THE National Teachers College (NTC), following its merger with APEC Schools, has launched NTC SmartClass — a homeschooling program that combines NTC’s extensive teaching experience with APEC’s tech-focused approach to foster meaningful and effective learning.
The program provides academic flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace, revisit topics as needed, and explore advanced subjects when ready. It adapts to individual student schedules, offering a personalized learning environment.
Marie Cruz, an NTC SmartClass parent, has observed a notable increase in her son’s attentiveness.
”His previous [homeschooling program] was OK, he said, but he wasn’t being stimulated to learn more,” Mrs. Cruz pointed out. ”With SmartClass, the subject matter experts spark something that makes the students delve deeper.”
Grade 10 student Dave Cruz is into 3D printing and modeling, as well as programming, at NTC SmartClass. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The program has nurtured her son Dave’s specific interests, Mrs. Cruz added: ”My son is a techie; now he’s into 3D printing and modeling, as well as programming, all because he’s learning at his own pace.”
She also acknowledged the program’s other benefits, particularly in savings.
”The money we save from not having to pay for school buses, commuting, and school lunches goes to our travels, because we like to travel as a family. NTC SmartClass helped us do that,” Mrs. Cruz said.
Cherille Siquete, another homeschooling parent, found NTC SmartClass as an ideal solution when traditional learning proved unsuitable for her daughter.
”It was really like a hand in a glove,” Mrs. Siquete said. ”It was a perfect fit for me and my child because the values are there, and it’s so flexible that she can attend her classes or not, depending on her, so it’s really the best choice for us.”
After a year in the program, Mrs. Siquete noticed an improvement in her daughter’s attitude.
”Her independence and accountability really went up,” she explained. “Because it is her responsibility to know and submit her projects; if she does not, there are consequences.”
Mrs. Siquete added: ”There’s a different set of skills and values from SmartClass that students won’t get from traditional schools or other homeschool programs.”
The National Teachers College, founded in 1928, is a higher education institution dedicated to providing accessible quality education and training to future educators and professionals across various disciplines.
APEC Schools, established in 2013, provides innovative, quality private education for Filipino high school students. It is one of the largest chains of private stand-alone high schools in the country, operating in NCR and Cavite. In 2023, APEC Schools merged with NTC.
Visit smartclass.ntc.edu.ph
