Absolute Value Academy

07/12/2025

JUST ADDED!

4-5:30PM, July 28-August 1 Join your friends in this exciting camp as you explore the epic world of fantasy and storytelling! Throughout the week, campers will get to experience all that this exciting role-playing game has to offer: creativity, teamwork, problem solving, and fun!

07/10/2025

LOVING this week's Intro to Percussion camp! These budding rockstars have been hard at work learning about rhythm, tempo, keeping time with the metronome, learning names of the 3 million (slight exaggeration) percussion auxiliary instruments and, of course, mastering the classic rock beat on drum set 🤩

07/07/2025

🧠 Inside the Criminal Mind 🔍
TUESDAYS, 6–7:30PM | July 8–29 | Ages: Adult

Why do people commit crimes—and what can their minds tell us about their motives? Join us at Absolute Value Academy for a gripping 4-week course that dives into the psychology of criminal behavior.

✅ Analyze real-world cases
✅ Debunk myths from movies and media
✅ Explore forensic psychology’s role in solving crimes
✅ Debate the motives of serial offenders and white-collar criminals

Whether you're a true-crime ju**ie or are simply fascinated by human behavior, this course will challenge the way you think about justice, humanity, and the forces that drive people to cross the line.

Where: 180 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241
When: Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, July 8-29

TUESDAYS 6-7:30PM, July 1-29 What drives someone to commit a crime? In this eye-opening course, we’ll explore the psychology behind criminal behavior using real-world case studies and expert theories. You’ll uncover the truths that popular media often gets wrong and examine the powerful role of ...

07/05/2025

We have spaces available in TWO camp programs next week!

2-3:30PM INTRO TO PERCUSSION 🥁🪇- The rhythm is gonna get you! Campers will explore rhythm, timing, and teamwork using a full drum set and a variety of auxiliary percussion instruments — from tambourines to bongos to claves and more. Taught by AVA co-owner, professional percussionist, and expert educator Tom Earley. Register here: https://absval.net/product/summer-camp-intro-to-percussion-july-7-11-2-330pm/

4-5:30PM PRACTICAL SELF-DEFENSE FOR KIDS - Now more than ever, kids need a practical set of skills -- including situational awareness and the correct self-defense mindset -- they can use to protect themselves in dangerous, real-world situations. Taught by Dr. Sean Martin, a 5th-degree black belt in Combat Jujitsu and Freestyle Karate, and founder and grandmaster of the Kage-Essensu Defense System.
Register here: https://absval.net/product/summer-camp-practical-self-defense-for-teens-july-7-11/

*There's a 30-minute break between sessions .... campers who stay for both camps play chess or other games during the break, and they often bring a bagged lunch or snack to enjoy!

07/01/2025

Updated Camp Schedule 😀 Register at absval.net/summer-camps/

06/29/2025

🎓 Parents of Recently Graduated Seniors! 🎓
Is your teen REALLY ready for college life?

Join us for "How to Not 'F' Up in College" -- a hands-on, in-person workshop designed and led by college professors, psychologists, and expert educators who know exactly where freshmen struggle—and how to keep your teen from making those same mistakes.

We'll teach the real-world skills most students wish they had before stepping on campus:
✅ How to manage time (without mom reminding them)
✅ Emailing professors like a pro
✅ Handling homesickness, stress, and roommate drama
✅ Staying on top of academics and having a social life
✅ Personal safety and security

Designed to build confidence, resilience, and college success from Day 1.

📍180 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241
📅 July 21, 23, 28, 30

👉 https://absval.net/product/how-not-to-f-up-in-college-6-8pm-july-21-23-28-30/

06/27/2025

As parents and adults, we spend so much time doing for others -- but when's the last time you did something just for you?

Our new ADULT CLASSES start next week, and they're the perfect way to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of learning. (And no tests, so bonus!!). Drinks and snacks provided, too!

🧠 Learn something new
🤝 Connect with other adults in our community
⏱ Just once a week, usually in the evenings
📅 Most classes are just 4 weeks long
👨‍🏫 Classes designed and taught by experts in their fields

Whether you're looking to pick up a new skill, try something creative, or simply enjoy some grown-up time out, this is your chance! Current classes include: Inside the Criminal Mind; iPhone Photography; Writing Across Genres, Chess, and more!

👉Message me or visit absval.net/continuing-education/ to reserve your spot!

06/24/2025

Is your middle-schooler looking for a challenge this summer? Send them to us and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping week of puzzles, codes, and creative problem-solving — because each day brings a brand new themed escape room challenge!

Campers will need to use logic, observation skills, and outside-the-box thinking as they race against the clock to “break out” before time runs out. One day you might be solving a murder case, the next decoding a spy message or uncovering the origin story of the 999 ghosts in Disney's Haunted Mansion.

It’s high-energy, hands-on, and wildly fun — and along the way, kids sharpen essential skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience under pressure.

💥 No two days are the same. Ready to take the challenge?

📅 July 7-11
🕒 12-1:30PM
📍 Absolute Value Academy, 180 Fort Couch Road, South Hills

✅ Spots are limited — register now and unlock your summer adventure!

12-1:30PM, JULY 7-11 Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping week of puzzles, codes, and creative problem-solving — because each day brings a brand new themed escape room challenge! Campers will need to bring their teamwork, logic, observation skills, and outside-the-box thinking as they race against ...

06/23/2025

Do you have a creative middle-schooler at home? Next week's camp schedule is filled with options just for them!
* MIXED MEDIA ART🎨
* CREATIVE WRITING: SHORT STORIES ✏️
* DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION WITH PROCREATE 💻
Register here:

Summer Camps Course Offerings book a class Our Absolute Schedule Summers at AVA are filled with non-stop, exciting programs designed to keep young minds engaged and inspired! Led by experts […]

06/17/2025

Get ready for bold colors, big ideas, and art that pops! In this weeklong creative camp, students will dive into the exciting world of Pop Art, where everyday objects and celebrity culture become works of art. Campers will explore iconic styles, experiment with vibrant color palettes, and create their own original pieces inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein. We’ll explore how comic books, advertisements, street art, and social media have all played a role in shaping this playful and powerful art style. No experience needed—just a love for fun, expressive art!
🗓 1 week | ⏰ 1.5 hrs/day | 📍Absolute Value Academy

👉 Spots are limited—register now:

July 21-25, 10-11:30AM Get ready for bold colors, big ideas, and art that pops! In this weeklong creative camp, students will dive into the exciting world of Pop Art, where everyday objects and celebrity culture become works of art. Campers will explore iconic styles, experiment with vibrant color p...