June 27, 2008

Pinecone Active Learning opens

Full mastery of math and reading. That’s the goal for students at Pinecone Active Learning, a newly opened educational center at Club One/Sportsplex.

Vivian Hobbs, owner and director of Pinecone Active Learning is proud of her ‘Pinenuts’ students.

Vivian Hobbs, owner and director of Pinecone Active Learning began accepting students in mid-April and the number of young learners is increasing as parents hear about the results of the Pinecone teaching method. Hobbs says, “It is a self-learning program that focuses on active involvement.”

“We provide the right level and amount of work each day to help the child achieve mastery,” says Hobbs.

After 15 years of experience with the Kumon method, Hobbs decided the Pinecone program was more effective and fun for mastery in reading and math from pre-K levels through advanced algebra.

The initial session includes a placement test to determine a starting point for the program. The students, known as Pinenuts, get individual attention as they progress through their workbooks. The center is open from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each learning session is approximately 20-30 minutes for each subject.

Students range from three years old through the sixth grade, and sometimes higher if a student needs to attain a specified grade level. The registration fee of $65 covers testing and placement and learning materials. Monthly tuition is $140 for math and $160 for reading. Packages for both subjects and family discounts are available.

Parents who like to work out while the child is at Pinecone may join Club One and exercise or swim. Or perhaps take advantage of the spa services available at the Sportsplex.

An initial test, although not too difficult, is finding Pinecone. Until signage is available, one has to ask or wend through the hallways of Club One at 800 Embedded Way, past the pool, and to the classroom area. But the parents who have enrolled their children say the program is worth the cost.

More information is at www.pineconelearning.com or call Vivian Hobbs at 408.270.4548.