"We originally enrolled in Tonka Online at the beginning of the school year because our local public school district was unable to meet the needs of students and families who were seeking remote learning for a myriad of reasons, one of which is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That said, we have truly loved it and feel it offers an exceptional education, with outstanding educators, resources and a true understanding of best practices in online educational delivery.
Our 4th grader has really blossomed in her reading, math skills and public speaking during her time in Tonka Online. She has been leading small groups of students during different break out sessions, and we both feel that being online actually facilitated her leadership skills more than being in person. Sometimes the cacophony of the in-person classroom prevents the kids who are trying to be "rule followers" from taking the lead in class, and instead they remain quiet to assist the teacher in maintaining classroom control. Tonka Online actively creates space for some of those growth opportunities, and has a truly exceptional 4th grade teacher. He makes learning fun every day, is incredibly creative, and has high standards for students' behavior and academics.
Our 6th grade daughter is now like a young college student in her study habits, loves how the day flows, and appreciates the fewer interruptions from other students during class. She has similarly blossomed in terms of managing her time and prioritizing her school tasks, while simultaneously staying connected with her friends and classmates. She has thrived in accelerated math, received almost a perfect grade in Language Arts, and frequently led break out rooms for assigned group work.
In addition to traditional academics, the supplemental offerings tailored to smaller groups are fabulous. Live music lessons, Spanish immersion supplementation with personalized attention, book reading groups, and opportunities such as Project Think -- we have loved it all and feel spoiled by the myriad opportunities for enrichment.
We would recommend this program to any family looking for a rigorous education that brings a high-quality classroom experience into your home."
- Kim and Dan Wick, Tonka Online Parents