Group Class Program
Our guided chess curriculum improves concentration and academic confidence.
Weekly 1-hour classes. Supervised peer play. Rank-based promotion system.
How Chess Enables Success
Increased Focus
Social Enrichment
Calculation
Memory and Visualization
More than Just a Game
Why are parents and educators choosing chess as an extracurricular?
Since 1974, researchers have been studying the benefits of chess in child development and education. For students struggling to adapt in a traditional classroom, “chess teaches the rewards of concentration as well as provides immediate penalties for lapses” (Dauvergne, 2000).
Schools implementing chess programs have seen a soaring improvement in math and reading (Palm, 1991), as well as the development of “intellectual, esthetic, sporting, decision-making, concentration, and perseverance skills”(Deyermond, Superintendent for North Tonawanda City School District).
Promotion System
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New to Chess
This class is best suited for students with completely new to chess and still need instruction on the basic rules.
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USCF Unrated-199
Pawn class is best suited for students who have no formal classroom experience with chess, but already understand piece movements, check, checkmate, and how to castle.
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USCF 200-399
Knight class is a great fit for students who have prior competitive chess experience or have received formal lessons for three or more months.
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USCF 400-599
Bishop class is designed for students who have about a year’s worth of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.
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USCF 600-899
Rook class is for students with more than 2+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.
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USCF 900-1199
Queen class is best suited for students with 4+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.
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USCF 1200-1599
King class is a great fit for students with 5+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.
How can my student promote into the next level?
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When your student has remained long enough within a level or by coach’s discretion, they will be administered a promotion exam. You may also request for a promotion exam to be taken, if your student has not already taken an exam within the last month.
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Your student can promote to the next level based off their US Chess Rating. They can gain a rating by acquiring a US Chess ID and attending over-the-board tournaments.
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Your student may also be promoted by a coach’s discretion. Our coaches pay close attention to students during class, and if your student is preforming above their classroom level, a coach may recommend a promotion.