Extended Education

Educational Programming in Pacific Palisades Offers Academic Support, Life Skills and More

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

For those looking to extend their child’s educational experience—whether that is through academic support, life skills, learning a new language, or test and college prep—after school programs are available in Pacific Palisades to serve students of all ages.

Groza Learning Center

Groza Learning Center, located at 881 Alma Real Drive, aims to support students at every stage through an array of specialized programs, including all subject tutoring, Reading Academy, executive functioning and foreign language instruction. For those striving to overcome academic challenges, Groza offers credit recovery classes and study skills guidance.

Ahead of college applications, students can receive college essay assistance, admission interview preparation and help conquering test anxiety. Groza shared that 97% of its students get accepted into the top three schools of their choice.

“At Groza, we believe that every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way,” said Tatyana Yukhtman, director of Groza Learning Center. “Our dedicated team of experts takes the time to truly understand your child’s goals and learning style, ensuring a tailored approach to their growth.”

Groza offers award-winning test preparation courses, spanning from SAT, ACT, ISEE/SSAT, HSPT to OLSAT, helping to ensure its students are well-equipped to conquer exams.

Groza designed its programs to go beyond academics, addressing life skills through a range of “innovative and indispensable” courses.

Yukhtman said that an upcoming group class, “Things You Need to Learn to be Effective in Life,” was created exclusively for teenagers.

“Led by experienced mentors, this six-week transformative journey combines employable and school skills, shaping teenagers into well-rounded individuals prepared for success,” she said to the Palisadian-Post.

grozalearningcenter.com

MARNEY’S

Launched by Marney Sobel, Pacific Palisades-based MARNEY’S recently announced its autumn programming.

“MARNEY’S is all things kids in the heart of Pacific Palisades,” Sobel said to the Post. “Different from anything in the area, as it’s not in an office or school setting, but a home away from home feeling.”

MARNEY’S is continuing its Book Club, which began September 5, to “improve reading skills and expand vocabulary, develop meaningful friendships, [and] promote a love for books and a joy for reading,” according to an announcement.

MARNEY’s will also offer its French Club—and add Spanish this year—helping students learn a new language, and gain multicultural knowledge and experience with the guidance of a certified instructor. In the club, students will practice writing, speaking and listening skills. Private and group classes are available.

In MARNEY’S Garden, students will be led by childhood specialist Ms. Penny, who has 20 years of experience and will work with students to cultivate kindergarten readiness in a “fun, interactive and nurturing environment.” Pre-K and kinder programs are available.

MARNEY’S has also announced a slew of new programs, including full-time tutoring in all subjects, seven days per week.

The Babysitter Club officially launched the week of August 28, which will be offered seven days per week with flexible timing. All snacks and meals are included, and the club offers children the opportunity to socialize and meet new friends.

MARNEY’S will offer a six-week Homework Club. The sessions are held Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., or 11:30 to 1 p.m.

“These six-week sessions are available all year long with a maximum of five students at a time,” according to an announcement. “We offer unlimited school supplies, organizational guidance, study strategies and tools, tutoring [and] support in all subjects, and skills to remain on track … Have the peace of mind that your child is on task and up to date with all homework and assignments.”

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The Academy of Technology, Art and Music

The Academy of Technology, Art and Music, located at 881 Alma Real Drive, has a selection of clubs and programs, including after-school programs and classes for students in TK through 12th grade.

For students interested in technology, ATAM has classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, web design and video special effects, robotics training, stop-frame animation, sound design, and more.

For students interested in music, ATAM offers guitar, bass, percussion, flute, violin, saxophone, harp, banjo, DJ, beat matching and mixing, and more.

Community members can also explore ATAM’s different services and discover what best suits their children’s needs, from STEAM camps, clubs and Game Nights.

“We’re committed to the community 24/7, we have our space in the middle of the community,” Mary Wamble of ATAM previously said to the Post. “We know our community very well and have custom-tailored ourselves to them.”

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Vida’s Homework Center

Vida’s Homework Center, a homework help and test prep center located at 881 Alma Real Drive, hosted a grand opening celebration on September 9, and is now open and enrolling students.

“Students can come in any day that we are open, Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., for up to two hours of help with their homework, organization and test prep in all basic subjects without scheduling,” Vida Monjezi explained. “Only private tutoring sessions need to be scheduled.”

The center offers online school support, homeschool support, homework help, private tutoring and test prep.

Online school and homework help/instruction—which is available through a monthly membership—takes place between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Between 2 and 7 p.m., the center focuses on homework help. There is also private tutoring at this time. After hours tutoring/weekends for private session are available upon request.

The center also offers ACT/SAT review classes/private sessions, ISEE review, AP review and college application help, where students will receive help with primary and secondary essays, as well as with filling out the actual form.

In addition to academic assistance, Vida’s hosts a chess club on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

“Our goal for this center is to make students more independent with their studies, increase their confidence, have a safe haven to go to, have fun and ultimately prepare them for college,” Monjezi concluded. “It’s extremely important for students to look forward to getting their homework done, and be surrounded in a relaxing environment that exerts positive energy.”

vidashomeworkcenter.com