Local schools, businesses ready for back to school

 Center Stage Center Stage For 39 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 life-long 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).

 Garden State Rocks Climbing Gym Garden State Rocks Climbing Gym There is a hidden gem in Monmouth County that combines a truly memorable round of golf with a membership best defined as affordable luxury. If you haven’t been to the Colts Neck Golf Club recently, you owe it to yourself to play there soon.The entire club has gone through a complete face lift with improvements to both the club house and the golf course.The course is historically known for its pristine conditions, held to the highest standards all year long.This links-style masterpiece provides both a challenging and fun layout, testing the skills of any player.The entire facility gives you the impression you are in an exclusive private equity club, yet being far more affordable. Now in its 16th year, Colts Neck Golf Club is investing in making the 2016 season even better, with an eye on the future. The renovations started with a large comfortable gazebo built for casual outdoor gatherings, complete with TVs for the perfect game-watching setting.Then there was the dramatic expansion to the dining room and upstairs cocktail area, creating an elegant venue for Members dining, private affairs, wedding receptions and outings.The golf course is also getting attention of its own, with several tees having been rebuilt, as well as improvements to the cart paths and bunkers. Membership definitely has its privileges, designed to fit any age, lifestyle, and budget.The professional staff prides themselves on attending to all your needs and making all members and guests feel like they are a part of the Colts Neck Golf Club family. Check out the Colts Neck Golf Club; you won’t be disappointed! Colts Neck Golf Club is located at 50 Flocks Road, Colts Neck. For more information, call 732-303-9330 or visit www.coltsneckgolfclub.com.

 Holy Innocents School Holy Innocents School Garden State Rocks Climbing Gym is located at 705 Ginesi Drive, Morganville.They offer instructional and recreational programs for all ages, skill and fitness levels. From classes for kids and adults to a climbing team for kids, Garden State Rocks has it all. Climbing offers a workout alternative for all levels. For older teens and adults there are daily passes and memberships. For a fun recreational experience, they offer many programs — family sessions, group (large and small) sessions, programs for Scouts, and the summer half-day sports camp.The climbing birthday parties for kids and adults are exciting and unforgettable. Beginners will have fun and experienced climbers will be challenged by the professionally set routes. For a rockin’ good time, come and climb at Garden State Rocks. For more information call 732-972-3003.

Holy Innocents School is a small, student centered, family-oriented, Catholic elementary school serving Neptune and the greater surrounding areas of the Jersey Shore. The school has an Early Childhood Center that has a Mommy and Me program for children 18- 36 months, a combined Pre-K Program for 3- and 4-year-olds, and kindergarten through grade three.They also offer academically challenging instruction for students in grades four through eight.They have a highly enlivened Catholic identity, and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a variety of student learning styles.The academically enriched programs encourage students to meet their individual learning goals while promoting excellence in education.There are classes in art, music, Spanish, and physical education and they provide an after-care program for students in all grades. The comprehensive athletic program includes basketball, baseball, softball, cross country and soccer. They graduate students who attend Catholic high schools and specialized public schools, who are capable of becoming the future leaders of the church and community both local and abroad.They welcome you and your family to join the Holy Innocents School family, where a the gift of a Catholic school education provides children with an advantage for life! Holy Innocents School is located at 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Neptune. For more information, call 732-922-4242.

 L.A. Dance Center of the Arts L.A. Dance Center of the Arts

The Jayne S. Carmody School at Rumson Country Day School provides a unique educational program for children with special needs. Serving students of average to above average intelligence who have been professionally diagnosed as having language-based learning differences, this program uses creative and innovative ways of developing each student’s potential.These students attend many classes, such as science, math, the visual arts, and physical education, with the other chil- dren in their grades, but during their languagebased classes, each student has a flexible, individualized program that is taught by experienced professionals. Started in 2007 as the School Within A School, the program was a way to keep whole families together at RCDS by adapting the academic program to provide individualized instruction to students in language based subjects such as literature and language arts. Math was also specialized to meet each student’s needs, along with speech and occupational therapy.Yet, these students were not isolated; they received the full RCDS experience, some transitioning out of the program as their skills and abilities advanced.The program continued to grow stronger over the next seven years, and in 2015 was renamed The Jayne S. Carmody School at RCDS or The Carmody School. Please visit www.rcds.org/carmodyschool to learn more about the program.

 Rumson Country Day School Rumson Country Day School

Celebrating its 11th year, L.A. Dance Center Of The Arts, located in Lincroft, is more than just a dance studio. The fall program is something you don’t want to miss.There are classes for everyone. Children in preschool through high school can take combo classes where they can experience two styles of dance in one class. Offerings include acro, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop.There are also all-boys hip hop classes for ages 5-11.There are competition company classes for children ages 5-18.The children participate in many dance competitions and perform for the community. They have won many awards in national competitions, including best choreography, best technique and top studio. If you are interested in auditioning, auditions will be held during the August classes, or schedule an appointment with the office.At the annual recital, held at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, the students enjoy the experience of performing on a stage and receiving participation trophies. Open House registration with shoe fittings and dancewear will be held Aug. 17-26, Monday/Wednesday 4-8:30 p.m., and Sept. 8-9 4-8:30 pm.The first day of classes will be held on Sept. 10. Receive a free gift with enrollment. For more information on upcoming fall schedule, call 732-219-7778 or visit www.ladancenynj.com. Follow LA Dance on Facebook at L.a Dance Si Nj.

 Saint Mary School Saint Mary School

Learning Tree Preschool offers a welcoming community, a warm environment and nurturing teachers. Offering the cooperative option, it also provides parents the fantastic opportunity to participate directly in their child’s education. In a cooperative, parents rotate contributing in the classroom and share in the school journey. Of course, Learning Tree also welcomes families who do not participate in the co-op. Learning Tree Preschool offers these programs for children from 2 to 5 years of age in downtown Red Bank.“Children at Learning Tree are encouraged to learn by doing,” says director Kara Crespo.“Students experience the fun of learning by participating in activities designed to stimulate growth in a wide range of areas, including social and cognitive development and gross and fine motor skills.” By choosing Learning Tree, families are hands-on with their children as they participate in a curriculum planned by creative and dedicated professionals.“Learning Tree Preschool allows your child to experience school with the security of having someone familiar there to make the adjustment easier.Academically I’ve been impressed with the techniques used to make learning fun,” says Jen P. of Red Bank.“I will always cherish having shared this unique experience with my children.”To learn more, contact Kara Crespo, director, Learning Tree Preschool at 732-530-5441.

 Trinity Hall Trinity Hall

The Rumson Country Day School offers a traditional, academically rich liberal arts curriculum. Grounded in the fundamentals of English, math, science, language, and history, it is enriched with a broad and varied program of music, visual arts, drama, athletics and community service. The teachers are well-educated, caring and experienced; classes are small; and the school is a comfortable and exciting place to learn and grow.The student body is divided into two distinct groups.The Lower School, which includes children in preschool through grade four, lays the strong foundation on which each student’s academic experience is built. It is the place where children will establish the skills and enthusiasm for learning that will stay with them for a lifetime.The Upper School, which includes grades five through eight, offers a completely departmentalized curriculum, with specialized teachers in every subject area.As students mature, they develop independent responsibility for their academic work. Honors and regular courses are offered in many subjects and the course of study is designed to prepare our students for a rigorous secondary school environment.The RCDS experience is completely child-centered — with a positive approach and the motto of Vitae Disce or Learn for Life. For more information, call 732-842-0527 or visit www.rcds.org.

Nestled on a protected 67-acre campus with Mary, Mother of God Church at its heart, Saint Mary School in Middletown provides a unique learning environment for students 2 years old through eighth grade. Preschool and pre-k students build academic, social and physical skills through a developmentally, age appropriate curriculum. Grades K-8 engage in a strong foundation of religion, mathematics, integrated language arts, social studies, science, world language, science lab (grades six through eight) and electives (grades seven and eight). Specials include physical education, music, art, technology and library science.A comprehensive, instructional support program is available to those students with diverse learning styles.After-school programs include Homework Helpers, Christian Service, and a variety of clubs and activities.Athletics programs offer 10 sports, including middle school football. Additionally, there is an after-care program for working families. Professional staff includes more than 70 dedicated faculty, administration, a certified guidance counselor, registered onsite nurse and a professional chef.The school consists of 26 classrooms, a computer lab, media center, cafeteria, gymnasium and newly upgraded Wi-Fi network.While providing a rigorous and innovative educational program, Saint Mary School is a supportive community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. For more information, call 732-671-0129 or visit www.stmaryes.org.

Trinity Hall is an innovative, independent all-girls college preparatory high school, educating and empowering young women in the Catholic tradition. In a technology-rich learning environment, a superior faculty and a challenging interdisciplinary curricular program fosters the Trinity Hall core values of leadership, respect, perseverance and faith, which are foundational to the school’s mission and work as educators. Unique and exciting co-curricular learning opportunities accommodate a diverse, yet a collectively passionate, creative and caring student body.These young women will be empowered to take risks, pursue personal passions, network globally and grow as learners — and as valued individuals.Trinity Hall, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), is the only allgirls high school in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Plan to attend one of the open houses on Oct. 3 or Nov. 7. For more information, visit www.trinityhallnj.org or call 732- 291-1297.