Sunrise Pine

Classes and studying

Article header

Group classes

Group classes at Sunrise Pine are designed to expand on what you’re learning in your individual courses. These sessions go beyond the core curriculum to help you deepen your understanding, explore new topics, and connect your learning to the real world. For example, if you’re studying human biology on the platform, your group class might take a closer look at the skeletal system, muscles, or internal organs.

Just as important as academic growth is the chance to build social and communication skills. Group classes are interactive and designed to help you connect with your classmates, share ideas, and practice respectful communication. Especially for younger students, these sessions provide a space to learn how to take turns, listen actively, speak kindly, and work cooperatively.

To keep things engaging, your teacher may include gamified elements in the lesson, such as:

  • Kahoot quizzes to review what you’ve learned
  • Interactive maps, puzzles, or visual games
  • Group activities that encourage teamwork over competition

Even though these tools are fun, they serve a clear purpose: to make learning more memorable and to build a sense of community in the class. We focus on teamwork and shared success, rather than individual competition. The goal is for every student to leave the class feeling encouraged, included, and excited to keep learning.

Older students will find that group classes become more focused on practical skills and real-world applications. These might include:

  • Reading and analyzing maps in geography
  • Understanding basic economic systems and graphs
  • Exploring how to use research methods and interpret statistics

The topics covered aren’t always directly tied to your course content, but they’re chosen to match your age, interests, and developmental level. That way, you not only strengthen your academic skills but also expand your critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Group sizes are small, usually no more than 7 students, so your teacher can give everyone plenty of attention and keep the class flowing smoothly. Teachers are trained to observe group dynamics and provide support if someone is feeling left out, unsure, or unmotivated. These classes are about building each other up, learning together, and inspiring one another.

Some examples of past and ongoing group class topics include:

  • Basics of 3D modeling and video editing
  • Intro to Figma and UI design
  • Narrative writing, poetry, and storytelling weeks
  • Geography: capitals and flags
  • Arts and crafts exploration
  • Introduction to statistics and research methods
  • Math week and curriculum review sessions

At Sunrise Pine, we believe group classes are more than just lessons, they’re an opportunity to learn with others, to be heard, and to grow in confidence. When students feel supported and inspired by their peers, learning becomes a shared adventure.

Individual Classes (One-to-One Instruction)

Individual classes are your dedicated one-on-one learning time with a teacher. These sessions are fully personalized and designed to support your unique learning needs, pace, and goals. Whether you need help with a tricky concept, want to go deeper into a subject you love, or just need some focused time to stay on track, this is your time.

Every student at Sunrise Pine follows a flexible study plan that includes either four individual sessions per week or one session per week, depending on their schedule and needs. There’s no fixed timetable, you or your parent/guardian can book sessions at times that work best for you using your teacher’s scheduling link. If you need to reschedule, it’s easy, just reach out to your teacher in advance.

What happens during these sessions depends on you. You might spend time reviewing recent lessons, practicing new skills, working through assignments, or preparing for discussion-based assessments (DBAs). Your teacher will use interactive tools like digital whiteboards, collaborative documents, and even games like Kahoot to keep learning active and engaging.

Your teacher will adapt each session to match how you learn best. If something is too fast, too slow, too hard, or too easy, just say so. Teachers are trained to offer support in different ways, such as reading through texts together, using visuals, or breaking tasks into smaller steps. If you’re an English learner or have a different learning style, we’ll adjust the lesson to meet your needs while still keeping you challenged and growing.

Teacher notes: After every session, your teacher takes a short note about what you covered and what your next steps are. These notes help us track your progress, write your monthly reports, and make sure you’re always moving forward with a clear plan. If you start to fall behind (like missing assignments or getting low scores) we will reach out to help you get back on track, often with extra sessions or a revised schedule.

If you’re going to be late or need to cancel a class, message your teacher as soon as you can. If you wish to reschedule please notify your teacher a minimum of 24 hours in advance unless in case of an emergency. We’ll do our best to reschedule or use the remaining time in a way that still helps you. Please refer to attendance and participation policy to learn more about rescheduling.

At Sunrise Pine, individual classes are not just about getting things done, they’re about growing as a learner. They’re a space where it’s safe to make mistakes, where you’re encouraged to speak up, and where your teacher is always on your team. Use them to ask big questions, explore your interests, and take charge of your own learning. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Independent Learning

Independent work is a cornerstone of effective education, especially in self-paced or online learning environments. When students take ownership of their learning process, they become self-reliant thinkers who engage more deeply with material. Research shows that students in self-directed learning settings are more motivated, find more enjoyment in learning, and participate more actively compared to those in restrictive, teacher-led environments. By shifting responsibility from the teacher to the student, we nurture autonomy – a factor identified by psychologists as key to increasing intrinsic motivation and deeper learning outcomes. In other words, providing guidance while expecting students to do the work themselves helps cultivate the habits of initiative and self-motivation that underlie future academic and personal success.

Research-Backed Benefits of Independent Learning

Educational research overwhelmingly supports the idea that being an independent learner is both important and beneficial. Numerous studies and literature reviews have documented gains in various areas when students engage in independent or self-regulated learning. Key benefits identified include:

  • Improved academic performance: Students who develop independent learning skills often achieve better academic results. They tend to perform at higher standards, as demonstrated by schools that emphasize self-directed learning and see improved test scores and grades.
  • Greater motivation and confidence: Taking responsibility for one’s own learning boosts motivation and self-confidence. Independent learners show higher self-motivation to tackle challenges and greater belief in their abilities, which in turn fuels further achievement.
  • Enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking: Without always relying on a teacher’s direction, independent learners develop stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They learn to use their own ideas and strategies to overcome challenges, form opinions, and apply knowledge – a deeper level of learning beyond rote memorization.
  • Increased creativity and curiosity: Research finds that giving students control over how they learn opens up opportunities for creativity. Students can explore topics that interest them in innovative ways, leading to greater intellectual curiosity and engagement in learning.

These findings underscore why our program requires a minimum of two hours of independent work daily in addition to guided group or one-on-one sessions. This dedicated time for self-study allows students to apply class concepts on their own, thereby reinforcing understanding and building the skills listed above. The role of classes and teachers is to guide and support – but the real growth happens when students put in the work themselves, practicing how to learn independently.

Accelerated Progress and Personalized Pacing

Another significant benefit of independent learning is the ability for students to progress at their own pace, which can accelerate learning gains. When learners spend extra time on challenging topics and move quickly through easier material, they optimize their growth. Evidence suggests that self-regulated independent learning strategies can markedly boost academic progress. For instance, the UK’s Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) reports that teaching students to manage their own learning is a high-impact intervention, adding roughly eight months of additional progress over a school year on average. In practical terms, a student who diligently uses independent study time can master content faster and potentially complete coursework ahead of the traditional schedule – a clear advantage of personalized pacing. This aligns with our experience that students dedicated to their independent work often finish the school year at a faster pace, without compromising depth of learning. Moreover, an individualized pacing plan through independent study teaches students to set goals, self-monitor, and follow through, which are critical skills for academic achievement.

Long-Term Growth: Lifelong Learning and Future Success

Habits developed through independent learning extend far beyond immediate academic outcomes. By learning how to learn, students become lifelong learners with the tools to adapt in an ever-changing world. Self-directed learners gain skills (such as time management, research, and self-evaluation) that they can apply to any situation, fueling an intrinsic drive to continue growing and filling knowledge gaps throughout life. This approach also better prepares students for future educational transitions and career success. Studies have shown that strong independent learning skills are crucial for the transition to university, an often anxiety-inducing leap for young people. College and university environments demand that students manage their time, understand complex material independently, and seek help proactively – all behaviors that independent study in earlier years helps cultivate. High schoolers who complete independent projects or self-paced programs stand out in college admissions, as it signals they can take initiative and thrive without constant supervision. In the workplace, lifelong learning and adaptability are highly prized; individuals who have grown up as independent learners are better equipped to reskill and upskill as needed in their careers.

Educators and psychologists agree that early cultivation of independent learning pays dividends in adulthood. By nurturing these skills from a young age, we are instilling responsibility, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity in our students. As one educational review succinctly put it, “students in self-regulated learning environments are more motivated to learn, report more enjoyment of the material and are more actively involved in their learning” compared to more passive learners. They also tend to have higher self-esteem and agency, which contributes to personal growth and well-being. All of these qualities – motivation, confidence, problem-solving ability, creativity, and resilience – form the foundation for future success.

Sources:

  1. Meyer et al., “What is Independent Learning and What are the Benefits for Students?” DCSF Research Report 051 (2008) – Literature review findings on independent learning benefits https://www.associationforpsychologyteachers.com/uploads/4/5/6/6/4566919/independence_learning_lit_review.pdf
  2. Kettlewell, J. (EEF), Developing Independent Learning Skills – EEF evidence on the impact of self‑regulated learning (2023) https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/metacognition
  3. McCombs, B. (APA), “Developing Responsible and Autonomous Learners: A Key to Motivating Students.” – APA Education Directorate article on student autonomy and motivation https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/learners.

Staying on Track: Study Tips for Success

Online learning requires self-discipline. Here are some practical tips to help you stay organized and make the most of your course (in a task-based format you can follow):

Set up your study space and materials. Choose a quiet, comfortable place where you will do your coursework. Make sure you have all the supplies you might need handy – for example, pens, notebooks, highlighters, a calculator, etc. If you’re using a shared family computer, try to schedule a regular time when you can use it without interruption. Having a dedicated workspace helps you focus, and keeping it stocked with your study materials means you won’t waste time searching for things.

Keep a course notebook or binder. As mentioned, get a notebook for taking notes and completing any written activities. If the course provides guides or you print things, you can put them in a binder. Organize it by modules or lessons. This way, all your learning is in one place. Not only does writing notes by hand help you remember better, but you’ll also have a ready-made study guide for quizzes and exams.

Create a folder on your computer for coursework. Make a special folder on your desktop or in your documents specifically for this course. Save all your assignment files, essays, presentations, etc., in this folder. You might even have sub-folders for each module. This ensures you don’t lose any work and can easily find your files when it’s time to upload them. If you’re not sure how to create folders or organize files, ask a parent or your teacher for help – it’s an important skill for online learning.

Use a calendar or planner to make a schedule. Look at your course pacing guide or syllabus, and note all due dates for quizzes, assignments, and exams. Then plan out your week: decide which days you will do each lesson or task. Treat your study times as appointments you cannot miss. This is super important if you have other responsibilities or activities. A consistent routine (for example, “I will study Algebra from 3-4pm every weekday”) can keep you from falling behind. If you need, ask your parent or guardian or a “learning coach” to help set up a schedule that works for you.

Stay organized and keep track of progress. Mark off lessons as you complete them. Lessons show checkmarks or progress bars – pay attention to those. It feels rewarding to see your progress, and it ensures you don’t accidentally skip something. Also, regularly check your grades and feedback. The gradebook will show what assessments you might have missed or could improve.

Avoid multitasking and eliminate distractions. When you sit down to work on your online course, close other browser tabs that aren’t related, put your phone on silent, and focus on the course window. It’s easy to get sidetracked on the internet.

Use course resources and ask for help when needed. If your course has review videos, extra practice activities, or live review sessions, take advantage of them. Some courses offer optional enrichment activities – do them if you have time, as they can deepen your understanding. And if a concept isn’t clear, don’t wait – attend help sessions, or ask questions in an email. It’s much easier to clarify a doubt early on than to stay confused and frustrated.

Maintain a steady pace – and don’t procrastinate. Online courses often allow you to work somewhat at your own pace, but they still have deadlines. Procrastination is the enemy. Try to log in and do a bit of work daily or almost every day, rather than cramming everything the night before a deadline. This not only helps you learn better (regular engagement is key) but also prevents the stress of last-minute work. If you find yourself falling behind, adjust your schedule or talk to your teacher – they might help you prioritize tasks to get back on track.

Take care of yourself. This might not sound like a study tip, but it’s crucial. Get enough sleep, take short breaks during study (for example, a 5-minute break every 30 minutes to stretch), and stay hydrated. Online learning can be heavy on screen time, so rest your eyes periodically (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). When you’re healthy and rested, you’ll focus better and retain information more effectively.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a supportive learning environment for yourself. Organization and time management are half the battle in succeeding at online courses. The other half is using the platform’s tools (like the ones we described: navigation, bookmark, etc.) to enhance your learning and staying engaged with the material.

Support for Diverse Learners

Philosophy and Approach
Sunrise Pine supports diverse learners through a personalized, relationship‑centered model grounded in our mission (safe, inclusive, curious, real‑world learning). Because instruction is primarily one‑to‑one (with small‑sized group enrichment), teachers tailor pacing, content access, and assessment to each student’s strengths, needs, language background, and interests. We use ongoing data (LMS analytics, item‑level results, DBAs, and teachers’ qualitative notes or AI class summaries) to identify needs early and adjust support quickly.

Identification and Entry

  • Pre‑assessments and diagnostics: At enrollment or course start, teachers use brief pre‑tests or informal oral checks to map prior knowledge. For students who may be discouraged by low pretest scores, teachers use alternatives (oral diagnostics, review of prior work) so the data informs instruction without harming motivation. Pre-tests do not affect students’ final grade and are included as a guideline for both teachers and students. It is a measure of the baseline knowledge that gives more in depth insight on the progress students made. In certain cases it can tell teachers if the students should complete a more advanced program or need more practice on the current modules.
  • Profile review: Prior records, teacher interviews, and family input help teachers assess the students in a more well-rounded way.

English Language Learners (ELL)

We provide intentional, language-aware instruction to help ELL students thrive both academically and socially.

Language-Aware Instruction:
Teachers model academic language during instruction and encourage students to translate key terms using platform tools. Vocabulary is introduced gradually and reinforced through speaking and writing activities. Each student builds a personal glossary to support retention and use of academic terms.

Peer Mentoring:
Select older students who speak both English and the learner’s native language are paired with ELL students in small groups or one-on-one, with a teacher present. For example, a Romanian-speaking student new to English might work alongside an older peer for clarification and support, accelerating comprehension and confidence. This not only helps students who struggle with the language to accelerate their learning, but also provides an opportunity for the older student to learn through teaching and to gain some valuable experience as a student mentor.

Platform Supports:
The learning platform includes built-in translation for key terms and lesson content. A read-aloud (text-to-speech) feature helps students with pronunciation and fluency. Teachers may also supplement lessons with curated video resources in English or the student’s home language.

Additional Supports:
Multilingual teachers provide targeted language support, and additional language classes are available to help students progress more rapidly in English proficiency.

Students with Disabilities or Special Needs

We provide a safe, inclusive, and flexible learning environment with instructional strategies tailored to each student’s abilities.

  • Individualized Support:
    Teachers collaborate with school psychologists and families to create personalized learning plans. High-interest content, like familiar characters or topics, is often used to teach foundational skills across all subjects.
  • Classroom Adaptations:
    Lessons are delivered using multiple modes and adapted through simplified instructions, visual cues, and graphic organizers. Tasks are broken into smaller steps with frequent comprehension checks.
  • Supportive Learning Environment:
    Our classrooms are calm and judgment-free. Students are encouraged to speak openly about confusion or difficulty, and teachers are ready to re-teach concepts using different approaches.
  • Inclusive Practices:
    Students with disabilities are purposefully included in all classroom activities. Teachers guide classmates on how to show empathy and work together in meaningful ways.
  • Curriculum Adaptation:
    Instruction is customized to each student’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). If content falls outside a student’s ZPD, it is scaffolded, simplified, or postponed until appropriate.
  • Family Collaboration:
    We maintain ongoing communication with families to ensure clarity and consistency between school and home. Parents receive regular updates on classroom learning and student progress.
  • Flexible Scheduling:
    Individual sessions can be adjusted in length depending on the student’s energy, focus, or the complexity of the lesson. Typically a lesson lasts for 45 minutes, however our teachers will always leave more time to stay if the topic requires it.
  • Targeted Interventions:
    Additional one-on-one or small-group lessons are provided to focus on specific areas where a student may need more support.

Advanced, Gifted, and Accelerated Learners

Students who are ready for more challenges can move ahead and engage in advanced content.

Compacting and Acceleration:
When students demonstrate mastery of current material, they may skip review content and progress to more complex modules at a faster pace. If the teacher observes that a student is becoming disengaged due to repetitive tasks or a lack of challenge, they may assess the student’s current level of knowledge to determine whether advancement to more complex topics is appropriate. No changes are made without a thorough evaluation, followed by consultation with both the student and their parents.

Our goal is to support advanced learners in progressing at their own pace. However, it is common for students to excel in certain areas while still needing support in others, for example, a student may demonstrate exceptional understanding in the geometry section of their Grade 4 course but require further development in fractions, multiplication, and division.

In such cases, the teacher will focus more instructional time on the topics that are unfamiliar or challenging, while still reviewing previously mastered content to reinforce and solidify the student’s existing knowledge.

Extension Pathways:
We offer enrichment opportunities through creative projects, challenge problems, and, for older students, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework where appropriate. We often encourage high school students to take at least one Honors course per academic year in a subject of their choice.

If a student demonstrates strong interest and growth in a particular subject, we may recommend additional AP courses to keep them intellectually engaged and support continued progress. Taking AP and Honors courses also strengthens a student’s academic profile and can improve their chances of admission to top universities.

Intervention for Students Below Benchmark

When students begin to fall behind, we act quickly and supportively to get them back on track.

Early Alerts and Outreach:
Our platform tracks key data, such as missed assignments, low quiz scores, and inactivity. If concerns arise, teachers contact the student and their family to create a concrete catch-up plan with clear milestones.

Targeted Instruction:
Students receive extra one-on-one support or join small tutoring groups. Instruction focuses on specific gaps in understanding and is adapted with new explanations and guided practice.

Collaborative Checks:
If helpful, a different teacher may step in temporarily to try a new strategy or instructional method that better supports the student.

Supplemental Materials:
Students receive carefully chosen resources (both digital and printable) matched to their skill level, with a focus on reinforcing priority skills.

Peer Support:
Teachers may organize structured peer-assisted learning, where students help each other under teacher guidance.

Family Partnership:
We involve parents in the intervention process by providing clear strategies they can use at home, like creating a study schedule or tracking progress using read-only observer accounts. Families also receive brief, regular updates on progress and next steps.

Assessment Adjustments:
When necessary, teachers may adapt assessments by offering extended time, breaking tasks into smaller parts, or allowing retakes. Accommodations are always aligned with learning goals and tailored to the student’s abilities, needs, and English proficiency.