FAQ's | Braingineers Lab

Which schools do you offer transportation from?

Elementary School Pick up Offered for:

Rutland Elementary
Springdale Elementary
Stoner Creek Elementary
Mount Juliet Elementary

My school is not on your transportation list. What can I do?

We need at least 3 kids from one school to sign up for our after-school program in order to be able to open up a new transportation route to that school. Spread the word about our program to other parents at your child’s school! You can refer them to our website and Facebook page and ask your principal to display our brochures in the office. You can also contact us to let us know you are looking for a new route to open up so that we can keep you updated.

Do you offer drinks and snacks for the STEAM After School Program?

Yes! Our After-school Braingineers received prepackaged snacks and water, or if you prefer, you can send your own. We keep thorough records of all allergies and provide access to a water station at all times.

What kind of vehicles do you use for transportation?

Expect nothing but the best from Braingineers Lab! The safety and well-being of our Braingineers is of the utmost importance. We understand that you trust your precious ones to us and we will not let you down. Braingineers Lab takes transportation safety very seriously and we are not willing to jeopardize your child by using vehicles that are not safe. Our bus is an MFSAB (Multifunction School Activity Bus) and has the highest safety ratings, seat belts on every seat, and other important safety features according to NHTSA’s regulations. We also count with a 7 passenger Sienna Van.

What other safety measures do you take?

Every room and open areas at Braingineers Lab has security cameras. The front desk door is locked at all times and staff gives access only to registered students and authorized adults to enter or leave the space. We have strict control who enters our Lab while students are inside, this means Parents or relatives of students will not have access inside unless the staff gives them authorization. Tours are scheduled by appointment only and we required a copy of an ID to keep in our files.

Our drivers have excellent driving records. Our mentors (workshop instructors) not only have high qualifications but also have experience with children, they passed a thorough screening and a background check including fingerprinting.

We have procedures in place at every pick-up and drop-off including taking attendance before leaving schools, seat belts must be used at all times during the drive, safe unloading procedures when arriving back at the lab. All students must be signed out by an authorized parent/guardian before leaving our Lab.

Mentors carefully plan age appropriate workshop activities and clearly instruct all participants in safety procedures and safe use of tools and materials. Students will be under supervision at all times while attending a workshop or the After-School Program.

I‘m looking for a specific workshop that isn’t on your list. Do you take requests?

Absolutely! We are always up to the challenge and we love to hear your feedback and suggestions for our workshops. Let us know what you're hoping to see and we will put our gears to work! Once we determine there is enough interest, and we work out the resources and curriculum, the next step will be to open the workshop up for registration. We may require a minimum number of people to show interest in registering before opening up a requested workshop.

Also, remember that our mentors are constantly working on creating new workshops! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on what’s coming next.

Is the After-School Elementary Program only offered for 5 days a week?

No! We also offer 4 days, 3 days, and 2 days per week program options. We have a very limited number of spots available for each school so do not wait to sign up. Go and check our After-school page on this website for prices and workshop calendar. If you have any questions do not hesitate and contact us.

What happens with the After-School Program and Homeschool Workshops when school is closed or canceled?

Our STEAM After-School Program follows the Wilson County school calendar very closely. If schools are closed, all Braingineers Lab workshops and programs will also be closed. If schools close early due to impending inclement weather, our bus will run early. (Make sure you select the option for pick-up on early closure days in your registration packet.) Braingineers Lab will be open for 3 hours after students arrive at the Lab. For example, if schools close at 11:15 am, we will pick up at schools and arrive back at our Lab at approximately 11:45 am. Parent pick up time that day will then be 2:45 pm. STEAM related activities will be provided by mentors, but regular afternoon workshops will be canceled for the day, including workshops for Workshop-Only students.

Do you offer Fall, Spring, and Summer Break camps?

Yes! We will offer some partial day camps during summer, spring, and fall breaks. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to get the details!

Do you offer programs for Homeschoolers?

Definitely! Braingineers Lab has an entire program designed for Homeschool families during weekday mornings. Check our Homeschool program page for more information about dates, times, and workshops offered.

Do you offer tutoring?

We plan to offer small group tutoring as an optional addition to our After-School Elementary and After-School Middle programs if there is enough interest. Small group tutoring for Homeschool may also be available upon demand. We may require a minimum number of people to show interest to open registration for tutoring.

Are there extra fees in addition to the workshop fee/program tuition?

We have a yearly registration fee of $75 per student. For Homeschool and Workshop-Only Options, there is a $50 deposit required to reserve your seat, and that is credited directly toward your workshop fee and that's it! There are no extra supply fees, just choose your program or workshop and join in the fun!

What makes us different?

Our technology mentor has a Computer Science Engineering degree, our Spanish immersion workshops are taught by a native Spanish speaker. Our art mentor has a degree as well. All our mentors are passionate about fun hands-on STEAM enrichment and have experience with kids and with their workshop categories. Not to mention, unlike any other after-school program around, at Braingineers Lab, your child will have a STEAM Workshop and Makerspace time every day! Plus, we are always exploring! After every 9 weeks, we will move on to exploring new subjects and a different set of skills!

Will my child be behind compared to other students in STEAM skills if he/she joins the After-School Program later in the year?

Not to worry! No previous experience is required for our After-School Programs. Our mentors are very good at tailoring workshops to age-appropriate levels and accommodating new Braingineers, filling in the gaps to the best of their abilities. Ours is a unique atmosphere of exploration, encouragement, and collaboration, where students help each other learn and brainstorm and no idea or question is a silly one!

Are there pre-requisites for level 2 classes like Spanish Immersion 2?

Since our After-School Program is all-inclusive, there are no pre-requisites required and we will accommodate new Braingineers to the best of our abilities. For Homeschool or Workshop-Only options, however, please choose the level 1 workshop before moving on to level 2. If level 1 is not currently being offered, consider choosing another fun workshop and watch for the level 1 to come back around into the schedule.

Can I have a birthday party in your space?

We are working on offering this pretty soon! Please shoot us an e-mail and let us know if this is something specific you'd like to see!

Do you offer gift cards?

Absolutely! and the best part is that they never expire. This is a great way to get family members or friends that perfect gift to your Braingineer. Share this link Gift card with your family and friends.