Local tutoring company focuses on both STEM and communication skills
Long considered Microsoft’s “backyard,” Sammamish has consistently produced students who are strong in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. But when these students enter the workforce, good communication and writing skills are often critical for career advancement.
This philosophy is at the heart of PopSmartKids Academy, an academic enrichment hub for K-12 students that focuses on both technical training and communication skills.
The driving force behind PopSmartKids Academy is Priyanka Raha, a Sammamish resident who had spent over two decades in product management for the tech industry.
“What really got me thinking in corporate was that a lot of critical information gets lost because it’s not communicated properly or written in the right way,” Raha said. “Writing has always been a passion for me. All throughout my career, I have seen how critical it is to convey correct information, no matter the career path.”
Her fascination with writing and effective communication, coupled with her professional experience, led her to found PopSmartKids Academy.
“We are one of the few that provide classes in both writing and science at the same time under the same umbrella,” Raha said. “I believe that communication and writing are critical skills, whether you are going to be a doctor, engineer, author, or artist.”
Students can engage in weekly enrichment classes that cover writing, communication, public speaking, and science. The academy also offers specialized enrichment camps during the summer and winter, focusing on writing, science, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. PopSmartKids Academy runs two sites — in Issaquah and Kirkland.
A typical session at PopSmartKids Academy is designed to be interactive and engaging. Writing classes start with a “word of the day” to build vocabulary, followed by a grammar lesson, and then deeper writing activities. Science classes focus on concept clarification and hands-on experiments, with weekly quizzes to reinforce learning. Public speaking classes cover verbal and non-verbal cues, with debates on thought-provoking topics like education systems in different cultures. These classes are designed to ensure that students are not overwhelmed with repetitive tasks, as Raha believes in quality over quantity.
“One of the things I believe is that learning has to be consistent and doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Raha said. “Learning should be a combination of education and fun.”
For parents choosing between weeklong camp or regular weekly classes at PopSmartKids Academy, Raha explained the difference between the two.
“My camps are a great way to see the results and try the program in a week’s time,” Raha said, “It allows me to incorporate a lot of fun activities, which is impossible to do in an hour’s time in weekly classes.”
In comparison, Raha believes that weekly classes help students practice and maintain skills, and allows instructors to cover a wider range of topics compared to camps.
For more information on PopSmartKids Academy, please visit their website.
