How Beyond the Classroom began
In 1991 Cathy Thompson, the founder of Beyond the Classroom, had the opportunity to tutor two students as part of a high school program. After a successful semester, she realized her passion for helping students. Cathy continued to tutor students referred to her in the community while pursuing another career in the mental health field.
She found that through one on one tutoring, children were able to grow their confidence and excel at school. Seven years passed, many students achieved academic success, and in 1998 Beyond the Classroom was established as the organization it is today.
Our Purpose & Core Values
We Are Always Centered on Your Child
Flexible Tutoring for All Kids and Families
It's All About Connection
Cathy uses her ability to foster relationships in combination with her knowledge, experience and leadership to help franchisees successfully operate Beyond the Classroom locations, creating academic success for thousands of students.
She is a successful entrepreneur, having founded and co-founded 6 organizations, created and authored an international depression-prevention program for young women through CAMH and has been featured in two books about inspirational women. Cathy released her first self-published book, The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up in the fall of 2022. Cathy is a mom to two young adults who are exploring their own passions in the fields of baseball and acting.
Beyond the Classroom has been working with students since 1998, providing customized, 1:1 tutoring. We have amazing online teachers available NOW to help your child continue with their academics for all subjects in grades JK to 12.
Beyond the Classroom is a unique organization because of our philosophy. At the centre of our business model is the child. We are passionate about our students and helping them achieve success – how they define it.
From the moment we speak with families, we ask about your child’s needs, how they learn, and what their interests are. Cathy Thompson, the founder, has a background in children’s mental health and understands the research behind why it’s important to focus on the whole child through service delivery. Learning issues do not happen in isolation, sometimes students may be having sleep issues, anxiety, they might not be eating the “right” foods for them or they may learn in a different way than parents. All of these impact academics and our tutors understand this. They are highly qualified tutors who are passionate about working with children and moving them towards their best selves.