Our Programs & Learning Approach

What are the "4 C's" of STEM and how do you teach them?

The "4 C's" are Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking. They are the core skills modern educators agree are essential for future success. Our programs are built to teach them:

  • Creativity: We challenge students to find unique solutions to open-ended problems, not just follow instructions.
  • Collaboration: Our classes emphasize teamwork, teaching students how to communicate, share ideas, and work together toward a common goal.
  • Critical Thinking: We teach problem-solving through hands-on trial and error. Students learn to analyze *why* a design failed and how to logically debug it.
  • Communication: Students are encouraged to present their findings and explain their design choices, strengthening their ability to share complex ideas.
Is your curriculum "NGSS aligned"?

Yes. While our programs are fun, they are not random. Our curriculum is designed to support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We focus heavily on the NGSS engineering standards by having students engage in real-world engineering design challenges. They learn to define problems, test solutions, and analyze data—all key practices of the NGSS framework.

What is "problem-solving" in robotics?

Problem-solving in robotics is not just about building a robot—it's about teaching students how to think logically and creatively to overcome a challenge. Instead of just memorizing facts, students must use trial and error, analytical thinking, and resilience to figure out *why* their robot isn't working. This process of identifying issues, debugging code, and redesigning components builds confidence and teaches them how to persist through failure.

What is an example of "inquiry-based learning" in your class?

Inquiry-based learning is about asking questions, not just giving answers. In our class, instead of saying "Build this robot," we ask, "How can we design a robot that can navigate an obstacle course?". Students must then ask their own questions, investigate concepts like sensors and angles, develop a strategy, and test their design—learning critical science skills through hands-on discovery.

What are the benefits of a robotics club or STEM program?

Beyond the fun of building and coding, STEM programs offer immense benefits that prepare children for the future. Students develop crucial life skills including technical problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience as they learn that mistakes are a valuable part of the innovation process. Socially, they learn to collaborate and communicate effectively with peers. Many parents also find that participation in high-quality programs like a robotics club looks great for future college applications, as it demonstrates a passion for technology and a commitment to challenging oneself.

What skills will my child develop?

Beyond the core STEM concepts of engineering, robotics, and physics, our programs are designed to build crucial life skills. Students will enhance their problem-solving abilities, develop critical thinking, learn to collaborate with peers, and build resilience by learning that mistakes are a valuable part of the creative process.

What is a typical class like?

Each class begins with a brief, interactive lesson where our instructor introduces a core STEM concept. Students then dive into a hands-on building session, working individually or in small groups to solve a challenge related to the day's theme. The atmosphere is energetic, collaborative, and full of "Aha!" moments, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and creative fun.

How do you handle different skill levels in one class?

Our instructors are trained to create an inclusive environment where every child can thrive. We use open-ended projects that allow students to work at their own pace. Beginners receive guided support to build confidence, while more experienced students are given advanced challenges and encouraged to experiment with more complex designs and concepts.

How are you different from other LEGO®-based programs?

While many programs use building blocks, our focus is on fostering creativity and deep conceptual understanding. We emphasize the "why" behind the build, connecting projects to real-world engineering and physics principles. Our custom mechanical kits and focus on the creative process ensure that students are not just following instructions, but are truly innovating.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.

Wilmington for Families

What are some fun things to do with kids in Wilmington?

Wilmington is packed with fun activities for children. Top attractions include the Children's Museum of Wilmington, Defy Wilmington Trampoline Park, and taking a scenic riverboat tour. For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a Creative Einsteins birthday party or enrolling in one of our camps or workshops, where kids can build robots, engineer amazing creations, and have a blast while learning.

Is Wilmington, NC kid-friendly?

Yes, Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city! It offers a wonderful mix of educational and recreational activities for families. From exploring the Battleship North Carolina and the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher to enjoying the sandy shores of Wrightsville Beach, there's always something to do. For a unique indoor activity, our hands-on STEM workshops provide a fun and creative learning experience for local and visiting families alike.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.

Logistics, Pricing & Policies

What is the average cost of an after-school program or robotics class?

Parents often ask "How much do robotics classes cost?" or "How much should I charge for an after school program?". Our program pricing is competitive and reflects the high-quality, specialized equipment and expert instruction we provide. We do not have a permanent facility, which keeps our overhead low and allows us to pass those savings on to our partners and parents. For specific pricing, please see our program schedule or contact us.

Are your instructors qualified and background-checked?

Absolutely. Parents and directors rightfully ask "What checks are done on teachers?". The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. All of our instructors (like Parth, Ashland, and Marsalis) are highly trained, have a passion for STEM education, and undergo thorough background checks before working with children.

What is your student-to-instructor ratio?

School directors often ask, "What is considered a low student-to-faculty ratio?". We maintain a low ratio, typically around 10:1, to ensure each child receives the personalized attention and guidance needed to succeed in a hands-on STEM environment.

Are your programs suitable for children with special needs?

Yes. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Our research and experience show that STEM activities can be highly beneficial when adapted. We focus on sensory-friendly STEM activities and projects that build fine motor skills. Through our partnership with organizations like the Clinic for Special Children, we have experience tailoring our activities to meet a variety of needs. Please contact us to discuss your child's specific requirements.

How do I register my child for a program?

Getting started is easy! Simply visit the Our Programs page, find the program you're interested in, and click the "Register" button. This will direct you to our contact page where you can send us a message to begin the registration process. For any questions, you can also call us directly.

Where are your classes located?

We do not have a permanent facility. Instead, we partner with wonderful community organizations, schools, and libraries throughout the Wilmington, NC area to bring our programs to you. You can find the specific location for each program on our program schedule page. This model allows us to serve families in various neighborhoods.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.

Child Development & Future Skills

How can I improve my child's confidence and resilience?

Building confidence and resilience comes from overcoming challenges in a supportive space. Our programs are designed around the "7 C's of Resilience" (Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping, and Control).

When a child works on a project, fails, and is encouraged to try a new solution (Coping), they build Competence. That competence leads directly to true Confidence. By fostering an environment where mistakes are just part of the process, we help children build the resilience to succeed.

How can I help my child who is struggling socially?

Our research shows that teamwork is one of the best ways to improve social skills. Structured, interest-based group activities are a fantastic way to help children develop these skills. When kids work together on a shared, hands-on goal (like building a robot), social interaction becomes more natural. Our classes emphasize teamwork and collaboration, giving children a platform to practice communication, share ideas, and respect others' perspectives in a fun, low-pressure setting.

What is the best age to start robotics or coding?

The "best age" is when a child shows curiosity! Research shows children can start learning basic coding concepts as early as 5-6 years old. Our programs are designed to teach preschoolers about robots through simple, hands-on activities that build crucial fine motor skills. For LEGO®-based robotics, ages 6-8 are a great starting point. We adjust the complexity of our projects for every skill level.

What are some educational screen time alternatives?

Parents are right to be concerned about passive screen time. The best alternatives are hands-on, engaging, and allow for creativity. Activities like building with mechanical kits, conducting simple science experiments, or designing engineering projects are fantastic ways to get kids actively involved in their learning. Our "Minds-On Fun" programs are built on this principle, offering a dynamic and social environment that is a productive and exciting alternative to passive screen time.

How do I get my child interested in science and engineering?

The key is to make it fun and relatable. Connect science and engineering to things they already love, whether it's race cars, art, or video games. Start with simple, hands-on experiments at home. Our approach at Creative Einsteins is to spark that initial curiosity through play. By showing them they can build and create amazing things, we ignite a natural passion for discovering how the world works.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.

Parties & Events

How much does a birthday party cost?

Our party packages are priced to accommodate different group sizes. All packages include a 90-minute hands-on STEM project with a dedicated instructor and all necessary materials.

  • Up to 10 children: $250
  • 11 to 15 children: $325
  • 16 to 20 children: $400

For parties larger than 20 children, please contact us for custom pricing.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.

For Organizations

Can you bring your programs to our school or organization?

Yes! We love partnering with schools, libraries, community centers, and other organizations to offer our programs as after-school activities, in-school field trips, or special events.

What do we need to provide to host a program?

All we need is a dedicated space for the class, such as a classroom or multi-purpose room, with tables and chairs. We bring all the necessary educational materials and expert instructors.

Ready to Spark Your Child's Curiosity?

From after-school adventures to unforgettable birthday parties, the journey begins here.