Really? You got my 7 year old kid to add an IF THEN statement in her video game code to provide…read morerealtime interaction with a webcam? I can't even get her to fix the air conditioner! My daughter is really happy with her video game programming class at Engineering for Kids. They set up these modular projects that are set up for kids with no background in engineering to be successful. They have several topics such as lego robots, civil, mechanical, and others. I was pretty impressed that on her first day she was able to follow all the instructions and design an interactive video game with points and timers and graphics. Even though the software uses a graphic coding language, they still start to get familiar with the structure of programming: start, do this , if then, do that end etc. Very cool, very fun. I think she's off the hook for the science fair this year if she can just pass this one off.

The girls declared it their "favorite camp, ever," and these 7 year olds are connoisseurs, having…read moreattended 7 or 8 flavors of summer camp in their short life-spans. Game-changer, too. In just one morning (and there were five), they learned to frame a shot, zoom-in, and also consider shutter speed and light sources. This is super useful stuff that they'll enjoy applying the rest of their lives. Group was small enough that real friendships can be forged.

My son, age 11, spent a week at camp with Jon at Shutter Bugs and absolutely loved it. He said the…read morebest part about camp was when he created the photo with the shoes. This experience is truly one of a kind and the kids gain a great deal of perspective. My boy came home and was seeing the beauty of earth with an artists eye. Giving a child an experience is worth so much more than any item. And that is what these kids get, an experience. They even have an art show at the end to show off all the photos they created. What kid wouldn't love this!

We couldn't be happier with our choice of Bosque School. As a parent, I toured Sandia Prep and…read moreAlbuquerque Academy as well, but Bosque stood out for several reasons that continue to prove themselves year after year. What makes Bosque different is the community. The small class sizes mean my child isn't just a number -- every teacher truly knows them, checks in regularly, and encourages them to take healthy risks. At Academy, we felt the culture was much more high-pressure and competitive, and at Sandia Prep the environment was good but not quite as personal as Bosque. The academics at Bosque are rigorous, but not overwhelming. My child is challenged, supported, and actually enjoys learning. The senior thesis and independent projects prepare students for college in ways that go beyond test scores. At Academy there are more AP courses, but the trade-off seemed to be higher stress and less balance. Another unique strength is how Bosque uses its location in the bosque (river forest) for science, service learning, and hands-on projects. That connection to nature, plus strong arts programs, has given my children experiences they wouldn't have had elsewhere. Social-emotional support is woven into the culture, which was important to us. We wanted a school where our child would be seen, known, and valued -- and Bosque really delivers.

I was the second employee of Bosque. When I started, we had no teachers or students. However we had…read morePeggie Findlay's vision, a great board and support of the community. Now look at them 35 years later! So proud of the school.

My child enrolled in the summer dance camp and it's our first visit there…read more I registered her online and splurged on this class even though it's over my budget for summer camps because I thought my daughter would love the dance class. On the first day on our very first visit, I arrive 15 min before the class starts and the only person at the front desk is in the phone facing sideways. There was someone else already waiting to be helped and a few minutes go by without this lady ever looking over to say...anything. I know she can see us. We just waited till another lady finally came along to sign us in. When it wasn't turn, I'm told to fill out a form. That's pretty standard but then she proceeded to tell me that my 6 year old needs to "sign" the code of conduct. Uh... maybe the instructor should go over discipline and code of conduct in their class rather than have a 1st grader (read and) sign any form of contract? I mean, she's smart but don't believe she could read all of it on her own so what's the point of having a child sign? THEN, "So, the before care is $35". Huh? The class STARTS at 8:30. I wait to be signed in because some woman is on the phone ignoring us customers. Then 15 min till the START of the class, if I wanted to drop her off, it's ADDITIONAL $35 on top of $225 for the week if dance camp. For 8am to 8:30. I needed to get out of there because I had to get to work so just had her charge my card but even when I went back to the sign up page, it doesn't say anything about costing whopping $35 for 30 minuets window of BEFORE CARE, where the kids just sit in the lobby coloring. Whatever. First and last time, I tell myself. Here's the big kicker. As I'm used to showing my ID and signing her out so I told them that I need to add someone to the pick up list. The answer she gave me just threw me off completely. "We don't really have a set procedure." I asked, how are you going to make sure that you don't release my child to just anyone? and their answer was "We get to know the kids and parents. You can tell us who you don't want to release your child to." OMG. I was so ticked off when I left I had to really find a way to chill out before I got to work so I don't turn into a dragon lady at my work! When I arrived at pick up time (made sure I'm not late a minute because they would have costed me another $35 for 30 minutes of AFTER CARE. Oh heck no!! There was a lady standing by the door with a clipboard but I signed nothing. I'm sure she remembered me but does she correctly remember every child's parents? Now for the classes, my daughter has been enjoying the classes and she says the instructors are nice so at least for that, I'm glad. So I'm giving extra star for the lessons to be fair. I just have hard time being ok with the 30 minutes before and after care they charge $35 per am/pm when I literally checked her in 10 minutes till class starts. I don't want her to be late and miss anything. How do they decide? I didn't hear her charge the other parent. So if I came in at 8:20, would she still had me pay? What about after care? How many minutes do they give me after 4 before they charge? It just doesn't make sense. I feel ripped off. $225 for one week is a splurge for me. Now it's $260 and it's not like it comes with meals. I still pack her lunch & snacks & water bottle every day. I don't think I'll be back after this week. That's a disappointment for both.

There's a lot more going on at Keshet than I know. A whole lot more. I know that my three year-old…read moreis absolutely boisterous about her dance class here; she takes it home, actually, and can often be found in our living room donning a ballerina costume, twirling on the carpet. I've known some professional dancers who've worked with the company in the past, they were absolutely incredible. I've seen a couple of Keshet performances and found them to be sort of nuanced modern, gorgeous and not overdone. But I've only recently learned of the nonprofit, community connected efforts of Keshet, and these earn 'em a fifth star. Amongst their various programs, I'm most impressed with the efforts that bring dance to low-income, at-risk, homeless and incarcerated youth. They also bring dance to the disabled. Really impressive. With programs for the young, old and in-between, Keshet's definitely one of the most important arts organizations in ABQ. The Center for the Arts is currently under construction; my daughter's class is currently being taught in a temporary structure adjacent to the building. But once the construction is over, it's looking like this will be a fantastic destination for the performing arts.

It is lots of fun, we invent things. The teacher is very nice. There are lots of fun things to do…read moreand if you don't want to do something she lets you do something else.

Went to a 2 year old birthday party here at the beginning of the year. We loved it!…read more Fast forward, I decided to have my 2 year olds birthday party here too! It was such a great decision. I couldn't have been more happy!!! To book, I emailed the owner and placed a $125 deposit and then $125 was due upon arrival. This was for a 2 hour reservation. In my opinion, this is very reasonable, competitive with other venues, and WELL worth it :) Upon arrival, the owner was so pleasant! She showed us around and let us know that if we needed anything, to just ask. For example, extra plates, napkins, or serving tools. She explained the time would be sectioned in two categories. The first hour would be for the kids to play and be led in play. Then, the next hour, would be for food and opening presents. Everyone had such a good time watching their little ones play! She had so many things for the kids to do. *Beware, the outside is not the most presentable. However, upon walking in, it is very clean, well decorated, organized, and everything else good!! They offer other services, which I am definitely interested in. So, I'll have to follow them on social media, because I definitely want to go back :)

We've had such a great experience with the Bounce n Boogie class! From day one, the teachers were…read moreso kind and welcoming -- they made me feel completely comfortable leaving my son in their care, which, as a parent, means everything. The space is clean, bright, and super inviting, and it's clear that the staff really cares about creating a safe, fun environment for the kids. Not only did my son have so much fun every time, but he also learned a lot -- from following directions to social skills, movement, and coordination. It's the perfect mix of play and early learning. Watching him come home happy and full of energy (and ready for a nap!) is the best part. I can't recommend this class enough for anyone looking for a positive, engaging activity for their little one. We're so grateful for the Bounce n Boogie team!