Ignite The Mind is fanning the flame for homeschool science enrichment, math & science tutoring, SAT/IB/AP and GED Test Prep, Fun Fridays, and summer and spring break STEAM camps so that ALL kids can soar!
Michelle was in her 18th year of teaching when she noticed, post-pandemic, that so many kids were truly struggling with traditional education. Many were dropping out, not coming to class, disruptive, destructive, and angry. Angry because they knew that they did not know what they should know. She felt it wasn't their fault, and was heartbroken to watch so many struggle. As a result, Ignite The Mind was created. Her husband, Mike Blue, picked the name, and daughter-in-law, Rachel Gates, made their logo, built their website, and taught their first arts sessions of summer camp.
It was scary to leave teaching after almost 20 years, but she committed to doing things differently, making learning fun, helping kids find joy in learning new things, and teaching kids to take pride in what they know and can do. Michelle started in February 2023 while still teaching high school biology and chemistry in Denver, using her school’s space and several Conifer churches to get started. In August of 2023, they moved into their “darling” space where they make magic happen for so many kids.
Spring Break STEAM Camp
Responding to requests from Jefferson County families, Ignite The Mind decided to offer a spring break STEAM camp, a week-long camp that is remarkably flexible. "Families can choose a day or two or use the whole week where Ignite The Mind will pick STEAM topics based on what students want to learn and dive deeply into that theme,” says Michelle. “We’re thinking about solar energy or robotics, but really, it is up to the kids to pick what they want to do that week. At the end of our time together, if the child is with us most, if not all, of the week, they will build something on their own and in partnership with their fellow classmates that really works, and something that they really feel passionate about.”
Summer STEAM Camps are Filling Fast!
Nature’s Medicine camp and Photography camp were so popular last summer that they're back! And, they're adding a new Soap and Candle Making camp for kids who want to learn how to make things they could sell or give as gifts. It’s more complex than you’d think
Weather and Climate Camps are also new this year for kids who may be interested in careers from Meteorology to Astrobiology. For more details on dates, fees, and times, please visit: www.ignitethemind.net.
Homeschool Science and Math Enrichment
Michelle says: “I “teach” the Next Generation Science Standards (same as CAS) for you! Or in more precise terms, kids discover all the math and science they need to know for their grade level.”
All classes for grades Kindergarten through 12 are hands-on, phenomenon-based, and in-person in Conifer one day per week for three hours. Now accepting students for the fall 2024 semester!
Fun Fridays & Holidays
Using your PTO or finding care for your kids on all of those Mondays (holidays) and Fridays for Platte Canyon and Clear Creek families can be tough. So… Ignite The Mind has built a Fun Fridays & Holiday program.
Each day is filled with an art project (they've tie-dyed T-shirts, made barrettes, make-your-own puzzles, paint-by-number, candle and soap-making, and more)!
Kids practice their math skills by playing basketball, fake store, hopscotch, Apples-to-Apples, Go Fish, and many other fun ways to learn how important math skills are, and how to use them for real-world things.
They also do a science fair project each semester. First introducing different options and then diving deeper into a topic. There are also sight-word games and reading practice, older students will read out loud to younger kids, who then learn that they can become amazing readers too as they grow. It’s another day of learning, but it isn’t school. Sign up for a day or every Friday for a reduced rate. Plus, there's a 10% discount for more than one child!
Ignite The Mind is located at 11485 Hwy 285 Frontage Road in Conifer, CO (720) 466-0152.
