I have been associated with this academy for 6 months and as such have come to understand its workings quite intimately. The academy offers after school homework club, chess club and one-on-one tutoring. The academy's few strengths and many shortcomings in each area will be addressed in this review. I'm going to preface by saying that the chess classes offered at Mind Craft are the best thing about it. They are by far the most popular of the 'courses' offered, and the best developed. Even so, I have walked into the chess classes many times to find the teacher (a young student from India) sitting in the corner picking at his nails while the children talk amongst themselves. Few strategies are taught, and most of the children's' time is spent playing games against each other, something that can easily be done on the Internet. NO PROFESSIONAL TUTORS OR TEACHERS This brings me to the first (and biggest) shortcoming of this academy: a lack of full-time professional teachers. The website claims to employ "credential teachers and tutors with immense teaching experience." (direct quote from website) I have seen only one such teacher who teaches chess during the weekdays. Every other 'teacher' at this academy is a high school student between the 9th and 12th grade, with a few college students who teach over longer breaks. A lack of full time teachers make learning difficult for any student due to the constant change in teaching styles and little consistency. NO FORMAL SCREENING PROCESS None of the tutors employed here undergo any formal screening process. Having witnessed an 'interview' the owner had with a prospective tutor, I can safely say that the only factor taken into consideration by the owner when hiring a new tutor is their hourly pay rate; the cheaper the better. PREMIUM RATE FOR INCONSISTENT TEACHING QUALITY Further, one-on-one tutoring at this academy is a hit and a miss. If you happen to enroll your child during the employment period of a good tutor, you're in luck, otherwise, not so much. The exorbitant rate of $40 per hour for one-on-one tutoring could be justified if the academy had licensed teachers or certified tutors taking care of your kids, but you could end up paying that premium for a 9th grader teaching your 8th grader math that they themselves just barely understand. As recently as April of 2016, students' parents were complaining because a tutor here was teaching incorrect math to the students! NO PLANNING Because the academy has no full-time tutors or teachers, none of the courses are planned with a long- or short-term goal in mind. This is augmented by the fact that the owner of this establishment is not academically inclined herself. She runs this academy purely from a business standpoint and cannot engage with the academic growth of her students. At this point, it is safe to say that this 'academy' is not anything more than a daycare. The summer courses offered here are a collection of busywork items slapped together by whichever tutor happens to be teaching at that time, and are designed to minimize actual teaching by making the students complete menial worksheets much beneath their current level of understanding. This can also be seen during the homework club sessions offered throughout the year: If students finish their homework early, they are given worksheets to do to keep them busy without any consideration of their personal needs. As such, they are often given work that they either don't have the slightest clue how to do, or work that doesn't help them in any way, as it is too easy or not in their syllabus. Because of this, students often get bored and become disruptive, making noise and disturbing all classes of students around them, as the space is small. In conclusion, it is my view that in order to stimulate your child's academic development, you should search elsewhere. read more

Our family has been with MindCraft Academy in San Ramon since my boys were in kindergarten, and they are now in 7th and 4th grade. Miss Susan and her staff have been absolutely wonderful throughout the years. MindCraft Academy provides a great balance of academics, learning, fun activities, and genuine care for the kids. My boys always loved going there, made many great friends, learned a lot, and were never bored. Susan and her team truly understand that every child is unique and create an environment where kids feel supported, encouraged, and happy. One thing my boys especially enjoyed was learning chess there, and they've become really strong players over the years thanks to the staff and chess activities. Even now that they've outgrown the program, they still ask to go back and visit because of the positive memories and connections they made. I highly recommend Miss Susan and the entire team at MindCraft Academy to any family looking for a caring, engaging, and trustworthy daycare and learning center. read more

My daughter had an amazing experience with Susan and Art at Mindcraft. 1. Susan and Art truly go above and beyond to ensure that the kids have an enjoyable and fulfilling time. 2. They don't overlook the academic aspect and provide excellent coaching to support the children's learning. 3. Having tried several preschools and after-schools, I can confidently say this is the best one we've experienced. 4. The snacks are always top-notch and thoughtfully varied, ensuring the kids have a range of healthy and fun options. 5. On particularly hot days, they even provide refreshing treats like shaved ice for the kids, which my child loved! Thank you, Susan and Art, for creating such a warm, supportive, and fun environment for our children. I highly recommend this program to any parent! read more

Mind Craft Academy is run by a caring and hard-working mother of 3. Ms.Susan has 3 children of her own and is great with kids. Mind Craft Academy is not the typical after-school program, they provide academic (Math and English) tutoring and extra-curricular (Chess) activities. My kids have been going to Ms.Susan's for 2yrs and they enjoy the activities. She also has Chess classes and tournaments on Saturdays. Ms.Susan's son Jetson helped my daughter understand the basics of Chess and helps her with homework too. Ms.Susan is very flexible and lets them stay longer when they are playing. Consider Mind Craft as an after-school program and you will not regret it. read more

My daughter will be going into the 5th grade, and has spent some of her summer weeks at Mind Craft Academy. She was nervous at first, but now I cant get her to leave! I love how they work with her academically, in the mornings....and then in the afternoons, they get creative. She has learned many new things...ranging from playing chess...to making her own sushi (which she brought home and we had for dinner). Mind Craft Academy is an excellent learning facility and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. read more

A simply great place for the kids to learn and play. The center director is very knowledgeable and hard working and takes good care of each and every child at the center. I am very impressed and pleased with the low student and teacher ratio tutoring program, homework help program, and chess program etc. I highly recommend Mind Craft Academy to anyone who is looking for a quality care. Thank you. read more

I would really thank Ms. Susan for taking good care of my 9 year old. She is always willing to listen to parents concern and motivates kids to work harder. My son wanted to quit after first week but now talks highly about Ms. Susan. He has shown great improvement in chess and writing. My son also enjoys lunch and fresh baked cookies. Thank you Susan for quality care and your hard work. read more

Mindcraft Academy is a great learning center. My daughter is attending full time now in summer camp. She has a lot of fun while learning a lot at the center. The owner, Susan is very dependable and caring. I trust Susan completely and know my daughter is well taken care of. I highly recommend MindCraft for summer camp and after school program. read more

My two sons join the after school program since this school year starts. Their every day homework is completed in the center. In addition, the center provides extra materials on English and Math. The chess class is also included on Friday. They learn new stuff and enjoy going to the after school. I highly recommend this center. read more

A great place for kids of all ages. My son went here for this entire summer and he has tons of fun from baking, to soap making to lego building and of course chess. Thank you Miss Susan for providing an environment of fun and education. read more

This business falsely claims to employ certified tutors and experienced teachers. During my tour of the facility, I found that all the tutors were high school students. Not worth $40 an hour for private tutoring here. read more