Illumination Learning Studio

(14 reviews)

1.5 mi

We love it here! Everyone on staff knows how to get a child's attention...and keep it!…read more From the time you enter, your instructor approaches the children to chat and play, learn and explore, and it continues into one of two classrooms. Each class is prepared with activities and experiments, supplies and crafts to enhance the learning that has taken place. Kids are eager, excited and happy, engaged and participate in their own learning. KSL has given us a whole new take on teaching science to little ones, encouraging their thirst for knowledge and making learning so fun, you want to keep doing it!

My husband and I were debating where we were going to hold our daughter's 5th birthday party when…read morewe came across Tanya's review of her birthday party experience (see her yelp review below) and we were sold!!!! We booked the Big Birthday Blowout and it was AMAZING!!! Upon arrival, we were given a cart to wheel in whatever food we brought (it is a peanut-free facility, which we appreciate as our child has peanut allergies). The facility provides cups, napkins, cutlery and has cake cutting materials. You can also request they provide pitchers and cups of water) Their staff takes care of both the lab set up as well as the food set up (you bring the food, they set up). *Note - if you have smaller kids, they have a play area that smaller kids can play in with Magnatiles and blocks. We got 1 hour of time in the lab (we chose the slime theme) where the staff did an amazing job captivating and maintaining the attention of all of the kids at the party! The kids each get to wear a lab coat and lab googles which make for super cute pictures. After the Lab session, the staff lead the kids to the bathrooms to wash hands, and sat them down to eat. The staff then donned gloves and helped distribute the food as well as handling the cake cutting when it was time to cut the cake. They literally did EVERYTHING!!!! (The one thing I wished I had done was also ask the staff to set some plates and cutlery outside of the eating area so that parents can eat as well. I was able to move some of the food, plates, and cutlery out to make it more accessible to parents, but wished I had planned it better so that I was not on the staff's way when they were feeding the kids.) After everyone has eaten and gotten cake, the staff then distributed goodie bags (made by them and included in the cost of the party) to all the kids. It was an amazingly well-run machine. They also helped to load the cart of stuff to bring back to the car! We didn't have to clean up, they do it all!!!! Shout out to Mr. Sampson who lead the birthday party from Lab, to hand washing, to handing out gift bags. He was absolutely amazing! I describe him as the "Pied Piper of Science," because he had all the kids just enthralled with everything he did! He is super animated, super engaged - myself and many of the parents there were blown away by this man's energy and his ability to captivate and hold the attention of an audience of 3-5 year olds! We had a great experience, and I know the kids and other parents did as well! I highly recommend doing birthday parties there!

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Young Chefs Academy

25.1 mi

Our experience with Young Chef Academy and Chef Deb has been absolutely fantastic! Chef Deb is…read morepassionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly engaging. She creates a fun, supportive environment where kids can learn essential cooking skills while having a great time. The lessons are well-structured, hands-on, and full of valuable tips that even parents can appreciate. My children have gained confidence in the kitchen, developed a genuine love for cooking and broadened their palate thanks to Chef Deb. I highly recommend Young Chef Academy to any parent looking to inspire their little ones and teach them lifelong skills in a positive, nurturing setting. Five stars all the way!

My oldest is 9 and has always had a thing about helping in the kitchen. His stepmom happened to…read morecome across an ad for this summer camp at Young Chefs Academy and we jumped on the opportunity to sign him up. For us it was an hour drive each way but it was totally worth it to see the smile on my sons face. What I loved about here is that everyday after class they got to eat what they made so my son was always very proud and they teach kids how to really cook! Everything is made from scratch which even in Highschool classes I remember most things were always made from a box or jar. This summer program ran Monday-thur and at the end of the week they were given a cookbook with all the recipes they made during the week. It is a tad bit pricey but really sooo worth it.

Classes for our KinderCooks start at age 4

We offer seasonal and summer camps!

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Check out our Masterchef Program!

Music and Movement Summer Camp

(2 reviews)

4.1 mi

I'm remiss. I should…read morehave written this long ago but better late than never I suppose. So, first off, this camp is AMAZING and if I wasn't working, I'd find some way to get a fake ID saying I was... oh say 8... and sign up myself. Lindsay and Dillon are both so well matched to this kind of work that it's really remarkable to me that MMSC hasn't been around for years longer. We found them on a camp aggregator website, and to be honest, I was scared to start shouting their praises on high so my little one could attend as much as we could get her in, selfish? Yes. I know. But did I mention the AWESOMENESS? The camp itself is held in the bottom of a Cap Hill/Volunteer Park church-with easy access to lots of fun time at the park-where the space is really well suited for the kind of open and cooperative activities that they provide for the kids. My daughter learned so much about music, made friends, got a little crush on both the camp counselors and best of all, would rather go here than anywhere next summer.

I thought I would try out this new camp solely because I loved the idea of combining David Bowie…read moreand Space Exploration. When my daughter came home with Aladdin Sane lightening bolt face paint, I knew I had made a great decision. She had an absolute blast. We would have signed up for more weeks if we had known how great it would be. I and both of my daughters are looking forward to next year.

Dillon leads the way

Circle up

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Camp Long

4.4

(14 reviews)

9.0 mi

Camp Long is the biggest park in West Seattle most people don't know about. It's not on the water -…read morebut that's not a bad thing. Within the boundaries of the park are miles of trails that most people drive hours out of town to walk on. Not to mention owl spottings, blackberries, bathrooms, cabins to camp in, a natural rock climbing wall and a cool events space. I had dear friends get married here and it felt like they had rented a overnight camp to celebrate - but it was a ten minute walk home. Weeds are a bit overgrown with COVID having Parks only doing essential maintenance but not too bad. Spend an hour or an afternoon here - it's worth it!

I grew up in Burien and have lived here all my life. As a teenager with lots of energy and nothing…read moreto do, I can remember going to a church group who took kids, like myself, on weekend trips camping. I can remember going with the group to camp at the park and fell in love with the beauty of the park and all the fun we had playing games and camping. This was in the mid 70's and I haven't been back since but I should revisit the park to remember the great times I had there that helped me stay out of trouble and be productive in life as I got older. Great place to take the family to back then.

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Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School

4.0

5.2 mi

Would never go through pinnacle exploration outdoor school. Management is slow and not organized…read more The owner is not responsive and ignorant. Would not recommend!

I am updating my 1 star review to 2 stars. This review is not about the camp experience because my…read morechildren could not attend due to testing + for covid the weekend prior to the camp starting. My 1 star review was based on lack of communication/follow through from management. After my kids tested + for covid, I provided the evidence and email requesting a credit, per the covid policy. The management never responded to my emails (I sent a few follow up emails), yet I kept receiving reminders for my kids to attend that week. The camp session was actually the last of the summer - late August. I basically assumed my money for camp (X2) was gone. Out of the blue in early November I received a one-line email stating my registration for camp was going to be refunded. No signature or contact details. I just checked my credit card statement and confirmed that both registration fees were refunded. I am happy that they followed through, but the 2 star review is because of the poor communication.

Growing produce

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Exploring our Watershed!

Creative Hands Studio

4.2

(106 reviews)

11.6 mi

Family-owned & operated

Kid friendly

I wanted to come back and update my review now that we've picked up our finished pieces. We're…read moreseriously so happy with how everything turned out! The full process took about 3 weeks total. Our pottery class was on March 29th, we came back to paint on April 12th, and then picked everything up on April 17th. It honestly felt like such a fun extended experience getting to come back and see everything through. The painting portion was super enjoyable too. They offer a variety of glazes, some classic colors included at no extra cost, plus a few specialty options for a small fee. My fiancé chose the "Safari" glaze (just $1 extra), which had these cool glass pieces that melt in the kiln and create such a unique pattern. Definitely worth trying if you want something a little different! Pickup was easy overall. My only small suggestion would be to clarify the pickup hours on the card that's handed out after painting. Google hours seem to reflect member hours, while the hours posted on the door are different. When I arrived, they technically weren't open yet (my mistake, I'm sorry!), but the person at the front desk was super kind and still helped me find my pieces, which I greatly appreciated. Overall, such a great experience from start to finish. Thank you so much Creative Hands Studio, we'll definitely be back!

This was a somewhat great experience! Went with a friend and we had a great time and everything…read morewent smoothly! I do wish there was a specific color in the smaller tip bottle for better line work. They were sweet and let us finish our work after the pottery painting open time was coming to a close. It was pretty pricy though. My total was $51.45 after tax & tip for a charger plate. They give you a card for when pick up is ready 1 week after. I confirmed we will be back in 1 week to pick up. This is quite far from where I live in Lake Stevens so it's a bit of a drive. I met my friend in Monroe and drove from there to go pick up our pottery - making it a fun girls day! We were SO excited. Upon picking up, she got hers fine but apparently mine had a chip in it and the lady was kind enough to fix it. But, with that said I had to wait even longer to pick up since she put it back in the kiln. She took my cell number and said she would text me when it is ready for pick up. Very frustrating as we drove ALL the way out there to pick up our pieces. And now I had to make ANOTHER trip out there to pick up. A waste of gas. They need to have a better communication service for when your piece is in the kiln vs. ready for pick up. This is not a system at all and I can see it could frustrate a lot of people in the future. I hope they fix this.

Host a birthday party here!

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Come ceramic paint and glaze

Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science

4.8

(18 reviews)

16.4 mi

Our kids attended the Wilderness Survival Craft Day Camp at Wolf Camp this summer and had an…read moreamazing experience. They came home excited each day, sharing what they learned, from edible plants to fire safety and survival skills. The camp makes learning hands-on, engaging, and fun. The staff and founder were friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about creating a positive environment. We're so glad we found Wolf Camp, and our kids are already asking to return. Highly recommend for a unique outdoor camp experience.

I've been going to wolf camp for 3 years now, and on the second to last day of my overnight camp,…read morewe all cried on how much we would miss the place wolf camp was. We were told most of the instructors would be leaving, they were some of the nicest people I've met. Also the children there are really nice and the staff there know what there doing and are really really nice.

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Steve & Kate's Camp - Seattle Capitol Hill

4.2

(10 reviews)

4.0 mi

My 9-year old (4th grader this fall) loved this camp. She went for just 5 days all summer long…read more(never more than once in a week), and that was just right for her (she otherwise felt it was a bit repetitive). It's even better for younger kids. She made bread every time, and loved learning the animation station and using a sewing machine. She did spend one day in the Bellevue location. I thought that campus was amazing - wooded area, huge fields...and everyone was great there, too - but my daughter thought this Seattle site was even better because "it wasn't as confusing to find things" (Bellevue has a larger campus split in two buildings, and Greenlake is in a single, "vintage" school building). Granted, the day she spent in Bellevue was her first day ever of Steve and Kate's camp, which might have been a reason it felt confusing, but she chose Greenlake for the remaining 4 days. Highly recommend this location - the staff even seemed to know us after day one, even though we were only there once a week!

My (then) two 5-year-old kids had such a bad time in 2014 at the Daniel Bagley Elementary location…read morethat my daughter remembered a year later and specifically told me she didn't ever want to go back. Here's why: - One of our kids has a speech delay and was bullied by older kids (name calling and physically hit) and none of the staff intervened or did anything - The camp counselors didn't engage with the kids, they just left them in a room all day and didn't check on them or encourage them to do anything - There wasn't much for younger kids to do In addition, as parents we had a bad experience with the Seattle staff: - They gave us conflicting information - First they said would let us use one kid's account for the sibling, then they changed their minds and tried to charge us extra - The head of the camp was extremely rude in all of my and my partner's interactions with her - The staff told our children (we are a blended family) that they weren't really siblings Overall it was a horrible experience. I was so excited to find out about this camp because of the flexibility, and their marketing is excellent, but it was such a bad experience that it stuck with my daughter as something she never wants to do again.

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Wedgwood Swim Club

4.5

(2 reviews)

2.7 mi

I swam at Wedgwood Swim Club for 12 years as an away swimmer through the Seattle Summer Swim League…read more(SSSL) approximately 1999 to 2010. My Grandad lived in Wedgwood, and my parents, my sister, and I lived in Innis Arden. So it was fun coming to swim here because my Grandad lived near the pool (now my sister owns the house) and would come to see me swim. So Wedgwood has always felt like a home-away-from-home pool to swim at for me. The pool deck stands out in my mind from the other SSSL swim team pools because of its smooth texture. Concessions were well run and locker rooms well maintained during swim meets. The amount of grass/sitting room is good for dual swim meets (two teams competing) but could get very crowded for the end of the season events such as Prelims, Northerns, and All Cities. The tiered grassy area made viewing the pool during races comparatively easy, though the edges of the pool were typically lined with spectators so we didn't always see the end/turns of every race. All around fond memories of swimming here both in terms of family and competitive sporting events.

If there's one thing I always tell young families...or even couples when they move into the View…read moreRidge/Wedgwood neighborhoods of Seattle is to put your name on the wait lists for the local community pools. Now. Had someone given us that advice upon moving into NE Seattle, we might have had an opportunity to get into the View Ridge or Wedgwood Swim Clubs when our children were actually interested in being at the pool during the summer. Unfortunately that was not to happen. When we finally did have kids and finally did think to put our names on the wait list for these swim clubs, we were jarred to learn that the wait was a decade or more. I kid you not. Each spring we would get an update from both swim clubs altering us to our status on their wait list and every year we would look at each other and ask why no one gave us advice to get our names on the lists earlier. The lists moved in an excruciatingly slow manner, sometimes opening up fewer than a dozen new slots a year. In 2009, at the absolute height of the economic depression, we were finally notified by the Wedgwood Swim Club that our family was eligible to join and we were given a week to decide if we wanted to plunk down the $1700 it would cost ($1000 for membership and $700 for dues). Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. Spend $1700 that we really didn't have at that point, or lose our slot that we had been waiting on for a decade. Pay now or go back to the end of the line. Ultimately we decided to buck up and join and we really did enjoy that first summer. The weather was great, the kids were still young enough to want to hang out with their parents and, the novelty of belonging to a pool was still fresh. But, by the summer of 2011, our attendance at the pool had dropped precipitously. It took a very long time for summer to actually arrive in 2011 and combined with summer camps and other activities, I estimate that we only used the pool a total of 10 times all summer. That's $70 per swim based upon our $700 dues. Talk about a bad investment! The situation repeated itself in 2012, so when it came time to re-up our membership in 2013, we opted out. Our decade+ long wait to become members was over with a whimper after just four years. Our disappointing run at the Wedgwood Swim Club was not a reflection on the pool or community in any way. It had more to do with crappy summer weather and the fact that our kids were older and interested in other activities by the time we became members. In fact, I only have praise for the Wedgwood Swim Club. First of all, the facility is great. The pool is spacious, clean and warm. The clubhouse can be rented for a low fee for private parties. The locker rooms are clean. The staff, both year round and summer is terrific. The Board of Directors takes their job seriously and is committed to making sure the facility is around for decades to come. Everyone does a great job communicating to the membership. There are BBQ's available for picnicking and there are many community events throughout the summer, from swim meets to pie eating contests. It's really too bad that the Wedgwood pool didn't work out better for my family. Had we known about the wait list and had we become members when our kids were younger, including getting them on the swim team at a young age, we undoubtedly would have gotten more out of the pool. Pro Tip: The Wedgwood Swim Club offers swimming lessons to members and non-members alike throughout the summer. It's a great option for anyone who lives in NE Seattle.

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Beach Camp at Sunset Bay

3.8

(16 reviews)

12.4 mi

Can we amend the "Great" summary of our five star rating to "spectacular"?…read more Beach Camp has been the highlight of my son's summer for the last three years. He is already looking forward to next year, and to someday being a CIT and a counselor himself. This is an incredible place, with fantastic counselors, and a plethora of fun activities. The place isn't incredible because it's a five-star, fancy establishment. In fact, some parts are downright rustic or rough around the edges. But it's the opportunities the place presents to the lucky kids who get to go there. The chance to enjoy this magical environment where we live, to get to know nature and get to try lots of moderns ways to take play in it. Imagine spending a week exploring indoor activities (ninja gym, soccer and hockey, climbing walls, a skate park, marine biology lessons, a movie room) and outdoor adventures (swimming docks, a zip line into the water, snorkeling, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, zodiacs, creek walks, field games, campfires, beach combing, getting up close with wildlife (crabs, fish, bioluminescent aquatic creatures, sea lions), a trapeze into the water, a rock climbing wall over the water, high dives, low dives....and wetsuits to enjoy it all in the cool Puget Sound water). The people are a huge part of making it such a special and an amazing experience. Every one of them that we've interacted with--from the newest CITs to the camp director--really care about the kids having a memorable experience. They are fun and kind and a great mix of serious/ensuring safety (from multiple lifeguards to lifejacket use to an overnight dock watch just in case any campers decide to sneak out for a midnight swim) and silly/letting kids escape for a growth week at camp. My son has such a fantastic time hanging out with these great kids, and he really looks up to them and hopes his favorites return each year. I read the review about the young camper being thrown off the mats and pulled by her lifejacket off the paddleboard. I don't know what happened there, but her experience is different than that of the eight kids I know personally and well who have gone over the last two years, four of whom were repeat campers in 2021. In fact, when you ask, "What was your favorite part of camp?" At least half reply, "The green docks," which is code for the games that they play where counselors AND kids throw each other off the docks in the "Ocean Fun Zone." I don't get why that's more fun than zodiac rides, but they love it. And they assure me that no one is forced to play that game--there are "safe zones" on and near the green docks that are sacred, and you don't even have to go out there if you don't want to be part of that game. We are grateful for the memories already made at beach camp, and excited for more fun in the years ahead.

My son went to this camp the first day he arrived a girl from a different cabin got a concussion in…read moreaddition many other children were put on a very small dock and were told to rock back and forth until everyone fell off many children even got stuck underneath the dock

"Beach Camp is the BEST place in the world," says our campers. These smiles tell it all. We LOVE Beach Camp!

Kids experience a cliff jump, rock climbing wall, ocean zip line, floating mats, and amazing ocean fun & education!

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Host your Beach Camp Birthday party, company picnic, wedding, and more at our facility!

3 Bears Studio

(3 reviews)

10.6 mi

We are so stoked for this place!! This is excellent for families to spend a wonderful quality time…read moretogether. Especially w little ones to explore their creativity while enjoying some delicious beverages. Exceptional service and perfect ambiance. This will be a regular for us.

Eva was wonderful and we really enjoyed making Tofu with her. It was super interesting learning…read moreabout the process and being able to press our own tofu! It tasted great, and she even made homemade miso soup to share with the group!!

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Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science

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Camp Long

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The Electric Boat Company

(316 reviews)

3.4 mi

Pretty good Ive been on 2 Electric boat rentals. I have rented and driven large 55' houseboats on…read moreLake Mead and Lake Powell. Plus speed boat driving for skiing.

Electric Boat is a great place to rent a boat to go around Lake Union where you'll have a…read moremoderately speedy boast with comfortable seating, Bluetooth to the speakers, and a table for sharable plates of food. Had no issues with our boat and it was fun to be out in the water with the sun out. Service was helpful.

The Banjo, a paddle wheeler house boat Airbnb you can stay on!

The view from the boat

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Shana R.

13 years ago

Illumination Learning School has been an awesome asset to the Greenwood neighborhood and our family. Seattle is very lucky to have Mr. Mike & Mrs. Molli Piper in our community and I am blessed that they are part of our daughters' school days. My daughter is in Kindergarten at Daniel Bagley and attends the ILS aftercare program. She is picked up directly from school, in the ILS van, taking away any worries about transportation. We have been more than pleased with not only the program but Mr. Mike and Mrs. Molli's dedication to create a wonderful atmosphere for many age groups. The aftercare program has by-far exceeded our expectations with their daily activities including piano lessons, Thai Chi, Yoga, drama and time for homework as well as homework assistance. Filled with huge hearts and the knowledge to determine individual learning needs for each child, the Pipers are amazing. I have seen so many of the kids flourish with knowledge with their time at ILS; from learning music and playing the piano to beginning reading sight words for a pre-K student. ILS not only offers an awesome aftercare program, they have toddler programs, personal piano lessons and much more. Stop by and say hello, see the location and visit with the Pipers', Like ILS on Facebook, or check out their website for more information. read more

Kate G.

11 years ago

I have been reading a lot of reviews for kindergartens in my neighborhood, and I have found them to be very helpful, so I decided to add one for the school my children are currently attending since it is so uniquely amazing. I hope this review helps to end someones search. This preschool is the best and Its worth every moment of you interest. My son is in his third year and my daughter is in her second year at ILS. This preschool program is phonemail. Ms Molli and Mr Mike and the staff have gone far and above my hopes and expectations. When I pick my children up from school they are so eager to share. They show me the new letters they have learned to write and words they can read, the new Spanish words they know. They show me the play they acted out in Drama, the fun new Yoga poses they liked best. They teach us new songs every week and our house is beautifully decorated with the creative and complex art projects brought home daily. They love to share what they know about life cycles of animals and plants. They are so proud of what they know. They are confident about what they have learned. My children have the love for learning that I hoped most for. ( THANK YOU ILS ) This is the kind of feedback I get from my children everyday. I love this school and the community it brings. read more

Melissa J.

12 years ago

My son is 23 months old and has been in their Little Movers class for a few months now. It's great! There's a consistent format to the class so the kids know what's happening next, while still allowing for different specific songs and other activities so it's not too repetitive or boring for them. Mr Mike also blends in music/piano concepts like sequences, echoes, counting fingers, and "tickling" his piano. Mr Mike is enthusiastic and chatty, and interacts with the little ones like the seasoned grandpa that he is. My son is the slow-to-warm-up type, and it's great that the class is preceded by about 15 minutes of unstructured play time. Even with that, my kiddo is usually not quite warmed up yet. So while he may not always look like he's getting much out of class, he will do a lot of the activities at home on his own initiative - sing the songs, do the motions, count his fingers, play the piano. He also asks to see Mr Mike often during the week. So I do think he's getting a lot out the class even though it's a little out of his comfort zone right now. We're definitely sticking with it. read more

Charles B.

6 years ago

My daughter use to go to their after school program (when we had school). It was super convenient because they meet her at the school and take them to the center. We also signed her up for private music lessons which occurred during the after-school hours. So that was convenient too because we didn't have to make a separate trip to take her to music lessons. Now, since school is remote she is home all day. But we still have her take music lessons which are done remotely via Zoom. And believe it or not, it works great. My daughter loves her lessons, we get to listen in on them, and still no driving back and forth to get her to lessons. In addition to their after school program we value their day camps - all day care for when school is out (in-service dates, between-semester days, etc) and we used it all summer long. Not only do they have all day care, but they have early before care and late after care. Every service you could need. The all-day camps are open to anyone, but they give discounts to those using their regular care. read more

Nellie S.

11 years ago

Our soon to be 5 year old is rounding out his second and much to our dismay last year at ILS. What Ms.Moli and Mr.Mike along with their fantastic teaching staff have accomplished with our son is beyond remarkable. At ILS he found focus, grounding, social skills, music and arts, and a foundation of education that includes reading, writing, and a wealth of knowledge that leaves kindergarten with some big shoes to fill. We leave with so much more than we thought possible and so much more than can be conveyed in a review. ILS is truly as good as it gets and if you are hoping to give your kid academic structure and learning, exposure to welcomed diversity, a sense of community and the desire to go to school each day with a teaching staff that is just as invested as you are in their future then we can't encourage ILS enough. To contemplate whether or not kindergarten will be challenging enough for your five year old is a good feeling . Thank you ILS we will miss you!! read more

Amanda S.

6 years ago

My children have attended ILS almost since it's opening. We have been part of music lessons, school camps, summer camps, and after care programming. It has been an amazing addition to our life and our neighborhoods. Mike and Molli are engaged and attentive to every detail about the kids, teachers, and program. All the teachers are amazingly creative and talented. It is also one of the most affordable, dependable, and flexible childcare options in the area - and has great hours for a working parent. They have worked hard to remain viable during COVID with creative programing and diligent monitoring of safety and precautions. The only downside is not always having outdoor spaces immediately available for play, but they try as hard as possible to take the kids on daily walks and park outings. read more

Joanna M.

6 years ago

I am a parent of a child that joined ILS Kindergarten this year. Once SPS closed for in-person classes, I was looking for a substitute to give my son an opportunity to socialize with other kids and be challenged while I get some time to work, without sacrificing safety during COVID-19 (limited number of kids). I have learned about ILS through a friend and this was the best decision ever made. My son was finally happy to go to school every day. Also, his friend joined the class after my recommendation. Teacher Molli has a lot of energy and love for kids. Their curriculum is pretty condensed in a good way, giving kids challenges without overloading them. Each learns at their own pace. On top of reading and math, they focus a lot on art and music. I love this place! read more

Rebecca G.

6 years ago

We originally signed our daughter up for aftercare, and then when the pandemic hit and schools closed, we jumped on the opportunity to attend Ms. Molli's in-person 10-kid morning kindergarten program. I had heard great things about the preschool and pre-K offerings, but it still exceeded my expectations. With a personalized approach, and a playful but rigorous hands-on curriculum, my daughter loves it and is thriving, already reading independently, counting by five's and starting to tell time. Ms. Molli is so personable and is fully transparent and collaborative with the parents, so even with strict Covid policies, I feel more connected with the kindergarten experience than I would have ever hoped. I forgot to mention it's very affordable too. read more

Lisa N.

13 years ago

My 6-year old son started at Illumination in 2013 and he loves it and so do we. Molli and Mike are a great team and the studio offers music, drama, homework help and lots of movement, yoga, tai chi, etc. They are wonderful people who offer kind, loving instruction with clear boundaries and expectations. My son was terrified of being on stage when he first started and now we've seen him in his first production. They allow the kids to find their interests and passions and help support them in whichever direction they choose. And the space is beautiful. Highly recommended! read more

Jenny W.

11 years ago

There simply is not another after school program around that can rival this one. Personal, talented and caring staff, an outstanding array of activities from music to drama to yoga to art. Help with homework, trips to the park. The owners are the most outgoing, organized and energetic people. They are philanthropic, always doing something in the community. You couldn't find a better couple to entrust with the care of your children. You will thank your lucky stars and your kids will love it. 5 enthusiastic stars for ILS! read more

Emmanuel G.

11 years ago

We love ILS! Both of our kids started at the half-day preschool program once they became old enough. There are many things that we love about the school: the breadth of activities (art, music, drama, dance, yoga), the comprehensive curriculum (Spanish, reading, writing, early biology), the engaged and friendly community (including wonderful seasonal performances), the loving care of the staff, the inspired and tireless efforts of Ms. Molli and Mr. Mike... I could continue. But the point is: we love ILS. read more

Peter A.

12 years ago

Illumination Learning Studio is an awesome place for after-school care. My 6 yo daughter goes there and she loves it. Molli, Mike and their staff are great with kids. They are always helping kids with homework. It is so nice for all the homework to be done before my kid even gets home. Huge help for parents In addition, yoga and piano lesions are just great. Oh, and another thing, they have their own transportation. You cannot go wrong with this place, it is pleasant, clean, and fun for kids. read more

Debbie W.

6 years ago

Our daughter has been in the ILS afterschool program and piano lessons since first grade. She has built confidence and a true love for the arts- drawing, creating, singing, acting and playing piano. ILS has been the best part of our daughters life and we will miss them when she goes to 5th grade! read more

Jenny M.

11 years ago

ILS is an awesome musical school and child care for kids. My son Alex Y attended ILS Afterschool programs since 2014. He loved it! All the teachers are very caring and talented. Mr Mike helped Alex build the passion for piano and music. We are very luck to have ILS as part of our family. read more

K C.

11 years ago

My son loves the before-school program at ILS. Ms. Molli and Mr. Mike and their staff are all wonderful, caring people. ILS has many activities to keep my son engaged and a clean, beautiful space. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. read more

Bojana A.

11 years ago

Great program, wonderful teachers, our daughter loved being in Illumination after school program! Plus she always came home with homework done :-) read more

Illumination Learning Studio - musicalinstrumentsandteachers - Updated August 2026

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Off the Wall School of Music