culture if they are to fully reap the benefits of homeschooling. It
might take some time for you and your kids to get into the rhythm
of homeschool as they learn to adapt to lessons and teaching
methods that might be very different from what they are used to.

differently, and at their own pace, so dare to be different.

Your homeschool can be anything and everything you want it to
be. Turn grocery runs and restaurant outings into lessons about
math, spending and saving. Organize field trips to the local zoo or
As you start to spend even more time with them on a daily basis,
botanical garden and star gaze with your tots on camping trips. The
you will begin to adapt to their needs and they will begin to adjust
sky is the limit.

to yours. Deschooling can also give kids time to explore interests
they might not have been able to as part of traditional schooling, so
Homeschooling can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. You
it’s important to give them this time to adapt and grow.

get to tailor your kids’ education to their personal needs and wants
FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS
are the most important ingredient in the homeschool recipe, so just
Don’t lose sight of why you chose to homeschool in the first place.

mix in steady commitment and hard work for a recipe for success!
and in return you get to see them bloom into successful adults. You
Friends, teachers, family and even other homeschoolers will all
have opinions on your decision and your choice of homeschooling
method. Remember that your child’s well-being and learning come
first. You know your children better than anyone, and you are
equipped to design the best curriculum for them. All children learn
Kate Whiting is the founder and CEO of Educents, a marketplace
that empowers parents to help their children succeed. To learn more,
visit Educents.com.

washingtonFAMILY.com September 2016 33



that reinforce the principle that
dance is for everyone. Since our
founding in 1976, we have earned
a reputation for excellence in
dance education and community
service. From ballet to belly
dance, breakdancing to flamenco,
classes start at age 2, with
introductory classes for adults
too! KIDS FIRST SWIM
SCHOOLS www.kidsfirstswimschools.com
contact@kidsfirstswimschools.com Check our website or Facebook for a
list of all 30 locations.

Ages: 2 months-Adult
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

The KIDS FIRST® Swim Schools
are America’s largest provider
of year round warm water
swimming instruction, operating
30 locations across 5 states,
teaching over 125,000 students
annually. LICE CLINICS OF AMERICA
www.licremovalnova.com www.superlicefighters.com
Rockville: 240-766-5423
12222 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
Herndon: 703-303-1576
455B Carlisle Dr., Herndon, VA
LOPEZ STUDIOS, INC.

PERFORMING ARTS
SCHOOL www.lopezstudiosinc.com
info@lopezstudiosinc.com 703-787-0071
11425 Issac Newton Sq., Reston, VA
Lopez Studios, Inc. Performing Arts
Preparatory School is an award-
winning Performing Arts School
in Reston, VA offering premium
programs in acting/theater, piano,
guitar and voice. For 20 years
and counting, our programs have
integrated four basic principles of
development that capitalize on the
skill-building qualities inherent to
arts instruction.

MCLEAN COMMUNITY
CENTER www.mcleancenter.org
mail@mcleancenter.org 703-448-8336
1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA
Register now for fall classes:
Parent & Child Workshops;
Science & Technology; CPR,
Babysitting & Safety; Chess &
Soccer; Painting & Drawing;
Dance & Fitness; Culinary Arts
& Music; Writing & Theater; and
more! SCHOOLS / preschools
34 September 2016
washingtonFAMILY.com THE PAVILION AT
BEANTREE www.beantreelearning.com
571-223-3113 43635 Greenway Corporate Dr.

Ashburn, VA
The Pavilion at BeanTree in
Ashburn offers a rigorous
academic curriculum that
exceeds the Virginia Standards of
Learning. Currently expanding
through 2nd grade beginning
in fall 2017, The Pavilion at
BeanTree offers an advanced
accredited curriculum, STEM
coursework and small classes for
individualized instruction. The
Pavilion at BeanTree provides
an unparalleled environment for
academic excellence.

Open House:
Call to schedule a tour.

PERFECT POINTE
www.perfectpointe.com 703-533-8830
2499 N. Harrison St.

Ste 1-LL, Arlington, VA
Hours: Please check website or call
Great Customer Service,
Award-Winning Competition
Companies, Dance Masters of
America Certified Instructors.

Weekly classes in Tap, Jazz,
Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern,
Acrobatics and Musical Theatre
Dance, for ages 18 months to 99.

Convenient North and South
Arlington locations. Easy Online
Registration! POTOMAC ARTS ACADEMY
www.potomacacademy.org potomac@gmu.edu
703-993-9889 4260 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA
Ages: 3 - Adult
Hours of Operation: Monday -
Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Tuesday
& Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
Fridays, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturdays,
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Activities: Music, Theatre, Visual
Arts, Computer Game Design
Offering enrichment in the
arts to community members
ages 3-103! Classes, private
lessons, showcases and summer
programs. POTOMAC HORSE
CENTER www.potomachorse.com
301-208-0200 14211 Quince Orchard Rd.

North Potomac, MD
After school and weekend riding
lessons for students age 5 and
older, pony rides, birthday
parties. CONTINUED ON P. 36