Lavner Camps

I have meant to write this review for years. In 2021, when our son was seven years old, my wife and I enrolled him here because he had already shown a strong aptitude for learning and a real interest in coding. He had been reading since around age three, learned quickly, and we wanted to help him develop that interest. He was paired with a college student named John for private coding instruction. The problem became clear fairly quickly: John knew the material, but he did not seem to know how to teach it to a seven-year-old. Our son began telling us that the lessons were too difficult and that he was struggling. My wife was present during the instruction and could see what was happening. We explained that he could not simply present material at his own level and expect a seven-year-old to absorb it the same way. It needed to be taught in an age-appropriate way. John essentially told us he did not know how to teach it differently. The experience eventually became so discouraging that our son was brought to tears and made to feel inadequate. When we raised our concern with the owner, Kelly Scarborough, her response, as I remember it, was: “Sometimes we think our kids are smarter than what they really are.” That statement has stayed with us. We are a Black family, and both the owner and instructor were white. In that context, we experienced the response as racially dismissive. Instead of first examining whether the teaching approach was appropriate for a seven-year-old, the doubt was placed on our son and on us as parents. Years have passed since 2021, and time has provided its own answer. Our son continued coding and eventually found an independent mentor who knew how to teach him. He has since progressed through Python, JavaScript, Node.js, SQL, backend and frontend development, databases, APIs, Git and GitHub. His current mentor describes his ability to debug complex programs with little to no guidance as genuinely advanced for his age and says he demonstrates the analytical thinking, patience, and independent problem-solving needed for a rigorous academic path, ahead of typical expectations for his age. Academically, he has also gone on to advanced and honors coursework and membership in the National Junior Honor Society. I do not mention any of this simply to brag about our son. I mention it because it puts that 2021 experience into perspective. He was not incapable of learning. He needed someone capable of teaching him. There is an enormous difference between those two things. Adults working with children should understand how much their words and teaching methods can affect a child. A young student who is struggling because the instruction is not reaching him should not be made to believe that he lacks ability, and parents raising legitimate concerns should not be dismissed by suggesting that they simply think too highly of their child. Our son continued on the path that interested him and flourished. But that experience could have convinced a seven-year-old that coding was not for him. Thankfully, it didn’t.

We can't say enough about Silicon STEM Academy! We love it! (1) Customer-Focused: John and Kelly are the founders and they are truly the nicest business owners you will ever meet! They know everyone’s name and when you’re new, they go out of their way to introduce themselves and get to know your child. As soon as our child walked in the doors, it was like home away from home. John and Kelly started the enrichment after-school program (they also have camps) because they were inspired by their own son when he was growing up. He was really into tech/innovation and less into sports, and there wasn’t anything out in the market for kids like him. Everyone there is super passionate about their programs, and you can tell they really enjoy their jobs. (2) Kid-Friendly: Besides the founders and staff who are wonderful with the kids of all ages, their facility is set up with different fun innovation/work spaces for students. They also offer a wide variety of classes from coding, to battle bots, to stop motion animation, etc. Every other Friday they also offer a 3-hour drop off window where parents leave their kids there to do all sorts of fun activities while the parents get adult time. (3) Parent-Friendly: John and Kelly are great about getting feedback from parents. They are always open to questions and super patient when explaining things to the parents. They have open houses where the entire family is invited to do projects in their space. For example, last holiday they had LED Holiday Card making which was super fun. We highly recommend Silicon STEM Academy and have told many friends/family about it!

My son loved his Silicon Stem camps! The instructors were knowledgeable and the camps were run well. As a parent, I especially appreciated the time campers explained to their parents what they were learning. It gave us a chance to see their skills and experience--a great way for us to be involved, too!

My daughters loved the program they took part in! All hands on and helped them feel more connected to Tech. But it's my son's work here, both as a participant and as a leader that really showed me the amazing value of what Silicon Stem Academy has to offer! He went on to work at a Tech Start up in Denver as he works on his academic plan in Tech. I can't say enough about this remarkable program!

Silicon Stem Academy has been amazing for our son. They make stem relatable, fun and engaging. The instructors take a personal interest in the kids and encourage them to keep learning and creating. Our son first went to a summer camp and from that point on, has been enrolled in after their school programs. We are looking into various high school STEM programs based on his experience from the last year at Silicon Stem Academy. The program and instructors have definitely influenced his passion and eagerness for STEM. John and Kelly (owners) are terrific and very involved.