empowering learners daily
Adaptable. Inspiring. Evolving with your child.
Choose from a wide variety of academic and enrichment classes — each one built to grow with your child’s interests, needs, and learning style.
Where education meets imagination
The Learning Loft is a space where kids
-
Think independently
-
Work collaboratively
-
And discover what learning can really look like
Classes are creative.
Community matters.
And every student moves forward feeling seen.
Features
Not school.
The Loft.
We don’t do rows of desks or one-size-fits-all lessons.
At The Learning Loft, education looks like conversation, creativity, movement, and meaning. Every detail — from the way we build classes to how we respond to students — is designed to support real growth, not just schoolwork.
Hands-On Learning
From STEM projects to storytelling, every class engages the mind and the senses.
Supportive Resources
Students get tools to deepen their understanding — but no busywork, ever.
Purposeful Assessments
We focus on reflection and growth, not just right answers.
Real-Time Feedback
Facilitators are present, attentive, and tuned in to every learner’s progress.
Creative Flexibility
Students can follow their interests while meeting academic goals in meaningful ways.
Find your place. Choose your path.
Comfort + Choice = Confidence
At The Learning Loft, students don’t just attend — they belong.
Our flexible course options give learners the freedom to explore their interests, try something new, or dive deeper into subjects they already love. When students feel safe and supported, they take charge of their learning — and that’s where the real magic happens.
Humanities
Language & Literacy
Reading, writing, signing, and speaking — our humanities classes help students become confident communicators. From learning phonics to crafting essays, discovering new languages to building vocabulary, learners of all ages find their voice here. Every class is designed to grow critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Caitlin Smith
Sound It Out – Reading Launchpad – Between the Lines – Fluent & Fearless – WordCraft – Write It Right
Master of Science in Gifted Education
Caitlin specializes in literacy enrichment and critical thinking. With over a decade of classroom experience, she brings creativity and clarity to every lesson. She loves helping students find their voice and confidence through words.
Shantell Lee
Finding My Writing Voice
PhD in Curriculum & Instruction
Shantell brings energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to the classroom. She’s excited to be part of a nontraditional learning environment where students can grow outside the box. She especially enjoys teaching writing to older kids and helping them find their voice through words.
Codie Sullivan
ASL – Spanish
BA in Spanish, MA in Romance Languages (Spanish), MA in Linguistics (English Language Studies)
Codie has been passionate about languages since childhood. With a background in languages, linguistics, and interpreting, he brings this passion to every class he teaches. Through immersive communication, cultural exploration, and hands-on learning, he aims to nourish this same passion in those in his classes.
Sound It Out
Perfect for new readers learning phonics and early decoding. (Ages 4 – 6)
Through songs, stories, and hands-on practice, young learners gain foundational reading skills in a nurturing, low-pressure environment.
Reading Launchpad
Best for students who are starting to blend sounds into full reading. (Ages 6 – 8)
This class boosts fluency and comprehension while reinforcing core skills like decoding, sight words, and stamina — all through engaging, level-appropriate texts.
Write It Right
Best for students learning grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph basics. (Ages 8 – 10)
With a mix of mini-lessons and guided writing, this class helps students become stronger, more confident writers — one sentence at a time.
WordCraft
For Minecraft-loving learners ready to level up their language. (Ages 9 – 11)
This unique vocabulary class turns Minecraft into a world of words. Students practice synonyms, roots, and word choice through build challenges, storytelling, and wordplay.
Once Upon A Pen
Perfect for emerging creative writers with big imaginations. (Ages 7 – 10)
Students explore character, setting, and plot while writing short stories and fairy tales. A great introduction to story structure and expressive writing.
Between the Lines
Great for students developing deeper comprehension and discussion skills. (Ages 8 – 10)
Students go beyond the text to explore meaning, theme, and inference in a supportive reading circle. Ideal for learners ready to question, connect, and think critically.
Fluent & Fearless
For independent readers ready to build fluency and expression. (Ages 9 – 11)
Through read-alouds, discussion, and targeted practice, students strengthen reading confidence, pacing, and comprehension in a fun, collaborative setting.
Finding My Writing Voice
For writers ready to develop style, clarity, and confidence. (Ages 12 – 16)
Through personal essays, opinion writing, and creative prompts, students learn how to express themselves with purpose, polish, and power.
STEM
Engineering & Technology
Our engineering and technology classes give students the tools to build, code, and create with purpose. From building with blocks to robotics to real-world design challenges, learners explore how things work—and how to make them better. Each course blends mechanical skills, creative thinking, and tech fluency to prepare students for a future where innovation matters.
Whether they’re sketching bridge designs, programming a robot, or solving everyday problems, students build confidence by doing. It’s not just STEM—it’s the start of something big.
Daniel Vides
Builders & Tinkerers – Inventors & Makers – Real World Robotics & Coding – Minecraft RedStone
Electrical Engineering
Daniel brings real-world engineering experience to every class he teaches. With a background in electrical systems and hands-on design, he helps students connect big ideas with practical builds. He’s passionate about making STEM fun, accessible, and grounded in real-world problem solving.
Andrew Tran
Code Explorers – Code Quest
Computer Science: Cybersecurity
Andrew introduces students to the exciting world of computer science with clarity, creativity, and patience. His background in cybersecurity shapes the way he teaches digital logic and safe online practices. He loves helping students think like coders while building confidence through code.
Builders & Tinkerers
Young builders dive into the world of engineering through hands-on projects, simple machines, and playful challenges. With age-appropriate tools and materials, students explore how things work while developing creativity, teamwork, and early STEM skills—all in a fun, screen-free environment.
Minecraft Redstone
In this creative STEM class, students explore logic, circuits, and engineering using Minecraft’s Redstone system. They’ll build secret doors, traps, and custom contraptions—all while learning real-world tech concepts through hands-on digital design.
Inventors & Makers
From circuits to catapults, students take on exciting design challenges that spark creativity and critical thinking. This hands-on class explores structural engineering, mechanical systems, and basic electronics—encouraging innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving in every session.
Robotics & Real World Coding
In this advanced, hands-on course, students build and program their own robots to complete real-world challenges. Using platforms like Arduino or CircuitPython, they learn to combine mechanical design with coding logic—gaining practical tech skills through trial, error, and invention. Prior coding experience required.
Code Explorers
Young coders dive into screen-free and beginner-friendly block coding activities designed just for early learners—no reading required! Through games, robots, and creative play, students build logic, sequencing, and problem-solving skills in a fun, hands-on way.
Code Quest
Students embark on a digital coding adventure using platforms like Scratch to build games, stories, and animations. With each project, they strengthen core programming skills, creativity, and confidence—all while having serious fun with code.
STEM
Science & Math
Our engineering and technology classes give students the tools to build, code, and create with purpose. From building with blocks to robotics to real-world design challenges, learners explore how things work—and how to make them better. Each course blends mechanical skills, creative thinking, and tech fluency to prepare students for a future where innovation matters.
Whether they’re sketching bridge designs, programming a robot, or solving everyday problems, students build confidence by doing. It’s not just STEM—it’s the start of something big.
Christian DeSalvo
Fueling the Family – Science in Motion – Wonders of Creation
Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
Christian brings a whole-body approach to science education, blending nutrition, biology, and hands-on exploration. As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, he helps students connect what they learn in class to how they live and feel every day. His teaching style is approachable, engaging, and grounded in real-life application—making science meaningful for students and families alike.
Daniel Vides
Pre-STEM Math Mission – All About Algebra – Math Foundations
Electrical Engineering
Daniel has completed extensive advanced math coursework through his engineering studies, and he brings that depth into the classroom with clarity and enthusiasm. He’s passionate about helping students build strong math foundations—and he makes it fun with creative strategies, real-world applications, and a hands-on approach that keeps learners engaged and confident.
Fueling the Family: Nutrition Basics for Every Body
Nutrition & Wellness for All Ages
Empower your family with practical tools to make healthy eating a lifestyle! This interactive class blends science, cooking, and conversation to explore how food fuels our bodies, supports our minds, and brings people together. Perfect for students of all ages, it’s a fun and hands-on journey into smart choices, balanced meals, and family wellness.
Wonders of Creation: Light, Water, & Air
Exploring Science Through Wonder
Dive into the awe-inspiring design of light and energy in this faith-friendly, science-rich class. Students will explore how light behaves, how energy transforms, and how we see the world around us—all through hands-on experiments and thoughtful discussion. Whether observing reflection or discovering how the eye perceives color, learners will build both curiosity and understanding as they explore the science of creation.
Science in Motion: Light, Water, & Air
Dive into the fascinating world of light and energy in this hands-on, curiosity-driven science class. Students will investigate how light behaves, how energy changes form, and how we perceive the world around us.
Through interactive experiments and thoughtful exploration, learners will build a strong foundation in scientific thinking while discovering the wonders of the natural world.
Foundation of Physics
Ages 11–16 | No prerequisites
This two-semester course introduces students to the exciting world of physics—starting with hands-on, conceptual learning in the fall and progressing to algebra-based problem solving in the spring. Perfect for curious minds ready to understand how motion, force, and energy shape our world.
Math Foundations
Designed for 1st–5th graders, this supportive class helps students strengthen essential math skills without the pressure of STEM-heavy content. Through engaging, hands-on practice and individualized support, learners build confidence and a solid foundation for everyday math success.
Pre-STEM Math Mission
Master the basics and get algebra-ready. This skill-building class reinforces key concepts like fractions, decimals, ratios, and expressions through real-world problem-solving. Perfect for students preparing for higher-level math and exploring future STEM paths.
All About Algebra
Whether you’re just starting or ready to deepen your understanding, this flexible, leveled class covers expressions, equations, graphing, and more. With built-in support and challenge, students build confidence, close gaps, and gain true algebra fluency at their own pace.
Math Mash: Game On!
Say goodbye to flashcards—this play-based class uses board games, card games, and puzzles to build math skills like addition, multiplication, logic, and probability. It’s a relaxed, confidence-boosting space where kids learn through laughter, strategy, and teamwork.
art
The Arts
At The Learning Loft, the arts aren’t just an add-on—they’re a core way students explore the world and express themselves. From sketchbooks to stage lights, our creative courses are hands-on, collaborative, and grounded in real-world application.
Whether students are drawing, designing, performing, or animating, they’re encouraged to take risks, follow their curiosity, and build their creative voice. Classes are welcoming to all skill levels and emphasize the joy of the process over perfection.
Makayla McCauley
Art Mornings
Tattoo Artist
Makayla brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love for children to The Learning Loft. With experience as a lead preschool teacher and a background in both childcare and household management, she understands the importance of nurturing each child’s emotional and developmental needs. Makayla is currently pursuing her degree in elementary education and is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning environments that help kids grow with confidence.
Nicole Schweitzer
Art in the Afternoon
Sociology & Graphic Design
Nicole blends creativity, curiosity, and care to guide young artists in joyful self-expression. With a background in graphic design, student services, and community programming, she brings both structure and imagination to the classroom. Her experience working with children and families helps her create a calm, welcoming environment where students feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and express themselves through color, shape, and texture. Nicole believes art is for everyone—and that creativity grows best in a space of encouragement and play.
Leon McManus
Stop Motion Magic
Fine Arts
Leon is a visual artist and educator passionate about graphic design, digital media, and creative expression. He specializes in branding, illustration, and composite design, and he loves helping students bring their ideas to life through hands-on, project-based learning. His teaching style is energetic, supportive, and focused on developing real-world skills through design challenges, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Whether we’re exploring typography, stop motion, or 3D modeling, his goal is to build confidence, curiosity, and a strong creative foundation in every student.
Zach Nyguen
Artistry Unfolded
Production Design
Zach is an experienced artist and emerging production designer with a deep passion for emotional storytelling through visual art. With a strong background in illustration and a broad appreciation for all creative disciplines, he brings an open, supportive approach to teaching. Zach is committed to helping each student explore their own artistic voice, build confidence, and discover joy in the creative process.
Art Mornings - Structured Projects
Jumpstart your day with creativity! In this guided art class, students explore technique, color, and composition through structured weekly projects. Each session builds real art skills while encouraging self-expression and confidence—perfect for young artists who love to learn by doing.
Art Mornings - Open Studio
A space to explore, create, and imagine freely! On Open Studio days, students bring their own ideas to life with access to a variety of materials and gentle guidance when needed. It’s a relaxed, inspiring environment where creativity leads the way and every artist sets their own pace.
Stop Motion Magic
Design & Animate with Canva
Bring stories to life—no props or cameras needed! In this fun digital design class, students use Canva to create animated scenes through shapes, timing, and storytelling. Perfect for creative minds ready to explore motion, design, and digital storytelling.
Art in the Afternoon - Structured Projects
Wind down your day with creativity! In this guided afternoon art class, students dive into technique, color, and composition through structured weekly projects. Each session builds real art skills while encouraging self-expression and confidence—perfect for young artists who love to learn by doing.
Art in the Afternoon - Open Studio
A space to explore, create, and imagine freely! On Open Studio days, students bring their own ideas to life with access to a variety of materials and gentle guidance when needed. It’s a relaxed, inspiring environment where creativity leads the way and every artist sets their own pace.
All the World's Stage
All the World’s a Stage is a hands-on theatre class for all ages where students explore acting, writing, design, and behind-the-scenes magic. From performing to building sets and props, this creative course gives every student a chance to shine—on stage or off.
The Learning Loft:
Where curiosity leads and creativity follows
Learn
Explore passions, spark curiosity, and build skills through creative, hands-on classes designed for real-world connection.
Achieve
Gain confidence, grow your talents, and celebrate progress in a supportive environment that values every learner.
Create Your Path
Whether you’re pursuing a passion, preparing for your future, or just trying something new—you’ll leave inspired and equipped.
Get in Touch
support@thelearningloft.us
(225) 406-2828