frequently asked questions

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What do I need to do to enroll my student in tutoring?

• Your student must take a diagnostic assessment before enrolling in a tutoring program. After testing, the parent/guardian will be scheduled for a post-assessment consultation. We will discuss your student's test results and a recommended tutoring program for your student. 

Can I choose the program for my student?

• We use the diagnostic assessment to determine where your student is at academically and any learning gaps they may have. The tutoring program and plan is recommended based on the assessment. It is a recommendation, so if you would like to try an alternative program or plan-- we will try to accommodate that. We enjoy working with the parents and student as a team to reach excellence.  

Where does tutoring for my student take place?

• Tutoring takes place at our center (Pearland, TX) or online in a virtual classroom. 

Can you tutor my student at home?    

• Unfortunately, we no longer offer in-home tutoring. However, we will go to homes, schools, or businesses for 4+ students per hour. 

What if I want a mixture of small group and 1:1 tutoring?

• We recommend hybrid programs for majority of our students, as it's very effective. Just let us know this is what you are interested in for your student and we will try our best to accommodate.

How soon will it take to get the diagnostic assessment results?

• We will have the test scored and analyzed within 72 hours. You can schedule both the assessment and a post-assessment consultation, as long as the consultation is 3 days after the assessment date.

How do I check on my student's progress?

• We do a progress test every 35-40 sessions to get quantitative data to assess your student's growth. Tutors complete reports on each student after each session so that the team is constantly updated of each student's progress  and the learning strategies that are working best for the student. Parents can schedule a Student Update appointment at any time, for an informal report to know how your student is done.

How do payments work?

• Tutoring programs are on a month-to-month basis. Tuition payments are due on the 20th of every month. There is a 3 day grace period. Beginning on the 24th, a late fee will be added. 
• Tuition is pro-rated if the student starts in the middle of the month.

Are payment plans available?

• We allow bi-monthly payments for students, if requested by the parent/guardian. For this accommodation, late payments are not tolerated. 

Are there discounts for siblings?

• Yes, a regular rate for one student, and a 10% discount is applied toward the tuition of the sibling.

What is the cancellation policy?

• 24-hour notice is required for  cancellation of a single session. Failure to notify us 24 hours in advance after 3 occurrences, will result in a $25 cancellation fee. If appropriate notice is given, your student is eligible for a make-up session.
• 60-day notice is recommended for cancellation of the tutoring program. A 30-day notice is required. Payments are due before the 20th-- if payment is not received by the end of the month, your student's program may be canceled.

When can I enroll my camper in summer camp?

• Enrollment will open May 11th. There are limited spots -- your camper will be waitlisted if we are full. 

Will they learn at summer camp? What will they be doing?

• Our schedule consists of the following classes: Young Scientists 101 | Adventures in Reading | Moolahlah | Numbers Matter | FOGA | Spanish Basics | Theater Arts | Art | Creative Writing | Indoor Play | Outdoor Play | Accessorize | Dance and Hip-hop | Escape Room EDU | Public Speaking 
• We will be covering science, math, reading, writing, money management, Spanish, fine-arts, physical activity and motor skill development, communication skills and public speaking, AND MORE in our jam-packed summer classes.

Where does Shine Bright Summer Camp take place?

• Camp takes place at our tutoring center (Pearland, TX).

Can my camper just drop-in?    

• Yes, we are accepting drop-ins. 
• $50/day Summer Day Drop-In 7:30 am - 4:30 pm 
• $62/day Summer Extended Day Drop-In 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

What if I want my camper to do camp and receive 1:1 tutoring too?

• We are big on closing gaps for at-risk students, that includes our campers. We will offer 1:1 tutoring during the camp day for an additional fee of $80/week. This will be a traditional (2 days per week), 1:1 program. Your camper will have a tutor and individualized, customized plan designed to help them grow academically. 
• In order to receive the discounted, camper tutoring rate, the camper must attend summer camp at least 8 of the 10 summer weeks.

How do payments work?

• Parents pre-pay weekly. Each Friday, parents pay for their camper to attend the following week. Any additional fees are due within 24hrs of receipt. For example: If a parent receives a late pick-up fee on Wednesday, it must be paid by Thursday at pick up.

Are there discounts for siblings?

• Yes, a regular rate for one camper, and a 10% discount is applied toward the tuition of the sibling.

Are there refunds if my camper is sick?

• Unfortunately, we do not give refunds. If your camper is out for more than 3 days in a single week and has a doctor's note, then we will credit the following week. This will only be allowed once per household. 
• Keep in mind that other children could be in your camper's spot, which is why last minute absences without notice are highly discouraged.

If my student already is enrolled in tutoring, can you help with homework?

• Yes! It is true that in tutoring, we prioritize closing gaps for students that are behind academically and critical thinking, problem solving, and enrichment for students that are on-level or ahead. However, we do care about them being successful in their homework and developing study skills. 
• Every student that is in a traditional (2 sessions per week) program, receives 2 free homework sessions each month. These sessions are in addition to their program.
• Every student that is in an intense (3 sessions per week) program, receives 3 free homework sessions each month. These sessions are in addition to their program.
• Homework sessions for non-SBT students are $40 per hour.

How do I schedule a homework session?

• Call our office 713-436-7827 to schedule an appointment.
• If the schedule allows, we can help the same day. If not, we will try our best to help within the same week.

Where does homework help take place?

• We usually help students at our tutoring center (Pearland, TX) or virtually in our online classroom.

How do I pay for a homework session?    

• Non-SBT students will receive an invoice when a homework session is scheduled. Payment is due before the session begins.
• SBT students that want an additional homework session will receive an invoice to pay within 48 hours of the homework session.

Do you help with college-level homework?

• It depends on the subject/class. Usually freshmen and sophomore level core-courses are not a problem. Please email us the homework first, and we can advise you from there.

What about in-home tutoring?

• It is no secret that we started off doing strictly in-home tutoring! Although, it is super personalized, there are often times distractions at a student's home. In addition, we do not have access to all the learning manipulatives, technology, and curriculum that we keep in our center.
• Unfortunately, we have ceased personalized in-home tutoring services. However, we have plans in progress that will accommodate students in their neighborhood. This plan is still being perfected and will not launch until summer or fall of 2023.