How Does It Work?
What is a learning pod?
A learning pod is a small group of students who receive academic support that supplements their core classes’ curriculum. Ideally, the students in the pod are all in the same grade, but that is not always the case. Instruction is provided by one of our certified and experienced staff members. Our team of teachers and tutors will help coordinate with your students' school to provide curriculum support.
Do I have to find other families to join my student's learning pod?
TLS offers learning pods with as little as two students, so the short answer is no, you do not have to find other families to form a learning pod with. However, the more students that are in the learning pod, the lower the tuition is for your student. If you are looking for a learning pod for your student to join, TLS will help you connect with other families of a similar mindset to find a time and location that will work for everyone's respective schedules.
I'm interesting in hosting my student's learning pod, but how does hosting work?
Wherever sessions are conducted, there must be sufficient space for students to social distance while remaining in the same room. Ideally, tables and chairs would be on hand to create student workstations, but TLS does have some supplies as well. While students would be encouraged to use the facilities before attending, it's feasible that at times, a student may need to use the bathroom. TLS will be responsible for sanitizing areas accessible to students before and after each session.
Who would be teaching my student?
TLS staff members include certified New York State teachers and tutors with advanced graduate school degrees. Our staff are highly experienced in working with students of a variety of ages to facilitate academic success.
What subjects can your teachers and tutors cover?
Between our experienced teachers and tutors, TLS can assist with almost every course your student may take. The only two courses that we don't currently have an expert staff member in are high school chemistry and physics- yet! We're interviewing potential staff members to teach these topics, so we expect to have a staff member available for these subjects very soon!
What is TLS doing to keep students safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?
TLS takes the health and safety of our students very seriously. Even in learning pods, it's incredibly important to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. That means students and staff practice social distancing and wear masks and/or face shields, and frequently sanitize their hands. TLS staff and host families employ systematic cleaning and disinfecting before and after each session.
What is the policy if my student is sick and needs to stay home? What if my family was supposed to host the learning pod?
If your student is sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please keep him or her home. A TLS staff member will help your student make up his or her work virtually or after he or she has recovered. In the event that you or a member of your household experiences any symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to any individual who has tested positive for the corona virus, you must alert TLS staff immediately. A new location will be identified for the learning pod.
Is there a discount for hosting a learning pod?
Absolutely! Host families of our learning pods receive a 10% discount off their students' tuition in exchange for a hosting the learning pod. However, hosts are expected to comply with the TLS hosting requirements.
Do you have a customer referral program?
Yes, we do. If you refer another family who enrolls their student, you will receive 5% off your student's tuition rate.