[Homeschool Classes] [Field Trips] [Getting There]
Projects and programs for kids at Leonardo's Basement grow from a simple belief that children are excellent judges of their own desires and need to learn. All Leonardo's Basement programs have grown from children's interests and demands as well as the need to offer a unique learning experiences to families, the desire of children to build and work in the real world with like-minded adults and the goal of helping parents to better understand the interests and needs of their children. Leonardo's Basement mission is to design programs for children who are active, kinesthetic learners and builders and actively involve youth from groups often underrepresented in technical and science-related programs while educating families through hands-on activities and other learning opportunities.
Leonardo's Basement is influenced by a history of education psychology and philosophy that includes John Dewey (active learning), Jean Piaget (constructivism), and Howard Gardner (multiple intelligences) and the belief that children should understand their learning strengths and employ them to develop skills and knowledge about their world. The name Leonardo's Basement purposefully invokes this spirit of intent. Leonardo daVinci remains the best representation of a curious and observing mind relating the disciplines of art, science, and technology. The name also conveys that Leonardo's Basement is about discovery and experimentation and the informal atmosphere and creative work associated with heading down into the basement to tinker. Supervised, but kid directed, Leonardo's Basement projects give enormous discretion and power to children.
Phone: 612-824-4394
Email: info@leonardosbasement.org
Homeschool Classes
Design and build science, art and technology projects with instructor support. A unique learning experience for active, kinesthetic learners and builders who wish to build and work in the real world with like-minded adults in order to develop both skills and knowledge about their world.
Students should wear clothes that are appropriate for a workshop and studio environment.
1. Feet should be totally protected (no sandals/open-toed shoes).
2. Long hair should be tied back/secured.
3. No loose clothing or jewelry (no loose sleeves, shirt tails, etc.).
4. No personal stereos (no I-Pod, Walkman, etc.) or cell phone usage.
Cost per Child/Student: $65/4-week session
Minimum Class Size: unknown
Maximum Class Size: unknown
Target Age Range: Lenoardo's Basement's focus is on children ages 6 to 16, but a homeschool workshop for younger siblings, ages 4 to 6, is also offered.
Sibling Policy: all children in attendance should be enrolled in the program
Parent/Guardian/Educator Policy: Parents are welcome to observe classes at any time. You must notify Leonardo's Basement in advance if someone other than the parent or guardian listed on the registration form will pick up your child. Students arriving more than 15 minutes prior to their class, or staying more than 15 minutes after class, will be automatically enrolled in an extended day program and charged $5 each time. Anodyne Coffee is in the same building and offers free WiFi.
Cancellation Policy/Cancellation Deadline: If you cancel a class at least two weeks before the first class, Leonardo's Basement will deduct a $20 cancellation fee and return or credit the remainder. If you cancel at least one week before the first class, Leonardo's Basement will refund 50% of the fee. Leonardo's Basement will not refund any fee is you cancel less than one week before the first class.
Scholarships: Two types of scholarships are available: Partial scholarships for 50% of the class fee are available for families eligible for the reduced fee school lunch program or receiving public assistance. Full scholarships for 100% of the class fee are available for families living in Minneapolis and eligible for the reduced fee school lunch program or receiving public assistance. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis as funding permits. Clarify details and eligibility requirements, check scholarship availability and request an application form by calling 612-824-4394.
After School Workshops
After School workshops begain at 2pm and go until 5:30pm and welcome homeschool participatants.
Cost per Child/Student: $100/9-week session
Field Trips
Instructors from Leonardo's Basement are available to lead homeschool students interested in building group and individual projects. Leonardo's Basement will work closely with you to design an activity that reinforces your academic curricula. Classes can be held in a Leonardo's Basement workshop or at your site.
Getting There
Parking Information: On street parking only.
Driving Directions: The Minneapolis workshop is located just west of I-35W, three miles south of downtown, at 4301 Nicollet Avenue S. (under the Anodyne Coffeehouse). The entrance to the shop is on 43rd Street, near the alley.
From the South: Take I-35W to 46th St and continue to the stoplight. Turn left on 46th St and travel 3 blocks to Nicollet Ave. Turn right on Nicollet and travel 3 blocks to 43rd St. Turn right on 43rd St and look for parking on the street. Leonardo's Basement is on your right, look for the brightly colored mural.
From the North/East/West: Take I-35W to the 46th St exit and continue to the stoplight. Turn right on 46th St and travel 2 blocks to Nicollet Ave. Turn right on Nicollet and travel 3 blocks to 43rd St. Turn right on 43rd St and look for parking on the street. Leonardo's Basement is on your right, look for the brightly colored mural.
