Tom to quickly paddle over and give her a bow rescue. It was awesome that she didn't panic and stayed in her boat. Since then, we've really gotten to know LAKS. My 13 year old son has become an excellent kayaker through Tom's after-school program, where LAKS picks kids up from local middle/high schools and takes them out to the river. It is a super program, that he has thoroughly enjoyed. Both of my kids also spent the winter practicing their rolling techniques in the pool with the LAKS instructors, and are now fully confident in big whitewater with bombproof rolls. This summer, Tom invited my son to start more intense training with him out at the Mirant Power Plant in Dickerson, MD, where they have a man-made whitewater course. Those workouts have dramatically improved his skills, and his muscles are happily sore for 2 days. Next week, he will participate in the LAKS' summer camp: kayaking out on the river all day, plus an overnight trip where they'll camp out and cook dinner over the fire. (I want to go!) While we haven't joined one yet, LAKS runs kayaking trips to Mexico, Canada, and elsewhere. We hope to do one soon! So, if you want to learn to kayak, or want to take a kayaking trip, give Tom and Ashley a call!

Outstanding, knowledgable...time well spent learning the industry. The intructor, Derrick provided…read morea wealth of both administrative and street knowledge that will equip anybody looking for a career in the security industry.

I had a great time during the instruction. Acquired a lot of knowledge about the DCJS and the…read morepolicies. I'm also coming back for the armed portion of the class.