Absolute Value Academy

05/30/2026

Summer break may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean your kids’ brains have to turn to mush! Activities like weekly chess clubs are a great way to keep kids’ minds engaged while having fun, spending time with friends, and developing their skills as a player! AVA’s first chess club kicks off on June 8th. Snag a spot for your kid here:

⏰ 12-1:30PM
📅 June 8-12
📍 AVA, 180 Fort Couch Road

AVA's favorite chess guru is back for the summer! Kick off summer break with Jack Vuillemot for this week-long program that blends instruction with guided play, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. Students will learn key strategies, tactics, and game fundamentals, then apply....

05/13/2026

What is "stealth learning?" Read the article to find out!

Last summer, KDKA's Kidsburgh interviewed AVA owner Heather Earley for this article on keeping kids' minds active and engaged throughout the long summer months. It's a great read with lots of ideas for parents to consider -- from structured summer camps to informal, creative things parents can do with their kids at home. Hopefully it will inspire you to create fun educational opportunities -- and if you do it right, kids don't even realize they're learning! More info on summer programs at AVA on our website absval.net

'Stealth learning' is a perfect antidote to 'summer melt'! Details here.

05/12/2026

College Applications Don’t Have to Be Overwhelming!

At Absolute Value Academy, we provide structured, strategic college admissions support designed to reduce stress and elevate results.

Whether your student needs:

✍️ Expert essay coaching
📋 A clear admissions roadmap
🎯 Or overarching guidance with integrated SAT preparation

We offer tiered support to meet families exactly where they are. Our "Tier II Comprehensive" Admissions Package is our most popular option: Start-to-finish planning, including essay development for up to eight schools; application oversight with deadline tracking; and scholarship support.
Spots are limited each cycle to ensure personalized attention.

📩 Message us at absval.net to schedule a consultation and determine the right fit for your student.

05/07/2026

Chess is more than a game — it helps kids build focus, patience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Summer is the perfect time to sharpen strategic thinking while staying socially engaged and having fun with peers. Whether your child is brand new to chess or already loves to play, our summer chess clubs keep minds active in a fun, encouraging environment♟️

Visit absval.net/summer-camps/ to see all of our programs!

05/03/2026

Is your child heading into 7th grade this fall? Don’t let hard-earned math skills fade away over summer break. Enroll today and give your child a summer advantage that lasts all year!

✅ One session per week – just 6 weeks total!
✅ Fun, engaging lessons focused on key math concepts
✅ Small group format for personal attention
✅ Boost confidence and get a head start on 7th grade
📅 Starts this summer – limited spots available!
📍 In-person at our center on Fort Couch Road
👩‍🏫 Led by experienced, certified math teachers

MONDAYS 4-5PM Is your child heading into 7th grade this fall? Don’t let hard-earned math skills fade away over summer break! One session per week – just 6 weeks total! Fun, engaging lessons focused on key math concepts Small group format for personal attention Boost confidence and get a head sta...

05/02/2026

Haven’t registered for summer camps yet? Take a look at these exciting, hands-on camps for kids ages 10-15! If your child is interested in any of the following hobbies/skills, they’ll find the perfect camp at AVA!

🎶 Music
♟️ Chess
👩‍💻Technology
🖼️ Art & Animation
🐉 D&D
✍️ Short Story Writing
🕵️‍♀️👮‍♂️ Criminal Justice / Forensics
🎼 Songwriting

Register now at Absval.net/summer-camps/

05/01/2026

Kudos to all of these amazing students ! 👏🏻 I’m especially happy (and not at all surprised) to see Caroline Rost (University of Pennsylvania Award) and Emma Curren (University of Virginia Award) among the recipients of these honors. Both young women work for us at AVA and epitomize intelligence and character. So proud of them 😊

Writing the next chapter! Congratulations to 29 Mt. Lebanon High School students honored with 2026 Book Awards for their academic excellence and community involvement! For more details, visit our website: https://mtle.bo/2026BookAwards

05/01/2026

The first one filled up so fast, we've added another CSI camp to our summer roster!

Perfect for true crime or mystery lovers, this immersive camp provides engaging, hands-on learning in forensic science and the legal system. Ideally designed for students ages 12+. Taught by Criminal Justice professors from Point Park University.

MONDAY-FRIDAY 1-4PM Step into the shoes of a detective and forensic investigator in this immersive, hands-on, CSI camp. "The Case of the Killer Clown" challenges students to solve a thrilling murder mystery using real-world investigative techniques. From crime scene analysis to courtroom drama, stud...

04/25/2026

Summer Chess Clubs♟️have been added to our schedule! Everyone's favorite chess guru, Jack Vuillemot, is back and ready to challenge, teach, and inspire players to raise their game! All levels welcome. Recommended ages 10-15. Three different weeks to choose from! Registration required; find club links here:
absval.net/chess

📆 June 8-12; June 15-19; and July 13-17

🎯 AVA, 180 Fort Couch Road, Suite 150 -- across from South Hills Village Mall.

04/24/2026

Do you have a budding writer at home? Then you know it can be difficult to find places for them to truly develop their skills under the guidance of professional writers and educators. At AVA, we are excited to offer our upcoming 5-day summer workshop for young writers! Students will experiment with character, setting, dialogue, and plot while drafting one or more original short stories. Younger writers receive structured support and creative scaffolding, while older students focus on voice, revision, and narrative technique. Spaces are limited; register here ⬇️

MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-12PM Students explore the craft of short fiction through prompts, discussion, and guide writing time. They experiment with character, setting, dialogue, and plot while drafting one or more original short stories. Younger write receive structured support and creative scaffolding, wh...