You're Not Alone in This. We're Partners in Your Child's Success.
One of the biggest concerns parents have about online education is: "Am I going to have to be the teacher?" The answer at Wellspring Global Academy is a clear no—but you are an essential partner in the process.
We believe the most effective education happens when parents and teachers work together as a team, each playing their crucial role. You know your child better than anyone. We're the education experts. Together, we create something more powerful than either could accomplish alone.
Understanding Your Role vs. Our Role
Let's be crystal clear about what online learning at Wellspring does and doesn't require from parents.
What Wellspring Provides (You Don't Have To)
Certified, Expert Teachers
Our teachers hold certifications in their subject areas, have experience in online instruction, and are passionate about student success. They design and deliver all curriculum—not you.
Complete Curriculum and Lesson Plans
We provide comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum across all subjects. You don't plan lessons, create assignments, or figure out what to teach.
Instruction and Content Delivery
Teachers present new concepts through live sessions, recorded lessons, and interactive activities. Your child learns from qualified educators.
Grading and Assessment
Teachers evaluate student work, provide feedback, assign grades, and track progress. You're never grading your own child's work.
Academic Intervention and Support
When students struggle, teachers identify issues and provide targeted instruction. Your Educational Concierge coordinates additional support.
Progress Monitoring and Reporting
We track academic progress, identify concerns early, and communicate regularly about your child's development.
What Parents Provide (Essential but Manageable)
Learning Coach Support
You facilitate your child's learning environment and help them stay organized. Think coach, not teacher.
Appropriate Learning Space
Providing a quiet, distraction-free area for focused work with necessary technology.
Schedule Management
Helping your child maintain consistent routines, attend live sessions, and complete work on time.
Communication Bridge
Staying informed about your child's progress and communicating concerns or questions to teachers.
Encouragement and Motivation
Celebrating successes, supporting through challenges, and maintaining positive attitudes about learning.
Age-Appropriate Oversight
Younger children need more direct supervision; older students need decreasing oversight as they develop independence.
The Three-Way Partnership Model
Effective online education requires collaboration between three partners, each with specific responsibilities.
The Student's Role
What students are responsible for:
- Attending live class sessions consistently
- Completing assignments by deadlines
- Asking questions when they don't understand
- Participating actively in discussions
- Communicating with teachers about challenges
- Developing increasing independence over time
Skills we help students develop:
- Time management and organization
- Self-advocacy and communication
- Independent learning strategies
- Digital citizenship and responsibility
The Teacher's Role
What teachers provide:
- Expert instruction in their subject areas
- Clear expectations and assignment guidelines
- Timely feedback on student work
- Live sessions for direct teaching and interaction
- Office hours for individual support
- Communication about student progress and concerns
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners
How teachers support the partnership:
- Regular updates about class activities and upcoming work
- Prompt responses to parent questions and concerns
- Collaboration on strategies for student success
- Flexibility when appropriate for individual circumstances
The Parent's Role
What parents contribute:
- Creating optimal home learning environment
- Monitoring that work is being completed
- Communicating regularly with teachers and Educational Concierge
- Supporting organizational systems
- Encouraging consistent effort and positive attitude
- Advocating for child's needs
What parents DON'T need to do:
- Teach content (that's what teachers do)
- Grade assignments (teachers handle assessment)
- Create lesson plans (curriculum is provided)
- Have expertise in all subjects (our teachers are the experts)
Communication: The Foundation of Partnership
Effective communication makes the difference between struggle and success in online learning.
How We Communicate with Families
Regular Updates:
- Weekly announcements from teachers about upcoming lessons and assignments
- Progress reports at regular intervals throughout terms
- Immediate notification of any concerns (academic or behavioral)
- Celebration of achievements and growth
Multiple Communication Channels:
- Email: For detailed questions, updates, and non-urgent matters
- Parent portal: Real-time access to grades, assignments, and announcements
- Phone calls: For more in-depth conversations or urgent concerns
- Virtual meetings: Scheduled parent-teacher conferences and as-needed discussions
- Learning management system messages: Quick questions or clarifications
Proactive Communication: We don't wait for problems to escalate. Teachers and Educational Concierges reach out proactively when they notice:
- Declining assignment completion
- Participation drop-off
- Academic struggles in specific areas
- Changes in engagement or effort
- Opportunities for advanced work or enrichment
How You Can Communicate with Us
You should reach out when:
- Your child is struggling with specific content
- Family circumstances affect availability for schoolwork
- You notice changes in your child's attitude toward learning
- Technology issues interfere with participation
- You have questions about assignments or expectations
- You want to celebrate your child's progress
- You need guidance on how to support learning at home
Response time expectations:
- Email inquiries: Within 24 hours on school days
- Urgent concerns: Same day response
- Educational Concierge: Available for scheduled calls and quick questions
- Teacher office hours: Regular availability for live conversations
We appreciate when families:
- Communicate concerns early rather than waiting
- Are specific about challenges rather than general
- Share what's working at home, not just problems
- Approach communication as partners, not adversaries
- Follow up when situations change
Grade-Level Partnership Expectations
What the parent-teacher partnership looks like changes as students develop independence.
Elementary (K-5): High Parent Involvement
Daily parent responsibilities:
- Ensuring child logs in and attends live sessions (15-30 minutes per day)
- Reading assignment instructions with child
- Providing hands-on materials for activities
- Monitoring work completion and helping with organization
- Facilitating some activities requiring adult assistance
Time commitment: 1-3 hours daily of active involvement
Why this matters: Young children are developing foundational skills in reading, organization, and self-direction. Your active facilitation isn't "teaching"—it's providing the scaffolding children need to engage with teacher instruction successfully.
Teacher partnership includes:
- Very detailed instructions for parent facilitators
- Regular check-ins about how things are going at home
- Suggestions for supporting learning between live sessions
- Patience with the learning curve for both students and parents
Middle School (6-8): Transitioning to Independence
Daily parent responsibilities:
- Monitoring that student attends live sessions
- Checking that assignments are being completed
- Providing organizational support (planners, schedules)
- Being available for questions when student needs help
- Communicating with teachers about any concerns
Time commitment: 30 minutes to 1 hour daily of oversight
Why this matters: Middle school is when students develop executive function skills. They need decreasing direct assistance but still benefit from oversight and accountability. You're gradually releasing responsibility.
Teacher partnership includes:
- Guidance on appropriate level of parent involvement
- Strategies for fostering student independence
- Clear communication about expectations
- Support for both student and parent during this transition
High School (9-12): Independent with Oversight
Daily parent responsibilities:
- General awareness of student's schedule and workload
- Occasional check-ins about progress and challenges
- Availability when student seeks help or advice
- Communication with Educational Concierge about big picture
- Support with college planning and future preparation
Time commitment: 15-30 minutes daily of general oversight
Why this matters: High school students should be largely independent learners, but still benefit from accountability and support. You're stepping back while remaining engaged and available.
Teacher partnership includes:
- Direct communication primarily with student
- Parent involvement for significant concerns
- Collaboration on college planning and preparation
- Support for student developing self-advocacy skills
Tools That Support the Partnership
We provide resources that make the parent role manageable:
For Parents
Parent Portal
Real-time access to:
- Current grades and assignment status
- Attendance records
- Teacher announcements and updates
- Upcoming due dates
- Progress reports
Parent Resource Library
Guidance on:
- Age-appropriate involvement levels
- Supporting learning at home
- Understanding online platform
- Communicating effectively with teachers
- Common challenges and solutions
Parent Community
Connection with:
- Other Wellspring families
- Virtual parent coffee chats
- Grade-level parent groups
- Experienced parent mentors
- Community events and activities
Educational Concierge Access
Your personal education partner providing:
- Academic progress monitoring
- Communication coordination
- Problem-solving support
- Resource connections
- Advocacy for your child
For Students
Student Platform
Clear organization of:
- Daily schedules and live session links
- Assignment lists with due dates
- Submitted work and feedback
- Grades and progress
- Teacher contact information
Learning Tools
Resources supporting independence:
- Time management guidance
- Study skill development
- Self-advocacy training
- Digital citizenship education
- Organizational systems
Common Partnership Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1: Student Isn't Completing Assignments
Parent concern: "My child says they're doing work, but I see incomplete assignments in the portal."
Partnership solution:
- Parent: Document specific missing assignments and timeframe
- Parent: Communicate concern to teacher and Educational Concierge
- Teacher: Provide insight into specific challenges observed in class
- Educational Concierge: Coordinate meeting with all parties
- Team: Develop plan including: accountability system, organizational tools, possible workload adjustment, check-ins to monitor progress
Outcome: Clear expectations, specific support, and monitoring system with all partners aware and engaged.
Scenario 2: Student Struggles with Specific Content
Parent concern: "My child doesn't understand the math concepts and I can't help."
Partnership solution:
- Parent: Identify that struggle exists (you don't need to solve it)
- Parent: Contact teacher about specific challenges
- Teacher: Provide additional instruction during office hours or live help sessions
- Teacher: May assign supplementary resources or practice
- Educational Concierge: Can coordinate tutoring if needed
- Parent: Ensure child attends additional help sessions and completes practice
Outcome: Student receives expert instruction. Parent facilitates without teaching content.
Scenario 3: Family Emergency Affects School Participation
Parent concern: "We're dealing with a family health crisis and my child is falling behind."
Partnership solution:
- Parent: Communicate situation to Educational Concierge promptly
- Educational Concierge: Notifies all teachers and coordinates accommodations
- Teachers: Provide deadline extensions, reduced workload, or alternative assignments
- Team: Create temporary support plan with regular check-ins
- Team: Adjust plan as situation evolves
Outcome: Expectations modified appropriately. Support provided without parent managing multiple teacher communications.
Scenario 4: Student Needs More Challenge
Parent concern: "My child is bored and finishing work too quickly."
Partnership solution:
- Parent: Share observation with teacher and Educational Concierge
- Teacher: Assess whether student truly masters content
- Teacher: Provide enrichment activities, extension projects, or deeper exploration
- Educational Concierge: Explore options like accelerated pacing, additional courses, or advanced programs
- Team: Monitor to ensure appropriate challenge level
Outcome: Student receives appropriate challenge without parent creating advanced curriculum.
What Partnership Success Looks Like
When the parent-teacher partnership works effectively, you'll see:
Clear Communication
Everyone knows what's expected, what's happening, and what's needed. No surprises or confusion.
Consistent Progress
Student maintains steady academic growth with challenges addressed quickly before they become major problems.
Appropriate Independence
Student develops age-appropriate self-direction without being overwhelmed or unsupported.
Mutual Respect
Parents feel heard and valued. Teachers feel supported. Students feel both accountable and encouraged.
Proactive Problem-Solving
Issues are identified and addressed early through collaborative conversations and planning.
Celebration of Growth
Success is recognized and celebrated by all partners, building motivation and confidence.
Making the Partnership Work: Best Practices
For Parents
Do:
- Check the parent portal regularly (daily or every few days)
- Respond to teacher communications promptly
- Ask questions when you're unclear about expectations
- Advocate for your child's needs respectfully
- Follow through on commitments and plans
- Celebrate small wins and progress
- Trust teachers as the content experts
Don't:
- Try to teach subjects yourself when students struggle
- Wait until problems are severe to communicate concerns
- Compare your child's progress to siblings or other students
- Micromanage every detail of your child's schoolwork
- Make excuses rather than addressing underlying issues
- Expect teachers to be available 24/7
For Successful Communication
When reaching out to teachers:
- Be specific: "Sara is struggling with fractions" not "Sara doesn't get math"
- Be solution-oriented: "What can we do to help?" not "This isn't working"
- Be timely: Address concerns when they arise, not weeks later
- Be respectful: Remember teachers are juggling multiple students
- Be realistic: Understand limitations of what can be changed or adjusted
The Educational Concierge: Your Partnership Coordinator
While you have direct communication with teachers, your Educational Concierge serves as the hub connecting all aspects of your child's education:
What your Educational Concierge does:
- Monitors overall progress across all subjects
- Identifies patterns teachers might not see
- Coordinates communication between family and multiple teachers
- Provides big-picture guidance and planning
- Anticipates needs and proactively offers resources
- Serves as your primary contact for non-subject-specific questions
- Advocates for your family within the school system
This means you have:
- One person who knows your family's complete situation
- A coordinator so you're not managing multiple separate communications
- Someone looking at the whole child, not just individual classes
- An advocate ensuring your child gets appropriate support
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to commit as a learning coach?
It varies by grade level. Elementary parents typically spend 1-3 hours daily actively involved. Middle school parents spend 30 minutes to 1 hour on oversight and support. High school parents need about 15-30 minutes daily for general monitoring. The time decreases as students develop independence, and you're never teaching content—just facilitating.
What if I work full-time and can't be available during the day?
Our asynchronous model works for working parents. Students can complete many assignments independently and on flexible schedules. Live sessions are recorded for students who can't attend in real time. Evening office hours provide teacher access outside work hours. Your Educational Concierge helps structure schedules around family obligations. Many working parents successfully support online learners.
What if I'm not good at a subject my child needs help with?
You're not expected to teach subjects or be an expert. Teachers provide all instruction and content expertise. When students struggle, they attend teacher office hours, access additional resources teachers provide, or receive tutoring coordinated by your Educational Concierge. Your role is recognizing when help is needed and connecting your child to the experts—not being the expert yourself.
How involved should I be with a high school student?
High school students should be largely independent, but still benefit from parental awareness and accountability. Monitor that work is being completed, stay generally aware of grades and progress, be available when your student needs support or advice, and communicate with the Educational Concierge about the big picture. Direct involvement with daily assignments should be minimal unless specific concerns arise.
What if my child and their teacher aren't a good fit?
First, communicate specific concerns to your Educational Concierge rather than assuming incompatibility. Often, small adjustments in expectations or communication resolve issues. If genuine incompatibility exists after attempts to improve the situation, we can explore teacher reassignment options in some cases. However, helping students learn to work with different teaching styles is also valuable preparation for college and careers.
How do I know if I'm doing enough as a learning coach?
Look for these indicators of appropriate involvement: Your child attends live sessions consistently, completes assignments by deadlines, asks for help when needed (from you or teachers appropriately), demonstrates understanding of content, and makes steady academic progress. If these are happening, you're doing enough. If several are lacking, increase your oversight and communication with teachers.
Ready to Experience Collaborative Education?
At Wellspring Global Academy, you're never navigating online education alone. From your dedicated Educational Concierge to expert subject teachers to a community of families sharing the journey, support surrounds you at every step.
We believe parents are essential partners in education—but that doesn't mean you become the teacher. Our collaborative model provides the structure, expertise, and resources you need while honoring the unique insights and support only parents can provide.
Discover how our parent-teacher partnership creates success:
- Learn about our comprehensive K-12 programs
- Meet our Educational Concierge team
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your family's needs
- Attend a Virtual Open House to see partnership in action
Education works best when we work together. Let's partner for your child's success.
