Special Programs
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST PREPARATION
8th grade students, and their families, may face the challenge of selecting a high school. Some schools merely require placements tests, while others offer a rigorous exam as an integral part of the entrance application. We are here to help. All students must present their best performances. Perhaps the most important component of preparation for any test is to face the experience with confidence. This comes from clear expectations of the format, a strong grasp of the content, and an understanding of the performance pace required. The HSPT (required for many prestigious private high schools) includes verbal skills (synonyms, antonyms, analogies, verbal logic), reading (comprehension and vocabulary), mathematics (concepts and problem solving), quantitative skills (series reasoning and comparisons), and language (punctuation, capitalization, usage, composition). Small class size allows for individualized instruction. Practice tests are completed under timed conditions.
STUDY SKILLS
For many students, a roadblock to success results from underdeveloped study skills. These encompass organization, planning, time management, notetaking, listening comprehension, test preparation and test taking. We help students take responsibility for their own learning by improving their understanding of how they learn, and by effective implementation of successful strategies. Students begin to organize their weekly and monthly schedules using a visual planner to record time spent on homework, studying, and test preparation. They use their own school materials to enable direct application of study skills to daily learning. Once middle and high school students begin to enjoy their improved grades, their motivation increases further. They are determined to maintain this progress. Success breeds success!
SAT / ACT PREPARATION
For those college-bound students planning to take the SAT and/or ACT, we teach systematic methods for success through individualized instruction. Emphasis is placed on areas where students require the most support. Critical reading (vocabulary in context and reading comprehension), writing (grammar and essay writing), and math skills (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra 2, logical reasoning) are developed. For the ACT, science reasoning is also addressed. Test-taking strategies are perfected so that students maximize their potential. Students gain confidence from test-taking opportunities. We provide specific feedback about their performance and offer recommendations for further improvement. We offer very small classes so that each student's needs and goals are personally known by the instructor.
ENRICHMENT
Some students require and deserve additional educational stimulation. They are able to work above the level of their classmates and will acquire an academic edge if they receive supplementary enrichment in the after-school hours. Some motivated students aim to apply for accelerated classes at school and want to be admitted to GATE / Honors / IB / AP programs. We will prepare your son / daughter for placement tests and the increased academic load involved in such programs. Gifted children appreciate the opportunities to learn at an extraordinary rate.
HOMEWORK SUPPORT
Homework should be a component of daily learning. A thorough understanding of homework topics is essential for school success. Challenging assignments can provide important new learning opportunities. Homework support must offer permanent insight into academic areas, not merely provide a crutch to complete the assignment. Otherwise challenges will be perpetuated from assignment to assignment, and the student will continue to need support. This quality instruction can be incorporated into a child's individualized program. Then, armed with increased understanding, the student is prepared to face new, related material the following day. Our goal is student independence.
HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS
Many families wish to educate their children at home. This is an option open to all Californian parents. However, at times, the specialized touch of a credentialed, experienced teacher makes all the difference. The support offered by California Learning Center can provide the ideal opportunity to overcome challenging areas of the curriculum. We'll even make it an enjoyable experience, too!