The same is especially true when it comes to hiring a nanny or babysitter to care for your children, or finding someone to photograph their most precious moments. Let your search begin and end here with our reader’s picks for the best of the best in these categories.

Commonwealth Learning Center – Needham
Khan Academy – Cambridge
The Peter Pan Center – Ayer
Russian School of Mathematics – Newton
Worcester Think Tank – Worcester

THE WINNER:

The Peter Pan Center
60 Willow Road, Ayer
978-772-1255
www.peterpancenter.com
The Peter Pan Center’s heavily language-based social education programs resemble typical after-school activities, but they add an extra layer of social support and teaching.