What an amazing program! My two boys attend GK. I love that they adapt the activities for each…read morechild's needs, they keep them one step ahead of elementary school's benchmarks, and the program address everything - math, writing, reading, physical activities, computers, manners, health, public speaking, emotional wellbeing, and also fun stuff. My boys are looking forward going to GK and they love their teachers, who are kind and caring, with very little turnover and relatively small student-teacher ratio. The director Melissa is simply a superhero, she manages both locations (San Ramon and Blackhawk) wonderfully and it does feel like my child is the most important one to this school. Huge thank you to Genius Kids, I am so grateful we are a part of this program.

My child started with GK - Gale Ranch in Kinder and after a full school year, we noticed…read moresignificant progress in terms of academics as well as my child's learning attitude. He started off with tantrums when others were doing work, he did not want to participate and just put his head down in the first two weeks. I thought the teacher was ready to give up on him but they gave him room to learn at his own pace. After 2 -3 months, he recited speeches at home and told me about what he learned at GK. I was very impressed with the speeches that he was able to memorize and on top of that, he was sounding out words as we drove to places. Soon after, he started writing simple sentences and accelerated in math as well. Now, he comes home with all his homework completed (at GK) which reduces our stress levels and allows us to spend more quality time together. I don't know how they do it but I highly recommend GK, they are the best and a life saver for us!! Thank you Ms. Kiran and her team!

Julian Brooks at EDMD has been absolutely amazing! He supported 2 of our 3 daughters with their…read morecollege experience. With both of our daughters, he provided feedback and created a customized plan, suggested courses and even took the time to help us during the dreading appeal process. His grounded approch to deal with the schools has been stellar. Because of his creative approach my daughters aid and grants increased significantly compared to what was originally offered at UC Santa Cruz and at the University of San Francisco. Not to mention, being admitted to multiple great schools. I'm extremely greateful and if I could rate him 10stars I would. Best investment ever! Thank you so much, Julian, we're looking to continue to work with you!

Julian Brooks at EdMD was an asset to have for my daughter's college preparation. He listened to…read moreall of our needs, he walked her through the preparation for college applications and admissions. He was there for all of our questions and concerns. He prepared her months ahead of time for the application and financial aid processes. He meet with her on a regular basis and updated myself. He was amazing when it came time for the application process and he made it so much easier on all of us. He stayed on top of her regarding her deadlines and helped her begin preparing her admissions essays and information months in advance along with reviewing and giving her insight and advice on improving her essays. I recommend using the service and especially recommend Julian. My daughter was accepted into several schools including UC Berkeley and UCLA. She will be attending UCLA this fall.

Devina is one of the most dedicated teachers I have known. Under her instruction, my daughter has…read morelearned how to use various types of paint, mediums, techniques, and has been able to really surface the deep love for art she had inside. She always has that brilliant smile at the end of every class with an end product, which is quite priceless! Devina also does corporate events and special events like birthdays - we invited her to do a lesson for my daughter and her friends for her birthday (Andy Warhol's donuts). What a super cool outcome that was! In addition to art, Devina also teaches public speaking, which has helped my daughter understand how to write outlines, make better arguments, reduce filler words and project better body language. Most importantly it has helped boost her self confidence! Devina is not just a teacher - she is invested in the development of your child all along the way, which is not something you'd get in some of the best teachers. We are truly lucky to have her in our daughter's life!

My 8 year old daughter has been going here for 3 months and she loves it! I like the fact that that…read morethis place has a variety of art that my daughter can experience. She has brought home BEAUTIFUL artwork that we hang and use. Parking is easy to find. Its a one hour and fifteen min class every Tuesday and plans to open more sessions. The teacher, devina, is receptive to each child and allows their creativity to flow. She is kind, talented and is amazing with children!

Pell Learning Center is an excellent center for your child to learn. Gabe is great with the kids…read moreand you can tell that the kids are excited to be there and love learning!

PEL has made a difference in our child's academic performance and instilling discipline and time…read moremanagement in completing the worksheets. Gabriel is flexible working with our schedule. It's been an easy addition to our busy lives. Glad to have found this center!

We had an awful experience with our child. I enrolled him for three weeks of summer 2024. Then we…read moreenrolled him for afterschool program. He is a fourth grader. Until third grade, he went to different after school program but this time one of his friend went there so I enrolled him. On month three, they mail me that my son has serious mental health issues and they can not continue. They gave me two weeks notice to withdraw my kid. After one week the director told me my child has behavioral issues that needs to be consulted or treated! Well his school and other afterschool never informed me! I talk to his school teacher and she informed no issues at all. I asked Lauren the director why she didn't inform me during three weeks of summer camp? She told me she wanted but didn't know I was enrolling him for afterschool! That was the answer. My son went to different summer camp before their one. No issues at all. Second month, my son was having nightmares not to go there and this time we set up a meeting. The teachers told us they will take care of his needs. His needs are he wants help of his Russian school of mathematics homework and breaks from their own stressful curriculum. They said Russian math school is their rival so they won't help! They told us they will give him breaks and I told them I am not worried about their curriculum because my son is at the good side of his school so I am not concerned of his education. He never goes afterschool with homework. He finished at school. They told me my son multiple time told them "HE is not a good person. He doesn't have any point of existence." "HE wants to nuke the whole world" "He wants to crashed to the windshield of the car and doesn't want to wear a seatbelt". He did says all out of his frustration of that creepy place. Teachers treated him so bad that he just wants all the negative thoughts. A nine year old having nightmares of a new afterschool means a lot. The director Lauren didn't inform me any of those when happened. She mailed me with a date of withdrawal which is against California licensing. I informed my son's teacher. She was surprised the way they address his behavioral issues because none of those happening at school. I withdraw him right away and put him to another facility. Asked for what teachers thinking about him after two months. The teachers answer was "He is a nice addition to their classroom". So this management and director doesn't know and doesn't care about children. They wants your money and specific children. The children who will sit down on a space until parents will pick up. Children wants some moving will be addressed as a behavioral issue child when no one else before informed parents. They pushed my son to act crazy and put a notice of withdrawal because they have lots of waitlist of children who are quite and can sit on a space for three to four hours. Others will get a withdrawal notice after one or two weeks. Business will run fast too.

I would like to recommend genius club. They have a quality service, safe and the kids learnt math…read moreand language. my son was able to do 7 th grade math after being there in fifth grade

Looking back, we started our college counseling journey so late in the game. We had some unique…read morecircumstances with my daughter's academic path and we neither had the expertise, time, or energy to navigate the nuances of selecting appropriate colleges for her consideration. I found Cliff via his Yelp reviews, explained our circumstances and set up an initial meeting to further discuss our needs. Cliff did a great job introducing himself, his experience and what he could do for our daughter. After contracting with Cliff he was able to provide us with a thoughtful, organized and comprehensive list of colleges for consideration. He provided us with informational literature regarding every step of the college admissions process. Cliff communicated primarily with my daughter keeping her on track through the college selection and application process. He kept her(us) apprised of deadlines and was crucial in vetting her application and essays. Our daughter was accepted into every college/university(all 10 of them!) of which she applied- validating that Cliff was more than qualified and experienced in his practical assessment of our daughter's qualitiesand abilities. She couldn't be happier with all her choices and has matriculated to Gonzaga University for the completion of her undergraduate college experience. We highly recommend Cliff for your college planning needs.

Cliff MacDonald is an excellent resource for advising college-bound students. His vast knowledge…read moreon what a college is looking for in a student is invaluable. He is very personable and patient person. He will guide your child through the college application process including those dreaded college essays. Not sure whether you need Cliff's services, no worries. Give him a call and discuss it with him. He has limited openings for new students.

My exprience with Brilliant Minds has been awful to say the least…read more My first interaction was with the owner Syeda Tabassum. We had a very candid conversation where I set clear expectations for what I needed in order for my son to attend. Because I commute far distances for work and travel frequently, one of my requirements included drop-off service. When I asked if they offered this service, Syeda advised that she needed to speak with the center Director Mrs. Ramala and follow-up. Later that week, I attended open house (Per Syeda's recommendation) and met with Syeda and Ramala in-person and discussed requirements further. Drop off service was a primary area of concern because my son had attend Glitter Kids (their direct competitor) a couple of months prior and after a week or so they advised they could no longer provide drop-off services. However, both assured me this would not be an issue at Brilliant Minds. On 8/2 my son started their summer camp as a way to get acclimated and prepared for the new school year. On 8/14 he started their after school program. On 8/16 I was told by Syeda they could no longer provide drop off services and that I had 2 weeks to locate another facility for my son. This mishap is very unfortunate and has created a very stressful situation. As a parent finding a reliable, honest and trustworthy center is critical for our children's long-term success.

My son is here for summer camps, he is enjoying all the field trips, basketball classes, fun events…read morelike laser tag. I like that school take care of maths, writing, and art projects too. Overall he is really happy and wants to join after school program when school starts.

I am in just the beginning of working with Deborah Bloom. So far I have had a pleasant experience…read morewith both Catherine and Deborah. Catherine has been very clear on what we need to be prepared for and have ready for the school. It helps that they are both direct and to the point. It helps me stay focused with a clear set goal. I'm impressed with how quickly they've accommodated uto meet our goals in such a short period time. Follow up after a Zoom meeting with Deborah Bloom (The new way to meet during the Corona Virus). I found Deborah very reassuring when reviewing our sons report. She gave simple tips and offered the best resources available to us during these times, and what to expect in the near future. All of this helps us out in the home and we have received a phone call already from one of the resources she mentioned. That was 1 business day. The professionalism and reduction in anxiety as she leads us on a path to success is so needed when we are so lost in these times, while having 2 working parents in health care is amazing!

When you are dealing with such a delicate issue (special needs child in public school), it is…read morenecessary to have someone that is knowledgeable in your corner. I thought that this would have been Deborah Bloom. Sadly, it was a very expensive mistake. During the intake, she seemed knowledgeable and asked all the right questions. We discussed a plan and it was set into action within a few days. However, there are a few areas that made me cancel my contract with her and went elsewhere for representation. First, the letter that she wrote to be dropped off at the school district was full of misinformation and I had to rewrite it. Not to mention that she charged me 130$ for the letter she wrote that was useless. Second, many emails and phone calls were left unanswered. When you are dealing with the school and have a few questions about the process, it is imperative that your hired advocate is there for you. I had a hard time getting Deborah to call me back. Third, I dealt more with her office assistant than Deborah. I'm sure her assistant is very knowledgeable, but I think that having her assistant do all the legwork made the room for the issues that I faced during an IEP meeting with the school. Lastly, during the IEP meeting, Deborah was extremely unorganized and unfamiliar with my case. She missed many important topics and asked the school district for something that was never discussed between us. I was in shock when she asked this and frustrated that she did not have notes for the issues we needed to bring up during the IEP meeting. Hence, a waste of money and everyone's time. After the meeting, I called and canceled our contract. Thank goodness I could get some of my retainer back.

Mrs. Haruka Yamashita helped me out with the whole process of writing essays. She guided me through…read moreeach step, which made it easier to organize my thoughts and write clearly. As someone with immigrant parents, I didn't really have anybody to ask for advice about American colleges. Mrs. Yamashita and I discussed about how we can incorporate my Japanese activities in my application. I'm so happy that I was able to show how I've connected with my culture throughout my life through Japanese school, abacus, volunteering, etc. Mrs. Yamashita also provided useful resources that helped me write essays and the activity list. She also added detailed comments on my essays, so I knew which areas to make improvements on. I recommend her counseling service to anybody who's feeling lost in the application process. Thank you so much Haruka-San!

Haruka has been working with my son since sophomore year. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and…read morewise. With her guidance, my son got a fantastic internship, made use of the best resources for his essays, applied to the schools that fit his goals, and was accepted by his number one school - the university of Chicago. We can't thank her more!!

I was introduced to Brightfox by a friend a few months ago, and we have been very happy with our…read moreexperience. One of the things I like most is the flexible class system. Many tutoring centers require you to buy a package of classes before you can start, but BrightFox lets you begin with just one class. That gave us a chance to see if it was a good fit for our child without feeling pressured. It also gave me the impression that they are confident in the quality of their program. Even though the classes are 2:1, my child still receives plenty of individual attention. It really feels like one-on-one learning. One of my children had never attended a tutoring center before high school because he preferred studying on his own. At BrightFox, the teachers always welcome questions and explain concepts step by step in a way that matches each student's level. This has helped my child become much more confident in learning. What impressed me the most is that the teachers don't just give the answers. They make sure students understand why the answer is correct and continue explaining until they know the student truly understands. You can tell they genuinely care about each student's learning. After every class, we receive detailed feedback about what was covered, how our child did, and what to work on next. As a parent, I really appreciate being able to stay involved in my child's learning. Before we enrolled, Mr. Alex took the time to understand our child's learning goals and helped us choose the best path. Ms. Heather has also been wonderful. She carefully follows our child's progress and provides support and guidance whenever it is needed. Her communication and care have given us a great deal of confidence. Our family is very happy that we chose Brightfox.

My daughter liked all the instructions at this center for her algebra2 and pre calculus tutoring…read more. they explain it thoroughly so she can understand better, liking math again:)