The average American public school class has 24 students, creating challenges for both students and teachers:
- Some students struggle to get the attention they need, leading to acting out, falling behind, or feeling bored.
- Teachers must manage large groups while balancing different ability levels.
Aware of these issues, many parents turn to private schools. However, with an average class size of 18.8 students, private schools still face similar challenges.
One-on-one learning—where a student works directly with a teacher—offers a solution. This personalized approach ensures students get the attention they need without overwhelming teachers.
In this article, we’ll explore what one-on-one learning is, who benefits from it, and which schools offer this unique model.
What is One-on-One Learning?
One-on-one learning takes the idea of smaller class sizes to its logical conclusion. In this type of class, there’s one teacher and one student.
One-on-one learning has long been mainstream in non-academic settings, particularly in:
- Music lessons
- Educational therapy
- Sports coaching
Homeschooling and private tutoring are also typically one-to-one.
In recent years, this one-on-one learning approach has also entered the classroom.
Later, we’ll highlight schools that fully embrace one-on-one learning, offering:
- Full-time classes
- Part-time classes
- Remedial classes
- Private tuition
- Post-secondary counseling
- Summer school classes
But first, let’s explore who benefits from one-on-one learning.
Who Can Benefit From One-on-One Learning?
Every student can benefit from the extra attention in a one-to-one class. The teacher can tailor lesson plans to each student’s needs, meaning that:
- The lesson can address specific learning gaps.
- Gifted students can be challenged and engaged, preventing boredom.
- The teacher can accommodate unique learning styles, such as allowing students with ADHD to wear headphones for better focus.
One-on-one learning is also more rewarding for educators. With fewer students, there’s less discipline management, and teachers can dive deeper into each student’s needs.
While all students benefit, some stand to gain even more from this individualized approach.
Remedial Students
Students who have fallen behind grade level, particularly in foundational skills like math or literacy, can benefit significantly from one-on-one learning.
For these students, a typical public school environment can be a place of shame and social exclusion. For example, a student who struggles to read at the same level as their peers may feel anxious whenever reading is required in the classroom, along with a fear of being judged by others.
The one-to-one setting removes the majority of the social stigma associated with issues with literacy and basic math. And on top of that, it gives the teacher a chance to tailor the lessons to the exact areas the student struggles in, using methods that are adapted to dyslexia or dyscalculia.
For example, at Fusion Academy, we offer high-quality remedial classes for both math and literacy.
For reading, we have a reading intervention program called Reading Skills and Strategies program. This is a comprehensive reading remediation program that combines self-study, direct instruction, and soft skills development.
For the online self-study component, Fusion Academy partnered with Lexia, a leader in evidence-based literacy solutions with 40 years of experience. Lexia’s PowerUp Literacy software breaks literacy into three key strands: word study, comprehension skills, and grammar.
Unlike other self-paced programs that rely solely on student-driven learning, Lexia’s AI-based software allows for flexible transitions between self-directed study and teacher-led instruction, adapting to the student’s needs.
The program typically begins with a placement test to pinpoint the student’s reading gaps, helping both the student and teacher determine the appropriate grade level.
Our remedial math program leverages ALEKS software to assess a student’s math ability and create a tailored curriculum suited to their level.
It’s engaging enough for students to use at home, yet rigorous enough for those who are behind to make meaningful progress. We also believe in working through practice problems together. In a one-on-one setting, problems are customized to address specific knowledge gaps, with the teacher providing support and accountability.
Students with Learning Differences
There are many types of learning differences. In this post, we’ll focus on three: ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing disorder.
By exploring how these differences manifest in students at school, we’ll highlight how one-on-one learning can help them overcome obstacles and succeed both academically and socially.
ADHD
ADHD presents unique challenges in larger classrooms. Students are often required to sit still for long periods — anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes — which can be especially difficult for those with ADHD.
In traditional settings, if a student with ADHD needs to move or switch tasks, the teacher may need to stop them, forcing them to follow the rest of the class’s pace.
One-on-one learning removes this pressure, allowing students with ADHD to study in a way that suits their learning style, without fear of judgment or disrupting others.
For example, here at Fusion, we:
- Allow students to use fidget spinners in class if it helps them concentrate.
- Recognize that some learners focus better while standing or moving around the room.
- Invite students to take a walk with a teacher if they need to blow off steam.
- Schedule more academic classes alongside kinesthetic ones to help students stay engaged through variety.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia can cause difficulties in reading, writing, and sometimes speech. These difficulties can lead to significant social and academic problems for students.
One-on-one learning is particularly beneficial for language-based learning differences like dyslexia, as these challenges require patience, experience, and personalized attention.
For example, teachers at Fusion can use evidence-based, multisensory methods to empower learners, such as:
- Using color-coded materials.
- Conducting phonetic training with flashcards.
- Providing books on tape for reading assignments.
- Incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods.
- Encouraging students to make their own vocabulary lists.
- Assigning alternative projects for book reports.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Learning in a typical classroom can be challenging for students with sensory processing disorder (SPD), as they experience either heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory input, or sometimes both. For example:
- Highly sensitive students might be bothered by fluorescent lighting, noisy classrooms, or physical contact in activities like high fives or group work.
- Students with decreased sensitivity may seek stimulation through fidgeting, singing, or not recognizing personal boundaries.
In a one-on-one learning environment, the sensory needs of students with SPD can be respected without disrupting the class. At Fusion, we:
- Use engaging media, like educational videos or graphic novels, instead of traditional textbooks.
- Occasionally take classes outdoors to change the environment.
- Encourage the use of noise-cancelling headphones for sensory relief.
- Dim overly bright lighting.
- Remove distracting posters from walls.
- Incorporate sensory breaks into class, such as five minutes of movement or silence.
Gifted Students
In larger classrooms, gifted students often feel bored or frustrated. Teachers are typically focused on managing the class and ensuring everyone reaches a basic level of understanding, making it difficult to offer more challenging material for advanced students. This can lead to misbehavior, as gifted students act out from sheer boredom. Even when encouraged to excel academically, these students are often stigmatized for their different learning pace.
Twice-exceptional students (2e) face unique challenges. These students are both exceptionally bright and struggling with a learning difference, such as autism. For 2e students, large class sizes are particularly difficult because they feel the frustration of struggling with tasks that come easily to their peers, while also being acutely aware of their own intelligence, which can lead to social exclusion and feelings of shame.
One-on-one teaching offers the ideal environment for both gifted and 2e students. With a personalized curriculum, these students can engage with more advanced material, keeping them motivated and challenged. For 2e students, one-on-one learning also allows for tailored support in areas where they struggle.
For example, at Fusion:
- We can provide audio-visual materials to gifted students who struggle with reading.
- We use color-coding to help visual learners retain information more effectively.
- We create personalized mnemonics and memory aids to help gifted students remember challenging concepts.
Schools That Offer One-on-One Learning
If you’re excited about the benefits of one-on-one learning and how it could enhance your child’s education, you’re in luck! Several schools already offer this unique model, either in most or all of their classes.
Feel free to explore whichever one is closest to your family.
Fusion Academy
Fusion Academy is a private middle and high school offering one-on-one learning in all classes, with over 80 campuses across 18 states, including California, New York, Florida, and Texas.
You can explore a full list of our campuses here.
For families that prefer online learning, Fusion also provides Fusion Global, where all classes remain 1-to-1. Hybrid models, combining online and in-person learning, are also available.
Fusion offers a wide variety of 1-to-1 academic programs, including:
- Full-time school
- Part-time school
- Post-secondary counseling
- Summer tuition
- Classes for extra credit
Brightmont Academy
Brightmont Academy has been offering one-on-one instruction since 1999.
The school provides a range of educational services for students aged K–12, including:
- Full-time private school
- Individual courses
- Skill building
- Private tutoring
- Test prep
Brightmont operates 21 in-person campuses across 8 states, including Arizona, Washington and Illinois.
There’s also an online school option that provides 1-to-1 classes remotely, both for American students and those overseas.
The Beekman School
The Beekman School, located in Manhattan, New York City, uniquely combines a traditional private school experience with personalized one-to-one learning.
Beekman works with each family to create a custom schedule for each student, whether they want a late start, to make up for missing credits, more 1-to-1 classes or group classes, lessons at home, or lessons at school. There’s a huge amount of flexibility available!
Some of the most popular 1-to-1 classes include:
- Private tutoring
- Online courses
- Advanced or remedial courses
- After-school classes
- Test prep
- AP exams
- Summer school
Discover the Best One-on-One School for Your Child
We believe that the one-on-one education offered by Fusion Academy is a perfect fit for:
- Remedial students
- Students with ADHD or SPD
- Gifted students
Feel free to reach out to us today for more information about your nearest Fusion campus.