Think! Play! Win!
Enrichment Chess Programs, private and semi-private chess lessons in San Diego!
Serving Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Miramar, Allied Gardens, San Diego State, Rancho San Diego, Mt. Helix, La Mesa, San Carlos, Lemon Grove, Lakeside, El Cajon, & Santee!
An outstanding enrichment program for your school or organization! After school programs currently available, typically 8-12 weeks each session, three times over the academic year with sessions in Fall, Winter, and Spring!
If you're looking for a mentally stimulating after-school activity for your kid to get into, a Santana High School alumnus recently started up the Pacific Hills Chess Academy in East County San Diego.
In July 2012 Ron Rezendes, known as Coach Ron by his students, founded the Pacific Hills Chess Academy and is focusing his efforts to bring his after school enrichment program to San Diego County students.
The game of chess itself naturally increases the critical thinking skills of his students. Read the entire article, here: https://patch.com/california/santee/santana-alumni-brings-chess-to-east-county-kids
"I have had the privilege of hosting Chess Club in my classroom for two years. Coach Ron promotes an engaging, inclusive, and fun atmosphere. He meets the needs of all the chess students, whether they have never played the game, or if they have been playing for years. Students grow in their knowledge of chess throughout each session. As the weeks go on, they challenge each other during the games and encourage each other to try new strategies. Chess Club is a wonderful extra-curricular activity for all students to partake in!"
Hannah Giblin
Second/Third Grade
Chet F. Harritt
Spring Class Schedule 2026
Monday
Homeschool Enrichment Centers Bonita Campus
K-3 9AM - 9:55AM; 4-12 10AM-10:55AM, 11AM-11:55AM
St. Kieran's School 2:50PM - 3:50PM
Mar 9, 16, 23 Apr 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18 Jun 1
(10 classes) No class 4/6 Spring Break
Tuesday
Canyon View Elementary 2:50PM - 3:50PM
Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Apr 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19, 26
(12 classes) No class April 7 Spring Break
Wednesday
Benchley Weinberger Elementary 11:50AM - 12:50PM
Mar 18, 25 Apr 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20 (9 classes)
No class April 1 Spring Break
Morning Creek Elementary 2:15PM - 3:15PM (7 Classes)
Apr 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27
Thursday
Homeschool Enrichment Centers Lakeside Campus
K-3 9AM - 9:55AM; 4-12 10AM-10:55AM
The Cambridge School 3:05pm-4:15PM
March 12 - May 28 (10 classes)
No class 4/2 Spring Break
Friday
Homeschool Enrichment Centers Lakeside Campus
3-12 9AM - 9:55AM; K-2 10AM-10:55AM
New session!!
4S Ranch
Saturday Intermediate/Advanced
March 21, 28 April 4, 11, 18, 25
10:30AM - 12:30PM
Semi-private group class
Intermediate/Advanced
This class is for students who are looking to play competitively and/ or already play tournament chess.
New session!!
4S Ranch
Saturday Novice Class
March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25
This class will NOT meet 4/11!!
1:00PM - 2:30PM
Semi-private group class
Novice class
This class is for students who already know how the pieces move but need training on strategy, tactics, and decision making.
Salute To Education TV Segment
See our video!! Channel 4 San Diego has a feature on our program airing in San Diego!!
Show #9 Segment 4
Pacific Hills Chess Academy
It’s no secret chess is a great workout for your mind. Studies have shown that chess improves cognitive thinking which in turn improves school grades, and besides, it’s a lot of fun! One after-school program is helping kids improve their lives, through this very popular board game.
Local IM Cyrus Lakdawala interview excerpt
Here is a quote from a recent interview, December 27, 2014, with International Master Cyrus Lakdawala:
What do you have to say about the benefits of chess in education and in life?
The benefits are numerous to children: their concentration improves, they understand the benefits of engaged study, and, most of all, they learn that mistakes have negative consequences, while virtues are rewarded.
The rest of the interview is here: http://blog.investinchess.org/in-conversation-with-international-master-cyrus-lakdawala/
"The Evans" Method!
The program, dubbed “The Evans Method” by the United States Chess Federation, includes instruction, formal and casual play. Students receive prizes at the end of
each class to reward positive participation and trophies or medals at the end of each session. Their program (once featured on The Tonight Show) has produced national champions at every
scholastic level.
Beginners are welcome! Chess is a great workout for the mind utilizing continuous problem-solving with changing conditions. Students learn to think ahead, evaluate multiple alternatives and
anticipate consequences. They improve spatial reasoning, visual memory and attention span while learning good judgment, reasoning power and self-confidence. Studies have shown that chess improves
cognitive thinking which in turn improves school grades.
We honestly believe learning to play chess will positively influence your life!