Illumination Learning Studio: Nurturing Creativity and Education in Young Minds
Illumination Learning Studio (ILS) is an independent family business dedicated to educating school-age children in the arts. Since its inception in the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood in April 2013, ILS has been committed to engaging and enlightening young minds through a unique blend of cultural arts and academic-based learning. The studio's mission is to benefit a child's social-emotional and educational development by offering an exceptional mix of programs.
A Family Business with a Passion for Arts Education
Founded by Mike and Molli Piper, ILS employs a team of specialty arts instructors and teaching staff who develop a proprietary arts curriculum designed to inspire students every day. The leadership team includes:
- Mike Piper: Co-Founder with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Music. Mike has a lifetime immersed in music and has trained in a variety of musical instruments, with a primary focus and passion for piano. He also worked for 17-years as a Music and Cultural Arts Instructor for the Chicago Parks District.
- Molli Piper: Co-Founder, Preschool Program Director and Lead Pre-K Teacher. Molli follows the philosophy that Early Childhood teachers lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Molli holds a Type-04 Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and has over 15 years of experience teaching Preschool age children.
- Will Piper: Director of Operations with an MBA in HR Management and a BS in Organizational Leadership. Will has over 7 years experience teaching music privately, and has provided music lessons at Illumination Learning Studio since its opening in 2013.
- Tricia Piper-Bennett: Business Manager with a BA in Political Science and an MSc in Urban Policy and Practice.
The ILS team also includes dedicated instructors such as Ky Osburn (Lead Preschool Teacher), Marissa Caraballo (Creative Arts Instructor - Drama), Brianna Eng (Creative Arts Instructor - Visual Arts), Bridget Kirk (Creative Arts Instructor - Dance (on leave)), Sophie (Art Teacher), Kendall Yoder (Site Supervisor at Greenwood Studio), and Yi Lin Naumman (Site Supervisor at K-1 Extension Classroom).
Programs Offered
ILS offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and interests:
- Preschool and Pre-K: The Early Childhood curriculum refines advanced reading, writing, math and language skill development in our youngest students.
- After School Performing and Fine Arts Classes: Structured classes are presented each afternoon with predefined lesson plans delivered by our specialty creative arts instructors, students explore the topics of music, fine arts, drama, dance and voice.
- Music Lessons: Variety of instruments available for all ages, tailored for group or individual lessons.
- Summer Adventure Camps: Each week is packed with exciting themes that dive into visual arts, musical theatre, and pop culture, sparking creativity and imagination.
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
ILS recognizes the critical importance of early childhood education in a child's development. "About 85 percent of the human brain develops in the first three years of life. During this crucial developmental time, young children form the “wiring” needed to think, communicate, move and form attachments with those around them." ILS's programs are designed to stimulate this development through engaging and fun learning experiences.
Read also: Understanding PLCs
ILS lessons are presented in a fun way meant to engage the young, developing mind in learning that builds curiosity and advances the imagination.
Community and Inclusivity
ILS is committed to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among its students. The studio welcomes students and families from diverse backgrounds, each with unique customs, values, traditions, and origins. In addition to arts education, ILS teaches students the value of community, respecting one another, and honoring the differences of the people around them.
Send a Kid to Camp: Supporting Access to Creative Opportunities
Recognizing that not all families can afford enriching summer camp experiences, ILS offers the "Send a Kid to Camp" program. This impactful program was born during the pandemic when ILS founders Molli and Mike Piper saw families struggling to provide their children with enriching and engaging activities. The program aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to creative and fun-filled Summer Adventure Camps.
Sponsors of the "Send a Kid to Camp" program not only invest in local families but also gain visibility for their business within the community. Businesses sponsoring 3+ weeks have their logo featured on summer camp shirts, providing valuable exposure throughout the season.
Testimonials: The Impact of an ILS Education
Parents and students alike have praised the positive impact of ILS programs:
Read also: Learning Resources Near You
- One parent noted that their daughter loves Kindergarten and is thriving, already reading independently, counting by five’s and starting to tell time.
- Another parent shared that their daughter has been in the ILS afterschool program and piano lessons since first grade.
- One parent shared that their five year old daughter has benefited from the three year education she has received at ILS, and come September, she will be more than ready for Kindergarten.
- A parent shared that their son has been attending the kindergarten program since September, and it’s been awesome. He is happy to go to school each day (which has not always been the case for him), and is eager to share everything he learned when he comes home.
- One parent shared that ILS is the highlight of my 7-year-old daughter’s day. She’s built strong friendships, loves her teachers and most importantly, really loves the programming. She comes home every day excited to share the art she’s created or tell us about a new skill she’s learned. It is filling a need for our daughter that isn’t filled during her school day.
Read also: Learning Civil Procedure
tags: #illumination #learning #studio #what #is #it
