Idea Lab Homeschool and After School Open House! (#1 of 2)
About this Event
Note: There will be another Open House for Homeschool and After School on Saturday, August 8th from 10-1pm.
Homeschool Brochure for Fall 2026 Semester (Begins January 13th)
Award-Winning After School & Homeschool STEAM Programs
Discover why thousands of Austin families choose Idea Lab Kids for hands-on STEM education that inspires creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.
After School Program (Ages 5–12)
Our licensed after school program follows the RRISD calendar and provides transportation from:
- Laurel Mountain Elementary
- Caraway Elementary
- Pond Springs Elementary
- Anderson Mill Elementary
- Spicewood Elementary
- Purple Sage Elementary
Children enjoy engaging, hands-on STEM projects every day, with care available until 6:00 PM for busy families.
Why families love us:
- 🏆 Voted Best Education Camp by Austin Family Magazine readers
- 🏆 Voted Best STEM Camp by Kids Out & About Austin
- Licensed child care
- Highly qualified STEM educators
- Brand-new curriculum and engineering equipment
- A fun, safe environment where kids can explore, invent, and make friends
Homeschool STEAM Program (Ages 5–12)
Join us Tuesday–Thursday from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, with flexible enrollment for 1, 2, or 3 days per week.
Each day includes:
- One technology-based STEM class
- One hands-on science or engineering activity
- Lunch with friends
- Gym games and outdoor movement
- Social time with chess, LEGO®, board games, and other collaborative activities
Our curriculum is TEKS-aligned and taught by passionate educators including Mr. Bo, Ms. Maya, and led by our incredible Program Director, Ms. Sam.
Whether your child loves robotics, engineering, coding, science, or creating, they'll build skills, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning in an encouraging community.
Our Idea Lab Northwest Campus is stronger than ever!
The upcoming school year is shaping up to be one of our best yet.
One of the biggest reasons? Ms. Sam is back.
If you've been part of the Idea Lab family, you already know why that's exciting. Ms. Sam's energy, leadership, and ability to connect with students have made her a favorite among families for years, and we're thrilled to welcome her back to lead another incredible year.
Meet. Ms Sam
Ms. Sam has been an integral part of the Idea Lab team for more than three and a half years, serving as an experienced Child Care Director and leader. If you've attended one of our summer camps or birthday parties, you've likely experienced her warmth, professionalism, and dedication firsthand.
Known for her patience and caring nature, Ms. Sam has a remarkable ability to connect with children while mentoring and training instructors to create exceptional classroom experiences. She handles challenges with grace, supports families with compassion, and has played a key role in growing and strengthening our programs. Her leadership and commitment to excellence help make Idea Lab a place where children, families, and staff can thrive.
She's also returning to something special.
This summer, we've assembled one of the strongest teaching teams we've ever had. Every day they've demonstrated exceptional creativity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for working with children. They've embraced the Idea Lab approach, brought fresh ideas to our classrooms, and have already made a tremendous impact on our campers.
Meet Ms. Maya
At IDEA Lab Kids, we believe in providing a collaborative, design-based learning environment where students are equipped to question, invent, and discover "out-of-the-box" solutions. Maya Young embodies this mission perfectly. With four years of experience teaching children across all age groups, Maya specializes in guiding students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her approach is defined by deep compassion, absolute organization, and a highly creative teaching style that adapts to the unique needs of every learner. Maya focuses heavily on hands-on, project-based STEAM activities, ensuring that complex concepts are tangible, engaging, and accessible. She excels at structuring her classroom to promote independent exploration while simultaneously nurturing essential social and emotional development. Families can trust Maya to efficiently manage a dynamic, welcoming workspace where every student feels empowered to "rock their grey matter" and grow into a confident, lifelong learner.
Meet Mr. Bo
IDEA Lab Kids is dedicated to preparing today’s youth to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow by encouraging hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, and social collaboration. Instructor Bo Gallegos is central to delivering this impactful experience. Over the last two years, Bo has worked extensively with children of all ages, with a particular focus on students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Bo's teaching is defined by an incredibly level-headed, organized, and calm presence. This allows him to navigate classroom obstacles smoothly and maintain a highly efficient learning environment. His playful demeanor and outgoing personality instantly put students at ease, creating a comfortable, supportive "home away from home." By blending an approachable attitude with a rigorous, personalized approach to our cutting-edge STEAM curriculum, Bo expertly inspires young learners to explore diverse disciplines, cooperate with their peers, and build the critical 21st-century skills they need to thrive.
Even better - they're committed to growing with us.
That means your child will benefit from the consistency of familiar faces, teachers who know our curriculum inside and out, and a team that's invested in making this homeschool community better every semester.
Of course, what happens in the classroom continues to evolve as well.
Our project-based curriculum is constantly being refined to keep students engaged with the latest technology, engineering challenges, creative arts, science experiments, coding, robotics, design thinking, and hands-on learning experiences. We never settle for "good enough" we're always asking how we can make learning even more exciting and meaningful.
When you combine an outstanding teaching team, consistent leadership, and an ever-evolving curriculum, you get a homeschool program that's designed to help students grow academically, creatively, and confidently.
We can't wait to welcome both returning and new families this fall.
Ready to join us? We'd love to have your family be part of another amazing year at Idea Lab.
nked above, and our registration link is below.
This past year has been nothing short of amazing. Watching our Homeschool students explore, learn, and grow has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re so grateful for the trust and support you’ve placed in Idea Lab. Your commitment to our Homeschool Program has been a key factor in making all of our programs - Homeschool, After School, Summer Camp and Birthday Parties - truly exceptional.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email. We can’t wait to welcome your family back for another exciting semester!
Frequently Asked Questions
After School Program
What ages do you serve?
Our After School Program is designed for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Which schools do you provide transportation from?
We currently provide transportation from:
- Laurel Mountain Elementary
- Caraway Elementary
- Pond Springs Elementary
- Anderson Mill Elementary
- Spicewood Elementary
- Purple Sage Elementary
If your school isn't listed, let us know! We regularly evaluate adding new pickup locations based on demand.
What time is pickup?
Children may be picked up any time before 6:00 PM.
What do kids do after school?
Every day is different! Students rotate through engaging STEAM experiences including:
- Robotics
- Coding
- 3D Printing
- Engineering Challenges
- Science Experiments
- Digital Art
- Animation
- Maker Projects
- Team Games
- Outdoor Play (weather permitting)
Is homework time available?
Yes. Students who need to complete homework have dedicated quiet time with staff available to provide guidance.
Do you provide snacks?
Yes! A daily afternoon snack is included. Families should notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Can my child attend only certain days?
Absolutely. We offer 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day enrollment options.
What happens on school holidays?
We offer School Day Off Camps on many district holidays and teacher workdays for enrolled families.
Homeschool Program
What ages is the Homeschool Program for?
Our Homeschool Program is designed for children ages 5–12.
How are students grouped?
Students are grouped by age and developmental level so activities remain engaging and appropriately challenging.
What subjects do you teach?
Each semester features a variety of hands-on STEAM classes such as:
- Robotics
- Coding & Game Design
- Engineering
- 3D Printing
- Creative Technology
- Science Labs
- Culinary Science
- Digital Media
- Art & Design
Topics rotate throughout the year so returning students always experience something new.
Do I need to stay with my child?
No. Parents drop off students for their scheduled classes and return at pickup.
Is this a traditional homeschool curriculum?
No. We complement your homeschool education by providing project-based, hands-on enrichment experiences that are difficult to recreate at home.
Do students work independently?
Students participate in both individual and collaborative projects that encourage creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
Do children need previous experience?
Not at all! Our instructors meet students where they are. Beginners and experienced makers alike will find engaging challenges.
General Questions
What makes Idea Lab different?
We believe children learn best by doing. Rather than worksheets and lectures, students build, design, experiment, create, and solve real-world challenges while developing confidence and critical thinking skills.
Are your instructors experienced?
Yes! Our instructors are trained educators and STEAM specialists who are passionate about creating an engaging, encouraging learning environment.
Is your program licensed?
Yes. Our Northwest Austin location is a licensed child care program that follows all applicable Texas child care standards.
What should my child bring?
For After School:
- Comfortable clothes
- Water bottle
For Homeschool:
- Water bottle
- Lunch if enrolled in a full-day schedule (if applicable)
We'll provide all materials needed for class projects.
Can my child try the program before enrolling?
We regularly host Open Houses and offer opportunities for families to tour our facility, meet instructors, and learn more about our programs. Contact us to see what upcoming opportunities are available.
How do I enroll?
Enrollment is completed online and spaces are limited. Once a program reaches capacity, families are placed on a waiting list.
What if my child has allergies or special accommodations?
We work closely with families to support children whenever possible. Please contact us before enrollment so we can discuss your child's needs.
Will my child make the same projects every semester?
No! We continually develop new curriculum and rotate themes throughout the year, allowing students to return semester after semester and experience fresh projects, technologies, and challenges.
Why do so many families stay with Idea Lab year after year?
Because our programs grow with your child. As students gain confidence and skills, they take on increasingly advanced projects while continuing to explore new technologies, engineering concepts, and creative challenges in a fun, supportive environment.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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