Welcome to the World's #1 STEAM Program

Where Engineering Meets Imagination©

Challenge Island® is the Official Home of STEAMbuilding® and STEAM Teams®
The Challenge Island Difference

Our Results Show in Our Awards

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Palm Tree Pillars

The Foundational Pillars of our Program that Make Challenge Island the Go-To Choice for Millions of Parents and Educators

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STEM + ART = STEAM

"To develop a complete mind, study the science of art; study the art of science; realize that everything connects to everything else." - Leonardo DaVinci

21st Century Skills

We foster the fundamental skills kids need to thrive today and tomorrow including creativity, collaboration, communication, flexibility and leadership.

Higher Level Thinking Skills

Our programs promote deep, critical, analytical and creative thinking abilities in kids which help ensure their long-term academic and professional success.

Project Based Learning

Our STEAM Teams® engage in collaborative, inquiry-based, student-driven learning grounded in real world connections and meaningful problem-solving.

Island Destinations

Whimsical island ambience combined with cross-curricular themes make the Challenge Island experience an unforgettable adventure.

Social-Emotional Learning

We foster the social and emotional intelligence children need to form healthy relationships, make positive choices and find fulfillment in life.

Resilience

Research shows that a Challenge-Island-palm-tree-like ability to be flexible and strong through life’s ”storms” is far more essential to future success than IQ.

Steam Teams

No child is an island which is why kids tackle our hundreds of proprietary challenges by combining their strengths with those of a STEAM Team of friends.

Screen Free Fun

Our programs provide digital native kids the precious opportunity to connect with their peers face-to-face and discover the wonders of the world, undeterred by devices.

"One thing that makes Challenge Island a standout is what it lacks. You’ll find no screens or digital devices in a Challenge Island after-school class, camp or family night. Instead, kids working together in STEAM Teams, are encouraged to use imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to challenges using a treasure-chest full of low-tech supplies."

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Award-Winning STEAM Programs



Hi, I’m Tia Sukenik

I have worked with countless schools and organizations, bringing Challenge Island to children all over the Plano/Dallas area.

Tia began her journey with Challenge Island in February 2017. Before Tia has been working with children for 30+ years in the Dallas area. She began her teaching career in 1992 in Austin, TX but moved to Dallas in 1994 and began teaching in DISD. When she had her first child, she quit teaching to stay at home with her son, but continued to work with children in several different ways – including a Gymboree teacher, preschool teacher, Destination Imagination volunteer, and after school teacher in her children’s preschool. Once both kids were in school, she continued working as a preschool director and also began as the Director of Camp Gan Israel in Plano, TX.

Now that her kids are grown and she is about to be an empty nester, she began looking into what she could really sink her teeth into and dedicate herself, her love of children, and all of her experience-that was when she found Challenge Island!! She fell in love at first sight and began building her business in February 2017! In that time, she has worked with countless schools and organizations, bringing Challenge Island to children all over the Plano/Dallas area. In addition, she opened a storefront in North Dallas, giving even more kids the ability to experience all that Challenge Island has to offer. It has been a dream come true, working with kids, parents, her teaching staff, and all of the other franchisees to create a place where kids to come and learn, create, explore and grow as people all while building their STEAM knowledge!

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STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

Combine the Magic of Challenge Island Programs with the Magic of Reading with our Bestselling Book Series!

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Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

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Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

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Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

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Say Goodbye to Stress: How Challenge Island Onsite Field Trips Ensure a Smooth End to the School Year

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Challenge Island in Action


Plano North Dallas Contact Form

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