What is One-on-One Instruction?
One-on-one instruction means that each student is paired with a teacher in a personalized setting for every core academic class. This is not tutoring or supplemental help — it’s how our classes are structured every day. Unlike traditional classrooms with 20 or more students, our model eliminates distractions and enables teachers to adapt lessons in real time based on the student’s pace and understanding.
With just one student per classroom, teachers can:
- Focus entirely on the student’s needs
- Provide instant feedback and correction
- Adjust lesson plans for better engagement
- Identify and address learning gaps quickly
This individualized approach leads to more effective learning, deeper subject mastery, and increased student confidence.
Why Personalized Learning Matters More Than Ever
In today’s rapidly changing academic landscape, a one-size-fits-all model simply doesn’t work. Personalized learning recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different speeds. At The Tenney School, we tailor instruction to each student’s learning style, strengths, and interests.
This matters especially for:
- Students with learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety
- Gifted students who need a faster pace
- Students who have lost confidence in large class environments
Personalized learning at Tenney helps students rediscover the joy of learning and build the skills they need for future success.
Accreditation
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 successfull completed in February 2022.
The Tenney School earned an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 318.5 from Cognia on the last review. This IEQ is well above the average school IEQ (278.34 – 283.33).
One-on-One Teaching in Action at The Tenney School
Who Thrives at Tenney?
The Tenney School is designed to support a wide range of students, including:
- Gifted learners who need more challenge
- Students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety
- Athletes and performing artists who need flexible scheduling
- International students adjusting to a new academic culture
With our personalized model, we help each of these student types succeed both academically and personally.
How Tenney School Compares to Other Houston Private Schools
While many Houston private schools offer small class sizes, few provide true one-on-one instruction. Here’s how Tenney stands out:
| Feature | Traditional Private School | The Tenney School |
|---|---|---|
| Class Size | 10-20 Students | One-on-One Classes |
| Instruction Style | Group-Based Curriculum | Fully Personalized |
| Flexibility | Limited | Flexible Scheduling |
| Student Support | Generalized | Targeted and Individualized |
| Learning Pace | Fixed | Adaptable |
Learn if One-on-One Instruction Is Right for Your Child
Wondering if Tenney is the right fit? Let us show you what personalized learning looks like in person. Our admissions team is ready to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and schedule a private tour or virtual consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 successfull completed in February 2022.
The Tenney School earned an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 318.5 from Cognia on the last review. This IEQ is well above the average school IEQ (278.34 – 283.33).
