*This article is sponsored by Scholars*
Students everywhere are celebrating as Scholars Education, a Canadian tutoring company with nearly three decades of experience, officially opens its newest location at 358 Richmond Road. The tutoring center offers a scientific, results-driven approach to afterschool tutoring for students from kindergarten through Grade 12 in a variety of subjects.
Every new student begins with a complimentary academic assessment. “It’s like a health check-up for education,” explained CEO Matt Baxter. “Parents receive a detailed report on where their child stands in each subject, and we recommend a personalized plan going forward.”
For Baxter, who grew up in Ottawa, the expansion feels especially meaningful. “This one will make my mom proud, being a retired schoolteacher,” he said. “Ottawa has a special place in my heart, so I take every opportunity to check in on the Ottawa locations and visit my mom and brother.”
Founded in 1999 in Thunder Bay, Scholars began as a small private school with just a handful of locations. When Baxter purchased the company eight years ago, he saw an opportunity to take its proven model and expand. Today, Scholars operates almost 90 tutoring centers, with locations in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and even internationally in the United States and Bermuda. Westboro marks the company’s 88th location, with three more Ottawa locations planned for the near future and hopes to surpass 100 by early next year.
“It’s a testament to our franchise model and the need for our services in the community,” said Baxter.
Scholars Ed stands apart with its structured, evidence-based method of improving academic performance. Instead of relying on the traditional “homework help” model, Scholars teaches students how to learn independently. “On average, after 40 hours of tutoring, students improve by one grade level in the subject area they’re enrolled in,” explains Baxter.
Its proprietary curriculum is overseen by subject-matter experts from Canadian universities, and each new program is carefully designed to build core skills. The newest coding course was designed by Dr. Reiza Rayman, a pioneer in medical biotechnology who was one of two doctors that performed the world’s first robotic beating heart cardiac bypass surgery. “Every subject area is guided by leaders in the field,” says Baxter. “The magic is really in the curriculum.”
For Baxter, tutoring isn’t just about grades; it’s about building confidence. “When school becomes easier, it boosts a child’s self-esteem. That carries over into every part of their life,” he said. “Nothing is more important than the next generation. The skills students learn with us are skills they’ll carry with them into whatever future they choose.”
The approach has earned Scholars recognition across the industry. In 2023, the company won Franchisee of the Year, a success that Baxter attributes to both the strength of the curriculum and the satisfaction of franchise partners.
Westboro is Scholars’ fifth location in Ottawa, joining established centers in Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, South Keys, and Riverside South. The official grand opening event will be scheduled for a Saturday in November, but signups are already open.
In the meantime, the Westboro center will introduce itself to the community at Wickedly Westboro, a Halloween event on October 25 hosted by the Real Canadian Superstore on Richmond Road. Families will have the opportunity to meet the Scholars team, pick up information, and book a complimentary assessment.
The free assessments are an open-ended offer, but all other centers in Ottawa are at full capacity, so it’s worth it to get in sooner rather than later.
Visit the new center at 358 Richmond Rd. or call 613-707-9009 to book your free assessment today.