Clarus Academy After-School Program

Clarus Academy Founder Elliott Neff

- Over eighteen years teaching/coaching chess
- National Master in chess
- Founder of Chess4Life Center
- Coach of multiple national champion individuals and teams
- Personal statement: "My desire and objective in developing Chess4Life and Clarus Academy is to make a positive difference in as many children’s lives as possible, combining chess expertise with my love for children to achieve this result."

Clarus Academy Director Kristen Dawson

- Nine years experience as a youth program coordinator for ages 5-14
- Youth Liaison Coordinator, City of Tukwila Mayor’s Office (1994-1995) managing a team of 8+ staff with the City of Tukwila Mayor’s Office to create programs for teens
- Youth Program Coordinator, City of Tukwila from 1989-1994, coordinating youth programs, supervising staff, and working hands-on with kids
- BA in Recreation and Leisure Services from Washington State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude
- Ten years experience in various teaching roles

Clarus Academy Teacher Sam Bisignano

- Many years experience teaching/tutoring children
- Volunteer helping 'at-risk' children, reading and math skills
- Volunteer at Children’s Hospital in Seattle for 1.5 years.
- Volunteer at Boys and Girls Club tutoring math
- Taught advanced math at the US Air Force Academy for 2 years
- BS in Mathematics from State University of New York, College at Buffalo, Summa Cum Laude Mathematics
- MS in Mathematics from Eastern Washington University, Summa Cum Laude Mathematics
- Worked with the Cub Scouts for 5 years, Den Leader and Cub Master
- Personable, friendly, expects respect, and encourages students to work diligently
- Experienced programmer and business owner of software development company for 28 years
- Objective in working with Clarus Academy is to “use my math skills and enjoyment of chess along with my love for children to make a positive difference in children’s lives”

NOW ENROLLING FALL 2009! LIMITED SPACE!!

Fill out our enrollment form (Microsoft Word .doc or Adobe Reader .pdf)

Full PDF Brochure

Bellevue After-School Program with Free Van Service!!*

What makes this after-school program unique? Highly individualized program, with each student having a schedule tailored to the parents' wishes on a daily basis. (Part of the registration packet includes a 'parent preference' sheet which lists the preferred activities for each child on a daily basis.) Our emphasis upon developing each child with personal attention to his/her needs, in a loving, safe, and positive environment.

Hours of Operation

Van pickup shortly after school release time. All children need to be picked up not later than 6:30pm from the Chess4Life Center. On school 'in service' days, Chess4Life provides full-day service. On various holidays or school breaks, Chess4Life provides full-day chess camps.

Chess Classes

Chess classes for all skill levels taught daily using "Elliott's Chess School", a course developed by National Master Elliott Neff (4-year coach of the National Championship chess team Stevenson Elementary).

Homework Time and Assistance

Homework assistance managed by our qualified staff.

Character-Building Program

Engaging 'character development' classes focusing on 49 positive traits to help your child succeed in today's world.

Additional Benefits

Hands-on Science experiments!
Encourages critical thinking skills.
Twice a week Karate classes* (see flyer)
Enrichment Activities Word studies, word puzzles, logic and strategy games, online math program, and more!

Cost: just $475/month for all the above services INCLUDING most holidays, half-days, teacher-in-service days, etc. Punchcard available -- $300 for 10-punches.**

Individualized Tutoring

Individual one-on-one time to help guide and mentor your child in any subject. This mentoring is an additional hourly rate - please call for details.

Transportation

Currently providing FREE van pickup from the following schools: