Frequently Asked Questions & Our Policies
When does the program registration start?
Registration for VIRTUAL live and asynchronous classes (2024-2025) will begin in August end. Enrollment is on first-come-first-serve basis. As soon as the program reaches capacity registration is closed.
Are group virtual classes a good fit for every child?
Our virtual classrooms offer extensive screen sharing, audio, and text interaction. We use limited video interaction mainly for greetings and sharing. Students can raise hands using the icons, ask questions verbally or by using the built-in chat functionality. This platform works for 'most' students with a good attention-span, and an interest in learning. In fact, we have observed that even our shy students have started participating actively in our virtual classrooms. Group classes may not be ideal for a student who constantly needs help to keep pace with class material. Young students (KG-2) should have an adult present in the room incase help is needed with technology troubleshooting.
Fast speed internet is recommended for a smooth experience.
Do you offer trial classes?
We do not offer trial classes because attending one or two classes cannot really give a full flavor of a program. Also, opening up a class to trial students is distracting to the already enrolled students. Instead, we encourage you to talk to the students and families who have been in our program as they can share valuable insight from a student's perspective.
Do you accept only students in advanced academics (AAP)?
Most of our students start with us in 1st grade and majority of them get placed in AAP by 3rd grade. They constitute ~ 90% student body in each program. The rest is formed by new students (AAP & non-AAP). We work closely with every student, but parents MUST be willing to put in the desired effort at home to witness tangible results. The gap is most visible in math with rising grades which can be easily bridged at home with practice.
Are LFS programs a good fit for every student?
All our programs follow a curriculum that requires thinking, reasoning, problem solving and practice. Several programs are HOTS programs. (Higher order thinking skills) Motivated, hardworking students supported by involved parents do very well in our programs. If academics is not the primary focus for the child and the parent, LFS will probably not be a good fit. Similarly, frequent schedule conflicts leading to missed sessions may affect progress.
What is the best way to determine if the program level will be a good match for the child?
If the child is a curious learner and determined to learn, all grade appropriate programs should be a good match. The program descriptions and the homework expectations should give you a good general idea. We also mention the math PS prerequisites for all the grades during registration.
Do the parents need to be involved?
Yes, yes and yes! Due to the nature of our 'thinking' curriculum we expect the parents to stay in-tune with the child's assignments. Staying involved keeps the parents abreast with what and how the child is learning, and areas that may need reinforcement at home. Research shows that children seem to perform at a higher level, if parents are engaged and show an active interest in a student's academia.
Parents who do not have time to be involved or cannot help a child with the assigned work should consider biweekly private virtual classes with us.
What is the LFS admission and payment policy?
Annual commitment is mandatory for programs that are linked to the League contests. A semester commitment is mandatory for all semester programs. Semester 2 registration will occur in December and will be opened to semester 1 students first.
Non-refundable tuition is due in advance to secure a spot.
What is the advantage of enrolling in annual or semester-long programs?
We believe in quality over quantity. The commitment policy allows us to focus on our dedicated students. We start and end each program with the same set of students. New students are not added mid-way which works in your child's best interest.
Why no tuition refunds?
Once you register and pay for a spot in one of our classes, that spot is reserved for your child and closed. To maintain high standards and to be fair to all enrolled students we do not accept new students once the classes have started. When you register for one of our programs only you can assess whether you might have a potential conflict on the horizon.
Learning Fun School cannot assume that risk for you.
Why don't you offer rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions can quickly prove extremely disruptive to the class progress as every new student admitted can take away an instructor's valuable time and attention from the core group. Our goal is your child's progress, and not recruiting new students throughout the year. Imagine what would happen if a new student was allowed to join a class anytime.
What happens if my child misses an academic session?
Logistics do not allow for a makeup class or refund. Class material may be emailed. A session recording will be shared, if we are given an advance notice of 24 hours.
Practice Tests (copyrighted) are not emailed.
Are the various contests open to everyone?
Contests are open to only our annual enrolled students. We work diligently with our students throughout the year and prefer to keep the focus on our students.
What is your discipline policy?
We expect each student to be able to follow simple directions, respect the instructor/s, respect the peers and respect the online chat rules. If a student misbehaves or disrupts the class by spamming the chats, he or she will be reminded to calm down. If a student acts out repeatedly, he or she will be asked to leave class for the remainder of the session and the parent will be notified. The student will be given a chance to exhibit modified behavior in the next class. If similar behavior continues with no improvement, parents will be asked to withdraw the child from the program and the balance tuition amount will be forfeited. This policy is simply to ensure that the peers do not suffer on account of one student's behavior.
My child is bright but needs help with homework too. What do you recommend?
Virtual group classes are not suitable for students who need more individualized attention. Virtual one-on-one sessions might be better suited. Figuring out a good match is essential. Scheduling a private class will be subject to open slot availability.
My child is in 1st grade and cannot read fluently. How can you help?
We offer a state-of-the-art Phonics program for KG- grade 2. Most students show a marked progress within 6 short months in reading, writing, spelling and reading comprehension skills. We invite you to try our program for a semester.
What is the best way to reach you?
If you are a new family, please use the 'Contact' form to submit your request.
Emailing will get you the fastest response.
To talk over the phone, please call between 12:00 noon-1:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
p: 571-643-4710
We will love to hear from you!
Registration for VIRTUAL live and asynchronous classes (2024-2025) will begin in August end. Enrollment is on first-come-first-serve basis. As soon as the program reaches capacity registration is closed.
Are group virtual classes a good fit for every child?
Our virtual classrooms offer extensive screen sharing, audio, and text interaction. We use limited video interaction mainly for greetings and sharing. Students can raise hands using the icons, ask questions verbally or by using the built-in chat functionality. This platform works for 'most' students with a good attention-span, and an interest in learning. In fact, we have observed that even our shy students have started participating actively in our virtual classrooms. Group classes may not be ideal for a student who constantly needs help to keep pace with class material. Young students (KG-2) should have an adult present in the room incase help is needed with technology troubleshooting.
Fast speed internet is recommended for a smooth experience.
Do you offer trial classes?
We do not offer trial classes because attending one or two classes cannot really give a full flavor of a program. Also, opening up a class to trial students is distracting to the already enrolled students. Instead, we encourage you to talk to the students and families who have been in our program as they can share valuable insight from a student's perspective.
Do you accept only students in advanced academics (AAP)?
Most of our students start with us in 1st grade and majority of them get placed in AAP by 3rd grade. They constitute ~ 90% student body in each program. The rest is formed by new students (AAP & non-AAP). We work closely with every student, but parents MUST be willing to put in the desired effort at home to witness tangible results. The gap is most visible in math with rising grades which can be easily bridged at home with practice.
Are LFS programs a good fit for every student?
All our programs follow a curriculum that requires thinking, reasoning, problem solving and practice. Several programs are HOTS programs. (Higher order thinking skills) Motivated, hardworking students supported by involved parents do very well in our programs. If academics is not the primary focus for the child and the parent, LFS will probably not be a good fit. Similarly, frequent schedule conflicts leading to missed sessions may affect progress.
What is the best way to determine if the program level will be a good match for the child?
If the child is a curious learner and determined to learn, all grade appropriate programs should be a good match. The program descriptions and the homework expectations should give you a good general idea. We also mention the math PS prerequisites for all the grades during registration.
Do the parents need to be involved?
Yes, yes and yes! Due to the nature of our 'thinking' curriculum we expect the parents to stay in-tune with the child's assignments. Staying involved keeps the parents abreast with what and how the child is learning, and areas that may need reinforcement at home. Research shows that children seem to perform at a higher level, if parents are engaged and show an active interest in a student's academia.
Parents who do not have time to be involved or cannot help a child with the assigned work should consider biweekly private virtual classes with us.
What is the LFS admission and payment policy?
Annual commitment is mandatory for programs that are linked to the League contests. A semester commitment is mandatory for all semester programs. Semester 2 registration will occur in December and will be opened to semester 1 students first.
Non-refundable tuition is due in advance to secure a spot.
What is the advantage of enrolling in annual or semester-long programs?
We believe in quality over quantity. The commitment policy allows us to focus on our dedicated students. We start and end each program with the same set of students. New students are not added mid-way which works in your child's best interest.
Why no tuition refunds?
Once you register and pay for a spot in one of our classes, that spot is reserved for your child and closed. To maintain high standards and to be fair to all enrolled students we do not accept new students once the classes have started. When you register for one of our programs only you can assess whether you might have a potential conflict on the horizon.
Learning Fun School cannot assume that risk for you.
Why don't you offer rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions can quickly prove extremely disruptive to the class progress as every new student admitted can take away an instructor's valuable time and attention from the core group. Our goal is your child's progress, and not recruiting new students throughout the year. Imagine what would happen if a new student was allowed to join a class anytime.
What happens if my child misses an academic session?
Logistics do not allow for a makeup class or refund. Class material may be emailed. A session recording will be shared, if we are given an advance notice of 24 hours.
Practice Tests (copyrighted) are not emailed.
Are the various contests open to everyone?
Contests are open to only our annual enrolled students. We work diligently with our students throughout the year and prefer to keep the focus on our students.
What is your discipline policy?
We expect each student to be able to follow simple directions, respect the instructor/s, respect the peers and respect the online chat rules. If a student misbehaves or disrupts the class by spamming the chats, he or she will be reminded to calm down. If a student acts out repeatedly, he or she will be asked to leave class for the remainder of the session and the parent will be notified. The student will be given a chance to exhibit modified behavior in the next class. If similar behavior continues with no improvement, parents will be asked to withdraw the child from the program and the balance tuition amount will be forfeited. This policy is simply to ensure that the peers do not suffer on account of one student's behavior.
My child is bright but needs help with homework too. What do you recommend?
Virtual group classes are not suitable for students who need more individualized attention. Virtual one-on-one sessions might be better suited. Figuring out a good match is essential. Scheduling a private class will be subject to open slot availability.
My child is in 1st grade and cannot read fluently. How can you help?
We offer a state-of-the-art Phonics program for KG- grade 2. Most students show a marked progress within 6 short months in reading, writing, spelling and reading comprehension skills. We invite you to try our program for a semester.
What is the best way to reach you?
If you are a new family, please use the 'Contact' form to submit your request.
Emailing will get you the fastest response.
To talk over the phone, please call between 12:00 noon-1:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
p: 571-643-4710
We will love to hear from you!