Make winter break count!

Winter Academy OPEN for registration

When: December 28 to 30, 2026Monday to Wednesday
Where: Ateitis Foundation1380 Castlewood Drive, Lemont, IL 60439 (map)
Who: Grades 5 to 8

Full refund until December 7

Full-ride scholarships. Tick the scholarship box when you register and tell us what your child would build with AI.Apply when you register. Winter Academy in Lemont, Dec 28 to 30

Learn by making. Grow by exploring.

Our academies turn learning into an experience through hands-on, interactive challenges, emerging AI technology and real-world applications.

About Innovation Grove

who we are

Innovation Grove is where students in grades 5 to 8 learn to think critically, build boldly, and use AI with purpose. Through our Summer, Afterschool, and Winter Academies, students tackle real-world challenges by designing, building, and testing hands-on projects. AI is integrated as a tool for exploration and problem-solving, encouraging independent thinking rather than replacing it. Developed by neuroscientist Loretta Sutkus, PhD, and physician Cheng-ting Lee, MD, Innovation Grove is an educational initiative of F8 Studio LLC.

Who: Grades 5 to 8
When: Summer, Afterschool, Winter
How: Design, build, test

Our programs

Afterschool Summer Winter

Academy programs all through the year, including our brand new Winter Academy over the break. Same rhythm every time: design it, build it, test it.

For kids in grades 5 to 8

Champaign Lemont

Grades 5 to 8, ages 10 to 14. The age group is flexible so please contact us if you would like to see if your child can join us!

Winter Academy full-ride scholarships

What would your child build with AI?

Every family is welcome to apply, and we read every answer. A full-ride scholarship gives you back the tuition you paid.

1Register for the Winter Academy and tick Apply for a scholarship. Already registered? Apply from the Parent Portal.
2Answer the one question, in a sentence or two. There is no wrong answer.
3Applications close November 22. Every family hears from us by Wednesday, November 25, before Thanksgiving.

Everyone pays the full price at registration. If your child is awarded a scholarship, we refund the tuition you paid, minus a $10 processing fee. Extended care is not refunded.

Happening at the Grove

Open now Winter Academy Registration is open now for December 28 to 30 in Lemont.
January 1, 2027 Summer 2027 Pre-registration opens for two themed weeks in June.
January 2027 Afterschool Starts once a week at Next Generation School.

A student at a laptop with the DNA model he built beside him

Two students hold up the illusion drums they built in the Eye Spy Illusion Lab

A student tests the wind turbine on his cardboard house with a hair dryer

An instructor holds a jar of natural dye up to the light while students watch

Students at laptops building their games during Game Time

A student holds up the mirror ball rig he built to save the Discodome

A guest scientist's demo fills the table with fog during Technology Hour

Students working through their Game Time build at the lab bench

A DNA model built from clay and straws, with the lesson slide behind it

A team building their catapult, one arm at a time

A habitat model built in a foil tray, with soil, stones, a fence and marigolds

Cardboard houses with working wind turbines, built from recycled materials

“I have disliked summer camps my entire life. I loved my experience and I want to thank you.”

Middle School student, summer 2026

Hear from the parents

Words from the parents in Summer 2026.

“My son was always excited to get up and go.”

Parent of Franklin STEAM Academy 7th grader

“A BIG thank you to the entire Innovation Grove team! We were so impressed by the thought, care, and creativity that went into the program. Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience!”

Parent of NGS 6th grader

“My child became more confident trying new things. They talked about what they learned at camp and wanted to continue a project or topic at home. Also made new friends.”

Parent of NGS 8th grader

“My son was happy and engaged every day. He was so proud of his work and had a positive attitude. He remembered something he learned daily.”

Parent of Franklin STEAM Academy 7th grader

“My son said this camp was different because he felt respected, trusted, and listened to. Many camps cater to the troublemakers, which means everyone has to stay within the troublemaker rules and limits. Not so with this camp. He had ample opportunity and encouragement to experiment and make something his own way.”

Parent of NGS 8th grader

“My daughter became more curious about science and technology and she talked about what she learned at camp.”

Parent of NGS 7th grader

Coming up

What’s next at the Grove

Here is what is coming up at the Grove, and where to read more.

01 Dec 28 to 30, 2026 Winter Academy NewRegistration is NOW OPENThree days over the winter break at the Ateitis Foundation, 1380 Castlewood Drive, Lemont, IL. Details 02 January 2027 AfterschoolOnce a week at Next Generation School, 3:30 to 5:30 PM, for grades 5 to 8. Details 03 Summer 2027 Summer Academy, ChampaignTwo themed weeks in June. $600 for one week, $1,000 for two. Pre-registration opens January 1. Details 04 Summer 2027 Summer Academy, Lemont NewA new academy for the Chicagoland area. Full details to be released. Details