Zen Academy, Washington

Built around Dr. Sankofa’s Life Path Development Model, Zen Academy helps children excel both academically and physically. Instead of hosting study hall sessions, their after-school tutoring programs introduce children to their future passions, such as aviation, martial arts, or tennis. Educators with real career experience lead students through basic and intermediate lessons that not only cover the subject at hand, but also strengthen math, self-discipline, and reading comprehension skills along the way. Learning about air currents flowing over wings enriches students’ understanding of science, and fine-tuning their back swing inspires increased activity, reducing parents’ fears that kids will wind up in a fast food joint working as a box of french fries.