Zaniac Semester Courses

Designed to fit your schedule after school!

Be a Scientist, Coder, Engineer, Designer, Explorer or Mathematician. Prepare your child for today’s world with one of our curriculum-based STEM Semester Courses. Save Big! Monthly payment plans available. Enroll
semesters 4

Enroll your child in a weekly after-school STEM program for a 12-week school semester. Engage with fun problem-solving to ignite imagination, foster a love of learning and boost confidence!

Zaniac Semester Courses are after school and run for 12 weeks in the Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring. Classes meet from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. the same day each week. That’s 18 hours of learning per Course! Each Semester Course is just $449 (just under $150/month). Or if you’re interested in just a 6-week Course, the price is $299. Monthly payment plans are available.

With over 15 Semester Courses rotating between school semesters, your child is continually challenged and expanding their learning. Select a Course that fits your interest and schedule!

Bonus Zaniac Time! Arrive as early as 2:30 p.m. on your class day and enjoy free STEM time in our campus.

    Experience the Zaniac difference!

  • Talented and vetted role model instructors
  • Small class sizes for an exceptional experience
  • Peer-based learning
  • Regular feedback and progress reports
  • Safe and fun state-of-the-art campus

Research from the Department of Education shows early exposure to STEM enrichment has positive impacts across the entire spectrum of learning and contributes to success at school! Gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in our 21st century world.


Zaniac Semester Course Schedule

Fall Classes Start the Week of September 18, 2023

Note: Schedule subject to change based on student interest and instructor availability.

Mondays (choose from):

Coders I (Scratch / Game Design with Scratch), Grades: K-5

Tuesdays (choose from):

Engineers II (Robotics for Beginners / Intro to Circuits), Grades: K-5

Wednesdays (choose from):

Explorers III (Minecraft Galaxy / Minecraft Architectural Design), Grades: K-8

Thursdays (choose from):

Coders lll (Python Coding / Micro:Bits), Grades 3-8

Fridays (choose from):

Scientists ll – (Space Science / Kitchen Chemistry), Grades K-5

Explorers III (Minecraft Galaxy & Minecraft Architectual Design) Grades K-5


Winter Classes Start the Week of January 22, 2024

Note: Schedule subject to change based on student interest and instructor availability.

Schedule to be released in January 2024

Zaniac Semester Course Descriptions

Scientists I (Earth Science / Ocean Science)

Grades K-5
In Earth Science, understand water cycles and the impact of the weather. Learn what a meteorologist looks at to determine our weather. Explore our twisting, shaking, moving Earth as we understand the power tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. Let’s take a scientific look at our changing climate. In Ocean Science, dive under the water's surface and learn about the largest habitat in the world. Discover how marine mammals are adapted for life in the ocean and learn all about the different animals that call the ocean their home with hands-on activities and fun projects. Learn just what it takes to be a friend to the natural world and how to protect our oceans and take steps to help in conservation science. 18 hours of learning!

Scientists II (Space Science / Kitchen Chemistry)

Grades K-8
In Space Science, we explore space through the eyes of an astronaut. Journey with us as we travel through our solar system and participate in real astronaut-training activities, including living in space. Discover the technologies that space scientists and astronauts use, including lunar rovers and robotic arms. In Kitchen Chemistry, do you know what makes something soft or hard, or a solid, liquid, or gas? Chemistry tells you. We’ll make goop, cause chemical reactions, create yummy treats and munch, munch more! Each activity will illustrate an important chemistry concept. 18 hours of learning!

Coders I (Intro to Scratch / Game Design with Scratch)

Grades K-8
In Scratch, become a coder! Learn programming concepts with Scratch such as sequences, loops, iterative development, and debugging using a modern, block-based approach. Create animations and videos to share with friends and family. In Game Design, learn advanced concepts including variables and adaptability while creating a new game or programming a classic game like Pac Man. create a new game and program classic games like Pac-man. Fosters collaboration. 18 hours of learning!

Coders II (Python Coding / Micro:bits)

Grades 3 -8
In Python Coding students learn about turtles—little arrows students use to program, while keeping it fun. With the commands and techniques used in the real world, students will be introduced to a written programming language—a sought after skill. Explore principles like variables, classes, methods, code efficiency, and automation. In Micro:bits, get an introduction to coding and computer science by way of making and design, using the new micro:bit microcontroller board, and Microsoft’s easy and powerful MakeCode block-based coding environment. 18 hours of learning!

Coders III (Python for Beginners / Python Intermediate)

Grades 3-8
In Python for Beginners, students learn about turtles—little arrows students use to program, while keeping it fun. With the commands and techniques used in the real world, students will be introduced to a written programming language—a sought after skill. Explore principles like variables, classes, methods, code efficiency, and automation. In Python Intermediate, students will learn about the shell of python including data types, lists, conditionals and methods. With the commands and techniques used in the real world, kids will be introduced to a written programming language—a sought after skill. 18 hours of learning!

Coders IV (Java for Beginners / Java Intermediate)

Grades 3-8
In Java for Beginners, learn the basic syntax of Java, an enterprise-level programming language, by controlling the robot Karel! Create and navigate different types of worlds, and have Karel draw shapes and letters. In Java Intermediate, students learn the basic commands and advanced syntax of Java, a "write once, run everywhere" programming language. Explore principles like variables, classes, methods, code efficiency, and automation, all while building a text adventure game, a calculator, and more. 18 hours of learning!

Engineers I (Circuits Lab / Simple Machines)

Grades K-5
Think, build and create! In Circuits Lab, explore mechanical and electrical engineering through hands-on exploration and innovation! Technology is a powerful way to teach kids engineering skills with littleBits circuits, LEGO EV3 robots and more. In Simple Machines, students get an introduction to levers, inclined planes, pulleys, screws, and complete challenges through building motorized mechanisms in teams. 18 hours of learning!

Engineers II (Robotics for Beginners / Intro to Circuits)

Grades K-5
Technology and math skills come to life as we teach kids the basics of Robotics using lots of hands-on activities. We will spark curiosity with our friends Ozobot and DashBot! Intro to Circuits uses littleBits™, a system of modules that magnetically snap together to build projects ranging from flashlights to synthesizers. Learn about basic inputs, outputs, analogs, electricity, and more! 18 hours of learning!

Engineers III (Robot Inventors / Advanced Robotics)

Grades 3-8
Robot Inventors design multiple prototypes to find the most effective way to move a robot without using wheels or test the efficiency of two different grabber designs. Use SPIKE Prime for fun, real-world learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems. Then advance to building more complex robot systems using our LEGO EV3 Robotics System! Learn about sensors and motors, the scientific method, forces, and design through exploring scientific and engineering concepts.. 18 hours of learning!

Designers I (3D Printing / GarageBand)

Grades 3-8
Zaniac’s 3D Printing curriculum enables kids to work with cutting edge technology and get immersed in the engineering and design process, printing their own unique and exciting ideas and turning them into a reality. In GarageBand, use a Digital Audio Workstation to learn the basics of musical notation and form. Students work through looping, editing, sound manipulation, and capturing vocals and MIDI instrumentation to create their own music. 18 hours of learning!

Explorers I (Minecraft Exploration / Minecraft Physics)

Grades K-8
In Minecraft Exploration, students learn Cartesian coordinates and use them to navigate while working together with friends to accomplish group missions. Explore real science and engineering concepts like biomes and gravity playing a game you love. In Minecraft Physics, Get introduced to the world of physics and explore Newton’s Laws, mechanics, and thermo-dynamics. Begin working with advanced concepts like fluid physics and electromagnetics, all in the Minecraft universe. 18 hours of learning!

Explorers II (Minecraft Redstone Lab / Minecraft Engineering & Design)

Grades 3-8
Redstone is the circuit equivalent in Minecraft that allows students to use electrical engineering concepts to create complex machines such as a clock or a calculator. In Zaniac’s Redstone Lab program, students will learn about inputs, outputs, logic gates and more with Minecraft. Using their creativity and critical-thinking skills, students will help scientists solve electrical challenges throughout the laboratory. Students explore the inner workings of manufacturing and heavy industry, ranging from baseline resource gathering to advanced metal production. With the simplified tools provided by Minecraft, students set up working facilities to create products from raw materials, and set up a logistics network that can efficiently move items to where they are needed. 18 hours of learning!

Explorers III (Minecraft Galaxy / Minecraft Architectural Design)

Grades 3-8
In Minecraft Galaxy, students learn about Earth's oceans and undersea life with the Oceancraft mod, and explore space with the Galacticraft mod. Design and build rockets that travel to the moon, International Space Station, and even Mars. The final class culminates with a team-building space rescue! Kerbal Space Program is a single player game where players get to explore a whole new universe by creating and managing their own space program. In Minecraft Architectural Design, students learn the basics of urban planning and building design. Explore real-world architectural landmarks through Google Maps & Street View, then take that knowledge and apply it to designing a cityscape using Minecraft™ and Tinkercad. 18 hours of learning!

Math I (Math / Chess)

Grades K-8
In Math, we will identify Math concepts your child knows and introduce new Math concepts with our comprehensive Math curriculum. Advance your student’s skills in math. In Chess, learn how to set up a chess board and strategically move every piece. Use algebraic notation to record your games and analyze other games. Develop an understanding of the principles in each part of the game that will lead to success in chess, and hone strategic-thinking skills. 18 hours of learning!

Math II (Math / Advanced Chess)

Grades K-8
In Math, we will identify Math concepts your child knows and introduce new Math concepts with our comprehensive Math curriculum. Advance your student’s skills in math. In Advanced Chess, learn the principles of positional play. Develop mastery over complex and obscure moves like the fiancetto and en passant while expanding on skills in every phase of the game. Discover the history of the game through the lens of tournament and grandmaster-level play, and play variants like Bughouse that hone specific skills to mastery. Enjoy challenging Chess Tournaments with your friends and instructors at the Zaniac Campus. Chess Mastery promotes strategic and analytical thinking as well as spatial reasoning, math, memory and logic skills. 18 hours of learning!