Ultimately, we long to bring hope through academics to kids despite their income in numerous locations around the metro and/or state.
Redemptive Opportunity
The current pricing of ELA only allows families with the means to partake. Situated in Edmond, many families do have those resources. However, many students cannot afford the services which we provide. My own family would not be able to fund the tutoring support my son receives without major household sacrifices. With the current ELA model, only those who can pay receive the help, which is how business works. ELA must pay for the quality teachers, supplies, facility, and salaries or there is no business. Edmond Learning Academy has always awarded scholarships to students without the funds to pay for services. During the early years of my ownership, wise mentors advised me to get ELA systems and finances in place before extending our hand too far. We have consistently worked with families who needed payment plans, percentage tuition reductions, or free tutoring to address the needs of single moms, lower-income families, foster or adoption families, etc.
After developing and strengthening the internal processes of ELA over the last 10 years, the time has come to make it official! Fall of 2023, we set the ball in motion to start a non-profit side of ELA where students could receive the academic support they need funding through grants and donors, the Cool School Society. The beginning of our journey consisted of meetings with CPAs, friends who know the not-for-profit world, business connections, and trying to build a board. Moving this forward all while keeping the daily of ELA going has proved challenging.
Ultimately, we long to bring hope through academics to kids despite their income in numerous locations around the metro and/or state. After the building and pruning of the last ten years, ELA is ready and willing to be a greater part of the solution to bring Kingdom to OK!
julie evans
Hi, I'm Julie and I like warm hugs! I also love Jesus, encouraging others, and finding joy in the situation.
Originally an OC ""Orange County, CA"" girl, I moved to OK in 1998 and have stuck around since then. After graduating from Edmond Memorial HS, then UCO with a degree in Special Education, I set to work back in the Edmond Public Schools district. I taught math for kids who struggle with math and tutored at Edmond Learning Academy on the side. Although becoming a small-business owner was NEVER on my to-do list, I bought ELA in 2014 with hopes of greater time flexibility with my family (who was I kidding that being a small-business owner took less time than teaching??)
This December, I will celebrate 20!! years of marriage (I think we were in diapers when we married?). We have a 12-year-old boy with autism and severe ADHD, and a neurotypical 9-year-old girl both being served in Edmond Schools. Owning a small business and parenting a special-needs son are the greatest areas of growth and stretching and crying, with God continually showing his kindness and goodness to me. He always goes before and behind me and walks me through the good/hard life.
A few fun facts- We are actively involved at Bridgeway church where we've attended since 2007. I could spend all day praying and prophesying over others. I could also spend all day baking new recipes, doing puzzles, and putting together Legos. My daughter and I have had funky dyed hair the last year which has been fun! My husband is the creative director at Walrus Audio, so he plays with guitar ""toys"", makes things pretty, and talks to musicians.
Thanks for reading!
Contact: julie@edmondlearningacademy.com
Business Model
Edmond Learning Academy exists to bring HOPE to students, to help families thrive, and to restore the parent-child relationship. ELA creates customized educational solutions for their Kindergarten-12th grade students employing certified teachers who use our proven curriculum. Since Julie Evans took the reigns of ELA in 2014, they have delivered over 50,000 lessons to metro-area students!
Most families come to ELA because their child is struggling and they need quality support. However, students who need a challenge or are working ahead partake as well. ELA curates an individualized educational plan for every student which commences at the child’s current academic levels, and progresses at the child’s pace! Students with varying needs and abilities receive the instruction and support they require to gain success in learning.
Edmond Learning Academy Uniques:
1) Certified engaging teachers
2) No contracts or homework
3) Warm & inviting learning atmosphere
3) Locally owned with intimate knowledge of the current local educational landscape
Students receive individual care and instruction with a 1:2 teacher-to-student ratio. Families pay tuition based on the number of lessons per week their student attends. ELA also offers dyslexia tutoring, summer camps, and a variety of other seasonal options. 2 ½ years ago, Edmond Learning Academy upgraded it’s size and moved to its current location, enabling more tutoring to occur in the afternoons and procuring a large classroom to offer extra activities.