Programs Learning Center
Learning Center
Children who live on Thornwell’s campus in Clinton, SC attend either Thornwell Charter School or local public schools. Those who need extra academic support come to the Learning Center after school. While there, students are met with dedicated and passionate tutors ready to help with homework and challenging subjects.
Thornwell’s Learning Center has a computer center, a fully stocked library, and a full staff of tutors focused on enrichment and educational support.
Many children who come to us are grade levels behind, and because of the struggle to keep up, they no longer enjoy learning. We’re on a mission to change that! We believe education is a powerful key to the future for kids because we believe that the enrichment, self-confidence, and empowerment that comes through growth in academics is a critical step towards healing.
Learning that sparks a passion
Zoey could be the future president. The 14-year-old is spunky, friendly, and fearless. She’s also not afraid of hard work, something that has been on full display over the last year. You see, when Zoey came to Thornwell as an eighth-grader, she was grade levels behind in reading and math. It happens often with children who have experienced tough childhoods, and it can make it even tougher to nurture a joy of learning.
“We told her she was reading at a sixth-grade level and [she was] moving into the ninth grade,” said Norman. “We talked about what that means, but we also talked about how she can grow. Even though there are some hard parts to it, we encourage kids like Zoey to set goals for themselves and to be the ‘boss’ of their own education.”
From that day forward, Zoey set goals to achieve. She worked hard with her Learning Center tutors who helped her recognize her worth! She even challenged herself to, one day, become a veterinarian! In time, Zoey caught up to her grade level in math and jumped two grades in reading!
Today, Zoey dreams big and achieves thanks to access to tutors and teachers that believe in her and help her improve. Who knows? Perhaps one day Zoey will be “Dr. Zoey” with a veterinary practice of her own.
