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ABOUT US

Making the Grade A+ focuses on building the confidence of scholars to improve academic performance.  We pair our scholars with State Certified Educators and Para-Professionals.  We prepare our scholars to perform their very best with one on one instructions and project based learning.

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Our passionate educators will concentrate on whatever areas your scholar is struggling with and customize the learning experience to best fit their needs.

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We are confident we can fit the needs of your scholar to BUILD their skills and confidence, INSPIRE them to work independently and OWN (IT) their academic achievement !"

- Helen Ballard, CEO

Helen began working in education after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  She loved seeing her students succeed but noticed some of them required extra support outside the classroom.  Helen started Making the Grade A+ to encourage and empower struggling scholars to become high achievers and realize their dreams.

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CERTIFICATIONS

  • Currently pursuing Doctorate's Degree in Leadership in Education Administration

  • Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

  • Masters Degree in Technology and Business

  • Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

  • Personal Assessment Leadership Skills Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA)

  • Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK)

  • University of Chicago (Critical Issue in Urban Education)

  • Bureau of Education and Research (BER) Strategies for working with Difficult Disruptive Students

  • Education for Multicultural School Based Leader Training

  • GED Trainer

  • In School Suspension Coordinator

  • District of Columbia HIPPA Health Care Components

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Facilitator

  • Superintendent Training for Urban Public Schools

WHAT SETS US APART
OUR PROCESS
WHAT SETS US APART

We have often found that failing scholars are failing because their academic needs are misunderstood.  We enjoy working with struggling or credit deficient learners because it gives us an opportunity to show them that they can make the grade.   Our goal is to enhance the quality of life of our students by providing them with a solid academic foundation and empower them through encouragement, resourcefulness and respect to lead successful lives. 

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The BEST academic enrichment programs do these things:

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  1. Engage students in fun activities that create a desire to learn.

  2. Customize lesson plans materials to fit the students learning style.

  3. Meet students where they are, strengthen their weak areas and build them up.

  4. Provide project based learning curriculum to enhance comprehension.

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Making the Grade applies all these things to our process.

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Our Vision
Making the Grade A+ strives to establish and grow our student’s academic enrichment for all students to build, inspire, and own it.

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Our Mission
Making the Grade A+ is the liaison for students, parents, and our partners as an advocate of education and career development. We are a year-round enrichment program with passionate, nurturing and dedicated instructors who are focused on cultivating, inspiration, encouragement and innovation with our community.

OUR PROCESS
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STEP #1:Teamwork

Your scholar will be paired with one of our passionate educators to identify their academic needs and customize our services to fit your scholars learning style coupled with project based learning for effective results.

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STEP #2: Empower to Work Independently

Scholars will be equipped with tools and techniques that are specific to their needs through project based learning to improve their academic performance and empower them to work independently with confidence.

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STEP #3: See Results

With guidance, practice and repetition, your scholars grades will improve and they will be confident in their ability to learn and further their academic achievements with a smile.

SERVICES
SERVICES

K-12 TUTORING

  • Year Round General Education Academic Enrichment

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

  • Physics

  • Reading/ Decoding

  • English Language Learners (ELL)

  • Algebra I&II

  • Geometry

  • Calculus

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • IEP/ 504

  • Social Studies

  • History

  • Geography

  • Enriching Critical Thinking

  • Language Arts

  • SAT and GED preparation

K-12 EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING​ WITHOUT ADVOCACY

Students and parents sometimes need assistance identifying why students are not meeting their academic goals and developing a plan of action to help guide them to success!  We will:

  • Guide students in choosing classes that will develop their strengths

  • Assist students in overcoming academic and personal challenges

  • Assist students in balancing personal interests and academic goals

  • Communicate to parents on the best path forward for their scholar and action steps recommended for them to take on their scholars behalf

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K-12 EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING WITH ADVOCACY

Many parents are not always able to participate in meetings with school staff, administration and other stakeholders in their scholars education.  Let Making The Grade A + advocate for your scholar on your behalf.

This service includes:

  • Guide students in choosing classes that will develop their strengths

  • Assist students in overcoming academic and personal challenges

  • Assist students in balancing personal interests and academic goals

  • Communicate to parents on the best path forward for their scholar and action steps recommended for them to take on their scholars behalf

  • Attend meetings with school staff, administration and other stakeholders to advocate on your behalf for the enhancement and improved quality of your scholars academic career

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COLLEGE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Applying for college can be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be!  We offer step by step instruction in filling out college applications.  We teach scholars how to confidently answer each question to increase their chances of getting accepted to the school of their choice.  Essay writing assistance is available upon request at an additional charge.

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Adult Learners
18 & UP ADULT SCHOLARS

At Making The Grade A+ we believe no scholar should be left behind.  There are many credit deficient adult scholars who are struggling to obtain their high school diploma, their GED (General Education Diploma) or College Degree.  Adult scholars learn on their own terms obtaining critical knowledge, skills and experience through project based learning that they can use as they advance to pursue careers in industries that pay a living wage. 


ABE (Adult Basic Education) 

For scholars ages 16 and up who are not enrolled in school and want to improve their basic skills in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Listening and Speaking. The ABE prepares you academically for future training towards the Pre-GED and GED exams.

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Pre-GED 

This program is for students 18 years and older who have tested above the Adult Basic Education (ABE) level who want to earn their GED.

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GED (General Education Diploma)

The GED is an internationally recognized exams that shows that you have a level of knowledge equivalent to a high school graduate. The test measures proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, reading, and writing.  Many students struggle with taking the GED because they do not fully understand what is required to pass the test.  Making the Grade A+ can help your scholar understand what is required and pass the test.

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COLLEGIATE TUTORING

Helping college students enhance their skills and Make The Grade.  We assist students in:

  • APA (American Psychological Association) Writing

  • Successfully navigating college 

  • Financial Literacy

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