Q. How do I apply?
A. TH accepts students on a rolling basis through the year. Please contact us via e-mail at info@tophonors.org to add your student's name to the next interview session.
Q. When are the sessions?
A. Students enroll in one Saturday session. At the time of application, students may elect to enroll in both Tuesday and Saturday sessions (just Tuesdays is not an option).
- Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (supplemental for Saturday students)
Q. What materials do I need to prepare for the interview process?
A. At the time of the interview, TH requires a copy of the student's previous year's state math exam results. These results become available in the summer and all caregivers would have access to these records. Copies of the previous year's report cards are helpful, but not required.
Q. What sets Top Honors apart from other tutoring programs?
A. Top Honors is not a homework help program. We focus on mastering basic math skills using real-life examples. Also, TH is an incentive-driven program where students, as they progress through the curriculum and attend every week, earn points. The more points a student earns, the more expensive a prize they can redeem. Examples of prizes are board games, gift cards, and iPods.
Q. When are the sessions?
A. Students enroll in one Saturday session. At the time of application, students may elect to enroll in both Tuesday and Saturday sessions (just Tuesdays is not an option).
- Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (supplemental for Saturday students)
Q. What materials do I need to prepare for the interview process?
A. At the time of the interview, TH requires a copy of the student's previous year's state math exam results. These results become available in the summer and all caregivers would have access to these records. Copies of the previous year's report cards are helpful, but not required.
Q. What sets Top Honors apart from other tutoring programs?
A. Top Honors is not a homework help program. We focus on mastering basic math skills using real-life examples. Also, TH is an incentive-driven program where students, as they progress through the curriculum and attend every week, earn points. The more points a student earns, the more expensive a prize they can redeem. Examples of prizes are board games, gift cards, and iPods.
Q. Who are the tutors?
A. Tutors are volunteers trained in the TH curriculum. They generously give their time every week to work one-on-one with students. Most tutors are working professionals from a wide range of industries. We also have advanced high school students and college/graduate students that also volunteer.
Q. Is TH math tutoring free?
A. Yes. We only ask for a student's commitment to hard work and regular participation.
Q. Does TH provide MetroCards for the student's commute?
A. No.
Q. What is the structure of a typical tutoring session?
A. Students participate in a group game with fellow students and tutors. They have the opportunity to socialize with their peers, earn extra points redeemable for prizes, and most importantly, prepare to mentally focus. They are then matched and work one-on-one with a tutor on their individualized curriculum.
Q. Does TH provide homework help?
A. No. The TH curriculum is designed to strengthen and master fundamental math skills. While tutors will go off curriculum as they see fit, they do not provide homework or school project-related assistance.
Q. I have a 5th-grade student. Will TH accept them?
A. TH is designed for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Occasionally, however, depending on a student's maturity level and our current bandwidth, we will review and consider an application for a fifth grader.
Q. May I stay with my child during session?
A. TH is growing and as a result, we have space limitations that do not allow room for parents, friends, or family to stay during session. The neighborhood is home to local merchants and businesses that you might wish to explore.
Frequently asked questions by volunteer applicants
Q. I have a vacation scheduled two months from now so I can't make a session. Does that preclude my participation in Top Honors?
A. Absolutely not! We ask for an 80%+ attendance rate by volunteers. As soon as you know you'll miss a session, just let us know.
Q. I've never tutored before but think I'd make a good fit. Does this disqualify me as a tutor?
A. Nope! We welcome people with and without experience. We just want you to be patient, enthusiastic, and have a genuine interest in helping members of your local youth community.
Q. Is there a trial period?
A. Why, yes. Glad you asked. New TH tutors start with a 3-session trial period during which time they can assess whether they are a good fit for the program. TH will also do the same. At the completion of 3 full sessions, if either the tutor or TH thinks there might be a better way for the tutor to engage with TH, we'll have that discussion and go from there.
Q. How many students do I tutor?
A. On any given session, you're matched with one or two students that are at the same point in the curriculum. Over the course of the term, we try our best to match you with the same student every week, unless attendance rates don't make it possible.
Q. Are snacks provided?
A. Not now, but you never know.
Q. I don't remember the last time I solved an algebra equation. Is that a problem?
A. Staff will provide refreshers on math principles if and when needed. Many tutors haven't been in school for a while so it's very common not to remember some of the paradigms. Have no worries - we've got your back. Also, the TH curriculum covers basic math skills up to algebra. This means that most students don't reach algebra until the end of the year, so you'll spend the majority of your time working on more fundamental skills.
Q. I need community service hours. Do volunteering hours with TH qualify?
A. Yes. TH keeps records of all volunteer activity by individual so whenever you need it, we will provide confirmation of your clocked time.
Q. Do you have special events for volunteers?
A. TH provides professional development sessions so that tutors stay apprised of local educational trends, teaching methods, and have a chance to bounce ideas off of one another. There are also several volunteer social events. We believe that a spirit of camaraderie results in delivering higher quality services to our students.