Now In session
Session Dates
January 31 - May 16, 2022
FREE Online World Language Session Dates
February 8 - May 23, 2022


Click on the arrow next to your school name to download class offerings flyer.
After School Enrichment
















Here are the benefits of After School Enrichment Programs:
- Give children activity choices, engage them in enrichment activities, and support socialization and team learning.
- Pay academic dividends during the school day, whether or not the class is classified as “academic,” because programs feature reading, language comprehension and analytic thought.
- Provide opportunities for group projects in music, art, theatre, and computer activities.
- Let students connect with teachers in a lower teacher-child ratio setting.
- Allow students greater flexibility to make choices in their class activities, which research connects to better social skills with classroom peers.
- Decreases screen time for children! In numerous studies, time viewing television has been associated with lower reading achievement and more frequent behavior problems among children.
spring 2022 Class Descriptions
Click on the arrows to read class descriptions
ASL is a fun, interactive, hands-on second language! Learning ASL has many cognitive benefits such as higher abstract and creative thinking, better problem-solving, better listening skills and greater academic achievement. Students will present what they have learned at the end of the session.
This curriculum was designed for young artists to explore their creativity and imagination. Students will create works of art while developing an awareness of shape, color, line, form, texture and value. A free-flowing environment provides a chance to unwind and tap into their creative minds, while building confidence, creative thinking, and problem solving skills.
This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progressional curriculum, we focus on the whole player – teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skill-based instruction.
Learn to breakdance; a dynamic and entertaining form of dance! Students will be introduced to the world of breakdance and learn moves like TopRock, Six-Step, Freezes, Swipes and more!
Pending…
This class uses a fun, story-based curriculum to get children excited about chess! Our lessons are tailored to the skill level of the students; all chess levels are welcome! In each class, children will get a chess lesson followed by chess playing time! We use chess to teach many life skills including sportsmanship, patience, strategic thinking, planning, and working toward a goal. The class will end with a fun tournament where children have the opportunity to win trophies and prizes!
This in-class teen Driver’s Education program is approved by the DMV to comply with California requirements to earn an instructional permit. Students must be 15.5 years of age to participate. *This class does not cover behind the-wheel training.
Bonjour! Would you like to learn how to «parler le français ?» Have fun learning the basics of French language in a dynamic and interactive environment! In this class students will be introduced to foundational French vocabulary and phrases. Students will practice conversation with their classmates and learn about French culture, arts and cuisine. Instruction will include movies, videos, games and fun activities that will immerse you in all things French. Très bien!
This important class is based on Kenpo Karate with an emphasis on practical self-defense for girls. They will also increase their confidence and sense of empowerment.
Golf will focus on building confidence through proper technique and redefining essential skills. Athletes learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting and body positioning. All equipment is provided.
This course will focus on basic concepts regarding the anatomy and physiology of the human body. We will cover topics such as vision, the heart, muscles, and other functional systems throughout the body that work together to keep humans alive.
Students will gain exposure and introduction to the Japanese language and culture through reading, writing, listening, and engaging in well-chosen activities according to their developmental stages, which will provide a foundation for further study.
Experience the challenging martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a grappling style martial art where children will learn to use takedowns and positional control to protect themselves. Our goals are to learn safety techniques, get/stay in shape, build coordination and strength, gain better focus and have fun! Classes will be divided into conditioning/general warm up, skill and techniques specific movement drills, technical instruction and practice, and conceptual mat chats. See you on the mats!
Kids of all ages learn self-discipline and respect in this physical fitness class. Basic Karate techniques will improve student strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.
This class uses LEGOs to teach fundamental physics and engineering concepts! This class will introduce students to unique math concepts and mechanical designs using LEGOs. Students will build spring balance scales and perform scientific tests using their creation. Students are encouraged to imagine and apply scenarios to their projects that reflect current studies.
Calling all 4th and 5th graders who like to build, create, explore, collaborate, and tinker! In this class, students will be presented with a variety of hands-on creative projects with a focus on teamwork, GRIT, and creativity. We will explore circuitry and coding with an Arduino board, learn the basics of 3D design with Tynkercad, and complete other fun, hands-on STEM activities.
This class offers children an introduction to the Mandarin Chinese language and culture through games and interaction. The children will study basic words: greetings, food, animals and counting. They will try their skills at calligraphy and making their own first strokes of Chinese characters. Each lesson will have dedicated time for learning about culture and time for fun, including learning rhymes and songs.
This NON-CONTACT class will focus on teaching the art of Muay Thai Kickboxing while at the same time helping the students to become more fit, confident and coordinated. Students will also focus on core skills including focus, discipline, and tenacity.
A fun and exciting class where children will learn the Japanese art of origami along with a different aspect of Japanese culture each week! Every student will receive an origami instruction sheet on what was covered that day. They will take home projects after every class! Students will make origami hearts, origami cups, samurai helmets, and several animals such as dogs, cats, cranes and more! They will start with easy creations and get more and more complex.
This will be a FUNdamental soccer experience for all players. Following an age-appropriate curriculum, every player will be provided with a fun yet challenging environment facilitating the development of soccer skills and techniques.
Students will learn high-frequency words in Spanish including conversational cues, numbers, alphabet, emotions and colors through songs, games, and stories.
An age-appropriate fitness class that gets kids moving, builds balance and coordination skills, and instills the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle. During class kids will learn fitness through games, obstacle courses, as well as speed, agility, and quickness drills. Each week the class will follow a basic format while the activities change. Our emphasis is teaching kids that fitness is fun!
A fun introduction to the game of tennis for all skill levels. Students focus on improving fine motor skills and coordination through games and drills while learning the basic rules and etiquette of tennis. Coaches use teachable moments during each lesson and game to promote life skills like honesty and sportsmanship.
Students will learn the basic skills needed to participate in the game of volleyball. The focus will be technique when passing (bumping), setting, serving, and hitting (spiking)! These skills will be applied while participating in drills and lead-up games related to the game of volleyball.
spring 2022 TEACHER BIOS
We are an organization solely devoted to promoting chess among children. Academic Chess teaches using its own unique set of cartoon characters to represent each chess piece. These characters pique the interest of children and get them involved in the lessons. Also, this visual approach gives kids mental “hooks” on which to hang new concepts. Using posters, booklets, and energetic instructors centered on these characters, we fire up the kids to learn chess!
All of ACLA’s Communication Arts Speech and Debate courses are designed by Professor Willie Washington. Willie is currently a college instructor at CSU Fullerton and Irvine Valley College. Professor Washington was a member of the coaching staff for Irvine Valley College’s national championship speech and debate team. He obtained his Communication B.A. from San Francisco State University and M.A. from CSU Fullerton. The ACLA program Professor Washington developed combines the collegiate discipline of Communication Studies with Speech and Debate. In ACLA courses students not only learn competitive Speech and Debate events. They will also learn valuable communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills that will be utilized inside and outside of the classroom.
Pending…
Melisa has a passion for teaching and motivating young people to discover their own passions, while striving to accomplish their goals. This fall will be her 16th year of teaching. As a Titan alum, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a Multiple Subject Teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. Melisa has worked with a diverse group of students during her years of teaching, ranging from grades TK through 12th grade. She also has numerous years of experience teaching STEM with the Tiger Woods Foundation, through their enrichment and afterschool programs. As an educator, Melisa is driven by one philosophy; Inspire young people to believe in themselves and empower them to create positive change in the world. Melisa and LAEF are both excited to have her on board for her third year teaching after school!
Conner Brown is the Film & Television teacher at Los Alamitos High School. He has worked on multiple movies, TV shows, and music festivals and wants to show students how to find their passion and creativity through filmmaking. Brown is a Los Al alumni and has deep roots in the community and the school district.
Leslie is an experienced basketball coach and player who loves the game dearly. He enjoys all aspects of the game including: playing, watching, teaching, and coaching. He has been playing since age 5 and continues to play in multiple competitive men’s leagues to this day. He has coached all ages ranging from Kindergarten (age 5) up until high school kids. While attending UC Riverside, he even assisted the women’s team as he participated as a practice player. Currently Leslie coaches skills academies and an AAU middle school girls basketball team. Even though he is always playing he makes sure to watch and follow the majority of all NBA games. His favorite team is the LA Lakers. Leslie is excited to teach for LAEF during the fall 2021 season.
Brianne is a creative elementary art teacher who has a strong passion for introducing children to the interactive world of art. Brianne is an imaginative teacher. She is professional and highly trained in a wide array of artistic mediums. Brianne makes instant connections with her students through creative art activities.
Jerry Wetzel is a passionate instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts which he teaches at the facility he has owned and operated for the last 14 years, Centerline Martial Arts and Fitness. Jerry runs kids classes daily in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as the kids BJJ competition team. He has two children who attend LAHS. Jerry firmly believes that every child has the right to enjoy their school days without fear of being bullied and is committed to helping them develop the necessary tools and attitude to help them on their journey.
This school year will be her 21st year teaching! She has experience as a classroom teacher in grades 1, 4, and 5, but has spent the last 13 years as Lee Elementary’ s part-time Media Center and Makerspace teacher. She absolutely loves working with her students and supporting the classroom teachers by instructing Lee students in Internet safety, computer programming, and engineering. She has taught the LAEF STEAM Fair workshop class at Lee for the past five years and has coordinated Lee’s STEAM Fair.
Chloe is a senior at Biola University and is from Lemoore, CA. She currently lives in La Mirada, CA as she goes to college at Biola. She is a triplet and the youngest of six kids. She is majoring in Communication Studies and plans to get her masters in Marketing and Communications. She played college soccer at Fresno State University as well as Biola University. Chloe has experience in playing varsity level volleyball and is passionate about coaching and encouraging young athletes to become the best versions of themselves.
Pilar DeNardo was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain and in Perú. After graduating from college, she came to the United States to learn English. Pilar earned an M.A in Bilingual Education as well as multiple teaching credentials. After teaching elementary school for 5 years and becoming a mom, Pilar decided to open her own business and teach her native language to elementary age students.
All of Kanor’s driving instructors have passed industry standardized tests as well as in-house testing prior to becoming a member of their staff. You can be confident that Kanor’s instructors know exactly what it takes to help the student reach their goal of becoming an educated driver.
Melodie graduated from Hope International University in Fullerton with a B.A. in Human Development and has taught in several private elementary schools throughout southern California for over twenty years. Developing her own curriculum and spear-heading an innovative after school program on the east coast, she moved back in CA to pursue her love of hands-on teaching in the classroom. She is currently a projects coordinator at Oakwood Academy in Long Beach.
Elena graduated from People’s Friendship University of Russia, earned her B.A. degree in World History. Her diploma comes with teaching credentials. Elena spent three years at Tianjin University where she earned certificates in Chinese language proficiency (including a HSK certificate) and she took Master degree courses in economic and trade law in Mandarin. She worked in Russia as a middle school ESL teacher. In China she tutored ESL to groups of students from preschool to middle school age and individually tutored Russian language to Chinese and Korean students. Elena has experience developing individual teaching plans suitable for different ages, skill sets and requirements, creating fun activities to make classes interesting and fun. She strongly believes that anyone can learn a foreign language and enjoy the process. Elena is a proud parent of two students in the Los Alamitos Unified School District. Elena is extremely excited to teach for LAEF!
Free to Be Me Performance Academy provides quality performance training in a positive, enthusiastic, nurturing, and embracing environment. Through their classes students learn essential life skills such as teamwork, respect, responsibility, care and compassion. They emphasize the importance of character both on and off the stage and work to inspire each student to BE a positive light out in the community. Most importantly they encourage FUN!
Tanya runs Fitness For All and is a certified personal trainer. She has worked at local gyms as a personal and group fitness trainer for adults and children. She is also a mom of two LAE students.
Marco has been in the soccer coaching scene for over five years. Currently, he is the Head Boys’ Varsity Coach at Diego Rivera Learning Center. Marco also coaches club soccer at Manchester City Soccer Academy in South Gate. Marco holds a U.S. D Soccer License.
A native of El Salvador moved to the US in 1986. She loves sharing language and culture with students and has been teaching in Orange County since 2008. Claudia earned her Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University and a B.A. in Education and Child Development from National University. As a language teacher, her goal is for students to be exposed and gain a deeper appreciation of the beautifully diverse multilingual, multicultural, and multiethnic communities we are so blessed to have in California and in our world. She is currently teaching as a reading intervention teacher in Los Alamitos Unified.
Kristina works at the before and after school program at McAuliffe Middle School and also works for Garden Grove Unified as an elementary special needs Instructional Assistant. She is finishing up her teacher credentialing program for a single subject credential in Science, and will be student teaching this fall. She is very passionate about science and very excited for the opportunity to teach with LAEF again this fall as she taught with us this summer too!
Play-Well TEKnologies was founded by Tim Bowen in 1997. Introduced to the LEGO® building system in 1996 and recognizing it to be both a popular play medium and a tremendous learning medium, Tim began to develop projects which drew on his professional experience and combined the elements of fun, challenge, and learning. He began operating a summer camp program in 1997, followed by after school enrichment classes in 1998. We explore, solve problems, and express ourselves through LEGO. Our curriculum is designed by engineers and refined by teachers, but the kids just think it’s fun!
Coralie Prince’s life has been music from the time she was born! Her father was a singer/songwriter/pianist and producer of shows. Mother, a nurse, performed at home and supported the arts. Coralie began piano when she was a toddler and violin when she was 6. She most recently taught elementary classroom music at Hopkinson and Lee from 1980 to 2014. She directed grade level shows and produced, directed, and accompanied a large musical each year with the 5th grade and/or the 4/5 chorus. She taught piano privately for many years and later, a summer Musical Theater Workshop for grades 3 thru 12. She is so excited to continue working with the students in the LAEF Musical Theater Class.
Vivien Ridgway is an American Sign Language interpreter and Deaf Studies student originally from Seattle Washington. Vivien moved to Orange County six years ago to study American Sign Language Interpreting, and has been heavily involved in the Deaf community ever since! She was a sign language interpreter at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, and when she isn’t working enjoys playing guitar, swimming, and hanging out with her dog, Sheila. Vivien last taught American Sign Language for LAEF in 2019. She is excited to be teaching students in Los Alamitos once again.
Raul earned bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and American Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Raul competed in varsity policy debate at CSUF, winning multiple awards, including 1st place speaker, top-10 speaker finishes, and octo-final finishes in 2 national tournaments. He was also awarded the All-American debater award at the national CEDA tournament in 2018. His training in performative-style argumentation fueled a passion for teaching others how to use debate to refine civic leadership skills.
Carolyn runs Fitness For All and is a certified personal trainer. She has been coaching kids sport and fitness classes for over 26 years. She grew up active in sports and wants to share her love for fitness and sports with today’s youth.
Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. Our programs are designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. Our patient and knowledgeable staff use a variety of skill-building games and activities to give each athlete a complete understanding and overview of the sport.
The mission of Strategic Kids is to be a positive impact on our community by teaching life strategies through games. Program instructors have experience working with elementary aged children. They have energetic and fun personalities that inspire kids.
Andrea has been a student of Kenpo Karate for over 30 years and is currently a 5th Degree Black Belt. She has been the International champion six times and has won more than 150 1st place trophies in her tournament career. Ms. Solow owned and operated a karate school in Telluride, Colorado for 15 years. She has instructed several hundred people over the years, having many advanced students, and bringing several people to the rank of black belt. She recently moved back to her home state, California, with her husband and two children who attend school in the Los Al school district. Ms. Solow is passionate about teaching kids and is excited to be an instructor for the LAEF program!
Mrs. Vida grew up speaking French as her native language. She was raised in the Loire Valley, in France; graduated from College with a language degree, and worked in Paris in an American Company, before moving to the USA in her thirties. She is very familiar with our Los Alamitos School District as she volunteered on PTA Boards for over 20 years. This is Mrs. Vida’s second season working for LAEF after-school and she is so excited to get back at it!
WeBreak Hip-Hop Dance Company was founded in 2011 by Brian Wright. Brian Wright is a natural and gifted instructor in dance and has been teaching dance for the past 12 years. He loves working with children, teens and adults and has been dancing for over 17 years and breakdancing for over 12 years. He, along with a friend, founded and designed the California State University Breakers, a campus club committed to teaching the art form of breaking at Cal State University Long Beach. The CSULB Breakers won the very first intercollegiate breakdance competition at LMU in 2006. Brian also received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from CSULB.
Jerry is the founder of Red Zone Threat Management and travels nationally and internationally teaching seminars to members of the DEA, Local Law Enforcement, and civilians on the topic of personal protection. He is the author of the book “Red Zone Prime: A Foundation for Personal Protection”. In addition he is a passionate instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts which he teaches at the facility he has owned and operated for the last 14 years, Centerline Martial Arts and Fitness. Jerry runs kids classes daily in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as the kids BJJ competition team. He has two children who attend LAHS. Jerry firmly believes that every child has the right to enjoy their school days without fear of being bullied and is committed to helping them develop the necessary tools and attitude to help them on their journey.
Toshiko moved to the U.S. from Japan eight years ago when her husband was transferred to the U.S. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Asian Languages and Linguistics and Asian Humanities. She has been teaching Japanese to elementary school students at the Gardena Buddhist Church Japanese Language School for five years. She is also teaching Math, Japanese, Science, and Social Studies to Elementary School Students at Saniku Tozai Gakuen for over a year.
Her goal is to teach Japanese at a University in the future; thus, she has been gaining a lot of experience as a Japanese teacher. She is planning to enter a graduate school to further her studies in teaching Japanese.
On her personal note, her family consists of her husband, three wonderful children, and two dogs. On weekends, she often goes to the beach with her husband and dogs.
Toshiko is honored to be working as a Japanese teacher at LAEF. She hopes to teach in a way that makes students look forward to learning Japanese.