Since its founding by Melinda and Mark Crenwelge in 1991, Academics Plus has been a pillar in the community, providing instruction to help thousands of students increase their academic performance in the classroom. Over the past 31 years, Academics Plus has grown to be more than an educational resource to the community, it has grown to be a family.
Stephanie Talley, Owner and Director at Academics Plus, says that building relationships through working with students and their parents is what she loves the most about teaching.
“These families become our family,” says Talley. “It's so much more than just teaching math or literacy; it's empowering students to be confident in themselves, and we bond and connect through the process.”
Many of Academics Plus’s students are multigenerational, meaning their parents or other family members attended themselves as a child. Sibling enrollment is also the norm, which allows instructors to get to know and develop a relationship with the entire family. Many students who once attended Academics Plus as students have come back to work as office assistants or even instructors themselves.
“It all comes back to those family relationships, which is the best part of my job,” says Talley. Academics Plus works with students of all abilities, providing instruction in reading, writing, math, algebra, study skills, and SAT/ACT prep. The goal is for students to have the necessary skills to excel at school, at home, and in the community. Talley also collaborates with classroom
teachers and helps parents advocate for their students. While the industry standard for instructional services is 36 hours, Academics Plus’s average length is 70 hours, because parents see the value in what the center has to offer. While many students start off below grade level, they continue until they are above grade level, and many will stay through 12th grade as they
prepare for college.
“Through his individualized program at Academics Plus, our son began his seventh-grade year as a whole new student with greater confidence and improved academic skills to be successful in school,” says Cathy Apple. “He tested so well that he was mainstreamed from special services and feels good about himself and his progress. We are delighted with the overall positive effects (academic, emotional, and motivational) that Academics Plus is enabling for our son, and we are so thankful to have such an excellent educational resource here.”
Education is constantly changing. The pandemic and digital transformation have changed the landscape of education faster than ever before. Expectations are being lowered, the system is under pressure, and many students are not emerging from high school prepared to enter the workforce. Talley says through it all Academics Plus always maintains its standard of excellence.
“We pay attention to what's going on, but at the end of the day, kids need to learn how to think.
And that's what we do best,” says Talley. “We keep our standards high and teach students how to think critically, comprehend, and communicate. Regardless of the current or future educational climate, our quality of instruction is always what drives our business.”
Academics Plus is located at 175 S. Ridge Rd, Suite 700 in McKinney, next to Dowell Middle School. Academics Plus is always happy to offer academic advice, share resources, and point you in the right direction. For any educational questions or to learn more about enrolling your students, visit AcademicsPlus.com.
Article by Alexis Jacobs
Originally published in McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle
