Why Choose EXCEL Learning Community?
At EXCEL Learning Community, our classes are distinguished by the presence of exceptionally passionate and highly qualified teachers who are leaders in their respective fields. They are devoted to delivering personalized instruction that fosters a sense of empowerment among children, nurturing their unique strengths and abilities. Our engaging learning environment encourages kids to collaborate, learn together, and form a close-knit learning community where each student can thrive and grow.
EXCEL is Open to the Homeschool Community
EXCEL officially launched on Monday, February 10, 2025, and our first trimester will conclude on Monday, March 10, 2025. This trimester we are excited to open our doors to the homeschool community, inviting families to visit and try our classes at no cost. Families will be asked to fill out an application for which day(s) they would like to try our classes. Donations are appreciated to help support our program.
In future trimesters, EXCEL will celebrate our students’ progress with a trimester-ending showcase, where families can see firsthand what we’ve learned and accomplished. We look forward to learning and growing together!
Download the EXCEL 2025 Calendar here:
A Day at EXCEL
10:00 – 10:45 am
Harmony and Connections Ensemble
All Ages – Included in Membership
EXCEL’s Harmony and Connection Ensemble is a place for community learning and team building, where all children come together to learn, grow, and connect. Each day will feature organically integrated ASL, encouraging natural language development alongside engaging team-building activities. Our sessions will include a mix of songs, poems, and interactive experiences designed to develop collaboration, creativity, and connection. We are excited to build this enriching community with you!
10:45 – 11:45 am
All morning block classes will include 15 minutes of embedded ASL instruction, providing students with an opportunity to build their signing skills in an engaging and interactive way.
READ-AROUND-THE-PLANET
Ages 7-9
Embark on a literary journey around the globe! In this class, children will listen to captivating picture books and stories from diverse cultures, exploring the traditions, values, and experiences of people from different continents. Each session will focus on a new region, featuring engaging discussions, creative activities, and hands-on projects inspired by the stories. Through these explorations, children will deepen their understanding of our planet and global diversity and develop a love for reading and discovery!
Class by Liz Summers-Fisher
LITTLE EXPLORERS
Ages 5-6
Join Teacher Caleen on an exciting journey through the wonders of nature! In this interactive class, students will explore topics like spring, animals, plants and wildlife through engaging stories, discussions and hands-on activities. Get ready for crafts, experiments, outdoor adventures and tons of fun!
BRAVE WOMEN AUTHORS
Ages 9 – 14
Discover the incredible stories of trailblazing women from around the world who changed the course of history through their groundbreaking work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! This class celebrates the achievements of diverse women from different cultures and backgrounds, highlighting their resilience, innovation, and lasting contributions. Through engaging discussions students will be inspired by the courage and determination of these pioneers and encouraged to explore their own curiosity and passion for science!
Class by Jennifer Walsh
PHYSICS AND BEYOND
Ages 9-14
Students will learn about different principles of physics, such as gravity, magnetism, light, sound, electricity, and mechanical energy. A brief overview of the topic will be discussed and then students will be directed in performing experiments to aid in understanding.
Class by Angela Sylvester
ASL for TEENS
Ages 14 – 18
Step into a world with your voice boxes off, and your hands voice on. Foregoing the traditional ASL lessons this class will be an active ASL class. Creating an immersive experience through various activities, we’ll be exploring the linguistics of Body Language.
Class by Victoria Courtney
12:45 – 1:40 pm
Our second block of classes begins after our Lunch and Recess periods.
Introduction to
Magic Science Explorations
Ages 5-8
Uncover the secrets behind amazing magic tricks and the science that makes them possible! In this fun and interactive class, students will learn how to perform exciting science-based tricks while exploring the principles of physics, chemistry, and biology that bring the “magic” to life. From disappearing water to colour-changing reactions, each session combines hands-on learning with awe-inspiring experiments that will amaze friends and family. Get ready to blend science and wonder in a way that sparks curiosity and creativity!
Class by Angie Sylvester
ASL INTEGRATED MOVIE TIME
THE MAGIC OF THE ENDING!
Ages 8-16
Step into the world of movie-making! In this hands-on class, students will explore the fascinating process of video editing; including using green screens, black screens and white screens to create and add unique backgrounds. They’ll learn the basics of editing techniques – clipping videos, layering scenes and manipulating transitions. Working in small groups, students will produce their own short film, bringing their creative visions to life.
Class by Liz Summers-Fisher and Victoria Courtney
COLONIAL HISTORY
Ages 10 – 14
Join Jen in this immersive and interactive course as we journey back in time to explore life in Colonial America. Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and real-life simulations, students will gain a deeper understanding of the founding principles that shaped the United States.
Class by Jennifer Walsh
AMERICAN HISTORY
Ages 12 – 16
This class will explore the history and significance of the U.S. Constitution, from its creation in 1787 to the struggles and sacrifices made to uphold its principles throughout history. Students will learn about key events such as the fight for independence, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and more, all while gaining insight into how the Constitution continues to shape American society. In addition, the course will emphasize the importance of evaluating information, teaching students how to critically assess sources, recognize bias, and separate fact from opinion in today’s information-driven world.
Teacher to be determined
TEEN GYM CLASS
Ages 14 – 18
This high-energy teen gym class offers a mix of competitive and cooperative games, including basketball, Gaga Ball, and pickleball. Each session focuses on teamwork, strategy and skill development through a variety of engaging activities. Come have fun with like-minded friends!
1:45 – 2:30 pm
Movement & Music
Ages 5-9
This is an exciting and energetic class where kids build strength, coordination, and confidence through active play, creative movement, and dance! This class blends fitness exercises, and fun games with lively dance routines using colorful pom-poms! Kids will jump, balance, stretch, and move to the rhythm, incorporating pom-poms for added fun, coordination and creativity! Let’s move, groove, and make some noise!
Class by Amy Wisner & Liz Summers-Fisher
ADVANCED ASL
Step into a world with your voice boxes off, and your hands voice on. Foregoing the traditional ASL lessons this class will be an active ASL class. Creating an immersive experience through various activities, we’ll be exploring the linguistics of Body Language. Prior ASL class required.
Class by Victoria Courtney
MUSIC
Ages 9-13
This class will teach students a variety of music literacy. Students will be introduced to Solfege and corresponding hand signs throughout the course. We will sing musical selections to learn about pitch, musical notation, and proper vocal mechanics. Rhythm will be further explored through body and instrument percussion and round singing.
Class by Angie Sylvester
ASTROBIOLOGY
Ages 14 -18
Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe, and in this course, we will dive deep into the science behind the search for life beyond Earth. Through hands-on labs and engaging activities, students will explore the latest space missions, gaining insights into how scientists are investigating the potential for extraterrestrial life. A key focus will be on the role of microbes in this search—learning how these resilient organisms survive in extreme environments on Earth, and how they might thrive on other planets or moons. Students will discover how astrobiologists study these organisms to understand the conditions necessary for life, both on Earth and in space, and the methods used to detect life in the cosmos.
Class by Teacher Mel
2:30 – 3:15 pm
YOGA, CRAFTS & GAMES
Ages 5-7
Children will learn simple breath work with an integrated craft. Followed by a simple yoga flow and then games using different yoga poses. They will move their bodies and learn useful ways to use their breath to deal with different situations.
Class by Caleen Bolak
BEGINNING ASL
Ages 7-13
Step into a world with your voice boxes off, and your hands voice on. Foregoing the traditional ASL lessons this class will be an active ASL class. Creating an immersive experience through various activities, we’ll be exploring the linguistics of Body Language. All levels welcomed. Students will be place in the appropriate class based on their ASL skills. (Beginning ASL required)
Class by Victoria Courtney
GYM
Ages 9-13
Engage in a high-adrenaline gym class that combines fun, fitness, and friendly competition. From the classic excitement of dodgeball, Gaga Ball and the teamwork-driven field hockey to the strategic games of Handball and Capture the Flag, each session promises non-stop action and loads of laughter.
Class by Liz Summers-Fisher
FIBER ARTS
Ages 14 – 18
This class immerses students in the world of natural dyeing and fiber arts, where they will explore a variety of techniques such as ecoprinting, vat dyeing, and bundle dyeing. Through hands-on projects, students will learn to transform fibers using plant-based dyes, while also integrating chemistry to understand the dyeing process at a molecular level. The course highlights the environmental benefits of using natural, plant-derived dyes compared to synthetic alternatives, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.
Class by Teacher Mel
KIDS CLUB – INCLUDED IN FULL DAY MEMBERSHIP
3:15 – 3:45
All Ages
All Ages
Welcome to Kids Clubs, where learning is fun and exciting! Our clubs will offer a wide variety of activities for children to explore and discover their passions. Some clubs are more relaxed and let the kids take the lead, others provide direct instruction from teachers to help them learn new skills. Join the club and come hang out with other kids!