Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Murphy-Cates Learning Center and Academy, an educational institution of such high quality located in Roane County in East Tennessee?
The Murphy-Cates Learning Center and Academy was founded here in Harriman, near Knoxville and Oak Ridge, Tennessee because we started by meeting the immediate tutoring needs of our local community. As our reputation grew, people began coming to Roane County from all over the country to access our unique services.
What is the mission of the Murphy-Cates Learning Center?
Our mission is simple. We want to change the world one child at a time.
How often do students come in to the Murphy-Cates Learning Center?
The frequency of tutoring sessions or classes really depends on the individual student’s needs. Some students come after school for two to four hours a week for tutoring or classes. Sometimes, students come more often if needed. Other students attend the Academy full-time or part-time. Our tutoring and educational services are truly individualized for the student.
How does your cognitive and psychological evaluation differ from others?
Our evaluation is much more complete, thorough and extensive than others. We evaluate not only academic achievement but also cognitive function. Our evaluation is standardized and diagnostic in nature so we can assess students for ADD/ADHD, memory, and potential neurological issues.
How much do tutoring sessions and/or classes cost?
Total fees will vary with the services that are selected. A full fee schedule is available.
What are alternative educational options?
Alternative educational options mean we truly individualize the approach to each student’s needs. We fit our programs to meet each student’s needs rather than trying to make the student fit a predetermined program or schedule. We don’t fit square blocks into round holes.
Do you work with the public schools?
Yes! Our objective is to meet the student’s needs wherever they are, and in whatever educational situation.
What is the student/teacher ratio at the Murphy-Cates Learning Center and Academy?
For tutoring, student/teacher ratio is one-on-one. For small groups at the same level working on special subjects or projects, the student/teacher ratio is approximately three students per teacher. At the Academy, we have a four-to-one student/teacher ratio.
What grades do you teach?
At the Murphy-Cates Learning Center and Academy, we teach students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Additionally, we teach adults of all ages in special situations including test preparation, ESL, or other areas where intensive study assistance is needed.
What is Three-Tier Tutoring?
Three-Tier Tutoring is a form of tutoring that is designed to meet the specific needs of the child. For students who need home work help, Tier One Tutoring is applied. Students who need remediation to shore up reading, math, and other academic areas are on Tier Two Tutoring. Therapeutic activities to change neural (learning) pathways in the brain are Tier Three Tutoring.
Do you work with ADD students?
Yes! We work with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexic, Gifted…pretty much the entire gamut of cognitive and psychological learning styles and abilities.