
Afternoon Program
Our Afternoon Program is designed for curious minds who want to go beyond the traditional school day. Starting this August, we are opening an exclusive space for children ages 5 to 7 to engage in high-level enrichment experiences.
This is not just a creative space. It is a highly intentional instructional program where children build strong academic skills through play, inquiry, exploration, and discovery.
Designed for homeschooling families, it offers focused, high-quality academic instruction in a short format, while also providing what children need most: meaningful socialization and high-level play. Where academic rigor meets the way children truly learn.
Limited Availability: To ensure a personalized and high-quality experience, this program is strictly limited to 16 students.

Program Structure
Monday and Wednesday
2:45 pm - 5:15pm
Monday
Math Instruction
Play - Social Interaction
Handwriting- Fine Motor Skills Instruction
Wednesday
Spelling Instruction
Play - Social Interaction
Reading Instruction
Tuition: $750 per month
Annual Materials Fee: $250
Annual Registration Fee: $150
Admissions Checklist & Process Summary
PHASE 1
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Step 1: Application & Fee Ready to join? Please complete the online application and submit a non-refundable $140 admissions fee to continue the process. We will accept applications from April 25, 2026 through May 18, 2026; applications submitted after May 18, 2026 will not be considered.
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Fill out application form here
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Application Fee payment link - Pay here
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Step 2: In person Info Session. Date: May 19, 5:00- 6:00 pm
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Step 3: Mandatory Play Session Your child joins a group play session where we observe eligibility. Once Step 1 is complete, we will proceed to send you an email with the play session date.
After completing Steps 2 and 3, you will receive an email notifying you whether you are eligible to proceed to the final steps (Steps 4 and 5).
PHASE 2
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Step 4: Final Review & Decision We select students who best fit the cohort dynamics. Accepted families will receive an official welcome letter including payable fees and next steps.

What Developing Minds Offers
No grade levels
Learning support based on ability and readiness
Multi-age groups
Children learn from and mentor each other
Inquiry & Project-Based Learning
Real-world skills, not just facts
Play-Based Education
Backed by neuroscience
The child as center of instruction
Learning is based on ability and readiness
Think outside the box
We prepare creative thinkers
No homework
Unless it's meaningful and nurtures the learning path
Experiential Learning
We connect learning with real life.
A One-of-a-Kind Education Unmatched
What Makes Us Different:
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Flexible Seating. No testing. No outdated models. No homework. No traditional school system.
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Children learn through experiences, play, and real-world applications.
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Academics are learned through life experiences and connections, not just memorization.
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Our students LOVE and OWN their learning.
Meet Our Founder & Lead Educator
Mariana Carazo – Founder, Head of Learning Center, Pedagogy & Curriculum
Mariana Carazo is not just the founder and Head of Learning Center at Developing Minds, she is the heart and visionary force behind a bold educational revolution. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Teaching from Columbia University and over two decades of experience leading curriculum innovation and pedagogical transformation, Mariana has devoted her life to redefining what learning can be. An expert in play-based, inquiry-driven education, she has built her own learning lab from the ground up, transforming a humble garage into a thriving learning center and proving that true learning flourishes when children are given freedom, purpose, and joy. Her mission goes far beyond opening a learning center, Mariana is pioneering a movement to restore childhood, replace outdated practices with brain-aligned teaching, and create learning environments where each child is empowered to think, lead, and love learning. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and commitment to a future where education meets the needs of this century, not the last.

Meet Our Program Educators
Our Educators: Experts, Mentors, and Facilitators of Learning
At Developing Minds Learning Center, our educators are not just tutors, they are facilitators, guides, and experts in their fields who empower children to take ownership of their learning.
📌 We don’t lecture. We inspire, guide, and create experiences.
📌 We don’t force learning. We make it meaningful and engaging.
📌 We don’t follow outdated methods. We use cutting-edge research in child development and education.
📌We are passinate for what we do
Our Afternoon Program Team
The Science & Research Behind Our Model

Why This Works
Kids who learn through play and projects retain 3X more information than those who memorize.
Inquiry-based learning leads to higher problem-solving skills and real-world adaptability.
Emotional intelligence and mental health support lead to happier, more confident learners.

Request more information
Please complete this form to request more information about the educational center. With your name, email, your child’s age, and a short message, we can guide you to the most suitable option and outline the next steps. Once submitted, our team will review your request and contact you by email.
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