Winter registration opens on December 9th at noon. Once the class listings are live, you can click on the class names below to open a link to enroll.
Ways to register:
• The class title links below or the Seattle Parks and Recreation website, under homeschool classes.
• By calling the Van Asselt Community Center at 206-386-1921.
• Visit a Seattle Community Center for assistance at reception.
If needed, find out about possible financial assistance from Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Class Descriptions
Winter 2026 Session:
Come monkey around and learn to hand sew the classic American folk toy – Sock Monkey! Learn how sock monkeys have grown to symbolize ingenuity, resilience, and hope. Students will create their own monkey from a pair of clean, gently used or new, knee high socks they bring to class -or- select from socks provided by the instructor.
Ages: 10-18
Teacher: Lori Veres
Time: Mondays, 12:30-1:25, $85
Games: Introduction to Magic: The Gathering
Come learn how to play Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a collectable card game. Magic is a dynamic game as players can create many different types of decks with different themes from a wide assortment of cards, and the game play rules are relatively simple to get started but you can dive into a lot of optimization strategies as you work to fine tune your deck. No two games are the same and you never know what your opponent will have in their deck for defense or offense.
The structure of this class is as follows:
During the first class, players will each receive 2 jumpstart booster packs giving them enough cards to have a simple starter deck and immediately start learning to play.
Then, each class, we will introduce new cards and players will be able to upgrade their decks gradually in a “pick a card and pass” draft style where each player gets to open a new booster pack, pick one card, pass the rest to the left and then pick again.
Players will get to keep their deck/cards when the class is over.
Seasoned MTG players are also very welcome – but we ask that you use only the cards from the packs received during this class so that we can keep things more even and consistent for anyone just starting out.
Suggested donation per player to cover card purchases is: $10 for first class and $5 for each class after. (Pay what you are able)
Age Range: Magic the Gathering has an official age rating of 13+, but kids as young as 8 have learned how to play. Reading is required, and some of the cards may have scary art for younger sensitive players. The class is open to anyone interested regardless of age, but parent help is appreciated for any younger kids joining.
Ages: 8-18
Teacher: Katie Blanch with teen leader Aidan
Time: Mondays, 12:30-1:25, $85
Science: Art of Animal Adaptations
The world is full of amazing animals that have adapted to live in many different places! An adaptation is a characteristic that helps an animal survive in its habitat. In this class, we will combine science and art to learn about animals and their adaptations.
Ages: 6-10
Teacher: Melissa Moore
Time: Mondays, 1:30-2:25, $85
We also plan to continue our free community offerings:
Club: Drawing Time
Come draw with us!
Ages: all-ages
Teacher: Vivian Jech
Time: Mondays, 12:30-1:25 p.m., $0 (free), no registration necessary
Club: Coding Creators
Coding Creators is a kid-led, collaborative space where young makers explore coding together and decide what they want to build. Led by 11-year-old Wallace and 14-year-old Luna, participants will choose shared projects and work on them over time, learning through experimentation, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Projects may include simple games, Scratch projects, or introductory Roblox game development (Lua/Luau), though the direction will be driven by the kids’ interests. Ages 6–18 are welcome; younger participants may need adult support. Please bring your own device (laptop or tablet preferred). This is an informal, creative club rather than a structured class or fixed curriculum.
Ages: 6-18
Teacher: Amanda Caldwell
Time: Mondays, 1:30-2:25 p.m., $0 (free), no registration necessary
Offsite Classes:
Carpentry
Kids’ Carpentry is a hands-on toy building experience designed to teach kids practical woodworking skills with an emphasis on the safe use of hand tools. While kids construct fun and exciting projects they are also empowered to become independent thinkers – building confidence, self-esteem, and a repertoire of practical skills that will last them a lifetime!
Ages: 5-13
Teacher: Kids’ Carpentry
Time: Mondays, 10:00-11:30 p.m., at their location in Columbia City, $250, enroll here!
Tall Mountain Homeschool 