I see the terms fluency and cognitive fitness mentioned on your website. What do these mean?

Fluency is synonymous with being an expert, where demonstrating skills appears to be second nature. With the type of training that Fit provides, students become experts in core skill areas. This allows them to effortlessly complete classroom and homework assignments. Even more, when students achieve fluency across the core skills, they experience an actual transformation as a learner. A fluent foundation produces learners who demonstrate cognitive fitness – or the ability to learn and perform as an expert in any academic setting on any type of task. Additionally, they can engage with the material in such a way that they actually begin learning new things. Ultimately, students who are cognitively fit tend to be agile, flexible, focused, perseverant, confident, determined, and able to think critically.

For more information about fluency, check out the blog post on The Science of Fluency: Why St. Louis Kids Excel Faster at Fit Learning.

How long does it take to see results from Fit Learning?

Results are apparent on a learner’s second day at Fit! (The first day of an enrollment is used for baseline videos and additional tests to pinpoint grade-level for standardized tests.) After each session the learner leaves with a written note reporting the number of times they earned a personal best. A progress report is emailed home after 15 and again after 30 sessions sharing how we’ve moved the needle on the tests that we are progress monitoring. Differences in confidence are often reported after the first few weeks.

More information about our learning outcomes is available here.

Is there an option for remote learning?

Absolutely. Fit’s method works remotely as well as in person. So, if you’re looking for private online tutoring in the St. Louis area (or beyond), our precision teaching online service could be a great solution. Some parents opt to do hybrid arrangements, with some sessions in person and some online. You can learn more about Fit’s distance learning program here.

How does Fit’s homeschool program work?

How do kids react to Fit’s method of teaching?

In short, Fit learners have fun! The sessions fly by, and there are great prizes to celebrate their personal bests and keep the motivation flowing. Even more importantly, the skills mastery (or competence) they gain leads to overall increased confidence and higher self-esteem.

Is it possible for me to observe a session before I commit to enrolling my child at Fit?

You bet! Contact Janice to set up an observation at the Fit Learning lab in Creve Coeur.

What is the difference between the basic and advanced logic programs?

The advanced logic curriculum is intended for learners who are reading at grades four and above. It covers many of the same general areas as basic logic, but takes these foundational skills to the next level. Some of the focus areas include reading comprehension, grammar/composition, math concepts and application, vocabulary building, and improving processing speed. And, like the basic program, advanced logic helps strengthen learners’ critical thinking and executive functioning skills. For more specifics, check out the pages for basic and advanced Fit Logic.

What is the difference between Fit Penmanship and Fit Writing?

At first glance, these subject areas may sound similar; however, the skill sets are actually quite different.

Fit Penmanship addresses the mechanics of handwriting – such as the actual formation of letters – including aspects like:

• Fine motor (touch, squeeze, tap, lace, grasp)
• Basic strokes (lines, circles, loops)
• Writing alphabet (upper and lowercase)
• Writing digits
• Form and size
• Copying text

At Fit, we teach penmanship in a way that really helps kids build confidence and skill. Instead of relying on traditional occupational therapy (OT) methods, our learners get lots of chances to practice with clear goals based on how they’re doing. They receive upbeat, in-the-moment feedback that keeps them motivated and having fun. Plus, every response is charted, so you can actually see their progress and know exactly what comes next.

Fit Writing (also referred to as Expressive Writing), on the other hand, focuses on composition, or the skill of effectively communicating ideas so that others understand the message. Designed for children in grades 3-12, the program involves concepts such as:

• Correct use of grammar
• Brainstorming on a topic
• Organizing thoughts in preparation for writing
• Constructing sentences and paragraphs
• Composing persuasive paragraphs or essays
• Genre writing and writing stories

Can Fit Learning help kids who have executive functioning challenges?

Yes. At Fit Learning, we know that strong executive functioning skills — like planning, focus, and problem-solving — are key to success both in school and in life. Our approach naturally strengthens these abilities through explicit instruction, fluency-based learning, and multimodal teaching techniques that help learners think clearly, stay organized, and follow through with tasks.

In our Fit Logic curriculum, students receive targeted coaching in skills such as:

• Planning: learning how to organize, prioritize, and set goals
• Problem-solving: identifying challenges and developing smart strategies to overcome them
• Working memory: holding and using short-term information to complete tasks
• Attention: focusing and staying on track, even when distractions arise
• Reasoning: thinking critically, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions
• Cognitive flexibility: adapting and “thinking on your feet” when things change

Because these skills are woven into every Fit session, learners don’t just improve academically. Rather, they build the mental habits that help them focus better, stay confident, and become more independent thinkers.

How does tuition work at Fit?

After meeting with the Director to review your child’s assessment results, most families choose to start with a 50-hour enrollment, paid in three monthly installments. A traditional enrollment usually takes about three months, though some learners benefit from a more intensive schedule of up to ten sessions a week. Tuition varies depending on your child’s schedule and any available discounts; lab director Janice Smith can walk you through all the details.

At first glance, Fit’s tuition might seem higher than traditional tutoring, but it’s truly a different experience. While other programs can take years to show results, Fit learners typically gain 1–2 grade levels in just 50 hours. Each enrollment includes personalized sessions, data review, and behind-the-scenes collaboration to make every minute as effective as possible.

Unlike most tutoring that focuses on homework help, Fit Learning targets the root of learning challenges, building the foundational skills your child needs to catch up and stay ahead. Our team includes licensed and board-certified behavior analysts who are experts at helping kids thrive. Fit isn’t just tutoring — it’s an investment in your child’s confidence and long-term success.

We use research-based, standardized tools to track each learner’s growth from the start and throughout their time at Fit. These assessments help us tailor instruction and show real progress — both compared to a child’s past performance and to peers their age. One of the main tools we use is curriculum-based measurement (CBM), a well-established, norm-referenced measurement method for tracking skills in areas like math, reading, writing, and early literacy. We chart this data so families can clearly see gains and national percentile rankings. We also use other trusted tests, like the CUBED literary assessment, to get a deeper look at reading and language skills. All of this information guides goal-setting, keeps sessions targeted and efficient, and provides concrete proof of growth.

A more detailed discussion of the various assessment tools we use is available in the Parent’s Guide to Fit Learning St. Louis.

How can I get my learner started at Fit?

It’s easy to get started! Just reach out by phone or email to schedule a comprehensive skills assessment. Your child will come in for a few hours of testing, depending on the areas being evaluated.

After the assessment, you’ll meet with Janice Smith, our lab director, to review the results. You’ll receive a detailed written report and personalized recommendations. There’s no obligation to enroll — many families use the data on its own or share it with teachers or IEP teams.

If you decide to move forward, you’ll complete a brief intake form and your child will be added to the waitlist. Once enrolled, they’ll work one-on-one with a certified learning coach in 50-minute sessions, four to five times a week. A typical enrollment takes about 10–13 weeks and is fully tailored to your child’s needs.

You’ll get quick updates after each session, plus emailed progress reports and milestone check-ins around the 15- and 30-hour marks so you always know how your child is progressing.