FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a Question?
We hope we have the answers for you here.
If not, feel free to email us at info@stemworld.net.
WHY STEM WORLD?
Our mission is to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers! How do we accomplish that? First, we built a world class, state-of-the-art facility complete with laboratory, technology makerspace and classroom. Second, we are a year-round learning center with staff that still teaches science in schools, giving us the advantage of being able to constantly test and develop the best curriculum in the industry! Third, we are 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, our programs are the only ones that integrate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into the curriculum!
And finally, our programs are the only ones that integrate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into the curriculum!
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.
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.
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.
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!
SNACKS & LUNCH
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. We also carry a variety of food items for sale (ranging from $1 to $5).
Yes! We have included the cost of lunch in the camp tuition. We provide nutritious, kid-friendly lunches each full day of camp.
If your child has food allergies, however, you will have to pack their lunch as we are not able to guarantee that our lunches are completely free from food allergens. When packing their lunch, please avoid nut products to decrease risk of exposure to other kids in the camp. Lunches can be refrigerated upon request (just ask one of our camp instructors or the camp director).
If your child has food allergies, however, you will have to pack their lunch as we are not able to guarantee that our lunches are completely free from food allergens. When packing their lunch, please avoid nut products to decrease risk of exposure to other kids in the camp. Lunches can be refrigerated upon request (just ask one of our camp instructors or the camp director).
SCHEDULING
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.
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.
You are welcome to miss days but we don't recommend it. Our curriculum is carefully 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.
If space permits, we are able to change your camp week or class up to 14 days before the start of your camp week. There is a $30 transfer fee per session/class for any schedule changes, regardless of your original sign-up date.
Due to the uniqueness of our programs, we are not able to transfer your session to another camper.
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
Check-in on Monday – Friday is 8:30 am – 9 am for morning classes or 12:30 pm – 1 pm for afternoon classes. Check-out is at 12 pm for morning classes and 4 pm for afternoon classes.
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.
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.
EXTENDED CARE
Morning extended care is available from 8 am - 8:30 am. Afternoon extended care is available from 4:30 pm - 6 pm. You can sign up for extended care using our online camp registration system.
Extended care service is available for a $80 for a 5-day camp or $45 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).
While we do ask that you book in advance, we are flexible and will work to accommodate your requests for early arrival/extended day even if made during the camp week!
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).
While we do ask that you book in advance, we are flexible and will work to accommodate your requests for early arrival/extended day even if made during the camp week!
An Early Arrival option is available for $7/hour and an Extended Day option is available for $7/hour.
CANCELLATION
Up to 2 weeks prior to start of camp, receive a refund minus a $50 cancellation fee per session or class canceled. Transfer fee of $30 will be waived for session or class changes.
Within 2 weeks prior to camp start, there will be no refunds, but space permitting you can change your camp location, week, major or class up to seven days before the start of your camp week.
Policy applies to all camp cancellations, regardless of original sign-up date. All refunds will be credited via original payment method.
Camp fees are not refunded or prorated for days of camp missed due to illness or injury. Camp fees from unused sessions cannot be applied to future purchases or transferred to another family.
Within 2 weeks prior to camp start, there will be no refunds, but space permitting you can change your camp location, week, major or class up to seven days before the start of your camp week.
Policy applies to all camp cancellations, regardless of original sign-up date. All refunds will be credited via original payment method.
Camp fees are not refunded or prorated for days of camp missed due to illness or injury. Camp fees from unused sessions cannot be applied to future purchases or transferred to another family.
SAFETY
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.
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.
SCHOLARSHIPS & 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.
