Innova Academy

Ignite Your Child's Creative Genius

At Innova Academy, we believe in nurturing young minds and hearts for self-expression, innovation, and leadership, unlocking the unique gifts they're meant to give the world.

Who & How

We are passionate artists and educators offering creativity classes for kids grades K-6 in Bentonville schools.

We come to your child’s after-school care program weekly to share our holistic curriculum centered around mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and unrestrained creative expression!

Reach out to try a class for FREE.

esme@innovanwa.com

Here's what parents are saying...

After seeing Caden's excitement at the end of the free class, we knew we wanted to enroll. We wish you were at our school every day after school! We really enjoy seeing Caden's creations come home.

From a parenting perspective, I really like the mindfulness aspects, and don't think I have seen other programs that offer that.

- Darleen Hansen

Autumn absolutely adores you and always looks forward to the projects you all work on. She is very in touch with her feelings so we love how this class offers her age-appropriate instruction on how to navigate her emotions.

She loves her sessions with you and tells us all about the amazing things she’s learning.

- Terri Level

My kids have loved their Innova classes. I loved seeing them acting out emotions as a game when I picked them up recently. Learning to express emotions in a healthy way will give them such a leg up in their lives!

Esme is warm and caring and watching her connect with my children is wonderful. I can't recommend her class enough!

- Anna Gonzalez

My children have truly benefited from the way Esme teaches in her program. They've not only enjoyed the creative freedom it offers, but they've also gained a deeper understanding of their emotions and learned how to express themselves in a healthy, constructive way.

The balance of fun and learning has been perfect for them. I'm so grateful for this program and would trust Esme to love and effectively guide any child.

- Rachel Mabbitt

Unlike Any Other Art Lessons

We throw out the manual so kids can engage with the organic creative process

Music & Dance

Students learn to express their ideas through rhythm, sound, and movement. Instead of duplicating other people's songs & routines, they create their own.

Theater/Drama

Students learn social and emotional skills through drama exercises. Rather than reciting a script, they learn to create and perform their own stories.

Students are given abundant materials and inspirational prompts to create original masterpieces, instead of copying the teacher's art. We value process over product!

Visual Arts

See our students in action!

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from other art classes?

We have a unique focus on process over product. That means the projects your kids bring home will not look like a perfectly reproduced Pinterest masterpiece, but they will always be an authentic expression of your child's mind and heart.

Students are encouraged to follow their intuitive impulses to create something that doesn't look like the teacher's or other students' creations--it uniquely reflects them. We use thoughtful prompts and actively engage curiosity and open-mindedness during the creative process.

How much does it cost?

Enrollment in Innova Academy is $85/month while school is in session. There is a semester supply fee of $50. All fees are automatically debited from your card on file.

What will my child be learning in class?

Our weekly curriculum includes a lesson on mindfulness meditation, a facet of emotional intelligence (e.g. social awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, self-positivity, emotional accountabiltiy, etc.), and an open-ended creative project. These projects are currently visual art-based, though theater and movement are incorporated as space permits (location-dependent).

How can I contact you?

Feel free to send more questions to esme@innovanwa.com.

I'm interested but not ready to commit--what are my options?

Your child is welcome to try a class for free! You can join any time during the semester, and can cancel enrollment at the end of any semester.

Esme's story

Innova Academy was born of the unmet needs of my own five neurodivergent children. I lamented the limited approach of their music, dance, and art training. They were taught to duplicate the creations of their teachers and legendary masters, which does have value, but I wanted them to also trust their instincts to craft artistic masterpieces originating from their own quirky, brilliant brains.

I also considered what skills my kids would need to be successful, contributing members of society, as well as what type of leadership is needed to solve this world's increasingly complex problems. I noticed they need more opportunities to develop and practice curiosity, creativity, and compassion, among other right-brained qualities.

I started Innova to provide the rich, nourishing emotional and creative environment I believe all children need to thrive. My years as a holistic mental health practitioner have taught me that successful pursuits integrate mind, body, heart, and soul, so the curriculum I’ve developed does just that.

I have a deep passion and gift for seeing the highest potential in every child and holding that vision while they build the confidence to express it! With the proper support and training, our children will grow up to create innovative, compassionate solutions our world desperately needs! I’m honored to be part of their inspiring educational journeys.