Local schools, businesses ready for back to school

 Center Stage Center Stage For 38 years, Center Stage has offered the best, most experienced and diverse faculty in the area, covering all styles of dance: hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern; theater (acting and musical theater); music (voice, piano, guitar and percussion); and gymnastic programs. Center Stage’s esteemed alumni have appeared in more than 40 shows and national/international tours, national ballet and modern companies; regional theaters across the country, as well as on dance and cheer squads for professional sports teams. Over the years, many Center Stage students have considered the studio their second home, building lifelong relationships with fellow students, teachers and staff.With 12 dance rooms in three locations, no other studio around can offer the breadth of scheduling possibilities that Center Stage can. So with all of these benefits, the only questions left is: Why would you go anywhere else? Students range from age 3 to adult and from those who want to take one class a week for fun or fitness, to those who are working toward a career in performing arts. For more information, visit www.centerstagenj.com or call 732-238-7890 (East Brunswick)/ 732- 972-1116 (Marlboro)/ 732-695-6400 (Ocean).

 Hatikvah International Academy Charter School Hatikvah International Academy Charter School Hatikvah International Academy Charter School provides children with a high quality, individualized education in a safe, nurturing and friendly environment. Hatikvah, in the Hebrew language, means hope.The Hatikvah International Academy Charter School community believes that its students are the hope of the future; young people who will endeavor to relate and coexist peacefully and fruitfully in our global community. In order to develop knowledgeable and openminded thinkers, children at Hatikvah receive the Columbia University’s Teachers College Readers and Writers Workshops, an inquirybased approach to science and social studies, conceptual development of mathematics, the opportunity to think and communicate in a foreign language, Hebrew, physical education, art and music all from a very talented and caring faculty.The Hatikvah International Academy student population is reflective of the diverse local community, ensuring that students will develop lifelong friendships with a diverse student population. Students are encouraged to share each of their own unique experiences as they get to know each other. If you are looking for a positive change for your child, apply on the school’s website at hatikvahcharterschool.com. Inquiries should be sent to Dr. Marcia Grayson at mgrayson@hiacs.org.

 Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio I.L. Peretz Community Jewish School is a secular Jewish school and community in Central New Jersey.The school for children in grades K-7 meets Sunday mornings from September to May.The curriculum emphasizes historical and cultural approaches to the study of their Jewishness and a commitment to community, to Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for “repair the world,” and to make “a shenere un bessere velt,”Yiddish for “a more beautiful and better world.” Classes are directed toward understanding their people’s past and enriching their present lives as Jews.The curriculum, led by a professional staff of teachers, includes the study of Jewish traditions, history, literature, music, dance, and Hebrew.While the children are in class, adults meet over bagels and coffee for weekly discussions on a wide range of topics. Their community also offers programs on Friday evenings, retreats, book groups, holiday parties, a teen group, a community Passover seder, and secular services for the high holy days. In this community, Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are as unique and individual as the students themselves and reflect their individual Jewish heritages. Community leaders are available to guide families through this special time. Find out more by attending an upcoming open house on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rutgers Preparatory School. For more information, call 732-545-9691 or visit www.ilperetz.org.

 Yvonne’s School of Dance Yvonne’s School of Dance  St. Bartholomew School St. Bartholomew School Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio is a well-established center for dance and its award-winning Encore Ensemble Dance Company. Kaye-Lynn is celebrating 58 years and three generations of quality dance education. Original owner, Jackie Lynn, was a member of the Rockettes more than 50 years ago before opening the dance studio in 1955. Robin Kaye is the associate director and daughter of Jackie Lynn. Robin is a graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts and has been running both studios with her mother’s assistance for more than 15 years. Granddaughter Jasi-Lynn is following in her family’s footsteps and teaches at both studios. She is a graduate member of the award-winning Encore Ensemble Dance Company.At Kaye- Lynn your child will have fun while learning proper technique in all phases of dance. Kaye-Lynn is a non-recital studio; they offer an annual dance demonstration with no costumes, no expensive tickets and focus on learning dance throughout the year rather than focusing on one dance for a costly recital.This keeps dance fun and exciting throughout the year. Students can be viewed each week through the two-way windows. Training is provided from the basic creative dance for the preschooler through training for the most professional dancer. Great care and individual attention is given in nurturing the abilities of each student to their fullest potential. Classes are offered to toddlers through adult, and beginners through advanced, in jazz, gym/jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, lyrical, Zumba (for children and adults), Movin’ with Mom, Bouncin’ Babies and boys hip hop. Kaye-Lynn offers to its serious and gifted students the Encore Ensemble Dance Company.This select group of motivated and talented dancers are given the opportunity to perform in community and social performances as well as dance competitions throughout the year. Kaye-Lynn also offers creative movement classes for children with special needs. Small classes, private lessons and buddy classes are also available. Kaye- Lynn currently has locations in Edison, Milltown and the new location in East Brunswick.The new location in East Brunswick offers gymnastics/acro classes back to back with dance classes. It is a location where dance and gymnastics come together as one. Open house dates are every Tuesday in August from 5-7 p.m.;Aug. 27 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.; and Sept. 3 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. For more information, call the Milltown/ East Brunswick location at 732-548- 2333 or the Edison location at 732-548-8452, or visit www.kayelynndance.com.

At Mathnasium, they operate on the core belief that virtually any child can become great at math.They only tutor math and specialize in grades 1-12. Using the timetested, proprietary Mathnasium Method, they are committed to helping your child catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math.Their goal is to significantly increase your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward math.At Mathnasium, students receive one-on-one instruction from highly skilled, trained and caring instructors. For each student a customized and individualized learning plan is developed based on their unique needs and goals.They focus on filling in the gaps in a child’s mathematical foundations, cater challenging enrichment program for advance students by providing with expert help and required encouragement. Along with homework help, they also provide specialized prep for standardized tests like ISEE / ACT / SAT.The results are measurable progress, a renewed sense of confidence, and a positive attitude toward math and learning. From the appealing visuals on the walls to the crazy-about-math instructors, the Mathnasium center provides an energizing and positive environment that is dedicated to teaching math and only math. Children at Mathnasium quickly learn that math can be interesting and engaging as well as extraordinarily useful, both in terms of succeeding in school, and of acquiring the valuable life skills it bestows. Mathnasium of North Edison is located at 1945 Oak Tree Road. For more information, call 732-477- MATH or email northedison@mathnasium.com. Mathnasium of Piscataway is located at 1630 Stelton Road. For more information, call 732-985- MATH or email Piscataway@mathnasium.com.

Looking for a safe, nurturing, accredited school for your child to attend in September? Look no further! St. Bartholomew School provides a safe, protected learning environment with closed circuit surveillance.

St. Bart’s School is AdvancED Accredited and offers both a 3-year-old and a 4-year old academic based preschool program in addition to full-day kindergarten through eighth grade.The school offers state-of-theart technology such as a fully equipped science lab, digital whiteboards, and an Advanced Computer Resource Center, all of which are integrated into a student’s daily curriculum. St. Bart’s has a full-time nurse and guidance counselor on staff, and beforeand after-care programs.They offer band, chorus, drama, sports and other extracurricular activities, while encouraging and stressing the importance of community service. The birthday cutoff is Oct. 31.With a closeknit family fee, St. Bartholomew School is a great choice for your family this fall. Join the St. Bartholomew School family today.The school is located at www.stbartseb.com. For more information, call 732-254-7105 or visit www.stbartseb.com.

At Temple Emanu-El of Edison, the Religious School curriculum was designed by the Union for Reform Judaism, for the purpose of creating a love of Judaism and providing children with the skills to live as well-informed Jews.The program extends from kindergarten through 12th grade.The curriculum includes Hebrew, Bible, holiday observances, rituals and ethics, and the rich history that surrounds the culture.The students also learn to lead parts of the worship service and the programs are further enhanced through music and art.They offer special education classes as well. Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El represents the attainment of a significant level of Jewish knowledge through individualized study. Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah students continue their studies through Confirmation and high school.Adults find many opportunities to continue Jewish learning.All are invited to an Open House on Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m., followed by an Outdoor Family Service at 7 p.m. K-2nd and 8th-12th grades are open to non-temple members and there are incentives for new members.The school will facilitate communication for carpools. For more information, visit www.edisontemple.org, or call Rabbi David Z.Vaisberg or Principal Jill Santoni at 732-549-4442.Temple Emanu-El is located at 100 James St., Edison.

Yvonne’s School of Dance is celebrating its 35th year in September.The staff takes pride in teaching, molding and inspiring the students to explore who they are through the creativity and beauty of dance.The curriculum encompasses all ages and levels.The studio has a large preschool and Kinderkidz program. Twinkle Babies is ages 2 ½ to 3 and Twinkle Stars is ages 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6.The young students are given a unique yet educational experience through the direction and guidance of its carefully trained staff. Other ages and levels are offered for ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop and pointe. The philosophy at Yvonne’s is that all students, especially those who take class for fun (and what better reason), makes the studio such a success. Students who attend for the simple enjoyment of dance receive just as much attention and material as the competitive performers at the studio.The yearend dance recitals are held at The State Theatre in New Brunswick, offering the dancers a professional venue to showcase their talents.The performance team, “Starlighters,” have won numerous awards but have recently concentrated on specialty performances.They have performed for Fleet Week/Memorial Day aboard the Intrepid in New York City, and have danced for the ABCtaped Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Parade numerous times.They will be performing in a Broadway Showcase July 26-29, held at the famous Minskoff Theatre (home of the Lion King). Interested families can bring their children for an open house and become a part of the dance family.Yvonne’s School of dance is located at 22 Vineyard Road, Edison. For more information, call 732-248-3737 or visit www.yvonnesschoolofdance.com.