Mathematics
We offer math classes for children of different ages and different math levels. What unites all the teachers and programs is that we teach children to think. We develop their mathematical abilities and build their math knowledge in such a way that children are able to connect different mathematical concepts and subjects and see them as one beautiful, logical and clear world of mathematics. Our goal is to teach children to love problem solving for life.
We invite every prospective student to come to SchoolPlus as a guest, visit our math classes, and find the right class. Since children come to SchoolPlus from different schools, the class placement depends more on students' actual math knowledge than on their grade level.
For those who cannot join our regular classes, we offer Virtual Classes.
Studying in our math classes is a commitment. Children need to come to every lesson and do homework that generally takes 2-3 hours per week.
The main goal of our classes for Middle School students is to make sure that children have complete knowledge of Arithmetic and the basics of Algebra and Geometry. We also want them to be able to use their skills in a variety of situations. Students will know how to handle multiple choice tests where speed is the most important factor, as well as be able to solve the complicated problems in Math Olympiads which require a non-routine and creative approach.
SchoolPlus SAT preparation classes differ from other SAT preparation programs. Students not only master test-taking techniques, but also study Mathematics as a subject. Without solid understanding of different math concepts and how they are interconnected, it is impossible to improve the score beyond a certain point. In our opinion, the serious and systematic learning of Mathematics is the only way to achieve a high score. We also offer SAT Subject Test preparation courses.
We also offer math classes for highly motivated High School students. These classes are personalized depending on students' goals: the curriculum may include preparation for more advanced tests, such as the Advanced Placement Calculus AB and BC test (which can count for college credit) or other specific math competitions, as well as topics beyond the traditional school program.
In our Summer Camp, the math lessons are the vital part of the program. Children have math lessons 4 out of 5 days a week.
Russian
Knowing several languages is always beneficial, but many students take our Russian classes in order to preserve their family language. Most of our Russian language students are children of immigrants from Russia. For a lot of these children, English is their first language, but Russian is the native language of their parents and grandparents. While these kids may speak Russian with their families, the opportunity to use the language outside the home is necessary in order to develop a good vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. This is why they take Russian lessons in our school.
Our experienced and talented teachers nurture children's creativity and interest in the Russian Language by finding great reading materials appropriate for the children's age and skills (which is often very hard to do), organizing competitions and theatrical plays, publishing magazines of children’s poems and short stories, and discussing books and movies.
Our classes for little children (kindergarten - 1st grade) are very fun. The main goal for 3-4 year olds is the development of speech. 5-7 year old children learn how to read and write. Our professional Russian kindergarten teachers use great books, fun games, and other activities to make lessons exciting and highly productive.
The purpose of the classes for Elementary School students is to practice and improve reading and writing skills, learn grammar appropriate for this age level, and stimulate creativity in the use of the language.
The main goal of our classes for Middle School students is to learn how to write essays, improve vocabulary, express more complicated thoughts and ideas in words and on paper.
We also offer classes for High School students.to prepare them for the AP Russian exam.
In our bilingual Summer Camp, children have Russian lessons 4 days a week. Most other lessons and activities are conducted in Russian as well.
Chess
It is a well known fact that chess develops intelligence. And what is intelligence if not the ability to solve problems? Play the game and discover that the techniques used to analyze chess situations can also be used, sometimes quite creatively, to grapple with puzzling questions in school and real life.
Acquaintance with chess starts with learning the basics of the game. Step by step, children study various strategic and tactical elements in chess, such as openings and endgames. Studying of the "immortal" games of world champions, as well as games of today's strongest grandmasters, is an indispensable part of our classes.
With homework exercises provided at the end of each lesson, our students learn to concentrate on one or two-moves checkmates as well as various combinations featuring queen sacrifices, double attacks, discovered checks, and many other useful tactical elements, or just quiet moves that eliminate the opponent's potential flight squares (depending on the level of the class).
Theoretical knowledge is supported with games in class. Regular chess matches between classes and other schools, as well as participation of our students in individual tournaments in New Jersey and New York, help to perfect their game. For everyday practice, we suggest that all students play chess against computer programs of different levels on the website of Nonna Karakashyan.
English
Our job is to arouse an appetite for the best; to make young people joyfully aware of the explosive, poignant, soothing, analytical and often mystifying qualities of carefully formulated language. Brilliant stories and poems, articles, ethical dilemmas, animated discussion -- all heighten language use and sensibility. All of these are inspirational ways in which the give and take of language allows us to express the thinking mind and the beauty-seeking spirit.
In today's complicated world, it is more important than ever to be able to read, understand, and be able to explain to others or to one's self the meaning of what one has read. It is just as critical to then be able to commit such analysis to clear and concise writing. For students who want to develop these skills, we offer a course in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
We also offer an effective, yet entertaining approach to preparing students for the SAT. Using intensive analysis of the overall exam and how it is evaluated by the CollegeBoard, we provide strategies for familiarizing oneself with the test to optimize one’s English score on the SAT as well as developing a deeper understanding of the English language as a whole.
Art
Our main goal in our Art classes is to make children understand and love Art and develop their creative abilities. They learn skills that enable them to express themselves through drawing, painting and sculpting. Many children attend our art classes for several years and study art seriously. While not everyone becomes an artist or chooses a profession in art afterwards, our main goal is to make children understand and love art and develop their creative abilities. We are also very proud of the students for whom our art classes were the first step toward careers in Art and Design.
