The
Claus Academy

We offer full-time, part-time, and by-appointment tutoring. The Fast ForWordTM program is offered by appointment (see below).

• Full-time - Students can enroll for many different schedule configurations. Full-time students are expected to dedicate 7 or more hours of each weekday to schoolwork. Note that portions of this time may be spent away from Claus, for community service, mentorship, or project work. We work closely with each student to design and monitor a self-guided learning program that ensures continued progress inside and outside of Claus. Students in the full- and part-time programs have access to all Claus resources, including Fast ForWordTM, at no additional cost.
• Part-time - Students can enroll in part-day or part-week programs, which will be designed and scheduled on a case-by-case basis, but must represent 40% or more of the student's weekly time spent at school. With limited time at Claus, part-time students will focus specifically on areas of weakness or deficiency. Therefore, we recommend that part-time students utilize Claus as a complement to their other academic activities. Students in the full- and part-time programs have access to all Claus resources, including Fast ForWordTM, at no additional cost.
• Tutoring - Whether it's math, reading, writing, life skills, or another area in which a student needs help, we are available to assist. We schedule tutoring from 4 to 9pm on weekdays, and throughout the weekend. Barb has extensive one-on-one tutoring experience, and is excited to help every student progress during each session. Call or e-mail us to discuss your child's needs.

JUMP Math

Founded by mathematician, author, and playwright John Mighton, JUMP Math believes math is a key to a child's future contribution to society. JUMP strives to increase children's chances of success, to reduce socio-economic disparities, to engender a sense of belonging and, most importantly, to endow voiceless children with opportunity. JUMP is offered through a series of teacher-assisted workbooks covering grades 1 - 8 mathematics subjects. However, the program is not simply a series of pre-packaged workbooks; they are accompanied by instruction and interactive problem solving led by our teachers.

"JUMP explains math in a way I understand." - Grade 7 student, Vancouver

Reading

Often, students struggle in school because they don't read efficiently or at grade level. They may be able to mentally sound the words on the page, but lack processing ability to understand the meaning of the text. This deficiency manifests itself in every class because regardless of the text, the student simply cannot understand the meaning. Given the prevalence of this problem, we utilize the highly successful Fast ForWordTM software package. However, unlike many other facilities offering this same software, we combine it with one-on-one tutoring to produce rapid and sustainable results. In fact, our sucess with the software has led Scientific Learning, the developer of Fast ForWardTM to incorporate some of our techniques directly into the program.

Fast ForWordTM

Fast ForWordTM is a software program scientifically proven to improve reading skills by whole grade levels. The Fast ForWord program develops brain processing efficiency through intensive, adaptive exercises. It develops and strengthens memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing-the cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success. The strengthening of these skills results in a wide range of improved critical language and reading skills such as phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, decoding, working memory, syntax, grammar, and other skills necessary to learn how to read or to become a better reader. It has been used successfully by over 30,000 children and teens.

Results from a study of 828 Dallas, TX high school students show marked improvement in reading skills during and after the Fast ForWordTM program. Fast ForWordTM participants continued to improve at a faster rate than non-participants after the program's conclusion.

How it works

Students begin the Fast ForWordTM program with a diagnostic test that determines each student's starting point. During 30- or 50-minute sessions multiple days per week, students work through fun, interactive exercises that improve the brain's processing abilities. Participants can average a one-to-two grade level reading gain in 8 to 12 weeks.

Who It's For

Almost anyone could stand to read better. Improved efficiency and processing capability benefit readers of all levels, and as a result, Fast ForWordTM is designed to help most any student, whether remedial or above-average.

• Young Adults - Young adults aged 15 - 25 can experience incredible language gains through the use of Fast ForWordTM.
• English Learners - Students for whom English is not the first language can easily fall behind in schools that do not focus on their need to learn a language as well as subject material. Fast ForWordTM has been used with great success among ESL students.

  A study of ESL students in Springfield, MA showed a full grade-level improvement in reading skills in just 3 months.

  
• Gifted students - A study conducted with Tennessee sixth-graders in the top 25% of their class showed strong gains across a broad array of academic subjects. The chart below reflects how reading performance undergirds all other subjects.
  

Getting Started

Call or e-mail us to schedule an initial appointment to discuss the program and rates. Fast ForWordTM sessions are 30 or 50 minutes in length at the client's choice, and are completed 3-5 times per week.