FAQ

Where does the tutoring take place?

The tutoring takes place at BrainBoost’s learning center, The Hub, located at suite #240-3355 West Broadway.
Click here for a map.

How much does everything cost?

Prices are very straightforward and simple. We can help you choose the right package of services to suit your specific needs.

I’ve heard about your MathBoost program, what’s that?

MathBoost is a set of exam prep seminars we’ve been holding since 2002. There’s a different seminar for Grades 8, 9, 10 and 11. They’re taught by BrainBoost Director Matt Giammarino, who tries to infuse the sessions with fun while making them useful and productive. In the past few years, we’ve added SocialsBoost 11 and ScienceBoost 10. To check out this year’s offerings and to sign up, check out brainboosteducation.com/boosts/.

What is your payment policy?

If paying by cheque, clients must pay in advance for all services. We recommend that you pre-pay a month at a time, but you can pre-pay on your own schedule if you prefer. You can pay by bringing in a cheque or cash.

If paying by Electronic Funds Transfer, you can pay after services have occurred. We will automatically withdraw payment on the first of every month, to cover all services that have occurred in the month previous to it. (Note: This service is not available until October 2011.)

If your account has a negative balance, please bring it up to date immediately to avoid losing your session bookings.

What sets you apart from other tutoring companies?

• As well as providing tutoring for students wanting support for the content of their courses, we specialize in students who have a learning disability, chronically underachieve in school, need to be challenged and/or are disengaged with the world and/or school.
• We come from no specific educational framework, but rather have a student-centred approach that guides the program right from the beginning and informs all changes as they are necessary. We bring in specific teaching frameworks when they are appropriate and change our approach to match the specific need of the student at each point in time.
• We design personalized programs that help students achieve goals that are relevant and meaningful for their education and life as a whole.
• We use an iterative process that thrives on feedback; feedback from the student and parents shapes our approach the whole way through, allowing us to make adjustments whenever and wherever they are necessary.
• Our work is informed by the latest research in learning disabilities, educational psychology, and cognitive science.
• We don’t just tutor! We offer a variety of programs including: Homework Help, full-time or part-time schooling, computer courses, and pods.

Is there any way to access the BrainBoost vibe without paying?

You can take PIPE: Planning 10! Our Planning 10 course is an interactive online experience. It includes game-like graphics and audio and different types of interactive assignments. Interested? Right now the distance learning school EBUS is the only way to take PIPE: Planning 10 and receive credit. We are also actively seeking other online partners to offer this course to a wider audience. Register for the course here or contact us.

Who are your tutors?

• All tutors have extensive experience working with kids.
• Many are pursuing a career in an education-related field.
• All our tutors are avid information seekers and voracious students of the world: they are passionate about many things and have many areas of localized knowledge.
• All our tutors are trained in the art of one-to-one tutoring, effective communication, educational psychology, and BrainBoost standards.
• All our tutors care greatly about their students’ success and take ample time to prepare for their sessions. They are also supported by a group of passionate teachers and case managers who help to brainstorm new ideas and solutions.

What is distance learning?

There are over 50 different distance learning schools in BC and they all grant credits towards graduation. From traditional math and science courses to creating a personalized directed studies course, the different distance learning schools available to BC students offer a wide variety of options outside of brick-and-mortar schools. In grades K-9, it’s usually not possible to take single distance courses while enrolled at a regular school. Once students are in grades 10-12, they can enrol in a single distance learning course even when enrolled in a brick-and-mortar school.

Go to http://www.learnnowbc.ca to check out the many courses offered by distance learning providers in BC.

How does BrainBoost support distance learning?

BrainBoost offers awesome and unique support for students enrolled in distance learning courses. This support looks a bit different for each student, but it usually involves a combination of subject tutoring, homework help, and student services. The Study Pass integrates tutoring, homework, and student services in order to provide a supportive learning community that promotes balance and productivity for students. BrainBoost can enhance the course content and works to keep lines of communication open with teachers, advisors, and administrators of DL schools.

I am an adult learner who did not graduate from high school. I want to get my high school diploma. What are my options?

If you are 19 years or older, you can obtain your Adult Dogwood by completing five secondary-school level courses, which must include one math and one English course. Check out the ministry website for more information by clicking here.

Regardless of how you chose to obtain your credits, BrainBoost can support you throughout the process. Contact us if you’re interested.

Is tutoring a tax-deductible medical expense?

• While we are not in the business of dispensing tax advice, tutoring services, when accompanied by a note from a certified medical practitioner signifying that the services are necessary, are potentially tax deductible in Canada.
• From the CRA website: “Tutoring services used by, and which are supplementary to the primary education of, a person with a learning disability or an impairment in mental functions, and paid to someone in the business of providing such services who is not related to the person being tutored. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are necessary.”
  (source: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/330/llwxpns-eng.html)

Does BrainBoost work with kids on the autism spectrum?

Over the years, we have attracted more and more students who are on the autism spectrum. Something about The Hub seems to make everyone feel at ease, no matter who the person is. As the Workspace program evolved to its ‘mix and match your own program’ approach, our programs for kids on the spectrum began to truly rock. We provide intense academic support to help the traditional academic subjects come alive with meaning and excitement. In addition, we have created customized group classes, like hands-on math and science that allow these kids many chances to practice communication and socialize with other kids in a teacher-supported environment.

Are you comfortable working with students who’ve been diagnosed with a learning disability?

Kids with a wide variety of learning disabilities can benefit from working with BrainBoost. We design each program to match the needs of each student, so we can strengthen weaknesses while developing a student’s strengths. We’re well equipped to use assistive technology and can support students in planning and implementing an IEP.