Clarus Academy After-School Program

Chess4Life 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 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."

Chess4Life Enrichment 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

Chess4Life Enrichment Teacher Jennifer Almasy

- Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Mathematics Education from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and taught 8th and 9th grade mathematics at Cavelero Mid-High in the Lake Stevens School District for the 2008-2009 school year. Last year she and her husband moved to Hong Kong to teach Chess to primary school students. Along with assisting her husband and coaching a few Chess classes herself, she worked with the high school youth at her church and took Cantonese language classes. In her free time, she enjoys photography, baking breads and sweets, playing Chess with her husband Roy, sewing, cycling and hiking in the mountains! Teaching kids is one of her passions and she delights in challenging students to reason, learn and solve problems.
- Objective in working with Chess4Life Enrichment 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 2010! LIMITED SPACE!!

Fill out our application form ( Adobe Reader PDF format)

Full PDF Brochure

Karate Classes

Karate Classes are available for an additional fee. Click here to view the Karate flyer.

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

What makes this enrichment 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 36 positive traits to help your child succeed in today's world.

Additional Benefits

Interactive 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 $495/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: