What is academic support?
Academic support provides students with one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, math, and science. It helps close learning gaps, review key concepts, and teach study habits tailored to each student’s needs and goals.
Academic support is for kids and teens, with or without a diagnosis, who may:
- Struggle with reading, writing, or math
- Find studying and organizing hard
- Avoid homework because it feels frustrating
- Have trouble following steps or managing time
Academic support versus tutoring
Tutoring usually helps with day-to-day schoolwork and studying for tests. Academic support helps students fill learning gaps and discover how they learn best. Classwork and assignments are used to practise strategies and build lasting habits.
“We need someone who teaches in a way that works for our kid, someone who helps them understand how they learn.”
Academic support can helpAcademic support at Red Oak
Our teachers are Ontario-certified and trained in special education. We focus on connection and a warm, supportive approach. We help students recognize their strengths and cultivate a positive view of learning. We teach them about how they learn best.
At Red Oak, academic support is:
- One-to-one and designed for each learner
- Based on proven, hands-on methods
- Collaborative, involving families and schools when helpful
- Coordinated with other Red Oak services when needed
- Focused on relationships, strengths, and steady skill growth
Areas of focus and methods
We support learning in literacy, math, and science using evidence-based programs, including:
Benefits of academic support
- Builds confidence and reduces frustration
- Teaches clear strategies for independent work
- Lowers stress for students and families
- Keeps learning consistent across home, school, and Red Oak
- Improves planning and organization
- Encourages motivation and pride in learning
- Develops self-awareness and self-advocacy
Working with an academic support coach: our process
1. Intake session – We meet with the student and family to learn about strengths, challenges, and goals.
2. Assessment – We use short activities like reading checks, writing samples, and math tasks to see where help is needed. Existing reports, such as IEPs or assessments, may guide the plan.
3. Structured plan – We create a clear plan with simple, measurable goals that focus on long-term skill building.
4. Instructional sessions – Teachers model strategies, guide practice, and help students gain independence. Assignments become tools for strengthening core skills.
5. Family and school collaboration – With consent, we share progress and strategies with parents and teachers. This helps students use new skills at home and at school.
6. Review and sustain – We monitor progress, adjust goals, and plan how students can continue to grow and advocate for their learning needs.
Connect with our academic support team to help your child fill learning gaps and build confidence as a learner.
Get academic supportExecutive Function & Academic Support Coaches
Collaboration across services
Academic support often connects with other Red Oak services:
- Psychology: Offers assessments that identify learning needs.
- Occupational therapy: Supports motor, sensory, or regulation skills that affect schoolwork.
- Executive function coaching: Strengthens organization, planning, and task-starting.
- Educational consulting: Helps families work with schools and find the right supports.
Together, our team helps students grow in every area of learning and life.
