English Tutoring, in Toronto and Online for Students in Grade 4 to University

Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Essay Writing Technique, Creative Writing, Literature Appreciation… master these, and you have the key to success in school, and in life. What makes us unique? Our instructors are experienced teachers – and writers, too. They know how to nurture a life-long love of words.

We highly recommend the Centauri English program. Julie is a passionate, experienced, inspiring and supportive teacher who can nurture a love for English literature, and all forms of written expression.

Parent; Facebook Review

I can’t believe the change in [my daughter] since she started to work with you. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more. She is showing interest in books and in ideas and shows more confidence.  I was so happy when she took some books out of the library last week!   I am really thankful for all the wonderful support you are giving her.

Parent

“My son looks forward to every class and  always prepares early for it.  He is visibly happy and joyful after his Centauri lessons. The following morning, he wakes up eager to write.”

English Enrichment parent, August 2022.

English Tutoring: In Bloor West Village, Toronto and Online

Our programs begin for the 2023-2024 academic year on Monday 18th September.

Sophisticated writing, reading and critical thinking skills are essential in today’s world. When a student learns to think deeply, read thoughtfully, write well and express themselves effectively, their confidence increases and their grades improve.

Our English Tutoring Program is designed to benefit students from grade 4 up to university level, whatever their needs. We work with young people who want to develop their writing and reading proficiency in order to improve grades in school. With these students, we spend time on grammar and language conventions, introduce a wide range of reading material, encourage creative writing to enhance a love of words, and focus on essay structure. Equally, our English Tutoring Program is intended for keen and gifted students who want to work at a more advanced level than may be possible in class. With these students, we delve into classical and contemporary literature, experiment with different types of essays, explore a variety of writing styles and reach for excellence, in the English classroom and beyond.

Our small-group English tutoring program is offered virtually and in our Toronto studios at the following levels:
Junior (ages 9-12)
Intermediate (ages 12-15)
Senior (ages 14-17)
In addition, we offer a specialist Literature and Creative Writing Program for advanced writers and readers aged 16-20. This enrichment program is designed to introduce older high school and university students to advanced creative writing skills and a range of classical writers. We explore Shakespeare, classical poetry, contemporary world literature and more, using these texts to inspire creative writing in a wide range of styles.

The Centauri English Tutoring Program is based on these 6 Principles:

The more we practice writing, the more skilled and confident we become.

A talented and inspiring teacher is essential for learning.

Understanding structure and language conventions is key to writing confidence.

When students develop a love of reading, and the ability to critically discuss the material they read, grades rapidly improve.

Creative writing is fun and appealing… and the ideal tool for teachers as they help their students to communicate with confidence and skill.

Introducing a wide variety of contemporary and classical literature at the appropriate time is one of the best ways to encourage the development of sophisticated reading and writing skills.

About our Academic English Tutoring Programs

Students in our English tutoring program are grouped according to skill-level and academic needs. English classes are capped at 6 students, ensuring plenty of personal support. Join our virtual sessions from anywhere in the world, or attend classes at our studio in West Toronto.

Our weekly classes run for 90 minutes, with students completing a short piece of homework (up to an hour) between classes. All written work is reviewed and annotated by the instructor. English tutoring is offered in increments of 12 weeks since only regular practise leads to significant skills development. Most students join our program in September or January, but enrollment is possible at any time, subject to availability.

Parents receive a progress report at the end of every block of 12 weeks.

Call us at 416 766 7124 or email info@centauriarts.com to set up a free virtual assessment for your student. Classes are offered at a variety of times, virtually and in our studio, and we would be happy to advise on the best program for your child. Our English classes for the next academic year commence the week of Monday 18 September.

APPLY HERE

THE NEXT STEP
Contact us to discuss your child’s needs and arrange a free assessment. Once the assessment is completed, we will be in touch to offer a choice of virtual or in-studio class times based on the skills and needs of your student.
CALL US! 416 766 7124 or email info@centauriarts.com

The Centauri Difference

Our faculty consists of experienced teachers, most of whom also teach creative writing. This gives our English tutoring program a unique and exciting focus. Teachers of creative writing already have a proven passion for words, and they understand – more than most – the power of language to entertain, educate and provoke.

Julie Hartley, workshop retreat leaderOur Course Creator
Course materials for our English Tutoring program are created by Julie Hartley. Julie taught English Language and Literature at the UK’s top co-ed school before emigrating to Canada, where she worked as an English and Drama teacher at Havergal College, Toronto. She has taught workshops and presented at education conferences in Canada and in Asia, and designed dozens of courses for the Centauri Arts Academy and Centauri Summer Arts Camp. Julie has an MFA in Creative Writing, and has published three books: a novel for young adults, a poetry collection and a textbook for teachers on approaches to the teaching of Shakespeare.

“When students learn to use language, they do more than master the basic skills. They learn to value the power of language and to use it responsibly. They learn to express feelings and opinions and to support their opinions with sound arguments and evidence from research.” – Ontario English Curriculum

Dates and Fees

Our program includes a 90-minute class per week, plus a 1-hour writing assignment which is completed between classes and annotated by the instructor.

Cost per 12-week program: $900+HST (3 x payments of $300, payable at the beginning of each 4-week block)
Students may join at any time, subject to availability.

Attendance
If you are unable to attend a class, you must give 48 hours’ notice. Every effort will be made to reschedule your class. Classes cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be billed at the full fee.

THE NEXT STEP
Call to discuss your child’s needs and arrange a free assessment. Once the assessment is completed, we will be in touch to offer a choice of virtual or in-studio class times based on the skills and needs of your student.

CALL US! 416 766 7124