Our mission is to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers! How do we accomplish that? We first built a world class, state-of-the-art facility complete with laboratory, technology makerspace and classroom.
Then we offered year-round STEM education with skilled and experienced staff that still teach science in schools, giving us the advantage of being able to constantly test and develop the best curriculum in the industry!
We next created the only science education center that promotes "three dimensional" learning. Three dimensional learning integrates different science, technology, and engineering principles in each of our programs into a hands-on, project-based learning approach. For example, we apply science and engineering concepts to other studies, such as science in music and the arts, the relationship between physics and engineering, or chemistry and environmental science, etc. With this multi-disciplinary approach, we can better develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our students.
And finally, we integrated the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into our curriculum!
WHY STEM WORLD?
How is STEM World different from other camps, after-school programs, and other science classes?
SAFETY PROTOCOL (COVID-19) GUIDELINES
What are the safety protocols STEM World will follow for in-person camps, classes and guided learning?
Following the guidance of the Los Angeles County Health Department, we will ensure thorough safety protocols for all activities.(based on CDC Guiding Principles for Summer Day Camps) and CDC Guidance related to small-groups-child-youth. For students who will be attending our on-site, in-person camps, here is our operating plan:
- Limit of 10-12 students per camp (instead of usual upper limit of 24)
- Social distancing at all times during drop off and pick up
- Daily wellness checks and other symptom screenings completed upon arrival
- Taking of temperature via no-touch IR thermometer of all children and adults upon arrival
- Work space set up for 6 feet of social distancing (each camper with his/her own work table)
- Students are assigned separate, dedicated workspace, supplies, computers, etc
- Pre-screen questionnaire for all campers attending regarding recent health of household members
- CDC recommends that children older than 2 years should wear a mask. We understand that expecting the staff and children to wear a mask for extended period is not simple. We will require staff and participants to wear face coverings at all times while at the day camp, to the extent possible
- Regular hand washing breaks
- Each camper will be provided their own storage area/bin for personal items
- Campers may bring their own food/drink, labeled in a container and stored with their personal items
- Staff will be leading campers in best practices for preventing spread of COVID-19
- No visitors will be permitted
- Surfaces and equipment will be sanitized before and after each camp session
- STEM World will follow the day camps reopening protocol of the City of Pasadena Public Health Department. See Protocol here
IN-PERSON GUIDED LEARNING
Are lunch and snacks provided for my child?
Snacks will be provided. Each student should please bring their own lunch.
Can all grade levels attend?
Guided Learning is specifically for ages 5 – 9, regardless of grade level.
What if my child doesn’t have online lessons for the full duration of the Guided Learning session?
Students will be encouraged and assisted to complete their homework assignments during their time at STEM World. Once all school activities are complete, they may join in a selection of STEAM activities.
Will your instructors teach my child during Guided Learning?
Our instructors will supervise and provide support for your children as they follow along with their school teachers. We will not replace their teacher’s instruction. STEM World instructors will provide STEAM activities for students who have completed their school lessons and assignments for the day.
Will my child receive private tutoring?
No. Students will be given help wherever they need it, but will be encouraged to work independently as much as possible. If you require a greater level of teaching input, we recommend you consider our STEM Pods option.
Will my child be helped to complete homework assignments?
Instructors will guide and assist students with homework as required, but responsibility for completing and submitting assignments remains with students and parents/guardians.
What should my child bring?
Please bring a printed-out daily schedule for each student, showing their login details, web address for school classes, class times, homework assignment requirements, and any other essential information. Bring printouts of any worksheets or homework you wish your student to complete. Please provide your own headset for each student. If required, you can purchase one on site.
How will I check on my child's progress?
Parents/guardians can speak to their child’s instructor briefly at the end of a session. During busy times and especially during COVID-19, we ask that you contact us by phone or email to get an update from the instructor or to ask specific questions.
Do we need to bring any special equipment?
You may bring your own laptop if you wish, or your student can use one of our laptops. They will need their own headset – you may bring your own, or purchase one from us.
Can I sign up in the middle of the month?
Yes! The fee will be prorated based on the number of weeks left in the month.
How am I going to be billed?
You will be billed on the 1st of every month.
Will I get prorated for any missed class?
Missed classes will not result in prorated refunds. No refunds for classes missed including scheduled holidays except for STEM World camp week(s) (Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year holidays and Spring Break)
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests must be sent by the 25th of the month prior. $30 cancellation fee will apply to requests sent between 26th to end of the month. No refunds will be issued for any cancellation request received on or after the 1st.
STEM PODS
Can I include children of different ages in one pod?
Only if they are working at the same grade level. Our pods are designed to teach a particular area of the curriculum, at a specified level to match the group’s need.
Is STEM Pods like private tutoring?
Not really. It is a very small group, so your child will receive some one-to-one attention. However, classes will be designed to cover the requested curriculum areas for the group as a whole.
Do I get a discount for having more students in the pod?
Our prices are a fixed low rate per student. That way you are not penalized for having a smaller group.
What grade levels do you cover for STEM Pods?
Grades K – 12.
Can my children learn a topic specific to their interests or homeschool curriculum?
Any topics can be covered within the subjects of math, sciences, technology (i.e. computer science/programming), engineering or robotics. If you’re not sure, feel free to drop us a line!
Are lunch and snacks provided for the students if they stay all day?
Snacks will be provided. Each student should please bring their own lunch.
Will my student be helped to complete homework assignments?
Students will receive support from their instructors according to the requested curriculum. Instructors will guide and assist students with homework as required, but responsibility for completing and submitting assignments remains with students and parents/guardians.
How will I check on my student’s progress?
Parents/guardians can speak to their child’s instructor briefly at the end of a session. During busy times and especially during COVID-19, we ask that you contact us by phone or email to get an update from the instructor or to ask specific questions.
CAMPS
GENERAL
My child has never attended a STEM camp or class before. Is that OK?
Yes. STEM World curriculum is carefully designed so that it will cover all learning backgrounds. In our supportive learning environment, students are encouraged to try things out for themselves and learn from their mistakes, developing confidence, independence, and critical thinking skills. They'll be encouraged to use their creativity and develop teamwork skills! Please take note of the skill levels or age recommendations for every program so that your child will have the best experience possible.
My child is a very advanced, high-tech wizard. Will they be bored?
No worries! We realize that some of the students may be more advanced than others. Our instructors are trained to promote creativity and a challenging environment appropriate to all skill and experience levels. Our instructors will also make sure that no matter the level, each student gets the attention they need.
How do you deal with different ages and experience levels in the same camp or program?
Most of our programs are divided in two age groups, 5-8 and 9-14. In our camps, we divide students in each camp further based on age, maturity and experience, and with two instructors and an assistant, we can ensure that every student gets the attention they require! Although we encourage mentor/mentee relationships with the older students, it is not required. We approach after-school programs similarly, but with more emphasis on experience and maturity.
Will my camper bring home the robots they build during camp?
Only in some of our advanced camps and programs. However, they can purchase robotics kits in our store so they can build one at home using the skills they acquired from our camp!
SAFETY
What is your Safety Training requirements for Instructors?
Our staff goes through a rigorous interview process that includes: application, phone interview, in-person interview, reference check, and criminal background check; leadership team members will attend an additional one-on-one interview. Those that meet our standards are invited to join the team. Once hired, all staff receives substantive training, followed by ongoing supervision and professional development provided by our Lab Director.
How do you know the right child is going home with the right adult?
Our staff is required to check for a photo ID and cross check it with the list of people that you have authorized to pick up your child. Please be prepared to bring your photo ID each day at check out.
SCHEDULING
What happens if the camp I want to sign up for is full?
Our camps fill up quick and registration is on a first come, first served basis. However, we keep a waitlist for each camp and will contact you if a spot opens up. You can join the waitlist while clicking the Waitlist option in our classes/camps or you can call us at 626-247-4347. There is no cost to join our waitlist and no obligation to sign up once you're on it.
What happens if I'm on a wait list and a space opens up?
If a space opens up and you're next on the list, we'll contact you via phone or email. If we do not hear back from you in 3 business days, we'll contact the next family on the list to offer them the spot.
We won't be able to attend a full week of camp, is that OK?
You are welcome to miss days, but we don't recommend it. Our curriculum is designed to unfold over three/five days, with each day building on the one before it. We are also not able to prorate the cost of your camp week and your camper may not have enough time to complete that week's projects.
Can I transfer my camp session to a different week?
If space permits, we are able to change your camp week up to 14 days before the start of your camp week for no fee. If it is within 2 weeks prior to camp start, you can transfer to another camp for a $30 transfer fee.
Can I transfer my session to another camper?
Due to the uniqueness of our programs, we are not able to transfer your session to another camper.
EXTENDED CARE
What are the hours of extended care?
Morning extended care is available from 8 am - 8:30 am. Afternoon extended care is available from 4:30 pm - 5 pm. You can sign up for extended care using our online camp registration system.
How does your extended care services work?
Extended care service is available for $80 for a 5-day camp or $50 for 3-day camp, inclusive of both morning and afternoon extended hours.
If you would like to book Early Arrival, and/or Extended Day please do so by the Friday prior to your camper’s upcoming camp week. If you need to add any of these options during the camp week, please send your request directly to info@stemworld.net and we will do our best to accommodate you (payment can be made when you pick-up your kid).
If you would like to book Early Arrival, and/or Extended Day please do so by the Friday prior to your camper’s upcoming camp week. If you need to add any of these options during the camp week, please send your request directly to info@stemworld.net and we will do our best to accommodate you (payment can be made when you pick-up your kid).
What if I only need extended care for a few days of the camp week?
An Early Arrival option is available for $7/hour and an Extended Day option is available for $7/hour.
CANCELLATION & MISSED DAYS
How do I cancel my enrollment? Will I receive a refund? What happens if I miss days?
Up to 2 weeks prior to start of camp, you can cancel and receive a refund minus a $50 fee per camp; or transfer to a different camp for no fee. Within 2 weeks prior to camp start, there will be no refunds, but space permitting, you can transfer to another camp for a $30 transfer fee.
Policy applies to all camp cancellations/changes, regardless of original sign-up date. All refunds will be credited via original payment method.
Camp fees are not refunded or prorated for days missed due to illness or injury. Camp fees from unused days cannot be applied to future purchases or transferred to another family.
Policy applies to all camp cancellations/changes, regardless of original sign-up date. All refunds will be credited via original payment method.
Camp fees are not refunded or prorated for days missed due to illness or injury. Camp fees from unused days cannot be applied to future purchases or transferred to another family.
SNACKS & LUNCH
What should my child bring each day?
Your child can bring snacks to camp. Please do not bring any food items that may contain nuts or peanuts due to possible allergy among other participants.
Will lunch be provided?
Lunch and snacks will NOT be provided during camp. We recognize that in previous years, lunch and food were included and provided in STEM World's camps. As we welcome campers and staff back to camp in 2021, safety is our top priority. To minimize risk and support our safety measure for contact reduction, we are asking campers to bring their own snacks and lunch to camp.
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
What are the check-in and check-out times at camp?
Check-in on Monday – Friday is 8:30 am – 9 am for morning camps or 12:30 pm – 1 pm for afternoon camps. Check-out is at 12 pm for morning camps and 4 pm for afternoon or full day camps. At all of our camps, we ask a parent or guardian to check in with campers on Monday. To keep campers safe, we also require a photo ID and signature from an authorized adult every day at check-out.
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We regularly offer both scholarships and financial aid for our programs throughout the year to students who demonstrate a passion for STEM or simply need some financial help getting into one of our programs. Just email us at info@stemworld.net to ask for more information.
CHARTER & HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS
What charter and/or homeschools is STEM World approved for?
We are an approved service provider with:
Inspire Charter Schools
Excel Academy Charter School
Inspire Charter Schools
- Blue Ridge Academy
- Heartland Charter School
- Granite Mountain
Excel Academy Charter School
- California Pacific Charter School
- County Collaborative Charter School
- Keppel Partnership Academy
- Community Collaborative Charter School
- iLEAD California Charters 1
- iLEAD Hybrid
- LEAD Agua Dulce
- Santa Clarita Valley Internationa
- iLEAD Charter Schools Lancaster
- iLEAD Foundations
- iLEAD Online
- Sky Mountain Charter School
- South Sutter Charter School
- Ocean Grove Charter School
How do I use my school funds at STEM World?
First, pick a program that you're interested in. Then, submit your request for funding to your school. Once funding is approved, sign up for the program and let us know you'll be paying from charter school funds. We'll do the rest! Examples of programs other families have used funds for:
- Workshop programs (STEM Labs, STEM Kidz, STEM Girlz, STEM School, TEEN Labs). Check the WORKSHOPS CALENDAR
- Holiday (Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring) and Summer Camps. Visit STEM CAMPS page to see the camps that we offer.
- Purchase STEM educational products in our retail store or ONLINE STORE. (note: We are also materials vendor to most of our home school affliates. Send the STEM product orders to your home school. They will send us a purchase order and we will arrange for pick up or delivery.)
- Workshop programs (STEM Labs, STEM Kidz, STEM Girlz, STEM School, TEEN Labs). Check the WORKSHOPS CALENDAR
- Holiday (Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring) and Summer Camps. Visit STEM CAMPS page to see the camps that we offer.
- Purchase STEM educational products in our retail store or ONLINE STORE. (note: We are also materials vendor to most of our home school affliates. Send the STEM product orders to your home school. They will send us a purchase order and we will arrange for pick up or delivery.)
How do I sign up for workshops if I am enrolled in a homeschool program?
Step 1. Request funding approval from your home school portal: Each 8-week workshop will likely need to be signed up for through your homeschool program as two separate 4-workshop sessions, not a single 8-workshop session as we have it currently listed. [For example: if you are taking the Workshop from Sept 10th to Oct 29th, you should request approval from your Homeschool Program for "Workshop Part 1 (Sept 10th to Oct 1st)" for $139.50 and "Workshop Part 2 (Oct 8th to Oct 29th)" for $139.50 at the same time.]
Step 2. After you receive your Certification ID's for the two 4-Workshop requests you made in step 1 above, we should be receiving a purchase order request from your homeschool. Once we receive it, we will confirm your registration accordingly.
If you have not received your Certification ID 3 days before the session starts, please send proof of your Order Request (screenshot, email confirmation etc.) to orders@stemworld.net. We will review and reach out to you.
Step 2. After you receive your Certification ID's for the two 4-Workshop requests you made in step 1 above, we should be receiving a purchase order request from your homeschool. Once we receive it, we will confirm your registration accordingly.
If you have not received your Certification ID 3 days before the session starts, please send proof of your Order Request (screenshot, email confirmation etc.) to orders@stemworld.net. We will review and reach out to you.
STEM World shows that it is an approved vendor, but it doesn't show up on your school portal. What should I do?
Please email info@stemworld.net and we will verify with your charter or homeschool. We will advise you when they confirm.
What if STEM World is not yet an approved provider; what should I do?
Please provide the following information:
(Your Name, Email Address, Contact Number, Charter School Name, Website/Link/Email where we can reach them.)
to orders@stemworld.net and we will apply to your charter or homeschool. It may take 2-4 weeks before our application gets approved. The approval for STEM World can be expedited if there are parents specifically requesting our programs/products; it is highly encouraged to endorse us to your enrichment program coordinators. We will reach out to you when we are already an approved vendor.
(Your Name, Email Address, Contact Number, Charter School Name, Website/Link/Email where we can reach them.)
to orders@stemworld.net and we will apply to your charter or homeschool. It may take 2-4 weeks before our application gets approved. The approval for STEM World can be expedited if there are parents specifically requesting our programs/products; it is highly encouraged to endorse us to your enrichment program coordinators. We will reach out to you when we are already an approved vendor.
Do you arrange for specially-scheduled classes (different schedule or subjects, special accommodations)?
Yes, based on availability, we can arrange special classes for your group if you have a minimum of 5 students. Please contact us at info@stemworld.net. Please indicate the class that you are interested in.
