| How is this center different from others? The Somerset Learning Center is unique. It is not part of a franchised chain, where often curriculums are pre-programmed. We design each student’s program so that it best meets his or her educational needs, and have complete flexibility to modify the program as necessary. Furthermore, our programs can be set up to improve several skills (i.e. reading and math) simultaneously, and to support school work while building basic, underlying skills. Our setting is most conducive to learning. Instruction takes place in private rooms, with a maximum of three students in a room working with a teacher. This is quite different from other centers, where over 20 students, separated into stations, can easily be set up to work in one room. While our educational setting is formal, the atmosphere is nurturing and positive, and a great variety of educational resources are available to address practically any academic need. Our director is personally involved with every student and parent, and maintains contact with school personnel whenever appropriate. Most importantly, we are committed to the educational needs of our students, and take pride in the excellence as well as the flexibility of our programs and staff!
 Will my child be working with the same teacher? Yes! At the Center, we realize that a consistent and stable relationship between students and teachers is an important aspect of the learning process. Therefore, to the extent possible, we maintain the same teacher-student pairings. A student may work with different teachers if he or she is learning different skill sets (i.e. calculus and writing) that require different teaching specializations.
I am tired of fighting with my son to do his homework. What can you do to help? A child that is struggling in school may have a deficiency in a fundamental skill such as reading, writing, or math. Some children just need extra help understanding new concepts until they can do homework independently. Or it may be a matter of instilling proper study skills. Our skills assessment will help identify areas of difficulty and a learning program will be designed to address them. Whether, your child needs to improve basic skills, learn proper study habits, or receive support with school assignments, we can help!
Do I have to sign a contract? No. A student can register for sessions anytime throughout the year. Payment is due just one month at a time unless you choose to sign up for a longer term. Families have maximum flexibility in addressing their short-term and long-term needs. For example, some families use the Center to achieve specific short-term goals, such as preparation for a standardized test, improving a report card grade, or to attack a single skill deficiency. Other families utilize the Center for ongoing educational support such as maintaining current grades, providing a weekly “boost”, and enrichment. Our programs can support students from age 5 all the way to college!
What do you offer in the summer?
The summertime is a great time for learning! For students that were having difficulty throughout the school year, it is the perfect opportunity to catch up, improve skills, and build confidence without the pressure of school. For all students, it is important to continue academics in the summertime so as not to forget what they have already learned in school, and to gain an edge for the upcoming year. We have many students that attend sessions every summer to refresh learned concepts and get a jumpstart for the school year! All our programs are offered in the summertime.
Do you work with children that have learning disabilities?
Yes. Reading and spelling instruction for children with learning difficulties is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. This means the instruction is phonics based, multi-sensory, and structured to advance systematically from a comfortable starting level. Whether a child has been diagnosed with a learning disability or one is suspected, our programs will help improve basic skills.
What can you do to enrich a student who is already advanced? |
