Huntington Learning Center in Cedar Park offers students more than homework help. The team of tutors takes a holistic approach to education and focuses on fundamentals rather than specific test-taking strategies.

Local Franchise Owner Al Karim Shivji, his wife Naureen and their team of 30 tutors help students from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on reading, math and writing. While Huntington Learning Center offers support in various subjects, its core belief is that a strong foundation in these basics is the key to academic success.

“We're not simply here to provide assistance with homework," Shivji said. "Our aim extends far beyond mere homework completion or passing standardized exams. Rather, our mission is to cultivate foundational skills within each student, empowering them to navigate their educational journey with independence and pave their path toward personal success."

This approach differentiates Huntington Learning Center from other tutoring or test preparation programs. Instead of simply teaching specific test-taking strategies, the tutors at Huntington Learning Center prioritize strengthening students' reading comprehension and logical thinking skills. Once those fundamentals are in place, students can continue to build on those skills.

As students prepare to take a digital SAT and STAAR test, Shivji said the Huntington Learning Center’s approach to preparing students will remain the same.

“A lot of what we do hasn't changed a whole lot with building the skills needed to be successful [on the digital tests],” Shivji said. “... When it comes to math, one of the most underrated skill sets is the ability to think rationally and think logically. That is a thinking process, so no matter how many tools and skills that you have, you need to be able to implement those tools and skills”

By practicing reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills, students have the tools they need to succeed on these tests.

“We believe strongly that the skills come first, and strategy comes second,” Shivji said.

To further support students, the team at The Huntington Learning Center collaborates with teachers and parents to make sure each student is getting the help they need to succeed.

With parental permission, Huntington Learning Center staff communicate with students' school teachers to gain insights into their academic progress, areas of improvement and individual learning styles. This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided by the Huntington Learning Center aligns seamlessly with classroom instruction, reinforcing key concepts and fostering continuity in learning.

“Because of the amount of tools that we have at our disposal, we're able to really change track when it's needed and we’re able to get multiple opinions on specific students,” Shivji said. “We feel that that really helps students not get stuck or not fall into too much favoritism with a teacher as well.”

Another aspect of Hunting Learning Center that sets it apart from others in the area is the team of tutors working with students.

“The best part about working at Huntington is the strong relationship a teacher can build with each of their students,” Center Manager Eric said. “Since the instruction is so focused, it's much easier for a student to share when a topic challenges or frustrates them, and it's also easier for the teacher to offer specific strategies for their student. I have seen a lot of kids transform outright in terms of both their confidence and their content knowledge when they've gone through their programs.”

This dedicated team has made Huntington Learning Center a trusted partner in education for families across Cedar Park.

“Huntington is an environment that pushes for higher standards that are not as available in a public school or large group classroom environment,” Managing Director Michael said. “The individualized sessions allow us to see students' growth and address specific issues in real time rather than waiting for grades to come back.”

To learn more about the Huntington Learning Center, visit its website.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.