Kids College

an afterschool arts enrichment program
 

Our Mission

We resolve to promote an attitude and the skills associated with future career and personal success with a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities.
Our Mentors
Susanne Crane

Susanne Crane has over 30 years of experience teaching K-12 in many programs, including Girl Scouts of America, the YM-YWCA, and Leonardo’s Basement. Susanne has also worked for the Minneapolis School district as a paraprofessional for 25 years, working for Minneapolis Kids, Southwest Super Summer Program, and teaching gifted and talented students. She has also mentored many young emerging artists who have successfully launched their art careers. Susanne is the founder Kids College, a founding member of the Freeborn County Arts Initiative and also an established Minnesota Artist.

Laurie Hovendick

Laurie Hovendick has been teaching her entire adult life. She worked 9 years with mentally challenged adults in a residential setting, teaching life skills for independent living. Laurie managed the financial aspects, medical and other health concerns, as well as educational programs in the organization. After having twins, she spent several years as a stay at home mother of 3, before accepting a position with the Albert Lea school district as noon supervisor for over 18 years. Previous training in behavioral modification, behavioral management, and teaching strategies, were a great strength in this unstructured environment. Laurie also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school teacher, confirmation mentor and co-director of the church’s nursery guild. She has been happily married for 35 years.

Elisha Andrew Marin

Elisha is a music and art teacher at St. Theodore School in Albert Lea, where he has been teaching since 2013. As both an educator and president of the Freeborn County Arts Initiative, he works hard to bring programming opportunities to Kids College. From coordinating our annual Christmas concerts to publishing the Swanfeather book series, Elisha helps make our neverending project ideas come to life. When he’s not teaching, he can be found playing music, making posters, or working at the Arts Initiative gallery.

Kylie Nelson

Kylie Nelson is currently studying education at the U.M. Winona while working in a day care to finance her endeavor. She has worked for the YMCA, Kids College, and for her church. Kylie is a highly creative and collaborative rising star in the educational realm who previously worked with Susanne, as her assistant, for over a year. Kylie runs the Kids College summer school program with grace and vigor.

Kylie Nelson

Kylie Nelson is currently studying education at the U.M. Winona while working in a day care to finance her endeavor. She has worked for the YMCA, Kids College, and for her church. Kylie is a highly creative and collaborative rising star in the educational realm who previously worked with Susanne, as her assistant, for over a year. Kylie runs the Kid’s College summer school program with grace and vigor.

Logistics

Our afterschool program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

Our summer program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 5:30pm.

Perimeters

Students are expected to maintain a high level of respect and will be shown the same.

Etiquette, self-respect, humility, and eagerness to learn are highly valued and rewarded here.

Fees

Sessions cost $20 per day during the school year and $35 per day during the summer.

Snacks and art supplies are included. Optional field trips may, at times, cost extra.

Wellness

Snacks meet or exceed expectations for healthy eating guidelines.

High fructose corn syrup, additives, and preservatives are not on our menu. We celebrate healthy options.

Safety

We have a small class size, students are closely monitored, and tools are age appropriate.

All families must have some form of health insurance.

Special Features

We have access to professionals in many areas of the arts who provide mentorship and demos.

Our students exhibit in professional galleries and are trained as docents in the FCAI gallery.

Secrets of Swanfeather available now!

Our second book is available for purchase now on Amazon!

Contact Us

©2020 Kids College – All Rights Reserved

Designed and hosted by Elisha Andrew Marin