Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long has Learning Foundations been around?

A: Learning Foundations founded by Minnesota Vikings’ Hall of Fame Quarterback, Fran Tarkenton in 1968 because of his own son’s learning challenges. Our center in San Antonio opened in 1969 as a franchise and became independently owned and operated a few years after Tarkenton left to invest in the technology sector. Since then, we have supplied kids and teens with learning challenges with the most advanced, most effective cognitive skills training programs available.

Q: What are your trainers’ qualifications?

A: All our trainers have a bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Sciences or related fields. Many have earned or are working toward a Master’s degree. Our Certified Dyslexia Diagnostician has a master’s degree in School Psychology and joined Learning Foundations after 10 years in the school system.

All staff has been thoroughly trained in each of the programs we offer. We perform regular, ongoing training for new programs and incorporate new research as needed. Trainers are well supervised by senior staff and are guided with each student. We meet regularly to discuss programs, student progress, and staff development.

Q: How long does it take before I see results?

A: Typically, students and parents will begin to see changes within just a few weeks. Our goal for each student is that he or she becomes the most comfortable, efficient, and independent learner he or she can be. How long this process takes will depend on the number and severity of the student’s learning challenges and the intensity and frequency of the training sessions.

Q: Do you guarantee results?

A: Guaranteeing the same specific outcome for all of our children would do everyone a disservice since every child’s potential is different. We do guarantee we will do everything possible to help each student become the best learner and most successful student he or she can be.

Each student has a unique set of learning strengths and challenges. Therefore, students progress at different rates. Our training works toward permanent changes in the way students process information. Instead of simply masking learning issues, the permanent changes that bring lasting success require remediation that deals directly with underlying processing skills. Our training methods are designed to develop a permanent foundation for independent and successful learning.

For this reason our parents only commit to out program for a month at a time. We do not make parents sign long-term contracts, nor do we have any cancellation fees or penalties. We are completely honest and transparent about what our programs can do, and parents have greatly appreciated this.

Q: Do you work with Dyslexia?

A: Yes! Learning Foundations was originally opened to serve the dyslexic population. We have many different strategies and programs that specifically address the unique and varied needs of dyslexic students of all ages. We have a Certified Dyslexia Diagnostician, and all trainers are certified to teach our Orton-Gillingham based reading and writing program.

Q: What do your training sessions look like?

A: Our training sessions are provided on a one-on-one or small group, directed teaching basis. Our programs are multisensory and involve a lot of movement in order to provide a low stress and fun learning environment. Some programs use specialized materials or equipment. Training is provided in individual training rooms, and we also have a “fun room” for sensory motor development and attention training. These are always supervised and directed by the trainer.

Because our training focuses on developing underlying cognitive skills that are essential to efficient learning, daily instruction is critical to the process. In order to reduce program costs, we often partner with parents to provide the frequency of instruction needed. When parents do follow-up at home, we view them as our teaching partners, and we provide both precise instruction and materials for support.

Q: Do you work one-on-one?

A: Yes. This allows us to provide the intensity, individualization, and specific feedback needed to make significant changes in the shortest amount of time. Each student will have a specific schedule and trainer (or team of trainers) to works with on a regular basis.

Q: Do you work with groups?

A: We’ve found the absolute best way to make the needed changes and provide a personal, positive, and enjoyable experience for students is to work individually. However, we do offer small group settings for some of our programs that allow it and students have been successful on the setting.***

Such personal training is essential to the strategies we employ. In order to make real, lasting changes in the brain, students must be challenged. Working one-on-one or on a small group allows us to stretch students’ thinking, in a very supportive, encouraging, and confidence-building environment.

*** Small group availability based on testing recommendations.

Q: How much do your programs cost?

A: The cost is based upon the specific program or combination of programs recommended, and the amount of time needed. Some programs have one-time start-up costs that cover licensing fees or specialized materials paid directly to the program developers. We create specifically designed programs for each student and will discuss fees with you once we know the exact course of action we recommend.