For the past 26 years, Advantage Educational Programs benefited thousands of students in Minnesota by preparing them for the college entrance exams. They offer ACT Preparatory Courses in more than 40 high schools in Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding area. These courses are designed for students who wish to improve their test-taking skills and improve their overall scores on the college entrance exams. Students who finish the course increase their scores significantly. Advantage Education will provide an introduction to the ACT format with strategies for answering questions, as well as instruction for the specific subject areas tested. Focal points of the program include diagnostic testing, vocabulary development, intensive mathematical review, reading comprehension improvement, science reasoning, concentration improvement, overcoming test anxiety, essay writing, and time management. Three learning opportunities are available to register for the ACT Test Prep Course: In-person classroom: the course includes diagnostic testing, instruction in time management, overcoming test anxiety, science reasoning, English strategies and review, essay writing, reading comprehension, and math strategies and review. Students enrolled in these classes not only benefit from personal instruction taught by our experienced instructors but also have free access to our online course. Students may repeat this course online at no extra charge. This is held at MHS. Virtual classroom: virtual classroom meets for three hours, one day each week, for four weeks and is taught live, via Zoom, by an Advantage instructor who provides instruction and interaction with the students. Internet connection and access to a computer or laptop is required. Online at your own pace: online students prep for the ACT at their own pace and around their busy schedules. Instruction is pre-recorded and provided online via videos and slides. Students may access this course at any time and as often as needed. Students can make up any class they miss at other available class locations and may repeat any of the ACT prep courses by requesting the Self-Paced Online ACT Prep Course free of charge. For further information, please call Advantage Educational Programs at 612-222-5108, or visit their website at www.AdvantagePrep.net.

For the past 26 years, Advantage Educational Programs benefited thousands of students in Minnesota by preparing them for the college entrance exams. They offer ACT Preparatory Courses in more than 40 high schools in Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding area. These courses are designed for students who wish to improve their test-taking skills and improve their overall scores on the college entrance exams. Students who finish the course increase their scores significantly. Advantage Education will provide an introduction to the ACT format with strategies for answering questions, as well as instruction for the specific subject areas tested. Focal points of the program include diagnostic testing, vocabulary development, intensive mathematical review, reading comprehension improvement, science reasoning, concentration improvement, overcoming test anxiety, essay writing, and time management. Three learning opportunities are available to register for the ACT Test Prep Course: In-person classroom: the course includes diagnostic testing, instruction in time management, overcoming test anxiety, science reasoning, English strategies and review, essay writing, reading comprehension, and math strategies and review. Students enrolled in these classes not only benefit from personal instruction taught by our experienced instructors but also have free access to our online course. Students may repeat this course online at no extra charge. This is held at MHS. Virtual classroom: virtual classroom meets for three hours, one day each week, for four weeks and is taught live, via Zoom, by an Advantage instructor who provides instruction and interaction with the students. Internet connection and access to a computer or laptop is required. Online at your own pace: online students prep for the ACT at their own pace and around their busy schedules. Instruction is pre-recorded and provided online via videos and slides. Students may access this course at any time and as often as needed. Students can make up any class they miss at other available class locations and may repeat any of the ACT prep courses by requesting the Self-Paced Online ACT Prep Course free of charge. For further information, please call Advantage Educational Programs at 612-222-5108, or visit their website at www.AdvantagePrep.net.

The college search continues to become more complex, making it harder for families to identify right fit schools. Challenges include: Substantial changes to the FAFSA and financial aid may make college more expensive. Admission trends and how colleges admit students. Testing - some require it now and some don't - what path makes sense? Join us to learn how these changes may impact your family, and new strategies to consider to give your student the best opportunity to be admitted and maximize scholarships and financial aid. If you are the parent of a HS student in grades 9-11, this is incredibly important info you will not want to miss. Access to Zoom required.

This is NOT a project you want your kids doing at home! Send your kids to class to make a tie-dyed shirt they will wear all year long. Children must bring their own white t-shirt to class. Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child. Instructor: Kidcreate Studio

In this advanced drawing class designed, we’ll explore the exciting world of anime! Artists will build on their existing skills as they learn to draw expressive faces, dynamic poses, and detailed features inspired by beloved characters. We’ll also dive into how to develop original anime-style characters, and artists will create and paint their own anime-inspired self-portraits on canvas boards, combining drawing and painting skills into one piece of artwork. This class offers an environment where students can challenge themselves, refine their artistic voice, and gain confidence in their art. It’s a great fit for artists who are ready to take their drawing skills to the next level! All materials included.

In this fun and engaging class, young artists will learn to draw popular anime characters while building essential anime art skills! From expressive eyes to creative character design, students will practice techniques that bring characters to life and inspire their own anime-style creations. Min 8 | Max 20 Instructor: Kidcreate Studio

We are Monsters is a hilarious new musical that follows human kids into a monster cabaret filled with quirky monster characters. The adventurous humans uncover vegetarian vampires and rock n’ roll werewolves, gradually realizing there may be more to these monsters than meets the eye! Most importantly these monsters and kids discover the importance of friendship and celebrating the attributes that make each of us different and unique. Every participant has the opportunity to have lines if they want them, and everyone will learn and perform all songs and dances onstage. Min 30/Max 65 Instructor: Ashland Theater At Ashland/Maplewood Community Center: Tech Week is Feb 22-24 from 630-830 PM and Shows are Feb 27 at 4 PM and Feb 28 at 1 PM. Transportation to Tech Week and the shows are the responsibility of the family.

Whether you consider yourself a beginner or intermediate player, join this club to meet and interact with other chess players in your school and play on a weekly basis! If they are new to the game, players will learn the basic rules and strategies of chess. Many chess variations will also be explored. Players will be able to complete a full game and recognize a checkmate and stalemate. Players will learn to set and use a chess clock during a game and resolve a disagreement.

Start your day off right with the Before School Walking Club! This club meets in the morning before school for a fun, relaxed walk around the school and nearby walking paths. It’s a great way to wake up your body and mind, spend time with friends, and enjoy some fresh air before the school day starts. Whether you're looking to get some light exercise, chat with classmates, or just enjoy a peaceful start to your morning, everyone is welcome! Come walk with us! Registration required.

Join us at OH for a fun, beginner-friendly embroidery class for kids! Students will learn six basic stitches and build confidence through hands-on practice. By the end, they’ll design and decorate their own personalized tote bag to take home. No experience needed—just bring creativity and enthusiasm!

Perfect for beginners and baking enthusiasts alike, 350 Degrees Bakery will lead students in a workshop to learn how to decorate a charming 4-inch bento cake, a trendy, single-serving treat! Students will follow step-by-step through a variety of piping techniques and border styles, showing you how to create clean lines, elegant textures, and cute, personalized designs. After practicing, each participant will receive a pre-frosted 4 inch cake to design. By the end of the class, you’ll have a beautifully decorated bento cake packaged in its own box, ready to gift, share, or enjoy yourself. All tools and materials are provided, and no prior decorating experience is necessary!

Open painting is designed for students to enjoy an afternoon of creativity while socializing with friends. All materials are provided, including multiple canvases and a wide variety of painting supplies, as well as a hot chocolate bar! No prior experience is needed, as students will explore their imagination and create at their own pace. Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, comfort, and cocoa!

Build a computer bot to compete against other coders! Whether you're new or experienced, this is the perfect way to explore competitive coding. No previous coding experience is necessary. The Code Championship Series is four online tournaments hosted on Google Meet. If you have a modern browser, no download is required. Players must be able to navigate the internet. The Google Meet link will be emailed two days before the tournament. Instructor: Abamath LLC

Ninja Obstacle Training is extremely popular with kids and is a fun, unique way to develop confidence, strength, endurance, balance, and friendships! Sign up today to see how Ninja is easily one of the fastest growing sports today! Not only is it the fastest growing sport, but it is the fastest growing cross- training sport as well. Athletes benefit from training in agility, power, perseverance, and resilience; attributes that all athletes strive to improve. Our Conquer Rec Team is designed for youth, ages 8-13 of all experience levels. Our Rec Team will practice on real obstacles inspired by the tv show such as warped walls, salmon ladders, tilting ladders and so much more during their weekly practice. Rec Team members will learn the styles and techniques to develop their Ninja Skills with over 40 different obstacles! This 8 week long Rec Team consists of 6 practices and 2 competitions (week 4 and week 8).

Blast off into a space-filled adventure! In this hands-on science class, kids will create marshmallow constellations, craft galaxies in a jar, and build their own solar system. It’s a fun, creative journey through the wonders of our universe! Min 8 | Max 20 Instructor: KidScientific

Embark on a legendary Adventure where heroes are made, legends are born, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance! Join a professional Game Master for a Dungeons & Dragons journey designed to be completed in a single play session. Whether you're a seasoned D&D enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this action-packed one-shot is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the world of D&D or try out new character ideas. All materials will be provided, allowing players to dive directly into gameplay. Sharpen your sword, ready your spells, and prepare to roll for glory!

Get ready to have your mind blown! From bizarre bugs and weird plants to jaw-dropping animal traits and out-of-this-world solar system secrets, kids will uncover the craziest facts about the world around us—and beyond! Through hands-on experiments, fun activities, and wild discoveries, this class is packed with science surprises that will leave your young scientist saying, “No way!” every single day. Min 8 | Max 20 Instructor: KidScientific

Join us for a cozy, creative experience where students bring their dream gingerbread house to life! In this hands-on class, students will design, build, and decorate their own unique gingerbread creations using icing, candy, and a wide variety of fun materials. Students will explore creativity, basic design ideas, and a bit of “edible engineering” as they construct their houses. All materials are provided, and each student will take home their finished gingerbread house! This relaxed, welcoming class is perfect for students who love art, building, and a little bit of sweet fun. Come ready to create, decorate, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere with friends.

Unlock the magic in Harry Potter's Science of Spells! Young wizards will brew dazzling potions, design a mini Quidditch game complete with a golden snitch, and create their own screaming mandrake. This enchanting class is packed with spellbinding science, creativity, and wizarding fun! Min 8 | Max 20 Instructor: KidScientific

This class is designed specifically for younger students, with age-appropriate content and instruction. Students will build independence and develop important safety awareness skills to help prepare them for staying home alone. The class also includes take-home materials that students and parents should complete together before the child begins staying home alone independently.

Get ready to explore the world of horses with an exciting, hands-on experience based on the Spark Equestrian curriculum. At Hardwood Creek Farm, students will learn the fundamentals of horse care, from grooming and halter leading to handling reins and beginner riding commands, just like in a first riding lesson! We will finish the day with some making homemade horse treats and playing a few games! Don’t worry about the weather, we have an indoor heated arena as well as outdoor spaces. Students should come dressed for adventure: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers for indoor and outdoor activities. Students will also need a water bottle and a nut-free lunch.