The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy

Program Overview

The Learning Academy's signature program, Saturday School, was established in 1986 and provides tutoring/mentoring services to Montgomery County MD students in Grades 1 through 12. Saturday School centers are offered across Montgomery County in 12 high school buildings located in communities that are home to many families who are confronting economic challenges and who may not speak English as a first language. Each of the 12 centers, led by a center director, is
staffed with certified teachers and volunteers who work with students to improve their academic performance.

Saturday School's overarching goal is to reduce/eliminate the achievement gap by providing tutoring in English/language arts and mathematics, coaching in test-taking strategies, and mentoring support. Other services include free breakfast for
participants and their siblings, bus transportation, and adult English literacy classes for parents.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

CATCHING UP AND FEELING CONFIDENT

In his regular full-size classes at school, Caleb was not always getting the individualized attention he needed to stay on track. Then he started attending Saturday School. Over the three years that Caleb has been attending Saturday School, he has received reinforcement of his school lessons, standardized test prep, STEM enrichments and opportunities to practice public peaking. "Saturday School increased Caleb's confidence, especially with the skills that are introduced or reinforced on Saturday mornings," said Caleb's mom. "Having a dedicated teacher focusing on his grade-level curriculum really helped," she added. Through Saturday School, Caleb is also developing "soft skills" that will lead to career readiness. "Caleb is definitely able to speak in front of crowds because of the Saturday School motivation sessions," said Caleb's mom. "Saturday School is truly a hidden gem. I love the instruction with a certified teacher. It is affordable and reinforces our family view of education being first," she added.