Class sizes no larger than seven students.

Our Philosophy

At TAI, Inc., the theme of our classrooms is interaction, where students converse with the teacher and learn using the Socratic method. Students thrive with the opportunity to engage with the teacher. We know that learning is enhanced by a positive, enthusiastic response. The enthusiasm that our staff brings to our classrooms demonstrates our belief that there is no learning without excitement.

We have uniquely designed our classes to meet varying curricular and learning needs. Our model provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in the way best suited to each of them; the students also develop the independent study skills necessary for success in college.

Our Model

Our model encourages students to learn how to work independently. The teacher moves around the classroom working with one student after another, and students are guided to work on their own and remain productive while the teacher works with other students.

This method can be frustrating initially because most students do not have the skills and patience to work alone. As we foster independent learning, students become proud of their college level learning skills. Our strategy works because rigorous academic expectations are complemented by attention to each student’s learning needs and styles.

Honors Designation
Students desiring an Honors Designation for any class may request an honors project or an ELO experience (Extended Learning Opportunity).

Monday/Wednesday Seminars
In today’s academic environment, more and more students are in the need of transitional college preparatory environments that will enhance their independent thinking skills and ability to cite sources to substantiate their opinions in discussions and compositions.

As a credit class for CONTEMPORARY ISSUES for Seniors and CURRENT EVENTS TOPIS for graders 9-11, our Monday/Wednesday seminars offer the experience for students to converse with a college professor, Reginald Garrett, using the Socratic method.

Students thrive with the opportunity to engage with Reggie, who provides an academic paper offering a thought provoking approach to a current topic of interest in the news. Students are guided to form an opinion and cite a source to substantiate their opinion.

Students develop their thinking skills with the opportunity to engage with Reggie and to listen to their classmates express their academic opinions. We know that learning is enhanced by a positive, enthusiastic response. The fourth week of each month involves a discussion related to a current exhibit in a local museum that the students have engaged in from a study guide provided by Reggie.

The semester has a term project that is completed in small teams. Each group is guided to select a project of their interest, research and then prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation, a typical college expectation.

This seminar model encourages students to use rich resources to develop independent thinking skills and informed opinions. Each unique and differing opinion is appreciated and respected. Students enrolled in Humanities (Contemporary Issues or Current Events Topics) will attend this college style seminar . Their participation is REQUIRED and provides 40 % of their class grade for their class grades. Grades are assigned as follows: C for attendance, B for class participation, or A for attendance, participation and a presentation.

We, at the Academic Institute, Inc. feel these experiential skill developments are a hallmark of our college preparatory school.