BBHarts, a new addition to the Palm Springs North (PSN) community at 17601 N.W. 78 Avenue #102, next to the PSN library branch, is an enrichment concept founded by Miriam DeFranco. Students attend BBHarts to engage in purposeful activities and discover their talents while learning core values.
DeFranco was an educator for 20 years in Miami-Dade County Public and Charter schools prior to founding BBHarts, and it was her experience as an educator that opened the path to creating a purposeful and creative enrichment center.
BBHarts first ran as a pilot program at Mater Gardens Academy for two years and encountered positive support and reviews leading to the stand-alone opening of the center last month.
The after-school enrichment program is for children as young as age 4 up until age 12. BBHarts also hosts a performing arts academy for children and adults where children can participate in productions and parents can take free salsa lessons on Friday nights.
BBHarts’ enrichment program runs after-school as early as 2 to 6 p.m. and the performing arts academy runs from 4:15 to 9 p.m. The performing academy also participates in Disney dance events for students to compete in.
The academy aims to develop talents in the arts such as music, dance, theater and visual arts. Enrichment center and academy programs differ in curriculum however both strive to teach core values. Within the enrichment program is the Hart-2-Hart Curriculum, Talent Discovery Curriculum, and Mini-Business Curriculum, each with its own facets of learning that focus on delivering a message of purpose.
In addition to the programs offered, BBHarts offers tutoring for all subjects and ages and allot time for homework prior to activities.
Assistant Artistic director of BBHarts, Sara Valera, is enthusiastic about BBHarts and what it offers to children of all ages.
“What I like most about what I do is seeing a child who said they couldn’t do something, or was too shy or convinced that they were unfit for something, flourish before my eyes!” said Valera. “It’s the most rewarding thing to hear them say ‘because of you, I didn’t give up’.”
Parents interested in the programs offered can register for class in person at the center or online at www.bbharts.com. Students from all areas and zip codes are welcome to participate. Fees vary per program curriculum.