South Shore Park is open year-round and located on Ragsdale Road off Highway 92. This 30-acre park sits on the South Side of beautiful Lake Acworth and contains parking, a beach, and fishing areas. There is a daily parking fee during the summer season. More information can be found on the Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource website. 

Dallas Landing Park is an 82-acre park located on Allatoona Drive off Main Street. Dallas Landing overlooks Lake Allatoona. The park contains a beach, group pavilion, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and public restrooms. The group pavilion is available for rental for groups of 50 or less. There is no lifeguard on duty at the beach. No pets are allowed on the beach areas and must be on a leash at all times while in the park.

The park is open from mid-April through mid-September and there is a daily parking fee. More information can be found on the Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource Department's website.

Foster your child’s love of art, knowledge, and ability with our Homeschool Art Program! We are offering in-person classes for children in elementary and secondary school levels this year. Per semester fee is $285 (12 dates). We will offer one free make-up class per semester. If joining late the cost will be prorated.

Fridays:

10:00–11:00 am Elementary School

11:30–12:30 pm Middle and High School

Here is our fall semester overview:

FALL 2021

September (9/10, 9/17, 9/24): Drawing Skills     

October (10/8, 10/15, 10/22): Painting Skills

November (11/5, 11/12, 11/19): Sculpture Skills

December (12/3, 12/10, 12/17): Media Variety: Comics, Collage, Printmaking

Fall Semester Make-Up Class is Monday, 12/20/21: both age groups from 10–11:30am.

Tentative Schedule for Spring 2022: There will be a separate registration for the Spring Semester.

(dates TBA)

January: Illustration

February: Landscape Painting

March: Multimedia Inspiration

April: Sculpture

Join our vibrant community! 

Register now for Boogaloo Academy’s 2021-2022 season. 

We offer a variety of super fun and creative robot-building classes for children 2-14 years old (and sometimes adults)!  All of our programs flex imaginations and empower students. Part arts & crafts, part engineering, part silliness, and all screen-free! Join Brooklyn Robot Foundry for STEAMtastic fun after school, school holidays, birthdays, and all summer long!

At Code Ninjas Atlanta (Atlanta), kids learn to code by building their very own video games. Our flexible coding programs for kids make it easy on parents with convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends.

Did you love being pregnant? Interested in helping others achieve their dreams of becoming a family? Surrogacy is the answer for so many families that are struggling to get pregnant, whether it's a women with cancer, gay men who can't have children or infertility issues, you may be able to change a family's life and earn money to help your family at the same time. Surrogacy packages start at $55,000 for first-time surrogates. Is this the right step for your family? Explore the process below to find out more...

Learn How To Become a Surrogate

Our job is to help you realize your dream of how to become a surrogate with expert guidance, from learning about the surrogate process all the way to your fourth trimester care. Our proven process makes your dream of helping another family a reality. We are all-in as your guide for a healthy and successful surrogacy journey.

• 78% of our surrogates want to recommend another woman to be a ConceiveAbilities surrogate
• 56% of our surrogates want to do another surrogacy journey with us

Timing

We customize our qualification process to work at your pace, with no timing pressure, What timing works for you? Some potential GCs are motivated to move through the process quickly. Some potential GCs need time to process and learn. We are on your timeline.

Matching

Our proprietary matching process pairs you with the family you were meant to help who have shared values and expectations. Matching Matters^® has a 97% success rate at first introduction, expediting your journey.

Compensation

We prioritize your custom financial package so you have no bumps in the road that take you away from your dream of helping another family. Because we value your labor of love and because you are needed, ConceiveAbilities is proud to offer our first-of-its-kind All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Program. Our pay package for you is the highest of any surrogacy agency. Period. Talk to us and we’ll make sure it is so.

• Expert Guidance from application through fourth trimester postpartum care on how to become a surrogate
• Top Pay through a simple, easy package that is custom-built for you
• Monthly Care packages, with goodies that are chosen based on your priorities

Use our compensation calculator to find out your personalized base pay.

We tailor what you will earn according to where you live, your current salary, and whether you have prior experience as a surrogate. All put together into one easy and simple package of payments with no receipt tracking.

Surrogate Mother Requirements

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a modern and growing means of bringing new life into the world, where a woman carries a baby for another person or a couple. The intended parents undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), meaning fertilization outside of the body, to transfer an embryo into the surrogate mother’s uterus. In our work at ConceiveAbilities, surrogates are not genetically or legally related to the baby and are compensated for their time and service by the intended parents. In 2018, more than 10,000 births took place by surrogate in the United States, and the market is steadily growing at 15% per year based on data from the Centers for Disease Control. And, in the past ten years, the percentage of all IVF transfers that took place with a gestational carrier grew from just over 1% to 4.8%.

What Are Surrogate Requirements?

In order to ensure that surrogacy can be a healthy and successful experience for you, the basic requirements include your age, your experience with prior deliveries, and your medical history.

The basic requirements include

• Have you given birth before?
• A history of at least one full-term, health and uncomplicated pregnancy is essential to ensuring your surrogacy journey is healthy and successful.

• How old are you?
• At the time you are matched with intended parents, you should be between 21 and 40 years of age.

• Where do you live?
• Compensated surrogacy is legal in most, but not all states. And, certain locations are highly valued by intended parents and you can earn higher compensation.

• Are you a long-term US resident?
• The surrogacy journey is lengthy and is accomplished only by working with a US-based IVF clinic.

• Are you physically healthy?
• You must have an uncomplicated medical history, not be over- or under-weight, not currently smoke, and be free of certain chronic conditions.

• Are you emotionally healthy?
• Your surrogacy journey is demanding and requires a stable foundation in your life without undue stress.

Apply Now: ConceiveAbilities Application

The Park Tavern Ice Rink Powered by Pepsi Zero in Atlanta, Georgia is offering Ice-Skating Lessons this winter starting in November 2020 to January 2021. The program is led by Olympic Coach Craig Maurizi and taught by Professional Ice-Skaters. The classes are safe, socially distanced and Covid - Cautious.    

“We are excited to bring our Olympic program to such a beautiful space this season.  Our professional staff is thrilled to offer lessons to patrons of all ages and levels.” Said 4-time Olympic Coach and director of the program, Craig Maurizi. “Best of all, this unique opportunity provides a pandemic-safe activity during the holiday season.” The Ice-Skating lessons are a nationally recognized program that Park Tavern Ice Rink Powered by Pepsi Zero has adopted this season and intends to partner with in future years.

Fun and affordable classes are offered multiple times per week to make it convenient and accessible to everyone - children, adults and families.  

Students that participate in the ice skating lessons will receive certificates and rewards for passing skill levels.

Greece Christian Preschool provides a rich classroom environment where children are encouraged to explore and challenged to learn, while making friends and developing self-confidence. Our curriculum helps children develop the thinking and problem solving skills they’ll need to succeed in kindergarten.

We’d love to give you the opportunity to learn more about the culture and community at Holy Spirit Preparatory School. There are several ways you can experience our school first-hand:

• Schedule a Private Tour
• Participate in a Student Shadow Day
• Attend one of our Public Events
• Follow our School on Social Media

We encourage your family to take part in one or more of these opportunities as you move through your admissions journey.

IMACS gives students a competitive edge by teaching them how to think critically using logic and reasoning. IMACS classes are now offered online and cover high-level material in fun and exciting ways designed to keep talented students challenged and engaged.

Marietta Cobb Museum of Art is offering advanced art classes for homeschooled students ages 6-18.  The introductory course will be introduced to drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, as well as some art history, art appreciation, and vocabulary, as they use artist-quality materials in the studio. More advanced courses will focus on illusion and will explore science as it relates to art.  

Markay Appel, the instructor, was a homeschool parent herself and has shared her art-making skills with local homeschool co-ops. She also taught art at private high schools, afterschool programs, art camps, and as private lessons.  She has taught drawing & painting, Claymation, STEM classes, art history, and sewing. She currently teaches Saturday Art School here at the museum and is beyond thrilled to offer these courses to our homeschooling community.

Registration is now open for Fall classes and performance opportunities at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown.

Fall 2021 at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown holds an array of programs for students ages 3-20. Programs will run from September 20 - December 9th. Our in-person, socially distanced, covid-safe programs feature crafts, circus arts, dance, theater, acting, juggling, acrofit, contortion, and a mainstage performance! All classes will be held in the Oddfellows Playhouse theater. For details, and more information, go to www.oddfellows.org, call (860) 347-6143, or email info@oddfellows.org.

 All classes will have tuition of 200$ unless otherwise noted and all classes Monday-Thursday have the option to add on our Oddbridge after school program for 50$.

CIRCUS SATURDAYS

The fun starts on Saturday Sept 18th with “Welcome to Circus” for ages 3-5 and “Circus 1” for ages 6-8. Both classes will be led by Maegan Fuller. 

“Circrobatics I” offers participants the chance to have a blast tumbling and playing with scarves, ribbons, and other fun pieces of circus equipment for an exciting introduction to circus. These classes will run every Saturday from 10-10:45am. Tuition is $200. 

“Circrobatics II” gives participants the chance to have fun discovering their inner clown while learning how to manipulate different pieces of circus equipment including; flower sticks, diabolo, juggling, poi, and more! Classes run on Saturdays from 11am-12pm. Tuition is $200. 

AGES 6-8

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Hip Hop Dance

Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Circus I

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Class time: Tuesdays 430-530 beginning 9/21/21

Fairy Tale Theater

A theatrical exploration of the Fairy Tale world, featuring characters and stories from your favorite fairy tales.  Class time: Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Story Theater from Around the World

Students will use theater games and skills to explore tales and fables from different parts of the world. We can discover how people from all over the world answered questions like: How did birds get their colorful wings? Or, Why do turtles have shells? And many more! Class time: Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21

AGES 9-11

Circus II

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Tom Sawyer Mini-Production

Students will explore the classic story “Tom Sawyer” and put an original spin on this age old “getting in and MOSTLY out of trouble” tale. Through theater games and character work we will use our own creativity along with scripts to create a unique re-telling of Mark Twain’s well-known coming of age story.
Tuesdays 430-545 beginning 9/21/21

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Theater Improv

Learn the art of play in the world of theatre through improvisation - making it up as you go along! Enhance your listening, communication skills and confidence while giving your imagination a supportive space to thrive in as you make new friends and have fun.
Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21 *Ages 9-14*

AGES 11-20

Acting and Scene Study

Develop skills and techniques that will enhance your creativity, strengthen your communication skills and foster new friendships. Nurture and magnify your inner gifts and natural talents by working with partners on scenes from classic and contemporary theater.
Mondays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/20/21

Circophony Teen Circus

Students are invited to join one or both days where they will practice and learn both solo skills and build a repertoire as an ensemble. Monday with Allison McDermott will focus on Tumbling, Mini-trampoline and Equilibristics (Unicycles, rolling globe, rola bola, spools, trick bikes).

Tuesday with Naja Muller and Allison McDermott will focus on Partner Acrobatics, Contortion, Juggling and Prop Manipulation. Fall Training is a great way to prepare for Circophony's Winter Main Stage show.

Get a second day of Circophony for a discounted rate. Simply "add on" in registration! (Additional day only 150$!)

Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm beginning 9/20/21
*Ages 12-20*

The Art of Being an Artist

Creating a piece of art is one thing. What to do with it next is another. Come learn what it’s like to live the life of a visual artist from beginning to end in this mixed media art class for 7th & 8th grade students. The sole requirement for this class is that you must have a passion for creating art. Students will be exposed to various types of mediums and techniques including painting, mask making, weaving, beading, stenciling and more. They will also learn how to prepare their work for exhibition and how to market oneself as an artist. Class will conclude with an exhibition of student work.
Tuesdays 4:30-5:45pm beginning 9/21/21

Introduction to Shakespeare

An introduction to the characters, stories and language of Shakespeare's plays, culminating in short scene performances.
Wednesdays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm beginning 9/23/21
*Ages 9 - 14*

TEEN REP

The Teen Repertory Company is Oddfellows' senior performance ensemble, open to all young people ages 14 - 20. The Teen Rep generally stages two main stage productions every year (one in the fall, one in the spring) and focuses on classes, special projects and a New Plays Festival during the winter. The Teen Rep Company provides adventurous teens with performance opportunities not always available in the public schools - original work, ensemble-created projects, classics from various cultures, and theater for social justice. All teens are invited to audition, and everyone who commits to the rehearsal and production schedule is cast. There is a tuition charge to join the Teen Repertory Company, but financial aid is available for all families who need it.

Young people ages 13 - 20 can audition for our Teen Repertory Company on September 15 & 16, 6:30-9pm. Tuition is 300$

Rehearsals will be two evenings per week beginning the week of September 20 and our mainstage performances will be on November 11 - 13 & 19 - 20. Anyone interested in auditioning, or wanting more information, should contact the Playhouse at info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143

For more information, or to register for any of the above classes, auditions or events, go to www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143. Financial aid is available for all tuition-based programs; it is Playhouse policy never to turn anyone away because of inability to pay.

Oddfellows Playhouse productions, classes and special events are made possible with the generous support of the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; Middletown Commission on the Arts; The Fund for Greater Hartford; American Savings Foundation; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund; Middlesex United Way; CHEFA Cultural Relief Grant; New England Foundation for the Arts New England Arts Resilience Fund; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; Stare Family Fund; Evan Boyd Knoll Memorial Circus Fund; Community Development Block Grant; and many generous individual donors.

Spring classes and performance opportunities for kids range from circus, play writing and acting for teens to classes and performances for younger kids. Go to www.oddfellows.org for more info.

Ace the test! Increase your score with personalized attention. Learn test preparation strategies to get your best score. We provide the practice materials and full-length tests with score reports that pinpoint areas of need for instruction to maximize scores.

One size does not fit all when it comes to individual tutoring. Personalized attention is key to tapping into students’ natural abilities while addressing any challenges, transforming them into successful lifelong learners. 

We provide academic assistance from skill-building in all subject areas to helping students and families keep track of their assignments, time management, and prioritizing. RITES can help with tools to keep kids focused with offline and online schoolwork.

RITES supports students throughout their academic careers in:

Spruill Center for the Arts is offering a wide variety of youth programs to complement students’ remote learning this fall. To help provide hands-on learning experiences during a virtual learning fall semester. 

Fall Break Camps

Weekday Afternoon Art Classes

Wonderful Wednesday School Break Day Camp

Thanksgiving Break Camp

Weekend Art Classes

The Philadelphia Dance Academy offers dance classes for students aged 2.5-adult for the 2021-2022 school year.

Summer enrollment opened December 1.

The 2022-2023 enrollment opens May 15.

Whether your child is looking for a place to start, or is already a seasoned performer, VYT’s classes are fun, engaging, and will foster a passion for acting, dance, musical theatre, storytelling, improvisation, and more. Classes are designed to develop a young performer’s stage presence while teaching life skills, enriching self-esteem, building confidence and communication, and creating an ensemble and community of VYT family.