Once upon a time, in the sizzling, sun-baked state of Arizona, where cacti stood taller than the tallest giraffe and where tumbleweeds rolled faster than a cheetah's sprint, there lived a group of vivacious, quirky young bookworms. These weren't your regular bookworms, dear reader. Oh no! They were Arizona's finest, the most adventurous readers in the entire scorching state! Each day, under the vast expanse of the turquoise sky, they'd gather in the shade of the gargantuan Saguaro cacti, their favorite reading spot. Their leader was a cool, imaginary character named Cacto-Reader, a hybrid creation of a cactus and a superhero reader. With a book in one hand and a glass of chilled lemonade in the other, Cacto-Reader led the group through the magical world of stories, making them laugh and gasp in surprise with his funny impressions and hilarious narrations. Cacto-Reader had a secret superpower. Whenever he read out loud from their favorite books, the stories came alive! Cowboys rode out of the pages on their mighty steeds, aliens from far-off galaxies descended for a quick "hello," and dragons spewed fire that felt warm but never burned. It was like watching a movie, but in their minds, making the reading adventures even more thrilling. These Arizona children weren't simply reading stories, they were living them, one page at a time. So, if you ever find yourself in Arizona, listen closely. You might hear the peals of laughter and the whisper of turning pages carried by the desert wind. That’s Cacto-Reader and his gang, having another fabulous reading adventure!
Read moremore reading programs near Mesa, AZ

Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
Parents know that their children's time away from home and school matters. The Learning, Enrichment, and Play (LEAP) program offered by the Marana Unified School District provides supervised, secure learning and play experiences for children enrolled in pre-K through sixth grade. The LEAP sites are licensed facilities, located at each elementary school in the district, and provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for children to learn, play, and grow. For middle schoolers, the Teen Extended Day (TED) program offers academic enrichment tailored to their needs. With LEAP and TED, parents can feel confident that their children are in a secure environment, receiving the educational and enrichment opportunities they need.