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How Learning Works2025-11-13T15:26:40-06:00

How Students Learn Best — And Why One-to-One Works

Discover how focused, personalized teaching helps teens learn more efficiently, stay confident, and make real academic progress.

What makes one-to-one teaching so effective? This quick video explains the science behind it.

Learning Works Better When It’s Personal

Traditional classrooms are built around the teacher. One-to-one learning flips the model so students get what they need — targeted instruction, less pressure, and more confidence. When students feel seen, they learn faster and retain more.

Students at Tenney School learning one-to-one in Houston private school classroom.
Tenney School Live student studying online with one-to-one instruction in a flexible accredited program.

The Brain Learns Best With Focused Attention

Research shows students remember more when distractions drop, cognitive load lowers, and feedback comes immediately. One-to-one instruction creates the conditions the brain needs for deep understanding — not just memorization.

Better Learning Shows Up in Real Results

Students in one-to-one settings complete work more efficiently, stay motivated longer, and build learning habits that carry into high school, college, and life. It’s not just a better school experience — it’s a better outcome.

Watch the Series

Episodes release every week and are free to watch on YouTube! See the breakdown of each episode here:

  1. Why Learning Feels Hard, and Why That’s Good
  2. Stop Rereading. Do This Instead
  3. The Power of Spacing (Why Cramming Doesn’t Work)
  4. Your Brain Is Not a Hard Drive
  5. Attention. The Gatekeeper to Learning
  6. Learning on a Delay (The Science of Sleep)
  7. Motivation, Identity, and the Myth of Talent
  8. Make it Stick. How to Build a Learning System

You can watch the full series by clicking the button below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One-to-One Learning?2025-11-06T14:42:12-06:00

One-to-one learning is an educational approach where a student receives personalized instruction from a teacher in a one-on-one setting. This method allows for individualized attention, tailored lesson plans, and pacing that matches the student’s unique needs and learning style. It’s particularly beneficial for students who thrive with focused support, whether they’re advanced learners or need additional help in certain areas. At The Tenney School, one-to-one learning is at the core of our philosophy, ensuring each student can maximize their academic potential in a supportive, customized environment.

What Grade Levels Are Offered?2025-11-06T14:41:28-06:00

The Tenney School offers individualized, one-to-one instruction for students in grades 5 through 12. Our curriculum is designed to meet the unique academic needs of each student, whether they are in middle school or high school. We focus on preparing students for success in their current grade level while also setting them up for future achievements in college and beyond. Our small class sizes and personalized learning approach ensure that students in every grade receive the attention and resources they need to excel academically.

Is The Tenney School an Accredited School?2025-11-06T14:48:38-06:00

The Tenney School has maintained accreditation through Cognia (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools) since 1979. The accreditation process is repeated every five-to-six years.  The last School Accreditation Engagement Review of The Tenney School was successful completed in February 2022. 

In Texas, all approved accrediting organizations post their member schools on the TEPSAC website (Texas Private School Accreditation Commission).  Parents can check for any private school accreditation, including The Tenney School, on this site.

How Much is the Tuition?2025-11-06T14:42:57-06:00

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