LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Akolouthia Institute, a newly formed technical and fine arts private school, emphasizes critical thinking skills and arts education.

Although online courses are available, the present focus is on providing meeting places in Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties for students who prefer classroom training.

Currently, three main courses are offered: “3D Modeling, Animation, and Game Design Using Blender,” “Introduction to LiveCode - Programming for the Rest of Us” and “Social Media Marketing and Web Design.”

The school markets to two main groups: 12 to 18 year olds and adults who are not receiving the practical skills needed for computer-related jobs from traditional junior colleges and universities.

Parents and school-aged children are especially interested in instruction that teaches how to create 3D modeled interactive games and apps for the iOS (iPad, iPhone, etc.) and Android mobile platforms.

Classes are taught in modules that range in cost from $75 for three-week ancillary courses to $200 per module for multiple module complex subjects. Classes are forming now for July.

The school focuses on saving students money by teaching either free open-source software that rivals their much more expensive competitors, or low-cost alternatives whenever possible.

Students also save money because they do not need to support a school IT department to maintain labs filled with computers; they are expected to bring their own laptops to class. The money students save is thus used for quality instruction instead of overhead in IT costs or expensive software.

Akolouthia Institute has scheduled four public presentations at the following times and places to introduce the school and its programs:

• Thursday, May 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the State Farm Insurance, Conference Center's presentation room, 488 N. State St., Ukiah.

• Tuesday, June 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Kelseyville Senior Center, 5245 Third St., Kelseyville.

• Thursday, June 9, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort, 2870 Lakeshore Blvd., Nice.

Visit www.akolouthia.com for more information about Akolouthia Institute, or contact Renee Geare at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-533-3848.