Zaniac, Jersey City

Giving your children the tools that will prepare them for a bright and successful future starts NOW! Science and technology, engineering and math are key areas of study for kids today. What if there was a place to foster those skills, set in an environment of fun. Welcome Zaniac to Jersey City. Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Math. For kids in grades K-8.

Zaniac is the go-to after school and summer camp STEAM-enrichment center for parents who want to give their children an academic edge and 21 st century skills for a better future. Kids experience STEAM exploration and discover how much fun learning can be in Zaniac’s high-tech environment.

Zaniac was built to engage K-8 students around the world in supplemental science, technology, engineering, and math education – giving them the skills and motivation they need to create a better future. Zaniac programs are designed from the ground up to prioritize fun, active engagement, and an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving. JCMK had the opportunity to visit Zaniac and meet the owner Sonali Pai, to get a better understanding about the program and how it seeks to bring a new element of learning to Jersey City. 

Q: How did Zaniac get started?

Sonali Pai: Paul Zane Pilzer opened the first Zaniac learning center in 2012 in Park City, Utah. Today there are 12 Zaniac centers across the country, bringing Zane’s unique, individualized, “learning is fun” approach to teaching STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) to K-8 children. Zaniac’s offerings include after school classes, vacation programs, summer camp, homework center, and onsite birthday parties. Sonali Pai, the founder of the Zaniac Jersey City campus, is a Jersey City resident and mother of two small children. Having worked in marketing for the past 15 years, she decided to open the first Zaniac in her home-state.

“I saw that parents in Jersey City are looking for safe, creative spaces for their children to be inspired and to learn. I know that Jersey City will be a great home for Zaniac—we have already been warmly welcomed into the community where residents recognize the importance of STEAM based learning and we can’t wait to grow alongside the residents here.”

Q: What is the difference between STEM and STEAM? And why is a STEAM-based curriculum so important for children today?

Sonali Pai:  I like to say that STEAM is actually the new STEM. It is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. It teaches problem-solving, collaboration, and aids in the creative process. This approach was formerly known as STEM, but recently the arts are starting to be recognized as a key ingredient for success. At Zaniac, we incorporate the arts through fashion design, where the children can build a fashion or jewelry line, print the designs out on a 3-D printer, and then actually wear their designs. We also use GarageBand to make music, because there are natural rhythms in composing which, at the fundamental level, are very scientific. So while the end result is art, the children use scientific principles to get there.

STEAM is vital for our children, as STEAM learners will be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%.  If you take Computer Science as an example, 93% of parents want their child to learn some Computer Science, but only 40% of schools teach it. Clearly we need tools to bridge the gap.  It is clear that most jobs of the future will require a solid understanding of math and science, yet, sadly, mathematics and science scores on average among U.S. students are lagging behind other developing countries. At Zaniac, we provide children with the quality educational tools they need at an early age to build their confidence in these subject areas so they can excel in the future.

Q: How do you assess a child’s learning level at Zaniac?

Sonali Pai: We specifically gear instruction to each child so that he or she can master each subject level and then move on. For example, we have 15 levels of math and each stage has 5 principles. A child must master all 5 principles before moving on to the next level. It doesn’t matter what age the child is; it is about mastery. This is all determined by continual assessments. Instructor's email parents after every session to keep them posted about a child’s key accomplishments and challenges. We also send out videos and supplemental notes if a parent wants to work with their child independently. Parents don’t get that kind of transparency in school because teachers, who may have 10, 20, or more kids in each class, simply don’t have the time. Our 5:1 student to instructor ratio ensures that each student will be taught individually and at their unique level.

Q: What kind of technology will Zaniac provide to students and instructors?

Sonali Pai: We pride ourselves are providing a state-of-the-art, high-tech environment for the children. Our campus is equipped with 15 IMacs, 5 laptops, and 4 classrooms which are all outfitted with Mac Minis that are loaded with software that can range from Game Based Learning Programs such as Minecraft, to Fashion Design to Computer Programming. Additionally we have a 3D printer which takes children from the process of ideating to creating, as well as electrical engineering tools LittleBits and Lego Robotics EV3 Platform. Our focus is to have a colorful inspirational space that allows children from to be excited each time they walk in.

The team at Zaniac are true innovators and their goal is to provide STEAM instruction in a fun way. "They key is to have them learning but not realize it." We are so excited to welcome Zaniac to Jersey City to offer our children the tools they will need to advance in the future. 

Here are just a few of the amazing programs and classes that Zaniac offers. 

Summer Camps

Zaniac Summer Camps Rock! ​ Let your child’s imagination and curiosity run wild this summer at Zaniac!  Zaniac Summer Camps are the perfect combination of STEAM learning and fun. Each camp is tailored to your child’s needs and grouped for your child’s age and grade. 

Zane Math

Build confidence & real academic advantage using a breakthrough approach 
At Zaniac, we believe that all children can learn and become excited about math in the right environment. We build on the great work teachers do in the classroom to support your child where she or he needs it most. With Zane Math, your student will experience a world-class curriculum coordinated with what she or he is studying in school. This makes it easy to extend the lessons learned at Zaniac to the classroom. In fact, the backbone of Zane Math is custom software that allows Zaniac to create a program to best fit your child’s needs.

Computer Programming

Kick-start your journey into the world of code 
In Computer Programming, students work with Zaniac instructors to solve computing problems and learn real-world skills that software developers use every day. Go from true beginner to writing custom games in Python, all while having a blast along the way. Coding has never been more cool. 

Zaniac Robotics: LEGO®

Bring math and technology skills to life with LEGO® Mindstorms 
Zaniac Robotics teaches engineering and math concepts like mechanics, physics, design, and environmental science using some of the latest LEGO EV3 Robotics systems. Work with Zaniac’s robotics experts to build and program complex robot systems. 

Homework Center

Homework Center gives kids the attention they need to succeed 
At Zaniac, we understand what a difference a little bit of extra attention can make in children’s confidence in school. That’s why Zaniac’s trained instructors are available each day after school and on Saturdays to help your student with homework. 
Zaniac offers a fun environment for your child to come hang out and get extra attention and help on the topics she or he is studying in school. In turn, your student gains confidence in his or her ability to achieve in the classroom. 

Birthday Parties

Birthday Parties can be FUN and INSPIRING!
Birthday Celebrations at Zaniac entertain kids Pre-K — 8 and are STEM focused. Children will work and play together with Zaniac’s unique STEM programs. Create a biome, program a robot, strategize in Chess or build a video game with Scratch. Build STEM skills as you blow out candles!

Parents Night Out Events

Date Night for Parents, 
Educational Play for Kids! 
Parents’ Night Out Events at Zaniac are popular! Plan your date nights in advance. Your K-8th grade kids will have a blast exploring and discovering with our technology and engineering programs! 

 For a complete list of all program offerings click HERE

 To register for classes click HERE