Childhood Enrichment (lessons)
Academy of Fine Arts. Classes in various performing arts provided for students of all ages: guitar, piano, violin, ballet, percussion, vocal classes and show choirs. FBC Music Ministry, 601-825-6768.
Academy of Kung Fu is the place where parents see shy children "come out of their shells."Easily distracted kids learn focus and concentration, self-conscious kids develop confident personalities, followers become leaders, overactive kids develop control and respect and ordinary children become extraordinary. Ridgeland. 601-856-5051. Free Trial Month at www.academyofkungfu.com.
Babcock String Studios, Flowood Suzuki violin, classical and bluegrass fiddle lessons for Ages 4 & Up. The Suzuki method is based on how children learn to speak their native language. They listen and then imitate what they hear. Music reading is introduced when the student can produce a beautiful sound. This method is also ideal for students wanting to play fiddle! Temperance Babcock, instructor. 662-322-3369
Ballet Magnificat! School of the Arts. 5406 I-55 North, Jackson. Classical ballet training for ages 3 through adult in a Christian environment, under the direction of founder and IBC Silver Medalist Kathy Thibodeaux. Founded in 1986 and conveniently located on I-55 Frontage Road in a spacious 4-classroom studio. Brenda Holden 601-977-1001.
Ballet Mississippi. Located in the Mississippi Arts Center; satellite location at Casey Elementary. Ballet Mississippi accepts ages 3 to adult in classical ballet, creative movement, pre-ballet, jazz, tap and Pilates. 601-960-1560 or e-mail at info@balletms.com.
Covenant School for the Arts. Music, art, and dance for ages three to adult. Private lessons for children and adults in piano, violin, guitar, and art. Classes in art and piano for preschool and elementary ages. Adult classes in watercolor. For more information, contact Amanda Russ at 601-981-9406 or csa@covenantpresjackson.org.
Clinton Parks & Recreation. Registration for variety of sports programs 601-924-6082 or 601-925-1386 or visit www.clintonparksandrec.com.
Creative Impressions. Adult and Children’s Art Classes, Adult and Teen Oil Painting Classes are offered year round. Taught by Terri Cribb in her art studio inside Madison Square Center for the Arts, 2103 Main St. 601-497-7497 to register yourself or your child. Gift certificates are also available!
Dance Program, Jackson Parks & Recreation. Classes at Champion Dance Center and Grove Park Comm. Center. Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, alternative dance. 601-960-1422 or 601-960-1807.
Fondren Guitars by Patrick Harkins in the heart of Fondren, offers a fun, kid friendly place for your child to take guitar lessons. Offering one on one guitar lessons in many convenient after school and weekend times, this is a great way for your child to learn a new instrument and have some fun! Call or go by and meet Patrick or their instructors to sign up. Hurry to get your spot reserved! 601-362-0313.
Jackson City Sports Programs. Jackson Dept. of Parks & Recreation for details contact Sam Miller 601-960-0471.
Jason Griffin's Taekwondo Academy celebrates our 12th year running as a Parents & Kids Family Favorite! Our Academy has classes available Monday through Saturday to accommodate busy schedules. Classes are broken down by age and belt level. Exclusive features of our Academy: 1. Our instructors are certified to work with children who have ADD/ADHD. 2. We have a study area for children coming directly from school. 3. We have the only character development curriculum of its kind. 601-977-9000 or www.griffinstkd.com. Located at 125 Dyess Rd., next to Morrison Brothers Music.
KidzArt After School, Workshops & Camps, a drawing based fine arts program, developed as a fun program designed to help students become creative thinkers and problem solvers. KidzArt provides high quality, professional art mediums, including markers, pastels, watercolors and more. Ask about KidzArt registration at your school. www.KidzArtMs.com, info@kidzartms.com 601-607-6019.
Maley Swim School offers once a week, year-round swim lessons for 6 months to 60+ and PRIVATE birthday parties in a fun atmosphere where the sun always shines. Three sessions a year: Fall (September 1 - December 20), Winter/Spring (January 5 - May), and Summer (May 4 - August 29). Lessons are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00am - 8:00pm or Saturday mornings. Lessons over the school year maintain all summer progress and build new swim skills. Your child will be a stronger swimmer by next summer. We make learning to swim fun! 601-898-SWIM(7946), www.maleyswimschool.com. 501 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland.
The Madison Square Center for the Arts, 2103 Main Street Madison, offers ballet, jazz, ballroom, salsa, and hip hop dance classes as well as piano, guitar, voice, yoga, baby yoga, children's visual arts, drama, modeling, martial arts, cheerleading and other cultural arts related workshops for children and preschoolers this fall. 601-853-0291.
Major Scales Studios. Learning music is so awesome, cool and fun at Major Scales Studios! Kids get to experience a solid foundation of classical instruction intertwined with today’s contemporary music and technology; making lessons a hit with both parent and child. Young beginners (ages 4-6), youth and adult classes are available. www.majorscales.musicteaching.info, or 601-922-0110.
Martial Arts Academy teaches your child focus, teamwork, fitness, discipline, self-control and coordination while having fun. Adult and family programs make martial arts a family-building activity. Free trial lesson. Home school classes. 3 yrs to adult. Madison (2160 Main Street) and Rankin County (1149 Old Fannin Rd). 601-898-5555.
Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy offers ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and hip hop for students ages 3 and older. With two locations, Madison and Reservoir, MMDA offers professional training in a positive atmosphere. Students have performing opportunities in The Nutcracker and Spring Recital. 601-853-4508 or 601-992-9016 or www.msmetroballet.com.
MusicTime with Jacquelyn. Joyful experiences in music, beginning with baby! Music, movement, dance and instrument play for children birth to 6 years, featuring Kindermusik and Musikgarten curricula. 601-952-0060.
Providence Hill Farm, LLC is Mississippi's newest and finest equestrian facility providing boarding, training and lessons for hunter and jumper riders and horses. For more information call 601-925-0557.
Transformations. Expert advice in self-esteem, body image, healthcare, wardrobe, hair & make-up, posture, walking, weight loss and workout routines. Personal shopping also available. All ages, male and female, can get advice and instruction on turning your life around to be the best you can be with what God has given you. Help your teen make it through those awkward years. Adults, change your image to all life has to offer at any age. Instructor, Pamela Nail. 601-977-0769.
Xpress Dance Company: giving your children a chance to dream. Fall registration: Saturday, August 9th (10-1); Fall classes begin Monday, August 11th. Classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Rhythm Tap and combination classes for our younger inspiring dancers. For ages 3 to adult. Located in Ridgeland on Hwy 51 next to Gardenworks. 601-853-0826 or www.xdance.net.
Health/Intervention
Baptist’s Nutrition Center offers “Way to Go Kids®” Weight Loss Program. New sessions begin several times each semester. Call for assessment prior to enrollment. Pre-registration is required. 601-973-1624.
Beyond Play Therapy Group specializes in Pediatric Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Educational services. We provide a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility created specifically to appeal to children both one-on-one and in groups. We can work with your child in our custom designed therapy treehouse. Our specially trained therapists and educators provide interventions to seem like play for children; hence, our name... we go BEYOND PLAY! Beyond Play group classes are affordable interventions presented as fun learning activities in a group setting, providing children both social support as well as professional attention to unique needs. . Old Towne, 115 W. Jackson Street, Suite F, Ridgeland www.bptherapygroup.com 601.853.9747.
Region 8 offers a wide range of outpatient evaluation and diagnostic services for children and youth. Services include individual, family, group and school-based therapies, crisis preventions, interventions and assessments, 24/7 crisis phone lines, school day treatments, psychiatric, medication and psychological evaluations, alcohol and drug prevention and intervention, nursing and pharmacy services and case management, services for those with developmental disabilities. 601-824-0342.
St. Richard Catholic School Special Kids Program. Ages 4 - 21 years old. 100 Holly Drive, Jackson, MS www.strichardschool.org. 601-366-1157.
Summit Counseling is dedicated to helping people in our community. Thirteen professional therapists provide counseling to adults, adolescents, and children. Summit Counseling's therapists offer Christian counseling sessions for individuals, couples and families. We are committed to empowering individuals to find hope, healing, peace and freedom from obstacles in life. 601-949-1949.
Academics/Schools
Beth Israel Pre-school has established a reputation as one of the leading pre-schools for a child's academic preparation into first grade. Using an approach rich in personal attention, Beth Israel Pre-school's program of learning emphasizes reading, writing, arithmetic, the arts and play. Classes are available for children 2 1/2 years old through kindergarten. Extended care is available for enrolled students. Located at 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson. 601-956-6216.
Canton Academy is a Christian college-preparatory school enrolling students in grades K3-12. We believe that each student should have an opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential. It is our responsibility to provide each student with a varied learning experience. Canton Academy is a member of the MPSA, SACS and SAIS. Financial assistance is available for all accepted students with a demonstrated financial need. www.cantonacademy.org or www.capanthers.com, 601-859-5233 or 601-859-5231.
Christ Covenant School, on Pear Orchard Road in Ridgeland, offers an excellent education in a Christian environment, Kindergarten through sixth grade. Our new facility's state of the art computer lab, library, art room, and music room all add to the educational environment. After-school care program offers special classes such as guitar, piano, ballet, gymnastics and karate. www.christcovenantschool.net or 601-978-2272.
Christian Prep Nursery & Preschool Our program is designed to complement the school day with opportunities for spiritual development, healthy play, and creative arts. Your child will have an opportunity for interaction with peers and organized activities. Children are instructed by using positive reinforcement techniques and hands-on activities to help promote self –confidence, interest in learning and various skills. 363 Highland Colony Parkway. www.christianprep.com or 601-991-0057.
C.V. Bailey Christian Academy provides academic services within a small classroom setting. The staff is highly qualified and committed to helping create academic success for each student during the early years. Extra-curricular activities include Spanish, computer, music, karate, dance and scouting. After school care is provided for children in kindergarten through 5th grade from surrounding schools. 6543 Watkins Drive, www.cvbaileychristianschool.com or 601-981-4678.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School K4 - 5th, Good Shepherd follows a classical style of Christian education, carefully laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and living from God's Gifts. We are distinctively Christian and incorporate daily prayer, so that God's Word has a formative influence. Latin begins in First Grade, and the kids love it! All subjects are taught, with history, science and humanities receiving special treatment through reading. 6035 Hwy 25 Brandon, MS 39047. 601-992-4752, www.gslc-gsls.com.
First Presbyterian Day School provides a purposeful education that not only encourages academic excellence, but helps develop each child's spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social potential. Determining where your child will spend his or her formative elementary school years is a decision that carries a lifelong impact. The education your child receives today is the foundation for tomorrow's success. 1390 North State Street, Jackson. www.fpds.org, 601-355-1731.
Hillcrest Christian School is dedicated to reaching students for Christ, teaching the excellence of academics, and incorporating Christlike values in all extracurricular activities. 4060 S. Siwell Road, Jackson, MS. www.hillcrestchristian.org 601-372-0149
Huntington Learning Center, Ridgeland. has played a key role in the education of thousands of children, from showing the struggling student the path to success to offering enrichment to helping high school juniors and seniors achieve the ACT scores they need to get into the college of their choice. Call today for help with reading, writing, spelling, phonics, math, study skills, and SAT/ACT test prep. Hwy. 51 at School Street Crossing, Flowood, Hwy. 25 at Lakeland Commons Mall. 1-800 CAN LEARN, www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com.
Laskin Therapy Group is a dynamic and innovative team of licensed and certified professionals providing speech/language, occupational and physical therapy to a diverse group of clients in the Jackson metropolitan area. Striking a unique balance of traditional treatment techniques and leading edge technology, the group carefully evaluates, plans, and implements programs designed to meet the needs of each child. 601-362-0859.
Mother Goose Christian Academy, A place where children come to receive a strong academic foundation. We provide a validated, research-based program that allows for each child to develop at his or her own pace. Children are allowed to work on their individual levels. The contents of our program are aligned with local, state, and national standards. 6543 Watkins Dr. (Jackson); 325 Cross Park Dr. (Pearl). www.mothergoosejackson.com www.mothergoosepearl.com
601-981-4678 (Jackson) 601-932-7413 (Pearl).
Neighborhood Christian Centers of Jackson. Offers free after school tutoring at the Ash Street Center, 417 W. Ash Street, First Presbyterian Church, 1390 North State Street, Mission First (First Baptist Church), 275 Roseneath Street, Redeemer Church, PCA , 640 Northside Drive. Register at the Ash Street location or contact Mrs. Johnnie Bruce, Tutoring Director, 601-354-8855 or 601-352-9049. Tutoring Starts September 18th. www.nccjackson.com.
Playbook In-Home Tutoring. We come to you! Playbook In-Home Tutoring provides one on one tutoring in the child's home or local library for most subjects and all grade levels. Our tutors are state certified teachers or degreed professional with impeccable credentials and a heartfelt enthusiasm for teaching. www.playbooktutoring.com or 601-366-8740.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is an independent, co-ed, college prep school for students in pre-K through the twelfth grade. Best known for outstanding academics, St. Andrew’s has earned a reputation as “the smart school.” www.gosaints.org. South Campus (Pre K3 - 4th grade), 4120 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS. North Campus (grades 5-12), 370 Old Agency Road, Ridgeland, MS. 601-853-6000.
St. Richard Catholic School is dedicated to educating each child spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically in a safe, Catholic, Christian atmosphere. Pre-K3 thru 6th Grade. 100 Holly Dr. Jackson, MS. www.strichardschool.org. 601-366-1157.
Childcare & After School Care
After School Enhancement Program. City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation. Begins on August 7, and ends May 18. Registration: Jackson Medical Mall Department of Parks and Recreation Office beginning on July 22, (9am –3:30pm) and continuing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until all slots are filled. A copy of the 121 Immunization Compliance Form (shot records) must be provided. The fun activities include homework sessions, guest speakers, arts and crafts, recreation outdoor activities. Ages 7-12, from 2:15-5:30 pm. 601-960-0471.
Building Blocks of Madison Crossing. Offering after school care beginning 8/7/08, picking up at Madison Crossing and Madison Station. At Building Blocks of Madison Crossing, our mission is to create an atmosphere in which children's educational, social, developmental, and spiritual needs will be met. We believe early childhood is a time when education should begin. It is a time when children should learn about themselves, develop self-confidence, interact with others, and learn about God. www.buildingblocksofms.com 243 Yandell Road, Canton 39046. 601-506-4187.
First United Methodist Church of Clinton After School Care. 100 Mt. Salus Drive (at the corner of Highway 80 and Mt. Salus). FUMC picks up children from Clinton schools, grades K-5 to Fifth. We offer homework help, snack and outdoor play. Children can participate in group activities or just "hang out" with friends. Kathy Fisher 601-924-9961.
Frontiers is an after-school program serving K through sixth grade students in Rankin County School District. Students stay in their own school with their friends. It is a tuition-based program that runs from dismissal time at each school until 6 p.m. daily, operating on the school calendar. Frontiers is a structured environment featuring a variety of wholesome after school activities. 601-825-9714.
Jackson Public School District. After School Care for elementary, tuition and non-tuition based www.jackson.k12.ms.us 601-960-8700.
Just Kids provides high quality day care in a loving environment that makes mom and dad as happy as the child. Attentive care in small classes with a healthy mix of stimulating, educational activities alternated with physical activities all work to create a physically and spiritually healthy child. 1012 Madison Ave. 601-605-5437.
Little Footprints Learning Center, a new childcare facilty located on the west side of I-55 in Gluckstadt. Childcare for ages 6 weeks to 4 year olds Monday through Friday 7:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Abeka is the curriculum for ages 2 and Handwriting with No Tears is for ages 3 and 4. www.littlefootprintslc.com www.littlefootprintslc.com or (601) 898-1221.
Mother's Morning Out. Lakeland Presbyterian Church, 5212 Lakeland Drive, Flowood is accepting applications for the Fall/Spring 2009 year. Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 until 12 noon for ages 6 months to 4 years. Children may attend both days or one day per week. Registration and tuition fees for both days are $95 (non-refundable registration) and $95 per month. Register now! Registration and tuition for one day are $60 (non-refundable registration) and $45 per month. Betty Hale, 601-503-4606 or 601-992-2448 or www.lakelandpres.com.
Oakdale After School. Hwy. 471, about 6 miles north of Brandon and 2 miles south of Lakeland Drive. Quality childcare with a Christian distinctive. Our facilities include a full-size gymnasium. Our rates are competitive. www.oakdalebaptist.com or 601-829-1277.
Field Trips
Dinosaurs! Exhibit. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Travel back millions of years as you roam amongst the dinosaurs. From a Protoceratops with hatchlings to a Tyrannosaurus rex - see them walk, roar, feed, fight and care for their young. This robotic dinosaur exhibit will fascinate children and adults of all ages! 8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri.; 9 am-5 pm Sat.; 1-5 pm Sun. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Admission to park and museum $5 adults, $4 seniors, and $3 children. Membership $35 individual or $65 family. 601-354-7303.
Governor’s Mansion Tours. Tues.-Fri. 9:30, 10, 10:30 & 11am. 300 East Capitol Street. First occupied in 1842, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is the second-oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the United States. Free. Reservations are required for groups of ten or more. 601-359-6421. www.mdah.state.ms.us
Jackson Zoo. The Jackson Zoo offers incredible group rates for 15 or more children in educational groups such as scout troops, schools, or daycares. Come ride the train and Carousel for just $2.00 each! 601-352-2586.
Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum. Students K4-5th grade and older experience 1920's agriculture and small town life in Mississippi by walking through exhibits, an actual town, cotton gin, country store, blacksmithy and more. Brown bag lunches available. 601-713-3365.
Mississippi Museum of Art. The largest art museum in the state offers the most creative tours for your students. Student tours in conjunction with our featured exhibitions or the permanent Mississippi Story exhibition are available, many with hands on activities in the classrooms or direct relation to your art, history or science lesson plans. Free admission to the Mississippi Story, and free admission to changing exhibitions on Trustmark Free Tuesdays and BlueCross Free Thursdays. 601-960-1515 or email ialley@msmuseumart.org. Teacher’s guides and downloadable forms are available on our website at www.msmuseumart.org.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Teachers can choose a variety of age-appropriate, curriculum-coordinated, hands-on programs for pre-k through grade 12. The museum also offers two environmental education programs for teachers, Project WILD and Project WET. Available for checkout are videos and object kits with information and activities. 601-354-7303.
Mississippi Petrified Forest. A tour of the Mississippi Petrified Forest is an unforgettable journey back in time…36 million years through an ancient log jam deposited by a river from halfway across our young continent. It is relaxing walk on a shady paved trail among these ancient trees with many points of interest. The nature trail leads to the earth science museum which has an outstanding collection of fossils, petrified wood and minerals from nature. Enjoy the picnic area, gift shop, gem fluming activity and clack light display. Groups are welcome, ask for special rate. 601-879-8189.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Thalia Mara Hall, Jackson. Students can attend dress rehearsals of the MSO Bravo concert with adult supervision. Please contact Education Director two weeks before the dress rehearsal. 601-960-1565.
Russell C. Davis Planetarium. Experience the universe in our magnificent hemispheric theater whose programs have been delighting visitors of all ages for over twenty-five years. Whether you immerse yourself in breathtaking sky and space scenes, brilliant colorful laser images, or thrilling large-format films, you're sure to consider us a highlight of your visit to downtown Jackson. 601-960-1552.
Smith Robertson Museum & Culture Center. Jackson. Visit the permanent exhibits to learn more about black history. Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm; Sat., 10 am-1 pm; Sun., 2-5pm. Admission: $4.50 adults, $1.50 children, $3 for seniors. 601-960-1457.
