Learning Lab, Forest Hills

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

Learning Lab is a community space where children can explore and hone their skills in areas where they show a special interest and talent. We provide fun and engaging experiences that enrich children and expand their horizons. Our enrichment classes include art, yoga for kids, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and writing. Learning Lab’s classes are kept small and are taught by qualified teachers (NYC Department of Education certified teachers in subject area classes and a Yoga Alliance certified instructor for Yoga for Kids classes).

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

As an art teacher at a New York City public school and a parent of a young child, co-founder Han-Ching Lin sees first-hand that there is a need for more high-quality opportunities for children to explore and develop in areas outside of literacy and math. Elementary school students often have only one period a week devoted to the arts (dance, theater, and visual arts) or sometimes go entire school years without any of the arts in their weekly schedule. When it comes to science and STEM, elementary school students usually have at least one or more periods incorporated into their weekly schedule. However, large class size among other factors often hinder students from being able to reach their full potential as young scientists.

Most elementary-age children begin to show an interest and natural ability in specific areas. Unfortunately, they too often do not get to spend enough time exploring and developing their skills in these areas. Lin, with his background in elementary education, and his wife Jenny, with her background in education finance, decided to come together to start Learning Lab, an enrichment center serving the community. At Learning Lab, children can explore art, STEM, writing, and more through fun and engaging classes led by qualified and caring instructors and parents can feel assured that they are supporting their children’s budding interests and even get the chance to learn together with their children.

What do you love most about your job?

We love to witness the joy and satisfaction children experience when they make a connection, learn something new, or create something original. Our classes encourage the kind of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity that lead to these magical moments.