Local schools, businesses ready for back to school

 The Dance Factory USA The Dance Factory USA 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.

 Emotion In Motion Dance Center Emotion In Motion Dance Center The Dance Factory USA (DFUSA) on Route 35 in Middletown is coming off a fabulous year, with another year ready to get started. Under the direction and ownership of Aimee Layfield, the Dance Factory USA has grown to be one of the top studios in the area, offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and the most popular class…acro! They offer the best acro program in the area for all ages and levels.They offer recreational classes as well as pre-professional classes for those who are looking for more. DFUSA has a full staff of qualified teachers waiting to teach your little star how to sparkle up on that stage! The team is just coming home from a national dance competition where they were recognized for top technique and scored as one of the top studios The Dance Factory USA is located in the Kohls shopping plaza in Middletown.They have two large dance rooms with closed circuit TV so you can view your child’s class at any time. Spaces are still available for the summer camps and intensives. For more information, check them out on Facebook, Instagram or www.thedancefactoryusa.com or call 732-671-2343. The Dance Factory USA … where great dancers are made!

 The Growing Tree Children’s Academy The Growing Tree Children’s Academy Dance With MelodyDance With MelodyDance With Melody is now celebrating its 25th year in business! Owner Melody Shanley opened the studio in 1991 and it is still located in the popular Middletown Shop Rite Plaza. Parents love the convenience of dropping their children off to dance while they shop and enjoy the various stores located in the mall.The studio is now completing renovations for the new season and has extended its boutique to offer a full line of dancewear and shoes that are available for purchase. Enrolled students this can join the group in Walt Disney World in July 2016.The top-notch faculty at Dance With Melody is comprised of certified dance instructors with strong professional experience and numerous educational backgrounds.The studio offers a high quality dance education in the disciplines of ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, pointe, gymnastics, lyrical, contemporary, voice, musical theater, modern, and combination classes. Specialized classes in parent/tot, ballroom, folk dancing for Brownie troops, wedding dance choreography, and adult classes are available as well. Students of all ages are offered a rewarding and educational dance experience, from recreational to competitive levels. Dance With Melody is also known for its comfortable, creative, and fun environment where students learn proper technique, while building self-esteem and confidence. Dance With Melody is home of the award-winning Diamond Dance Company, which has performed with Carnival Cruise Line’s Imagination, at BlueClaws games,The Strand Theatre, Monmouth Mall, Middletown Arts Center, and Six Flags Great Adventure.The company attends both regional and national competitions.The team recently was awarded Top Overalls, numerous Judges Awards and World Dance Championship invitations. Personal auditions for those interested in joining the team can be scheduled in the month of August. Intensive classes for team members will be held Aug. 17-20. Dance With Melody offers yearly recitals, competition opportunities, proficiency rating examinations, as well as summer camps. Dance with Melody is now taking enrollment in its summer programs including Disney princess camps, adult classes, and evening intensives. For more information about Dance With Melody and to view the fall class schedule, visit www.dancewithmelody.com. To register, call 732-957-8383 or email at info@dancewithmelody.com.

 King of Kings School King of Kings School Emotion In Motion Dance Center (EIM) is venturing into its sixth season of providing quality dance and performing arts training in the Monmouth County area.With their top-notch professional teaching staff coupled with a warm family atmosphere, EIM is the place to be! What makes them different? Options. Options. Options! EIMDC offers fun, recreational training where dancers can feel free to express themselves, make friends, gain confidence and poise along the way.They also offer more in depth training opportunities for those that plan to possibly pursue a career in dance.The Intense Training Program (ITG) focuses primarily on ballet and modern training, which is ideal for those planning to study dance at a college level.The award-winning competition team provides the opportunity to travel, perform and receive constructive feedback from industry dancers and choreographers. EIM also offers many opportunities in musical theater. Whether it be private vocal coaching or audition coaching, the EIM staff has seasoned performers and educators to help your star reach their goals! Annual recitals are held at the historic Count Basie Theater in Red Bank. Classes are available for students ages 2 ½ though adult. Emotion In Motion Dance Center is located at 1833 Route 35, Middletown. For more information, call 732-671-2001 or visit http://www.eimdanceschool.dance/

 Middletown Dance Academy Middletown Dance Academy  L.A. Center Of The Arts L.A. Center Of The Arts 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. Be- ginners 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.

 Princeton Ballet School Princeton Ballet School The Growing Tree Children’s Academy is excited for the new school year! They can’t wait to begin working with the children in fun language, science, and cognitive and creative expression lesson plans.The school offers a wide range of scheduling options as well as full-time promotional rates.They work hard to accommodate any family who wants to join the school.At The Growing Tree, you and your family become part of the family.Throughout the year, they celebrate all holidays with open invitations for you to come in and join. They also offer an “open door policy” for parents at all times throughout the day.This means you are welcome to stop in whenever you’d like! The staff values your opinions and appreciates being your choice for your child’s caregivers and teachers.They will work with you every step of the way to ensure all of your expectations are not only being met, but exceeded.The classrooms begin with Baby Buds and end with Pre-K Outrageous Oaks.The school is a bus stop for Holmdel Public Schools and offers before and after-care to kindergarten students. Stop by anytime! They would love for your child to come grow with them! Growing Tree Children’s Academy is located at 12 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel. For more information, call 732-739-7197 or visit www.holmdelgrowingtree. com.

 St. Benedict Catholic School St. Benedict Catholic School  Rumson Country Day School Rumson Country Day School 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 children in their grades, but during their language-based 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.

 Saint Mary School Saint Mary School King of Kings School has been providing the children and families of Middletown and neighboring communities with a safe, secure, nurturing, engaging and encouraging preschool experience since 1996.They provide a child-centered learning environment based upon the principles of group cooperation and experiential learning.They strive to instill in students a love of learning and a positive attitude toward school that will establish a solid foundation for future academic success and growth.The needs of each individual child are recognized and fostered. It is a community-oriented school that encourages the participation of parents and families at special events such as Community Service Day and the annual “Art Happening.” They offer extra-curricular programs such as Little Chef’s Cooking Academy and Wee Can Dance.They have half-day and full-day flexible scheduling options.They offer a unique Young Five’s Program that meets the needs of children whose birthdays fall around the kindergarten cut-off date of Oct. 1. Students participate in the “Kings Achievement Curriculum” used in conjunction with the “Get Set For School” and “Handwriting Without Tears” programs.They have a newly renovated playground for the students’ enjoyment! For more information, call 732-615-0220 or email kingofkingsschool@gmail.com. Find them online at www.kingofkingsnj.org.

 A Touch of Dance A Touch of Dance  Temple Beth Ahm Preschool Temple Beth Ahm Preschool 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.

 Trinity Hall Trinity Hall Middletown Dance Academy (MDA) is very excited about the 2015-2016 dance season. MDA prides itself on a warm, encouraging and nurturing dance atmosphere.These qualities separate MDA from other studios. MDA dancers begin dance lessons as early as 20 months and continue to adult.The studio has different programs for every age and ability.The preschool program is the best start for every young dancer. Preschool classes are offered Monday through Saturday mornings, afternoons and early evenings.The preschool program consists of an introduction of ballet, tap and jazz. These early years of dance mold dancers for life with a wonderful introduction to the arts.The schoolage program consists of an hour lesson focusing on one area of dance. MDA offers hourly classes in these different types of lessons: Mommy and Me, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop, cheer, music theater, voice and acro.All of the above lessons are offered at a recreational and competitive level because MDA believes everyone should dance. MDA’s award-winning competitive dance program is nationally ranked. MDA last year had its most successful year.The team attended many regional competitions: N.D.S., Dancers Inc.,Turn It Up, NYCDA, Pulse, NUVO and VIP, and qualified MDA to attend nationals in Long Branch. MDA offers dance shoes, tights, leotards and dance apparel for all dancers. For more information, visit http://www.middletowndanceacademy.com, call 732-615- 9499, or stop in the studio at 1115 Route 35, next to Chuck E. Cheese on Monday or Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays or Thursday from 4-8 p.m.

Princeton Ballet School is the official ballet school of American Repertory Ballet, New Jersey’s top classical and contemporary ballet company, under the artistic leadership of Douglas Martin, a former principal dancer with Joffrey Ballet.The school has gained a national reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by Audrée Estey. Under the direction of Mary Pat Robertson, Princeton Ballet School currently serves approximately 1,200 students, starting at age 3, and includes a large open enrollment division for adults. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick and Princeton and offers classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, Cardioballet, and Conditioning for the Mind and Body. Students from the school have gone on to dance in professional ballet and contemporary dance companies in the United States and abroad. Graduates have danced with such diverse organizations as New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Miami City Ballet, Complexions, Mark Morris Dance Company,Twyla Tharp, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet West and on Broadway. For more information, call 732-249-1254 or 609-921- 7758, or visit www.americanrepertoryballet.org.

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 childcentered — 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.

St. Benedict Catholic School of Holmdel has more than 50 years of experience in educating students from kindergarten through eighth grade.The staff and students bond together through faith and knowledge in a nurturing environment.The primary goal is to assist each child in discovering his or her own unique gifts.They foster a contemporary, enriched academic environment. Developed in accordance with the Diocese of Trenton, required grade-specific curriculum levels are taught in the warmth of a Christian classroom community.The students also enjoy exploratory subjects including technology, art, music, physical education and Spanish.They offer a wide array of after school activities for the aspiring computer tech, artist, builder, writer, actor, singer and musician.The sports programs include softball, baseball, track, basketball and cheerleading. Monthly school Masses,Advent Project, the Drama Club’s play, and PTA activities are just some of the events that the school community anticipates each year. Parents value the Extended Day Program for after care, run by dedicated staff and available to all students every day from 2:15-6 p.m. Request a tour today at 732- 264-5578 and see why the students, staff, and parents proudly consider St. Benedict School, “A Foundation for Life.”

St. John’s Nursery School was established in 1966 as a weekday Christian education program for preschool children. St. John’s offers morning and afternoon classes for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age.The curriculum includes individualized and small group instruction.All classes use a developmentally appropriate curriculum of learning activities. Learning centers such as water tables, dress up, writing, science and math enhance the curriculum. Students attend a weekly music and movement class.Two outdoor playgrounds and an indoor gym foster gross motor development.The school year is enhanced by special guests, family programs and field trips. Extended care is available on any school days between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for any child enrolled. St. John’s Nursery School is located in St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave. in Hazlet. For more information, call 732-888-7886. St. John’s Nursery School is on Facebook.The school is a Hulafrog Parent Pick Winner — Best Preschool 2013!

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 on-site nurse and a professional chef.The school consists of 26 classrooms, a computer lab, media center, cafeteria, gymna- sium 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.

Temple Beth Ahm Preschool is designed to provide a happy and nurturing environment where children develop a positive self-image and love of learning.The curriculum is diverse and flexible, allowing the children to use all of their senses while developing the foundations for reading, language, math, science and social studies. In addition to the fine secular curriculum, Judaism is integrated daily through art, holiday celebrations, books, food and song.The culture and values observed at a young age become part of the students’ general knowledge that develops and grows as they do.The students leave the program happy, healthy and ready to take on kindergarten because they have the appropriate social and academic foundations they can now build upon.They offer classes for children ages 2, 3 and 4 with half-, mini- and full-day options. Classes meet two, three or four days weekly.There is an extensive Mommy & Me program taught by “Miss Judy”Wiskin for babies, toddlers, and those ready to transition. In addition there is a six-week summer camp for children ages 2 through 5, just right for little ones.Temple Beth Ahm is located at 550 Lloyd Road,Aberdeen. For more information, call 732-583-1010 or visit www.tbaed.org.

A Touch of Dance offers dance classes in a friendly, fun-filled, learning environment for children and adults. Located in Matawan, the studio is celebrating 29 years of teaching the art of dance, and is committed to keeping with its standard of offering quality dance training with the desire of instilling a lifetime love of dance in all of its students. Classes are offered in various dance art forms, such as ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, comtemporary/modern, hip hop and theater dance for all levels of ability and interest. Whether seeking a class for fun and enjoyment or to qualify for participation on the studio’s in-school, award-winning dance team,The Bravo Dance Ensemble, the studio offers constructive, educational classes that will lay the foundation for all future endeavors in the art of dance. Call now for further information regarding registration at 732- 566-8330 or visit www.atouchofdancenj.com.

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 all-girls 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.