THERE aren’t many schools in Jamaica that cater to the varying learning needs of each student.

That’s the reason four entrepreneurs built Reach Academy.

It took months of meetings and even merging an early childhood institution to get it started.

But the Widcombe Road-based school has already been pleasing parents who want nothing but the best for their children and private investors who are emotionally satisfied, the directors say.

“There’s none like us in Jamaica, it’s a lot more pressure on us, we ensure that we keep each child to their learning styles and their learning needs,” said Vanessa Khouri-Salazar, a director and teacher at Reach Academy.

She reckons that the chalkboard method of teaching doesn’t ensure that each child gets the knowledge.

“When we give them any task, we facilitate them finding the answers, they aren’t just regurgitating information, they use iPads, for example to help them hear, visualise and understand,” the teacher noted.

The number of pupils in each class is low — 15 per classroom — and they get the attention they need, said Jodie Williams, a director, teacher and parent.

Furthermore, parents are clients who want nothing but a solid education for their children and the school puts things in place to do just that.

“Let’s be honest, parents don’t leave their school unless they are unhappy, so then we get the children, find out which stage they were at and fill whatever gaps need to be filled,” said Williams.

So far, parents are pleased with the results and that has propelled the directors to continue. After less then a year, the school is looking to grow its numbers, despite the ripple effect that the economy has on some parents.

But it’s more than the vision to incorporate every possible element to accentuate a child’s learning, it’s the firm hands of business-minded, Sean Williams, another director at Reach Academy, the women said.

“You have to project growth, you can’t just jump into something, you have to learn as you go and build as you go along,” he said.

“Sean guides us financially, he already has his accounts foreseen for the next six months, he knows how we can spend our money,” said Khouri-Salazar.

It’s not impossible to keep overheads low and have sufficient educational tools and facilities, according to the financial controller.

In fact, it’s an ideal move to get the school where the directors and parents want it within the next three to four years — a Reach Academy with classes up to grade six, producing excellent results because of its teaching style.

The school currently has classes up to grade four level.

“Though some parents already want it, we have to wait until we’re sure that children are fully ready for the GSAT (Grade Six Achievement Test), said Jodie.

“It’s not a bad thing, as long as we teach the children how to think critically, how to decipher the information they are getting, use inferences and use their previous knowledge,” Khouri-Salazar added.

What’s more, a playground will soon be completed and the directors will add a sports centre, teaching one sport each week in addition to physical education classes.

Reach Academy had 42 students when it just opened, and some months later, the numbers reached 50.

“We got out and we are building our reputation. When it comes to school, there’s no marketing that can work like a mother or father’s discussion on the child’s progression,” Sean said.