Who we are

The only program of its kind, STAR GameSchool uses games as an educational tool to teach students a variety of practical skills. Using specifically designed curriculum to highlight and maximize the educational values that are inherent in playing games, GameSchool offers students structured and goal-oriented gaming programs. GameSchool uses a variety of games to encourage growth within children. GameSchool encourages growth within children using a variety of games: video games, board games, card games, and even roleplaying games. Students follow lessons based around these games in a safe and fun environment that is more conducive to learning than just playing.

What we do

GameSchool provides students with the opportunity and environment to grow through games. We use games that encourage development of a variety of important skills such as:

• Problem Solving 
• Understanding and working with rules 
• Decision Making 
• Cooperative Play 
• Logical Thinking 
• Technological Familiarity 
• Computer Literacy
• Competitive Play 
• Map Navigation 
• Cause & Effect Observation 
• Time Management 
• Resource Management 
• Strategic Thinking & Planning 
• Literacy 
• Experiential Learning 

Aside from developing academic skills there is a social aspect of playing games that is unique to gaming. Every GameSchool class teaches students to play cooperatively and competitively. Healthy competition allows students to learn appropriate behaviors and good sportsmanship. GameSchool reinforces the positive values necessary to make each student a respectful gamer. 

FAQ

Q: Why would I want to pay for my child to be playing video games when they can do that at home?
A: GameSchool provides a safe and fun environment where your child can play together with his or her peers and develop skills that can be helpful. Our classes are designed around providing your child with constructive objective based game play that will not only improve your child's social and academic skills but teach them to play respectfully with their peers.

Q: Why would you even offer a class in games?
A: We recognize that children love games and that they can be educational. We are simply using something that children already love to foster educational values.

Q: How can games be educational?
A: Many games have aspects that are inherently educational. As many games offer players the opportunity to make choices and experience the outcome of those choices, your child will often have to solve problems, learn to work with others, and display an understanding of the rules that define each game. If you go to our Links section you can also review a variety articles detailing the benefits of games.

Q: What role does the GameSchool teacher play?
A: Our trained teachers will conduct structured lessons where they will enhance the educational value of the game. GameSchool teachers also work to facilitate confidence in each child by teaching them how to play games effectively and respectfully. All lessons follow a written curriculum that helps to provide students with challenges that specifically focus on their developing different skills.

Q: Will the games that my child play be appropriate for their age?
A: The vast majority of the games we use are rated E by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). That means that they have been deemed appropriate for children of all ages. If we use a game that is not rated E we make sure that it is altered so that it is presented in an age appropriate manner.

Q: I don’t understand games at all and my child is absolutely crazy about them, is there any way that STAR can help?
A: Yes! STAR will be providing a series of workshops developed to teach parents all about video games. We want to help all parents be comfortable in knowing what their children are doing and also be able to play alongside their child without causing any embarrassment to either party.