Students Work for an Academic Edge

No parent wants to see his child struggle in school. The frustration children may feel when they fall behind in their studies or are unable to grasp a concept can lead to low self-confidence and a sense of failure. Conversely, gifted students may experience frustration as they strive to reach their full potential but find grade-level curriculum not challenging enough. Huntington Learning Center offers comprehensive learning plans and instruction that benefit the entire spectrum of students from elementary school through college.

Huntington’s education professionals administer academic evaluation tests that identify strengths and weaknesses in reading and math skills, as well as measure other factors that may inhibit optimal learning, such as hand-eye coordination, sight word ability, proficiency in reading silently and aloud, and the ability to write a short paragraph. Older students are also evaluated on study habits, as that skill plays an important role in achieving academic success.

Once the results are available, education professionals review each test step by step with the parents. From there, an individualized learning plan is created based on the findings of the test and established goals. There are no contracts, giving parents flexibility.

Instruction begins at levels where the child feels comfortable. This approach gives the student a sense of accomplishment from the beginning; therefore, building confidence before venturing into more difficult material. The student-to-teacher ratio never exceeds 4-to-1. Students in third grade and below, as well as children who are not fluent readers, are taught on a 1-to-1 basis.

Communication is an important component in the process. After the initial meeting with parents, another meeting is scheduled midway through the learning plan. Huntington education professionals encourage parents to meet once a month to gauge progress; however, it is not mandatory. Parents also can request unlimited meetings at any time — frequency is in their control.

With permission from parents, Huntington education professionals also will conduct school visits to discuss students’ progress with teachers in order to maximize results.

“We get back to the basics,” said Jessica Anderson, Huntington’s executive director.

Instead of relying on computers, students complete everything on paper. This helps to develop the skill of taking concise notes.

When an assignment is completed, it is immediately graded and given back to the student with an explanation of incorrect answers.

“Our goal is 100 percent accuracy,” Anderson said.

“We have a great and experienced team,” she added.

Anderson earned a degree in exceptional student education from the University of Central Florida and worked in the Orange County Public Schools system as a learning disabilities teacher before joining Huntington. She has been with the learning center for 14 years.

All Huntington teachers are either accredited through the state of Florida, working as teachers in the public school system, or have earned Huntington certification. Also, teachers only tutor in their subject areas of expertise. For security purposes, every instructor is fingerprinted and undergoes a background check.

In addition to its core subjects, Huntington offers FCAT test preparation.

Facing this required standardized test can be daunting, especially when passing is required for public high school students to graduate or younger students to advance to the next grade level. Individualized FCAT instruction is also beneficial to students who have recently moved to Florida and may be unfamiliar with the format of the test.

As college admission becomes increasingly competitive, parents are looking for an edge to enhance their children’s chances of being accepted at an undergraduate institution. Huntington’s standardized test-preparation programs include instruction on the SAT and ACT. Students take a practice test, after which the results are analyzed to customize a learning strategy that focuses on areas in need of improvement, rather than a broad overview.

Since there are no contracts, clients are not relegated to a set schedule. Students can come in at any scheduled time, including school breaks and throughout the summer.

According to Anderson, students entering high school are finding it beneficial to study challenging courses like algebra, chemistry, calculus and more during the summer in order to be prepared when the school year begins.

“If they are familiar with the subject going in, they will be more confident and more likely to do well during the school year,” Anderson said.

Others who take advantage of the facility’s services are adults seeking a refresher in math or writing before reentering the workforce or applying to college.

Huntington is a tutoring facility; however, Anderson stressed that the main goal is to teach students how to learn independently, so, when they leave Huntington, they are able to learn on their own and be successful.

“Some parents will pay once a week for a violin lesson or for a ballet lesson, so why not come in for an academic lesson?” Anderson asked. “What an investment in your child — to make sure they are reading on level, understand the information and develop learning skills. Most people think of tutoring when they need help, but why not be proactive and stay ahead of the curve?

“It’s been a fun and rewarding career path, and I love it,” Anderson said. “We help so many children reach their full potential.”

Huntington Learning Center, located at 5060 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call 407-522-4477 or visit www.huntingtonlearning.com on the Web.