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"Brain Power’s style and philosophy of teaching is perfectly in line with current pedagogical research"

Rachel Guitman — Camp alumni

When someone asks me about Brain Power, I often find it hard to fully explain – it is not analogous to any other extracurricular academic program I’m aware of. I took both math and English courses at Brain Power throughout elementary and high school, but it gave me so much more than just math or English skills. As a student at Brain Power, you learn how to think critically and how to see the world in an innovative way. We don’t, however, learn these skills in elementary or high school, despite how vital they are for academic and intellectual success! That is why Brain Power is so useful and, in my opinion, necessary for anyone invested in their education. Moreover, Reuven and Karine are exceptional teachers, along with the rest of the staff. The teaching approach they use is highly innovative and effective. Students end up as engaged partners in their own learning, rather than as uninterested participants who blindly regurgitate information. In fact, the further I go into academia, the more I can see how absolutely invaluable Brain Power’s services are. Students get the tools to succeed not just in report cards, but also in actual learning. More than that, Brain Power’s style and philosophy of teaching is perfectly in line with current pedagogical research. It just doesn’t get much better than Brain Power. As an alumna and a second-year university student, I highly recommend their classes! I am happy to further elaborate on my experiences if anybody would like to know more. -Rachel Guitman — Brain Power Alumni

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"My educational career made a 180 degree turn..."

Erik Brenner — Camp alumni

My mother and I met with Dr. Karine Rashkovsky, one of the many spectacular professors who teach at Brain Power Enrichment. Throughout the years at Brain Power, I honed my skills in improving my English studies with the help of the wonderful professors who taught there. They made me feel as if I was their friend rather than a student. Weekly emails were encouraged by the professors to keep contact with students as well. Brain Power has taught me that being educated can actually be fun and I never had an issue attending seminars. My educational career made a 180 degree turn as soon as I enrolled in the programs offered at Brain Power. I am thankful for everything the wonderful staff has taught me and I know that without them I would not be the same person I am today as I head to university. - Erik Brenner — Brain Power Alumni

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Thanks, Karine!

Evelyn Beilin — Camp alumni

Dear Karine, I would like to thank you for all your help, time, and the support you gave me in applying to competitions, writing my speeches, and submitting my speeches to the committees. I really appreciate it. Also, just recently I went to a Model UN conference. Due to the public speaking course at Brain Power, I had the confidence and courage to speak confidently. I won an Honourable Mention Award because of you and Brain Power. I am looking forward to having more opportunities at Brain Power. Thank you so much, Evelyn Beilin

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Accepted to Harvard's Pre-College Program!

Ernest Tang — Camp alumni

Dear Karine, The summer at Harvard’s Pre-College Program will be very unique and invaluable to my learning. I am so glad I found out about this program through Brain Power, and I am very grateful for being provided with this opportunity. I have high hopes for these two weeks, and I am looking forward to taking part in this program. Sincerely, Ernest Tang

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I made it!

Rebecca Beagley — Camp alumni

Hello Karine, It’s Rebecca! Today I got the results back for the IB applications and exam and I made it! I’m very proud of myself, and I’d like to thank you for your amazing teaching. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you! I also got into AP, and it’s nice that I have multiple opportunities! Thank you for your help! – Rebecca Beagley

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Thanks, Karine and Brain Power!

Matthew Dai — Camp alumni

Hi Karine and Brain Power, I am so excited to update you with my current university offers! I got in! THANK YOU for your help with my university applications – it really had an impact on my success and the final quality of my submissions. These are the offers with supplementary applications: Schulich School of Business at York & Waterloo Accounting and Financial Management Co-op. Thanks again! Matthew Dai

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"We are happy to be part of Brain Power’s journey to enhance kids’ intellectual potential"

Raj Shekar Basani — Parent

Hi Karine, I want to congratulate you and the entire Brain Power team for another very enriching year for your Brain Power students. Both my daughters are happy to be at Brain Power and they thank me and my wife for putting them into Brain Power all the time. We are happy to be part of Brain Power’s journey to enhance kids’ intellectual potential. I am sure all of your students will attribute their success in future endeavours to your programs. I am certainly glad that we have your program. -Raj Shekar Basani (Parent of Brain Power students)

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Thank you, Karine!

Anna (Daniel Bondarev's mom) — Parent

Hello Karine, Out of all extracurricular activities over the past few years, Daniel has said that the language skills he has learned at Brain Power have helped him the most. I can only express my gratitude and appreciation for the continuous improvements in Daniel’s writing. I greatly appreciate your feedback on Daniel’s work. I like his essays, too! I believe he enjoys the course and Language Arts very much — it allows for his freedom of expression. That is where his inquisitive mind can let the ideas out. Thank you so much for encouraging his creative thinking. Thank you again! Best, Anna (Daniel’s mom)

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Thank you, Joel!

Tamina Basarab — Parent

Hello Joel, Just wanted to say thank you for teaching Daniel this year. He enjoyed your class very much and he is looking forward to starting Intermediate 1 in September. Daniel has graduated grade 6 and will be doing Extended Intermediate French Immersion at a different school for the next two years. He is the proud recipient of the ‘Personal Growth’ award among the graduating grade 6 students at his school. I wanted to share this with you, as I believe you have contributed to Daniel’s achievement through what you have taught him this past year. Thank you again and I wish you a great summer. Regards, Tamina Basarab

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Thank you, Brain Power!

Ming and Yifu (Amber’s parents) — Parent

Dear Brain Power: Amber loved her classes and gained tremendous confidence in English literature since starting her course this year. She was in French immersion for three years and was a little behind in English when we switched her to a gifted program in a full English school. Brain Power aroused her interest in reading and helped her make huge progress in comprehension and writing. She was eager to go to her classes every time and not to miss any. As parents, we see the positive changes coming along and can’t thank you enough. We deeply appreciate your efforts in making Amber a better student in English and a better person. Thank you so much! Brain Power can make a good kid great! Best regards, Ming and Yifu (Amber’s parents)

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Thanks, Brain Power!

Patrict Cui and Family — Camper

Dear Karine and Brain Power: My family and I want to thank you for all your hard work this past year and for Brain Power’s existence. I personally wanted to thank you and the great teachers at Brain Power who work with you. Also, you are an awesome teacher. You’re such an inspiration and a role model for both my sister and me. We love your classes! Thank you. Patrick Cui and family

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"This year was my first year at Brain Power, and it certainly will not be the last"

Rotem — Camper

This year was my first year at Brain Power, and it certainly will not be the last. The teachers are remarkable. I would like to give a special thanks to Karine who has helped and taught me so much throughout the year. I felt very comfortable seeking help and just as grateful receiving it. Brain Power has not only taught me so much and has helped me in many ways, it has also introduced and exposed me to new and amazing experiences. I am very happy with my first year at Brain Power; it has undoubtedly helped me to improve myself and my academics. -Rotem, Brain Power student

Dr. Karine Rashkovsky , Founder, Director, & Lead Instructor of Brain Power Enrichment Programs Ltd.

Brain Power offers many unique courses in the fields of English Language Arts; Public Speaking; Mathematics and Problem Solving; Science; Mechanics of Writing; Entrance Exam Preparation; High School Preparation; University Preparation; and Ivy League Preparation.

A leader in after-school enrichment, Brain Power empowers bright and gifted students in grades 1 through 12 who thrive in a challenging environment. Brain Power has grown over the decades with what I describe as a mission “to provide unique curriculum, world-class teaching, and experiential learning opportunities, all while exceeding current educational standards and promoting a social conscience.” As the founder and director, it is my aim to make it clear to those new to Brain Power that we are not one of the many tutoring centres that dominate after-school education options; rather, we are a niche after-school enrichment learning centre designated only for bright and gifted students, thus responding to the provincial and federal demand for fostering the growth of ambitious students. Indeed, given our unique approach, Brain Power has put Canada on the map for enrichment education for bright children in the world.

Unlike other after-school learning centres, our goal is not to have our students speed through the Ministry of Education’s curriculum. Instead, we have developed our own advanced enrichment curriculum that is taught by (mostly) Ph.D. level instructors. These high education levels, unique compared to other enrichment centres, mean that our instructors have the expertise to teach sophisticated and challenging ideas. Our brilliant students, who are often not sufficiently stimulated by their day schools, find true mentors in our instructors, who are curious intellectuals like them. Providing a refreshingly low student-to-teacher ratio in relation to most classrooms, our raison d’etre is to be an ideal learning space for high-achieving students.

Brain Power is a mecca of intellectual achievement and social justice that stirs students’ interests in academic pursuits and global issues far beyond the scope of a single school. With Brain’s support and encouragement, our students participate in an array of academic, creative, and entrepreneurial competitions, collaborations, and showcases. They have won top prizes in an array of prestigious local, provincial, national and international academic and entrepreneurial competitions. We’re proud of our students, and we plan to continue providing motivating mentorship and experiential growth opportunities like no other educational facility in North America.

Brain Power graduates tend to have incredible academic achievements, obtain impressive scholarships, take on amazing career trajectories, and live inspiring success stories - and they attribute their success to the fantastic opportunities they found at Brain Power. There is nothing we are more proud of than playing a part in their impressive accomplishments and helping to create young innovators and future leaders.

Our star team of staff makes Brain Power a site of educational excellence. Since I select instructors for their playfulness, gregariousness, and charisma in addition to their educational credentials, Brain Power is a fun and animated space where like-minded people meet. Looking at the staff and students at Brain Power, I feel very optimistic about our future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karine Rashkovsky

Founder & Director

Brain Power

www.brainpower.ca

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Matthew Tong excels on the Johns Hopkins University School and College Ability Test (SCAT) test

We are SO proud of Brain Power student Matthew Tong! Matthew was extremely successful on the Johns Hopkins University School and College Ability Test (SCAT) test! He qualified for both the Advanced CTY-level (Center for Talented Youth) AND CTY level for both Math and Verbal/Reading. In other words, Matthew's scores were above the average of gifted high schoolers from the around the world who also took the test! In fact, he was in the 99th percentile for his math score! This would all be very impressive in any circumstance but it's even more impressive because Matthew is only in Grade 5! What an incredible result, Matthew! Congratulations!

Matthew took Brain Power's Ivy League Prep - Training for Talent program which helped him to achieve this success! For more information about this program, check out our website: https://www.brainpower.ca/summer-programs/

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Brain Power's Ally Zhao wins the prestigious York Region Youth Champion.

Congratulations to Ally Zhao! On May 30, Brain Power Senior 2 student Ally Zhao won a prestigious award: York Region Youth Champion. This award was presented to Ally at the Evening of Recognition by York Region's ClimateWise Business Network. Brain Power's Director and Founder, Dr. Karine Rashkovsky, was asked to speak at this event and present Ally with the prize.

Some more information about the award: This honour is awarded to an individual in our community who is between 15 to 24 years of age and who has shown outstanding commitment to driving sustainability in forward York Region.

Some of Ally's achievements include:

* Selected as 1 out 120 high school students in the world to represent Canada and go to the Arctic with "Students on Ice" to study Climate Change from leading experts. Ally won a scholarship along with the opportunity to attend this momentous learning trip.

* Executive Director of Eco Club for Thornhill Secondary School

* Founder of an organization called Seeds of Awareness that currently hands out native plant species to the school community to help provide education about these types of plants and their value to the environment.

* Key Leader in Thornhill Secondary School's achieving the Platinum Award for Eco Schools competition (an award that recognizes the efforts schools across Ontario has made towards climate change.

We are so proud of Ally! Congratulations once again!

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Alumni Alex Kolodkin's company Set Scouter is now the largest marketplace of film locations in North America.

Super proud of alumnus Alex Kolodkin! 

Alex's company Set Scouter is now the largest marketplace of film locations in North America.

https://betakit.com/toronto-based-film-location-platform-set-scouter-acquires-us-competitor/?fbclid=IwAR0l7mNmo3AU8fX8DM5y2NFR6zoEcWxgPi7ccu01SmCxOz7IkEFmu3KlzJI

Set Scouter was founded in 2012 and launched in July 2013, by Kolodkin and COO Lidia Bit-Yunan. The startup was inspired by Kolodkin’s frustration with attempting to scout out set locations in Toronto as a film student, according to the Financial Post. The startup has worked with Ryerson University’s DMZ, participated in Communitech’s Rev program, and was one of four companies selected for 500 Startups’ Batch 15. In 2014, Kolodkin received a two-year entrepreneurship fellowship from the Ontario Centres of Excellence and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, which helped the startup validate product-market fit and develop its platform.

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Brain Power alumnus, Erik Fridman, an entrepreneur

🖐Meet Erik Fridman 

⭕ACHIEVEMENTS: Founder of Get Crazy Entertainment and C&S Windows; Sales Director at a luxury car dealership; Professional musician, studying entrepreneurship & strategy; mentor for the summer company program at the Vaughan Business Enterprise Center; future in entrepreneurship with a business degree! 

⭕THOUGHTS ON BRAIN POWER: Life-changing. Simply awesome.

⭕TALENTS: Rhetoric, business, writing music, playing guitar, singing

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Rony Besprozvanny, helping Queen's students by developing an app!

Throwback to an alumni's success story - helping uni students with an incredible app! Rony Besprozvanny - you are an IMPRESSIVE humanoid! Brain Power is so proud of you. "Engineering students partner with Queen's IT Services to make iPhone app for students"

 

More here: https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2015-10-05/news/a-way-to-qtap-into-your-schedule/?fbclid=IwAR0r_jIdBZH8dKzAiWtDGQ0tGJimse_LmQZIVS4vryWMdTg5SyN8oTnukNE

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Amazing Brain Power alumna: Lynn Sue-A-Quan

🔵CURRENTLY: The Juilliard School; Bachelor of Music in Viola 

🔵ACHIEVEMENTS: Honour roll in High School; Guelph Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner; Oakville Chamber Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition Winner; The Marta Hidy Prize Concerto Competition Winner; Aspen Music Festival Orchestra Fellowship; C. & H. Lewine Scholarship A.H. Kuhn Memorial Scholarship J. & B. Werter ($35 000!) 

🔵EMPLOYMENT: Violist in a professional orchestra as well as teaching the next generation of artists 

🔵THOUGHTS ON BRAIN POWER: As a middle school student, I would always dread doing public speaking and writing essays. After attending Brain Power, Karine showed me a different perspective in studying English and opened my eyes to a whole new world. It was in her classroom that I realized the true joy of learning. I am indebted to Karine for the passion she has shown me for teaching and learning. She taught us to constantly stay curious and her lessons have helped me grow not only as a student but as a person as well.

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Impressive Brain Power alumnus: Ilia Ostrovsky

🖐 Meet Ilia Ostrovski 

🔵CURRENTLY: Obtained McMaster University - Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours); Attending Queen's University School of Medicine
🔵ACHIEVEMENTS: Banting and Best Scholarship for Diabetes Research; NSERC - Undergraduate Student Research Award; Multiple publications in peer - reviewed journals and oral presentations at international conferences (American Diabetes Association); Former Editor-in-Chief of Queen's Medical Review; Former Managing Editor of The Meducator 5. Founder of the Psychobiology Writing Workshop at McMaster University
🔵CAREER TRAJECTORY: Starting Internal Medicine residency at McMaster 
🔵THOUGHTS ON BRAIN POWER: I'm extremely grateful to Karine and Reuven for helping me discover my interest in writing, which has largely defined and balanced my otherwise science-focused career. I wholeheartedly endorse Brain Power to anyone looking to develop their critical thinking skills in the company of ambitious and intellectually curious peers.

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Diana Pik, an amazing Brain Power Alumni!

 

We are SO impressed by alumnus Diana Pik! 

NEWS: This past week York University hosted an Educational Experience Symposium, during which Diana presented her research. Diana says that thanks to both the writing as well as public speaking and presenting skills she learned at Brain power she was able to showcase her work to York University President and vice-chancellor Rhonda Lenton. WOW! 😮

Diana has been completing an honours biology undergraduate degree at York University and currently working on an honours thesis that she designed herself. 

Congrats, Diana! Brain Power is absolutely thrilled for you and so impressed!

 

 

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