What Is Teenworks?
Teenworks is a Christian tutoring service started in the early 1980s by Jeff and Wanda Burdick. They saw some needs that they were not able to meet for their own children while homeschooling. After trying several options, Teenworks was born. It has grown into an organization that provides quality tutoring in most academic classes, achievement testing and ACT preparation, and qualified, Godly tutors who reinforce biblical character in young people. Thus, we are an organization that tutors, tests, and trains young people who are home educated. The “Works” Program involves Kidworks, Midworks, Jr. Teenworks, Sr. Teenworks, Webworks, and Collegeworks.

What Does It Cost?
At a time when expenses are always increasing, we are trying to keep our cost down so families can afford our services.  Many private lessons cost $20.00 per 1/2 hour, whereas our classes are approximately $10.00 for 1-1/2 hour class.

All ON SITE classes are 1-1/2 hours long each week for 36 weeks. (For cost and fees click here)  Some classes also have a class fee for equipment rental or supplies and some tutors will charge a copy fee. There is a $65.00 registration fee ($115 after July 15) per family, per year due upon registration for office expenses, newsletters, and billing. The parent is also responsible to purchase the textbooks or any other supplies for the class. There may be a nominal expense for related field trips.

All ON LINE classes are $10.00 more per year than the onsite classes, to pay for set up of the software and testing the connection.  (For costs and fees click here.) All classes are 1-1/2 hours each week for 36 weeks.  Some tutors may charge a mailing or copy fee which should be mailed directly to them. The parent will be required to provide simple supplies depending on the need of the class.  Most science equipment is simple household items, but some things may need to be purchased.  A list will be provided in advance.

What is the Payment Schedule?

An invoice is sent out by our office staff at the beginning of each semester, and it may be paid in full or in monthly payments, due in the office on the first of each month. Payment schedule is as follows:

• August 1st

• September 1st

• October 1st

• November 1st

• December 1st

• NO January Payment

• February 1st

• March 1st

• April 1st

If the payment is received after the 5th of each month, a $20.00 late fee will be added to your bill.  If a parent does not pay the tuition and has not made arrangements, then the student will be dismissed until payment is made

Can I Drop or Add a Class?
We enter into an agreement with a family in good faith to provide a service and we want our families in good faith to agree to pay.  Our tutors depend on a certain income and when you do not pay we still must pay our instructors.  Please enter into this agreement with caution in order to avoid conflict.  The only reason for dropping a class is listed below. If you register in the spring or summer for fall classes, the deadline to drop classes is July 15. This allows our tutors to make plans and commitments.

On Site: POLICY:
The parent is required to pay the bill even if the child is not present for class (es). The only exception is if the family moves out of the area and is not within driving distance or we do not offer that class on line. We will also make an exception if the tutor requests that the student not be in class for behavioral or academic reasons. To add a class we will look at each case on an individual bases depending on available space.

On Line
If a parent does not pay the tuition and has not made arrangements, then the student will be disconnected until payment is made.  If it has been proven and agreed that we have not been able to provide the class due to technical difficulties then we will not ask the family to continue to pay and may drop without penalty.  If the difficulty is on the part of the receiver, then you are required to pay for the class.  Prior to the class we will run a test and ask if you are satisfied.  At that time if you are not satisfied, you may withdraw without penalty.  At any time that there are more than two classes in a semester that have had technical difficulties and it is our fault we will have a make up class that will accommodate the majority of the students.  To add a class we will look at each case on an individual bases depending on available space.

Is There a Dress Code?
Yes. For on line students there is no dress code.

What about Special Needs?
We do work with learning-disabled, dyslexic, ADD, and other learning difficulties. This is done on an individual basis and each student is evaluated to make sure we can help them. We work with the experts who also do diagnostic testing to determine any special needs. Jean Manning is offering disability tutoring through Teenworks. For more information about her services, click here.

Who Are The Tutors?
Our tutors are qualified experts in their subject matter who reinforce biblical character in young people.  All tutors must profess and demonstrate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Tutors also continue their training by attending the Teenworks summer tutor training program.

What about Grades?
The tutors are responsible to grade daily work, quizzes, and tests and return them to the student. The student should give the graded work to their parent who is responsible for recording it. We do offer training in record-keeping and have forms available for the parent. At the end of the year we give a certificate with the percentage for the year. For on-line students the certificate will be e-mailed to them within two weeks of the last class.  We also offer a graduation ceremony for seniors with a diploma from their parents.

How Do I Apply?
Every year, there is an early registration period beginning in April through the first week in May. It is best to contact our office for those dates and register then, as classes fill up quickly. Prior to registering, we ask that if possible, parent and student visit a class to make sure it is going to meet their needs or if on line visit a class while in session. Beginning with fall 2010 classes, the registration form must be in our office by July 15.  After July 15 there is a late registration fee that will be applied.   Every family is required to fill out an application form and pay the family registration fee. After receiving the forms and the fee, you will be contacted concerning availability and approval. If a placement test is required it must be taken prior to being accepted into the class. No public school or private school students are allowed to attend onsite classes.

How Does A Class Operate?
Each class meets once a week at a scheduled time. During that time, the tutor gives the material for the following week. Students, under the supervision of a parent, are to do the prescribed homework each week. Each student is given a syllabus the first day of class so parents can monitor the student's work. Tutors may use a variety of techniques in the class and we encourage parents to visit the class (es) or if on line sit with the student. The classes are academic in nature and students are expected to be at grade level, or have a desire to work to attain grade level. Many classes have an entrance test that must be taken to determine eligibility.