For months Savvy Kids readers had the opportunity to cast their votes for the third annual Savvy Kids Awards. Through online votes and ballots received through snail mail, hundreds of votes were cast. The votes were counted and results are in! Find the winners and runners-up of the third annual Savvy Kids Awards right here. You, our loyal readers, voted for the businesses you felt were the best in their fields—from pediatric clinics to ice cream.
We know, these “Best of the Best” type sections pop up in publications all over, but we at Savvy Kids hope our readers find this section to be a valuable resource. Looking for a daycare center, tutoring service, or furniture store? Check out our list of winners and runners-up to find the best businesses out there. After all, hundreds of folks can’t be wrong!
On the following pages you will find a little information about the winners. And, congratulations to all of the Savvy Kids Awards winners!
EDUCATION
Few things are as important as a well-rounded education. In this section you will find the school voted best in central Arkansas as well as the best educational enhancement classes and tutoring services. See if you agree!
Best Tutoring Center
Winner: Huntington Learning Center
For more than 30 years, Huntington Learning Center, 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, has built its tutoring methods on scientifically based instructional methods. They start with an Academic Evaluation to learn more about a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and put together a learning plan based on the evaluation results. Every Huntington tutor is either state- or Huntington-certified and trained extensively in the most effective teaching methods andwill have your child on the path to academic success.
Runners-up: Learning rX, syLvan
The Little Gym
Best DanCe/gymnastiCs/ CHeer
Winner: tHe LittLe gym
At The Little Gym, (1121 S. Bowman Rd., Little Rock) the environment is fun, but the purpose is serious. For more than 35 years, their trained instructors have nurtured happy, confident kids through a range of programs including parent/child classes, gymnastics, karate, dance and sports skills development, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents’ Survival Nights and Awesome Birthday Bashes. The focus on getting children moving, expanding their minds and teaching life skills. While your child will see The Little Gym as a place to play, you will see noticeable improvements in your child’s abilities and self-confidence.
Runners-up: Huff ‘n puff, DanCers Corner
Best musiC Lesson
Winner: CaroLyn’s KeyBoarD Corner
Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner is a teaching studio which offers a large selection of printed music, instruments and musical gifts. They offer lessons on virtually all musical instruments emphasizing a strong foundation in music fundamentals to students ages five and up. Want to learn to play music but aren’t sure which instrument is right for you? Stop by Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner (11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock) and let the knowledgeable staff introduce you to any instrument in the store.
Runners-up: LittLe roCK Jams, saLine County arts proJeCt
ACCESS Preschools
Best speCiaL neeDs presCHooL
Winner: aCCess
ACCESS Preschool uses art, music, movement and literature daily for multisensory teaching. Their effective teaching method is a lot of fun for children, which is probably why they were voted at the top of this category. ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock) offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities.
runners-up: patHfinDer, HeLping HanDs
Best fieLD trip
Winner: LittLe roCK Zoo
Kids would tell you next to recess, field trips are one of the best things about school. We weren’t surprised to see that, once again, the Little Rock Zoo was voted Best Field Trip. Walking through the zoo looking at the animals with your friends is awesome and listening to keeper chats as you go is even better! End the trip with lunch at Café Africa and a quick ride on the train or carousel. Of course, you don’t have to be a part of a field trip to visit the zoo. Visit today, 1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock.
Runners-up: Heifer viLLage, museum of DisCovery
Little Rock Zoo
Best martiaL arts
Winner: impaCt martiaL arts
Impact Martial Arts will help your or your child build leadership skills, self-esteem, fitness levels, and self- discipline. With two locations, 1819 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, and 9808 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, their certified black belters will instruct you in Taekwondo, self-defense, life skills training and weapons courses. Be sure to visit their website for free visits coupons.
RunneRs-up: unity MaRtial aRts, ata
Best pRivate school
WinneR: pulaski acadeMy
Since 1971, Pulaski Academy (12701 Hinson Rd., Little Rock)has instructed students with a commitment to learning. The school offers instruction for students from preschool through 12th grade with a wealth of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities.Pulaski Academy has also createda very popular summer program, Summer at the Academy, which students look forward to every year.
RunneRs-up: little Rock chRistian, anthony school, aRkansas Baptist
Best puBlic school
WinneR: don RoBeRts eleMentaRy
Don R. Roberts Elementary (16601 LaMarche Dr., Little Rock) is one of the newest schools in the Little Rock School District and offers instruction in grades Pre-K through 5th. The school’s mission is to establish a distinguished tradition of excellence in a diverse environment by nurturing, inspiring and challenging each student to value learning, respect, and to always do the right thing.
RunneRs-up: FulBRight, caBot puBlic schools
Best aRt lessons
WinneR: aRkansas aRt centeR
The Museum School at the Arkansas Arts Center offers a variety of art classes for children, teens and adults of every skill level. Classes are offered on a quarterly basis with day, evening and weekend classes available. Registration is underway for the fall quarter, which begins Sept. 8. Even if you aren’t ready for an art class, you can visit the Arkansas Arts Center (501 E. 9th St., Little Rock) to view their permanent and special exhibits.
RunneRs-up: saline county aRts pRoject, spiRited aRt
Best special needs eleMentaRy
WinneR: access acadeMy
Serving children in Kindergarten through age 21, ACCESS Academy provides students with a comprehensive education and life skills training. ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock) offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities.