A common question we receive is, "Do you offer a free trial?" The answer is no. Instead, we offer something far more valuable to your or your child's educational journey: a complimentary, in-depth evaluation. This is a deliberate choice rooted in our educational philosophy and supported by proven learning principles.
A "free trial" works well for transactional products, like trying a new drink. However, authentic learning is not a transaction; it's a relationship. It's a process that requires trust, understanding, and personalization—qualities that a brief, one-off trial simply cannot provide. Our commitment is to genuine learning, not just "selling hours."
The Limitations of a "Free Trial" in Education
The "trial" model is fundamentally at odds with how effective teaching works:
It Promotes a Transactional Mindset: A trial encourages a "pass/fail" judgment based on a single session. This is not a fair or accurate way to assess a student-teacher connection or a curriculum's potential.
It Ignores the Learning Curve: Every student's learning rate is unique. Some students adapt quickly, while others need time to build rapport and confidence. A slow start is not a sign of failure; it's often a natural part of the learning process. A single trial can create a false impression of a student's long-term capabilities.
It Prevents Personalization: True learning requires us to understand the student first. We cannot customize and adapt our teaching style, materials, and goals in a single, isolated session. A trial is a "one-size-fits-all" approach, which is the opposite of our methodology.
The Value of Our Free Evaluation: A Foundation for Success
Our free evaluation is the first step in building a successful educational partnership. Here is what makes it different and why it’s essential:
Focus on Relational Learning: Scientific research consistently shows that a strong student-teacher relationship (or "rapport") is one of the most significant predictors of student success. This relationship takes time to build. Our evaluation is the first step in carefully matching your child with a teacher who fits their personality and learning style, creating the foundation for this critical bond.
It's a Diagnostic Assessment: The purpose of our evaluation isn’t to "sell" you on a lesson; it's to honestly assess your child's readiness and specific needs. As a WASC-accredited institution, our goal is to gather the insights needed to create a truly personalized and adaptive learning plan.
We Customize the Program to the Student: During the evaluation, we get to know your child—their strengths, their challenges, and how they interact with the material. This allows us to make informed adjustments from day one, whether it's adapting the curriculum or modifying a teaching style to fit their progress. This deep customization is impossible in a trial format.
We are in the business of fostering long-term learning, and that journey begins with a meaningful, professional assessment. It’s the most honest and effective way to ensure we are the right fit for your family and to set the stage for your child to thrive.