my kids has been attending the studio for 6 years. It is primarily PK-8 program.The kids gained…read moreboth math skills and improved greatly their self confidence. One of the best features of studio is that they evaluate progress of your child constantly. First evaluation happens when you bring your child to meet with studio director. She would tell you right away the level of math you child belongs to. Each grade in the studio is divided into 3, 4 levels for kids with different math abilities. They can bump a child from one level to more advanced one ("from one group to another" they call it) if they see that a child gets ahead quickly. The level of math in the studio is very high. Problems solving, logic, VERY, VERY STRONG fraction base, very strong algebra and geometry.

We've done SEM and RSM, and I wish I had found a review like this without having to try both, so…read moredecided to write it. Classes wise, Studio for the win hands down. Our kids really enjoyed the classes, the small size (up to 6 kids, sometimes 7), the teachers, and the materials. Lots of variety, interesting problems alongside more basic ones, more levels, and the kids clearly learned a lot. RSM classes are larger (10-12 kids), only 2 levels (plus a 3rd which they designate for "math addicts only" - the kids who crave more math), and apparently good, but not as "fun". The kids are clearly still learning, but it feels more like a chore. So, for classes, SEM is the clear winner IMO. For homework, the story is completely reversed. SEM homework consisted of 15-20 pages, so even if some pages were really short, the sheer volume was overwhelming for the kids. The pages were often bad quality photocopies, and often very repetitive week to week (same style puzzle for weeks on end for instance). The homework battles were endless, and at some point the kids simply refused to do them. It was nice to get interesting questions, but when it's essentially the same interesting question over and over and over again week after week after week, it's no longer interesting (e.g. find the differences between pictures, circle, count... Or solve an identical logical puzzle with 30 variations, week after week). We also didn't feel the kids were learning that much from the homework - some things were too easy, others just repetitive, and overall is just felt like too much. Then, they were expected to correct all the mistakes from the prior homework before getting their "reward" (stickers towards prizes), so unfinished homeworks just piled up one on top of the other, becoming even more overwhelming, and even less rewarding. There was no "partial" option - they got a reward only for perfect, completed, corrected, homework. RSM, on the other hand, is GREAT for homework. 3-4 pages, so not overwhelming in volume. All pages are printed fresh, not bad quality photocopies. They expect the homework should take 30-60 minutes (vs 60-120 min in SEM, usually took us 75-90min). It's been taking 25-40min tops, to do in full. The parents are encouraged to NOT do it with the kids, so the teacher can evaluate what the kids did on their own. This is helpful, and we've had no qualms about our child doing the homework only partially sometimes. From 4th grade on, you enter the answers online, and the kids see immediately if they were right or wrong, and get scores and badges/"medals" online. The questions kids did not do correctly get dealt with in class, and are not carried over to the following week. If the kid didn't do the HW in full, they didn't. No big deal. As long as they don't fall behind in class, no one makes a big deal of it. (In SEM it felt like we were constantly talking to the teachers about incomplete HW). So, homework wise, RSM is the clear winner. If SEM put together a better homework policy/system, we'd go back in a heartbeat. But the homework in SEM introduced so much stress, to the kids and to us the parents, that we decided we can't deal with it. For kids who are already stretched to the max with extended days and other activities, and parents who are working full time and don't get a lot of quality time with the kids, and would rather spend quality time with their kids when they do have the time, and not spend it on homework battles, RSM is a much better fit. So, for now, we've moved to RSM. And I say that sadly, because I do think the classes and also materials in SEM are better. They really taught math through games and tangibles whenever possible. Overall, SEM is like an exciting startup with many kinks still remaining, RSM is like a well oiled machine that moves forward with much experience and relatively little innovation. Both have merits. Hopefully this review helps others trying to decide between the two options. It's a tough call. I really wish there was something out there that "married" the best of both.

My son worked with Tutor Emma in the Axiom Learning in Wellesley for preparing his ACT test. Emma…read moreis absolutely amazing! She is very patient thorough,and knowledgeable ACT tutor. By working with my son, she learnt my son's weakness and did a training focus on the weakness. Her tutor improved my son's ACT score a lot!! Though I did have a unpleasant time with coordinator the guy who is making the schedule in Axiom learning center (I want to give him1 star if I can), but the tutor is great so I still give this learning center 5 star.

We have been very pleased with Axiom Learning in Wellesley. The staff is prepared with a…read morewell-thought-out lesson for our child each and every week. Additionally, the level of communication they provide us regarding her progress has been exceptional. We have a lot of experience with tutors and Axiom takes learning enrichment to the next level.

Another amazing little place to practice all things circusy! I've been to a few open houses and…read morehave taken a beginner Cyr wheel class. They have a wide range of classes from aerial apparatuses, flexibility, juggling, acrobatics, and wheel. Classes are available for toddlers to adults and there are specific vacation/summer programs for youth/teens. There's plenty of open circus times available for you to practice whatever circusy things you need for a small cash fee. They occasionally offer taster classes for you to try out all the different things from silks to tight-rope to acrobatics. The staff at C3 are amazingly talented, nice, and care for your safety. A session of classes generally runs about 8 weeks and if you sign up early you get an early bird discount (10% off). When you sign up for 2+ classes you can get 5% off your classes. Pricing is fair and all classes start with a quick warm up before heading into your designated class. The Cyr wheel class that I took was hard but really fun and I'd recommend it if you want to try out something new! They're adding in new classes all the time (scaffold dance) and it's great to see the circus community growing. There's heating in the winter, and they've added AC for the summer months, so it's a great spot in JP to try out all circus things!

And yet another FTR for circus!…read more Since moving to Boston, I've been looking for a circus home where I can hone my non-flying circus skills, and I'm really glad CCC opened- not only because it's relatively close to my house, but because it's not yet overrun by us crazy circus folks. They've got plenty of classes at all level, and if you're experienced enough to utilize open gym, there's options for that too (although I wish they were earlier in the evening on the weekdays, and earlier in the day on the weekend, but I'm glad they have more than 1!) I'm hoping over time I can try more disciplines, and maybe if I hope enough, they will get a big trampoline. For now, I'll try the mini tramp, because that looks like fun. If you're looking for a circus experience that isn't overbooked, come here!

My kids love code Ninjas! Super flexible schedule, just drop when you're kids have time. Friendly…read morestaff and great programs

Terrible. My son endured 10 hour days of nonstop computer work, where they refused him food and…read morewater.

My son took an on-line Penguin coding course last Sunday. My son had some coding experience with…read morePython prior to taking the course, accordingly the course was easy for him to understand. My son and I were both impressed with the pace and content of the first course. In the first course, all students were afforded the opportunity to show the Python skills they learned during the course. If given the opportunity, taking an introductory course with Penguin coding school is worth the experience.

My child (11) joined this summer and absolutely loved the coaches and the classes (although there…read morewas an awful lot of Minecraft playing). She met so many friends and had a great time. HOWEVER, I cannot recommend this school. The CEO Yumio is incredibly disrespectful. On multiple occasions I overheard him yelling at his employees and even a child. It's so unfortunate that this is the case because my child had a fun time. I just cannot support a place run in such a demeaning environment.

It helped with my child's algebra a little bit but it does need a little improvement…read more *over priced * very disorganized. * Kids are out of control and loud * The teachers provide hints but don't teach. WE had to teach our child instead of them. * As another reviewer said, they only care about money $$$ Check out Khan Academy for your child (it's free!!!) or ask for two or three trial sessions before you make any commitment.

New branch office for RSM as of Summer 2015. Housed upstairs inside of East Congregational Church…read more Seems smaller than other RSM locations I've seen from the outside in passing. This location is still working out some kinks, and tbd on feedback re: instructors.

Zach is an excellent teacher. He is very patient, intuitive, and clear. It was clear from our first…read moreconversation that he has been working as a tutor for many years, and is familiar with many learning styles and approaches. As a working professional who has been out of school for some time, preparing to take the GMAT/GRE for graduate school has been a bit of a nightmare. I tried studying independently for a few months, with little success. I then signed up for an expensive group prep course, only to find that the material was covered far too fast, and the homework load was out of scale with my available time. I have had a few sessions with Zach so far, and each one has taught me more about how I learn, and what I need to learn. The one-on-one teaching scenario is exactly what I needed to not be overwhelmed. Each lesson is tailored to work with my own learning style and struggles. Zach has gone out of his way to check in with me between appointments, and create tools that will aid me in my independent studies. I feel more confident about my ability to cover the material needed for the test, and more importantly I feel more emotionally equipped to tackle the learning material that a few months ago felt out of reach. After seeing how Zach has adjusted his learning tactics to suit my specific needs, I feel confident that he would be able to do the same with other students. I would highly recommend Zach to anybody that is struggling with some aspect of their education: studying for a standardized test, catching up in an academic class, or anything else. I will write another review after I take the GMAT this fall!

I write with the highest praise for Zach Katz, who prepared my son for the SATs. Weekly, for about…read moretwo months, Zach worked with my son, who was a Junior at Brookline High School. Zach took the time to develop a mutually respectful relationship with his tutee. Zach's careful, methodical approach paid off. My son looked forward to each tutoring session. After each appointment, he was optimistic and confident in the progress he was making. Zach helped him identify his strengths and develop strategies to improve his performance. Zach was patient and empathetic. He helped my son create a study plan that accommodated my son's many other academic and extra-curricular commitments. Zach has a responsive, adaptive tutoring method. He discovered my son's learning style and adapted his tutoring approach accordingly. My son's SAT scores improved substantially*. Even more importantly, he learned a number of strategic test-taking skills, which he reports have improved his performance on other school exams. *January 2012: 2080 (CR 680; Math 690; Writing 710; Essay Subscore 9; MC Subscore 70) March 2012: 2280 (CR 680; Math 800; Writing 800; Essay Subscore 11; MC Subscore 76)

We absolutely love JGNS! The staff are loving, warm & very experienced. They have a great program…read morewhich allows the children to discover & learn things in various ways. As an added bonus, they have yoga, music, and gym classes included! Fun playground on the property, too! There are special seasonal & holiday events as well. It's a wonderful community, like a big family. If you're looking for a part-time nursery school or need full-time care, I urge you to check out JGNS My daughter has so much fun each day and loves the friends she's made here!

This is an amazing preschool! The teachers are highly engaged with the kids, with an exceptional…read morerange of activities, and the director is energetic and innovative. Our kids have attended both during the school year and the summer program and loved it. JGNS has flexible hours, with both early morning drop-off and after-school activities. The school teaches with some emphasis about Jewish holidays and practice. However, the school has non-Jewish students as well. (N.B. The Judy Gordon preschool has a new director and some new policies since a couple years ago.)