The first and most important resource is the teacher. The teacher will best be able to help students because they are familiar with both the material and the student’s abilities. Teachers are required to stay after school Monday through Thursday from 2:25 – 2:45 PM. This is the best time for students to regularly see their teachers.

If more time than meeting with the teachers after school is necessary, or peer tutoring is not the best option, than an academic tutor may be another solution. These tutors are professional tutors acquainted with Rice’s academic environment. Academic tutors are familiar with the Rice curriculum (often consulting directly with the student’s teachers) and are paid by the student’s family. These tutors arrange directly with the student’s family when the tutoring will occur (often after school or on weekends). The guidance office maintains a list of tutors. Contact your guidance counselor for more information.

A key component of the Freshman Transition Program is teacher/counselor identification of students who show signs of needing additional assistance in order to complete homework. This assistance may take the form of creating a structure in which students are required to study quietly for a specified period of time, or that of needing a tutor in a specific subject or subjects. The intent of the Freshman After School Program is to provide that structure and support to ninth graders, so that the start of their high school career can be as successful as possible. Students are encouraged to develop the skills that will allow them to work independently and take responsibility for their learning.

Who: Ninth graders – based upon teacher/counselor recommendation and parent or student request.

What: Guidance counselors, teachers, and National Honor Society students are available to work with students, and provide tutoring as needed.

Each year the guidance department works with the faculty to identify students who have had success in a subject area and who could be excellent resources for academic support. When appropriate the guidance staff can help make linkages to these peer tutors for students wanting assistance. Most often these tutoring sessions occur during study halls. Contact your guidance counselor if you are interested in a peer tutor.

Weekly progress reports can be used as a tool to increase communication between student, teachers, and parents. They can also be used as an organizational tool to help students keep on top of their progress and assignments. Weekly progress reports are arranged through individual guidance counselors.