When one of our sixth graders, Kevin, began struggling in academics a few years ago, his family found Learning Edge. Andrew Thompson, father to Kevin and first grader Ava (and uncle and friend to many other Learning Edge students), described their experience and a myriad of benefits:
No cost: Before the family knew about Learning Edge, they enrolled Kevin in a paid-for tutoring organization that they knew could not be a long-term solution in their family budget. Family made them aware of our free, volunteer-run program two years ago, and we’ve had the privilege of working with Kevin and Ava ever since!
Academic Support: Kevin struggled in Math and Reading. His scores in both have gone up. Ava started in tutoring as a Kindergartner, and Andrew feels tutoring serves as a checkpoint to keep her on pace so that if she were to struggle in a subject area, they can catch it and address it right away.
Tutor-Student relationship: Andrew explained that the relationship between Kevin and his tutor is “awesome.” He said “not one time has he fought me on coming to tutoring.” (Added benefit: seeing your child look forward to learning)
Tutor-Teacher relationship: Andrew spoke to how Ava’s tutor is directly in touch with her teacher. He laughed that they now skip the middleman and Ava’s tutor always knows exactly what she’s working on at school.
Behavioral improvements: Like many students, when Kevin began struggling academically, he started to act up in school. After two years in Learning Edge, Kevin said reports of behavioral issues have gone away.
Community and more: Andrew explained that in addition to his kids, his cousin and niece come to Learning Edge as well. He said they were surprised to show up one day and run into Ava’s best friend from school!
“The learning Edge family is awesome,” Kevin explained. “It’s been a breath of fresh air. They’re helpful even beyond tutoring; it’s just been awesome.”